1. Introduction to The Seven Church Epistles Instruction in Righteousness for the Church Age THE ADMINISTRATION OF GRACE Compiled by Richard Allen Golko

2. THE AGES-OLD SECRET REVEALED “Mystery” is the Greek word, “musterion” and means “secret” Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Once a secret is revealed it is no longer a secret God kept this secret for “ages and generations” Never revealed in the Old Testament Never revealed in the Gospels Revealed to the apostle Paul and other New Testament prophets after Pentecost Had “the princes of this world known” they would not have crucified Jesus What is this new revelation and how important and pivotal is it? 2

3. VERSES THAT TALK ABOUT THE SECRET Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began… I Corinthians 2:6-10 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory : 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 6 7 8 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 9 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit : for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 10 3

4. VERSES THAT TALK ABOUT THE SECRET Ephesians 1:3-14 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 3 4 5 6 7 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 8 9 10 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 11 12 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 13 14 4

5. VERSES THAT TALK ABOUT THE SECRET Ephesians 3:1-13 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 2 3 4 5 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 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 ; 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: 67 8 9 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,11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 1011 12 13 5

6. VERSES THAT TALK ABOUT THE SECRET Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 19 20 6

7. VERSES THAT TALK ABOUT THE SECRET Colossians 1:21-29 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 22 23 24 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. 25 26 27 2829 7

8. VERSES THAT TALK ABOUT THE SECRET Colossians 2:1-5 For I would have you know how greatly I strive for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, even Christ, 3 in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden. 2 3 4 This I say, that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 4 5 Colossians 4:3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned 8

9. VERSES THAT TALK ABOUT THE SECRET I Peter 1:10-12 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit which was in them did signify of Christ, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 11 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 12 I Timothy 3:9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 9

10. ISRAEL’S ALLOTMENT (INHERITANCE) All mankind had turned away from God God decided to build a nation that would obey and serve him God started by calling Abraham Abraham obeyed God; obedience is the evidence of faith The seed of the woman promised to come through Abraham Abraham… Isaac… Jacob (Israel)… 12 tribes of Israel Israel named as God’s “chosen people” and given an earthly allotment (inheritance) Israel to head up the nations Gentiles could become proselytes but never share fully in Israel’s inheritance Jesus Christ born and sent to the children of Israel only Jesus Christ blessed gentiles with “crumbs under the table” 10

11. THE CHURCH’S ALLOTMENT Israel and Gentiles who believe are now one body No discrimination; equal standing before God Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ : The word “heavenly” means “celestial” and refers to the spiritual realm Philippians 3:17-21 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 18 19 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. 20 21 11

12. THE CHURCH’S ALLOTMENT God has saved us “unto good works” Ephesians 2:1-10 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 2 3 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12

13. ISRAEL NOT ABANDONED “Replacement Theology” states that the Church replaces Israel and that Israel no longer has any allotment from God. The Word of God says differently: Romans 11:11,12 I say then, Have they [Israel] stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness? 12 Romans 11:25-36 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 26 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 27 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 28 29 30 31 32 13

14. DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE BIBLE WRITTEN TO DIFFERENT GROUPS OF PEOPLE The Old Testament documents the Creation, the fall of man, the flood, Babylon and the confusion of languages, the advent and history of Israel and the future Kingdom of God. The gospels complete the Law Administration because Jesus fulfilled the Law The Grace Administration began on the day of Pentecost with the giving of holy spirit The book of Acts documents the transition between the law and grace administrations The seven church epistles contain the complete instruction for Grace Administration believers and supersedes previous revelation The pastoral epistles (I and II Timothy, Titus, Philemon) are written to Christian leaders I and II Peter, James and Hebrews are written to the Jewish dispersion to bring them to faith in Christ and to encourage them to not forsake God’s command to believe I, II and III John are “fellowship epistles” written to Christians Jude was written to all believers as a warning and exhortation to “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints” (i.e. the gospel of the secret) The Revelation of Jesus Christ documents Christ’s return to the earth WITH his church 14

15. DOCTRINE, REPROOF AND CORRECTION 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Doctrine: What to believe Reproof: To show where you are not believing correctly Correction: To get you back to right believing. Artizeo (perfect, throughly furnished) means: Fully outfitted with everything needed 15

16. THE SEVEN CHURCH EPISTLES Romans: Doctrine -- Your legal justification in Christ I and II Corinthians – Reproof where practice did not agree with doctrine Galatians – Correction to get people back to the doctrine in Romans Ephesians: Doctrine – Your celestial allotment in Christ Philippians: Reproof – Reproof for not adhering to the doctrine in Ephesians Colossians: Correction – to get back to right doctrine in Ephesians Thessalonians: Doctrine – Christ’s return for the Church No reproof needed: Christ’s return is not dependent upon us No correction needed: Christ’s return is all God’s doing 16

17. ROMANS Chapters 1-8 Doctrinal: The believer’s legal justification in Christ Chapters 9-11 Parenthetical: Concerning Israel and the Church Chapters 12-16 Practical: Application of the doctrine set forth in chapters 1-8 17 Romans is a legal document setting forth the truth about what God accomplished in Christ to redeem the entire creation. Romans contains practical instruction on how we are to live and work together in the body of Christ to accomplish those things God has prepared for us to do.

