Interpretations: Two Domains - The Heavenly Domain and the Mystery Program

After the fall of Israel and their prophetic plan was set aside, the mystery program would be revealed to Saul (later named Paul, Acts 13:9). Paul became the first into the Body-of-Christ, which is a pattern for others to follow, 1Timothy 1:15-17, Galatians 1:11-24. Paul, who was made an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, 2Timothy 1:2, to the Gentiles, 2Timothy 1:11, Galatians 2:8, Romans 11:13, wrote directly to the Body-of-Christ concerning the revealed mysteries given him by Christ Jesus, Ephesians 3:1-7, 1Corinthians 4:1-2, 2Timothy 2:2. His ministry pointed to the many promises uniquely addressed to the Body-of-Christ, for assurance, understanding and comfort for what the Lord has planned for each person that believes on Him, 2Timothy 2:19-21, Ephesians 2:8-10.

The Body-of-Christ was not revealed until Saul (later Paul) believed on Christ Jesus. Paul wrote to Timothy that he was the chief, or first, among saved sinners into the body of Christ. He was chief, not because he was the worst of sinners, but like the high priest in the Levitical priesthood who was the first in the line of priests, Paul was first to be in the Body-of-Christ. Paul’s salvation showed the Lord’s long suffering, and Paul became the pattern for others after him to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for everlasting life, 1Timothy 1:15-16. This gospel that Paul taught for salvation, was that one had to believe on the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus, 1Corinthians 15:1-4.

Since the day Saul (later Paul) began his ministry, up to today, all believers in Christ Jesus are in the dispensation of grace, and are in the Body-of-Christ, 1Corinthians 12:12-27. After Paul believed in Christ Jesus, the Lord revealed to him the mysteries Galatians 1:11-19, Ephesians 3:2-12, which were only applicable to the Body-of-Christ, and outlined the mystery program that is still in effect today. Similar to Israel, the Body-of-Christ is set apart from the world, Acts 15:14, but the citizenship of believers today is heavenly, Philippians 3:20, and they are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, Ephesians 1:3.