One Book...Rightly Divided
Expanded Edition
By Dr. Douglas D. Stauffer
Chapter 17
(Part I of II)
Questions and Answers
The Answers to 32 of the most frequently Asked Dispensational Questions
The study of the Bible "rightly divided" can answer many of the questions that arise from study. However, the same study can and will raise many questions. The focus of this chapter is to answer some questions posed by both students and critics.
1. Kingdom
Q1—The Church Age emphasizes grace, rather than the Kingdom. Didn’t Paul preach the Kingdom too?
A1—There are four references in the book of Acts stating that Paul preached the "Kingdom of God." For example, consider the following:
Acts 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Some may claim that such preaching was done only during Paul’s Acts missionary journeys. However, this simply is not the case. The final chapter of Acts finds Paul in bonds as he continues to preach the Kingdom of God.
Acts 28:30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
2. Kingdom of God
Q2—Since Paul preached the "kingdom of God," does this contradict his preaching concerning the grace of God?
A2—Allowing the scripture to define the meaning of the "kingdom of God" provides the best answer. The best definition of the Kingdom of God is found in the next two verses.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
I Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
The scriptures tell us that the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink (physical properties). It is righteousness, peace, joy, and power (spiritual properties). The spiritual properties are the distinguishing features of the Kingdom of God.
Paul preached the Kingdom of God, but did not preach the Kingdom of heaven. Recognizing the distinguishing features between these two concepts is very important. The Kingdom of God differs greatly from the Kingdom of heaven. However, both kingdoms were at hand during the Lord’s earthly ministry.
The Kingdom of heaven is a literal, physical, visible kingdom. This kingdom will be in existence on the earth when the Lord sets up His millennial kingdom. The Kingdom of heaven will be a literal, physical, visible kingdom. In this kingdom, the will of God will be done on earth all the time.
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
This kingdom will exist as foretold in Daniel:
Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
However, the Kingdom of God is a spiritual, righteous, and moral kingdom. The new birth places the believer into this kingdom by grace upon salvation during the Church Age. The Kingdom of God is the only kingdom in existence on earth today. The Kingdom of heaven indicates a time when the "heavens" will rule over the earth in the future. Both kingdoms will be in existence here on earth during the Millennium when the Lord sets up a literal, physical, visible kingdom that is also a spiritual, righteous, and moral kingdom.
Although the Apostle Paul did preach the Kingdom of God, he did not preach the same message concerning the Kingdom as did the apostles in the four Gospels. These apostles preached about a future time when the Lord would set up a physical, literal, earthly kingdom. Thus the disciples asked the Lord about the restoration of His Kingdom just prior to His ascension.
Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
The disciples were asking the Lord Jesus Christ about a literal, physical, visible setting up of God’s kingdom on earth (the Kingdom of Heaven). Paul’s preaching on the subject of the Kingdom of God has nothing to do with the establishing of such an earthly kingdom. The references to Paul’s preaching the Kingdom of God do not contradict the grace of God since they do not refer to an earthly, visible kingdom. The Church will not bring in the Kingdom, but will be raptured out of the world instead.
3. Church Patterned after Acts
Q3—Many churches claim to pattern their operations around the historical record found in the book of Acts. What scripture can be cited to demonstrate whether this practice is good or bad?
A3—Churches should pattern themselves by following a book of doctrine, rather than a book that is predominantly historical in nature. The danger of patterning a church entirely after the book of Acts has already been demonstrated. However, studying one additional area may help to convince the skeptic. The book of Acts gives four different accounts of how a person received the Holy Ghost. These differing accounts should emphasize why Acts is not a "how to" book on organizing a local New Testament church. First, consider the preaching of Philip:
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.:
The sequence of events in Acts chapter 8 is as follows:
· They believed (verse 12)
· They were baptized (verse 12)
· Peter and John prayed for them to receive the Holy Ghost (verse 15)
· Peter and John laid hands on them (verse 17)
· They received the Holy Ghost (verse 17)
The student should take note that they believed and were baptized (verse 12), but did not receive the Holy Ghost (verse 16) until after Peter and John arrived from Jerusalem. The apostles in Jerusalem heard that those in Samaria had "received the word of God" and yet had not received the Holy Ghost. For this reason, many charismatic churches teach that one must pray to receive the Holy Ghost; however, this practice is clearly contrary to the pattern for the Church during this age. If Acts chapter 8 gives the pattern for the New Testament Church today, when were these people saved? Since they were baptized before they received the Holy Ghost, were they lost when they were baptized (Romans 8:9)?