18. I AND II CORINTHIANS Reproof of practical error in the church due to failure to adhere to the doctrine in Romans Paul could not immediately address spiritual realities because of carnal sin Paul addresses denominationalism and fleshy sins, law vs. grace Paul addresses issues related to how we relate to each other in the church Paul finally addresses spiritual realities in chapters 12, 13 and 14 Notice “church in the home” in chapter 16 The purpose of I and II Corinthians is to help believers change their thinking and lifestyles to reflect the fact that they are now children of the Living God. We are being readied for service in the body of Christ to reach out to the world with the gospel of the secret, the Grace Administration. 18

19. GALATIANS Correction to get believers back to the right doctrine of Romans. When error is practiced long enough it becomes doctrine Galatians reads like a shorter version of Romans because same truths are reiterated Paul defends his ministry as genuine, from Christ himself Law vs. grace expounded Walking “by the spirit” is exhorted Some Christians were adamant about following the law and being circumcised, while others were adamant about using their freedom from the law to serve their own ends. Galatians reproves both of these attitudes and sets forth the need to “walk by the spirit” in order to effectively carry out the good works God has foreordained for us to do. 19

20. EPHESIANS Doctrine: Reveals and expounds the secret which was kept for ages and generations Chapters 1-3: Doctrinal The sovereignty of God The headship of Christ Believers as members of the one body of Christ Chapters 4-6: Practical Application How to apply the doctrine of the secret in this world The whole armor of God set forth 20 Ephesians sets forth our celestial allotment and reveals the spiritual battle. God instructs us on what we need to be and do to successfully wage spiritual warfare.

21. PHILIPPIANS Reproof: Various issues in attitude and action are addressed Believers exhorted to “hold forth the Word” Believers exhorted to suffer for Christ’s name Believers exhorted to treat each other equally Believers exhorted to commit themselves to the gospel, not the world Believers are assured God will meet all their needs 21

22. COLOSSIANS Correction: To direct believers back to the right doctrine in Ephesians Colossians reaffirms the doctrine in Ephesians They were not “holding” Christ as Head Believers exhorted to live for Christ and not themselves Believers exhorted to live as a family in Christ not independently (Put on the ‘new man;’ “think of things above, not on this earth;” “forgive one another as Christ forgave you”) 22

23. I & II THESSALONIANS Doctrine: The return of Jesus Christ FOR his Church Commendation for the believers’ faith and actions based on that faith The first epistles written to expound and confirm Christ’s return Details of the return different than those Christ revealed in the Gospels Believers assured they are saved from the Day of Wrath Order of events set forth for the return of Jesus Christ I Thessalonians was the first epistle written and it’s aim is to provide solid information about Christ’s return for the church. This gives us hope in the midst of the trials and tribulations and persecutions we face in this world. 23

24. FINER POINTS REVEALED WITH THE SECRET I Corinthians 15:20-28 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 21 22 23 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 24 25 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. 26 27 28 24

25. FINER POINTS REVEALED WITH THE SECRET Ephesians 1:15-21 15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 15 16 17 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 18 19 20 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. 21 22 23 25

26. FINER POINTS REVEALED WITH THE SECRET Colossians 1:18-20 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 18 19 20 Colossians 1:25-29 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. 26 27 2829 26

27. GOD WILL EVENTUALLY BE “ALL IN ALL” 1 Corinthians 15:28 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him [Christ], then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him [God] that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. 28 EXHORTATION: Jude 1:1-4 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: 2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. 2 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 3 4 Jude 1:24,25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. 25 27

28. WHAT TO DO NOW Realize you have been chosen by God from before the overthrow of the earth to be His child. Your salvation has already been secured. Realize you already have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the celestials and that when Christ returns you will receive a glorified body like his. Know that you are called to do works God has foreordained for you to do and He will guide you, strengthen you and cause you to succeed. Understand that your duty is to live in the one body as a member of the body of Christ, setting forth the gospel of the secret, not the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Study the seven church epistles so you know them inside and out; and apply what you learn for they contain the complete instruction for believers who live in the Grace Administration Study the leadership epistles to learn what Christian leaders are expected to be like and what they are expected to do in this present administration. Believe Christ will return for you and that you are saved from the wrath of God to be revealed during the coming great tribulation. 28

29. THE SECRET ADMINISTRATION: SUMMARY 29