Introduction

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Acts 15:11

A significant portion of the Christian brotherhood regard salvation by grace through faith as not only a new testament doctrine but a doctrine that was first instituted with the calling out of Paul and his ministry to the Gentiles. Grace Theology, the subject of this study, sometimes referred to as Hyper-dispensationalism, contends that there are two gospels, one for Gentiles and a different one for Jews. Within the purview of Grace Theology, there is a variety of teachings, variations on the same theme, some even as far as stating that Paul was the first person saved by grace without works and/or the first person to be put into the body of Christ, the Church. Trying to correlate the variety of different variations can be quite difficult.

Due to that difficulty, the focus of this study will be concerned with the basic assertions or cornerstones of this theology. The main tenet of Grace Theology is that Paul preached a different gospel to the Gentiles than Christ Jesus, Peter, John, James, and others, to the Jews.

It is not certain whether all adherents of Grace Theology preach two gospels today. If it is taught that there is still a Jewish gospel different than Paul’s that must be preached to Israel today, then it would indeed be deceitful and pernicious. If they believe in two different gospels today then the gravity of the error reaches the definition of heresy.

It is difficult to filter as not all teachings concerned with Grace Theology by its different advocates are in agreement with each other. This theology is certainly not being singled out on this point as it is the same with most theologies and this can make it difficult to discuss the common ground within any of them. The differences within Grace Theology are of no consequence to this study as it will be shown that there never were two gospels of salvation.

Grace Theology is defined here as believing that salvation by grace through faith without works was a mystery given to Paul for the times of the Gentiles and that our Lord, Peter, John, James, Matthew, Luke and the Jewish believers preached to the Jews a different gospel. This difference is such that some teach that John chapter three (John 3:16) is a Jewish gospel that will not lead to gentile salvation today.

In this study, we will look at several aspects of the teaching of Grace Theology comparing them to the Scriptures.

1. The Gospels—are there more than one?

2. Works—can they save?

3. Dispensations—is grace but one of many?

4. Mysteries—is the gospel one?

Men have a tendency to learn something the wrong way and stick to it no matter what for many reasons, all bad, rather than learn to diligently study, rightly divide God’s word, and prove all things for themselves. There is no growing in knowledge and understanding without constant reexamination and making needed changes to what you thought you knew.

The contention over this teaching, as all the battles over God’s word, is spiritual. The same assertions of defending the word, rightly dividing, and holding to the King James Version, will be made on all sides. It is important to keep in mind the confusion and division within the Church two gospels has and remember that God is not the author of confusion.

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.