FSSL said:
I get the idea of a progressive revelation.
This is a critical issue for the Bible Student. If we impose understanding of the Gospel of Christ into the Old Testament, then we nullify many passages and doctrinal statements of the New.
Again, we see that not even the disciples of Christ understood the Gospel. Here is a passage illustrating this:
Colossians 1:24-27
King James Version (KJV)
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:
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:
The Mystery of Christ was revealed by the Spirit of God, when He came in the distinct Ministry of Comforter:
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
King James Version (KJV)
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.
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.
10
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Most Pastors preach this as how wonderful Heaven is going to be, but, what Paul is saying here is that what eye has not seen, what ear has not heard, and what has not entered into the hearts of men...is the Gospel. That is the Hidden Wisdom of God. And it was not revealed in past Ages:
Romans 16:24-26
King James Version (KJV)
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
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,
26
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
He makes that point here as well...
Ephesians 3
King James Version (KJV)
1 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;
Just as John the Baptist prophesied of the Lamb of God, yet sent his own disciples to inquire of Christ if He were the One they awaited...
Matthew 11
King James Version (KJV)
1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,
3 And said unto him,
Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
...even so the Prophets of God prophesied of Christ in the Hebrew Scriptures, but...
...they did not have the understanding of Christ as we do.
This is evident in the Disciples of Christ before Pentecost, and it would not be until they were Baptized with the Holy Ghost that they would go out and preach the Gospel of Christ. Prior to this they preached the Gospel of the Kingdom, which was specific to Israel...
Matthew 10:5-7
King James Version (KJV)
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying,
Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 15:22-24
King James Version (KJV)
22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Christ ministered under the Law, and specifically in His Role as Messiah to Israel. The "Gospel of the Kingdom," if we look at it closely, is not very different from Isaiah, for example. In view is the physical Kingdom of Israel in her restored state. And while we do not nullify application of the teachings to the Kingdom we have been translated into, still, we must keep in mind that the Mystery of the Gospel was not at this time being revealed to men. Not even the disciples.
And if you look at the Greek concerning "Lost Sheep," I would suggest to you that in view is the Lord's declaration of Israel's state, which was one of separation and destruction. They were very much "lost."
Continued...