1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (AKJV): “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
Words in blue are not scripture but hopefully an exhortation to understanding:
In this “ the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me (Paul) to you-ward (those who will believe):” Ephesians 3:2. God by His grace to us through Paul has given us the means to salvation, the gospel.
Why Paul? “But when it pleased God, who separated me (Paul) from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:” Galatians 1:15-16.
Why is Paul so important to us today? “For Christ sent me (Paul) not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” 1 Corinthians 1:17. “For I (Paul) determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2. “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my (Paul’s) gospel.” Romans 2:16.
How did Saul (then Acts 13:9) now Paul come to Christ? “And as he journeyed, he (Paul) came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (In that question of Paul I see repentance in full measure) And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (In asking and obeying by believing faith plus nothing Paul was saved). Acts 9”3-6.
Sidebar: Paul then as us now when saved don’t receive all that is available in doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction for righteousness. It comes as we continue to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15. We grow as seen in: “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures (in that phrase Peter declares Paul’s epistles scripture), unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:15-18. So then when one determines that they need to grow faster and refuse to grow in God’s time, seek out other means of growing (idol worship) God waits until they depart this life or to accept what He has presented to them for today.
How did Paul find/receive this so called gospel of his? “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11-12. Did Paul receive his gospel from man? Was Paul taught it of a man? Did the twelve disciples receive there gospel from man? Were they taught it of a man? “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” 2 Corinthians 5:16. Was Christ after man “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8. “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 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.” Colossians 1:15-18
So now what must you do? Good question: “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Believe that one is a sinner agreeing with God: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23. Believe the gospel “that Christ died for your sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.
“BELIEVE”
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