The sequence of events in Acts chapter 8 should create a problem for any local New Testament church trying to pattern itself after the book of Acts. The next chapter records Saul’s experience:
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
After Saul meets the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, the Bible records the following series of events concerning his receiving the Holy Ghost and his baptism:
· Ananias laid hands on Saul (verses 17, 12)
· Saul was filled with the Holy Ghost (verse 17)
· Saul was healed of blindness (verses 17, 18)
· Ananias baptized Saul (verse 18)
If the local church is to pattern itself after the book of Acts, which of these two sequences should it follow? One might point out that Saul (later, Paul) was saved earlier in the chapter. However, he did not receive the Holy Ghost until much later. Is this the pattern for the salvation of a soul today? Some make this claim, but Paul clearly reveals otherwise in his Church Age epistles!
To further complicate matters, read and consider Acts chapter 22. Here, Paul retells his conversion experience. Paul quotes Ananias as follows:
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Does this verse confuse you about the purpose of baptism? The book of Acts is a transitional book. One chapter after Paul’s conversion, we read still another sequence of events. God’s Church Age pattern does not stabilize until after the transition is complete.
Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
· They heard (verse 44)
· The Holy Ghost fell on them (verse 44)
· They spoke with tongues (verse 46)
· They were baptized (verse 48)
Unlike the sequences provided in the first two examples, no one laid hands on these people in order for them to receive the Holy Ghost. In fact, while Peter was still speaking the Holy Ghost fell on them. Presumably, the Holy Ghost interrupted Peter’s preaching before he could tell the people to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). These examples should convince the Bible student that all of the patterns contained in Acts could not possibly be intended for the New Testament Church. One more example from the same book should help drive home this truth.
Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
· They were baptized (John’s baptism) (verse 3)
· They were baptized again (in Jesus’ name) (verse 5)
· Paul laid hands on them (verse 6)
· They received the Holy Ghost (verse 6)
· They spoke with tongues (verse 6)
· They prophesied (verse 6)
This time, the individuals spoken of are baptized twice! After the dual baptisms, Paul laid hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost. At this point, they not only spoke in tongues but also prophesied. Any church claiming to pattern itself after the book of Acts should question the method by which it is to choose one pattern over the other. These are only a few of the examples provided in the book of Acts. Which one of these or other patterns is the church to claim as its own? What justification does the church have for accepting one pattern and rejecting the others? One who rightly divides the Bible will not have a problem understanding what to do. Such a person will understand that the book of Acts is predominantly a history book which, as its title clearly indicates, contains the acts (actions) of the apostles.
4. Other Unusual Patterns
Q4—Are there any other unusual patterns (besides those presented in Q3) included in the book of Acts?
A4—Yes. Acts chapter 8 records the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. This conversion most closely resembles the pattern that will span the majority of the Church Age. The man is first convicted of his need; then we read:
Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
· The eunuch heard the preaching of God’s word (verse 35)
· The eunuch believed with his heart (verse 37)
· The eunuch confessed with his mouth (verse 37)
· Philip baptized the eunuch (verse 38)
Notice that the emphasis of this account is not on the Holy Ghost, tongues or prophesying. It contains the least dramatic account of any of the examples given. One can only imagine why the devil would want a person to miss this account in the midst of all of the other patterns presented in the book of Acts.
5. Missing Verse
Q5—The version of the Bible I am using does not contain Acts chapter 8, verse 37. Why not?
A5—Modern critics of God’s word claim that this verse is not found in the "oldest and best manuscripts." These individuals will usually footnote the verse. You be the judge concerning whether it should, in fact, be included in the chapter. Should the man get saved before he is baptized? Of course he should! Don’t allow the devil to rip even one verse of the word of God out of your hands. Many other verses are also missing in the modern versions. (See One Book Stands Alone by the author for an extensive study on the changes made in the modern versions.)
6. Baptisms
Q6—Why do there seem to be so many "contradictions" in the Bible about how and when to be baptized?
A6—This question can best be answered by considering the application of two more baptism passages—Mark chapter 16 and Acts chapter 2. The Lord tells the apostles in Mark 16 to preach the gospel (of the Kingdom). Many groups who teach baptismal regeneration misapply this passage by saying that an individual must believe and be baptized in order to be saved. Another of their favorites is Peter speaking to the nation of Israel in Acts 2:38 telling them to repent and be baptized "in the name of Jesus" for the remission of sins. Then they would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Both of these baptisms are directly associated with the nation of Israel, and not with the Church. The Bible records at least seven types of baptisms.
7. Pattern for Receiving the Holy Spirit Today
Q7—What is our pattern for receiving the Holy Spirit today?
A7—The book of Ephesians clearly and distinctly gives the Church its pattern for receiving the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13 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,
· We are to hear (the word of truth—the gospel)
· We are to trust in that gospel
· We are to believe in that gospel
· We are sealed with the Holy Spirit
This is the Church Age pattern for the believer today. The first four examples from the book of Acts do not depict the pattern for the Church today. According to our spokesman, the Apostle Paul, a person is not saved unless the Spirit of God dwells in him.
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Furthermore, the Bible states that the Holy Spirit within each believer reveals to him that he is saved. In other words, many people make a profession without any possession. Many churches are guilty of getting someone to make a decision "to accept Christ" without any conviction or repentance on the part of the individual. This effort of "get a decision at all costs" has filled the pews, without truly converting the sinner. Doubts arise because there is no Holy Spirit witness.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Once saved, the Holy Spirit dwelling in the believer confirms to him that he is a child of God. However, many churches today claim that someone must lay hands on a saved person in order for him to receive the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. Supposed justification for this teaching comes from taking the account of Acts chapter 19 and misapplying it to the Church (Acts 19:6). The pattern for the Church cannot be found in Acts 19:6 anymore than it can be in Leviticus 19:6.
8. Paul's Baptism of a Convert
Q8—Since the church today is to follow the example of Paul, where in scripture is there an account of his baptizing a convert?
A8—The Bible records at least two such examples, although neither case provides much detail. Clearly, these passages indicate that the individuals believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, confessed Him with their mouths and were saved prior to baptism. Since baptism so closely followed conversion in these instances, we can assume that Paul evidently dealt with believers about the matter of baptism immediately following their conversion. Baptism was unquestionably a matter of service, rather than a matter of salvation, in each case.
Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
This passage places its emphasis upon the belief of Crispus and the others. Thus, the issue of baptism is here addressed. The instance of the Philippian jailer is another clear example of Paul’s baptism of converts. Paul and Silas instructed the jailer to believe and be saved.
Acts 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
The Bible records the baptism of the jailer along with all those in his house. These baptisms took place only after each person in the household had believed on the Lord. Some use the fact that the jailer’s household was baptized as justification for infant baptism. However, the next verse ends by telling us that all those that were baptized were: "believing in God with all his house" (Acts 16:34).
9. Was Paul against Baptism?
Q9—Some teach that Paul was opposed to baptism because of his comments to the Corinthian church in I Corinthians 1:17. "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." Why did Paul make this statement?
A9—The context of Paul’s statement clearly shows that he was not against baptism. Members of this carnal (Corinthian) church were using baptism as a means of self-glorification by bragging about which man baptized them. Paul rebuked the church. He gives the reason for his comments concerning baptism in verses 14 and 15.
I Corinthians 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Paul felt guilty by association. Because of the carnality of these individuals, Paul was relieved that his association with their error concerning baptism was minimal. These Corinthians used baptism as a status symbol and allowed it to become a very divisive issue. Paul wanted no part in such things. The same standard can be applied to any matter that is dealt with in a carnal fashion. A person can have the wrong heart when it comes to giving to the church. Taking part in a competition to see who can give the most is about as spiritual as pridefully publicizing who baptized you.
10. Sent Not to Baptize?
Q10—But why would Paul write that Christ sent me not to baptize?
A10—Our commission is to preach the word (II Timothy 4:2). Unlike the disciples’ commission in Mark chapter 16, our commission today does not include baptism. However, this fact must not be construed to mean that baptism is not a very important step in a new convert’s life. Yet, souls are going to hell in multitudes because the Church remains unfocused, and the gospel is not being preached. The part of verse 17 that should be emphasized is the second phrase: 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel . . .
Our focus should be on this one thing . . . disseminating the gospel. A church focused on spreading the gospel does not have to completely eliminate any involvement in other areas. However, this additional involvement must never be undertaken at the expense of neglecting the primary purpose of the Church—to communicate the gospel to lost souls. Consider a practical application of this principle: Christ sent me not to have a building program, but to preach the gospel. Can a church build buildings and have a building program? Yes! However, building structures should not be accomplished to the neglect of spreading the gospel around the world (and in the immediate community).
11. Follow Peter?
Q11—Why does it seem that the world recognizes Peter as the primary apostle?
A11—Satan wants Paul’s ministry to the Church de-emphasized. The best way to do that is to emphasize Peter’s positional prominence in the Bible. However, the majority of Peter’s ministry revealed by scripture reflects his preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom to the Jews. The Church should not place an undue emphasis on the content of Peter’s messages prior to the cross or shortly thereafter.
12. Baptism for the Attainment of Heaven
Q12—Why is there so much confusion concerning the biblical reason for baptism?
A12—Baptism has been one of the most divisive issues among churches and denominations throughout history. Many groups teach that a person must be baptized in order to get to heaven. The confusion concerning the issue of baptism generally arises from following the wrong spokesman and, in effect, reading someone else’s mail. Many groups also baptize infants but have no scriptural basis for such a practice.
13. Basis for Teaching Baptism for Salvation
Q13—What scriptures do some churches and groups use to justify this teaching concerning baptism?
A13—As mentioned earlier, these groups use verses such as Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Mark 16:15-20, I Peter 3:21, and many others to justify their position. Each of these verses can be understood in its proper context if the reader obeys II Timothy 2:15 and understands the full implications of II Timothy 2:7, along with the fact that baptismal regeneration is heresy.
Part 2
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