The Secret of the Lord and the Two Gospels: Understanding Israel’s Salvation and Paul’s Mystery Gospel

Based on the Scott Mitchell's Bible Study The Secret of the Lord Part 6: Distinguishing the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Grace

The Two Gospels and Today’s Apostasy

A rising tide of apostasy is sweeping through the modern church. Much of it is fueled by social media personalities who trade truth for attention, offering spiritual content without sound doctrine. Scripture warns us of such dangers. The safeguard has never changed—the secret of the Lord belongs to those who fear Him (Psalm 25:14). Understanding the two gospels found in Scripture is essential to resisting deception and standing firm in the faith.

In this installment of our study, we examine the clear distinction between Israel’s national salvation—often called the Gospel of the Kingdom—and the Gospel of the Grace of God revealed to the apostle Paul. These foundational truths anchor believers in the mystery God has made known in this present age.

Israel’s National Salvation: The Gospel of the Kingdom

Israel’s Commission and Prophetic Expectation

Jesus sent the twelve apostles to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” with a specific proclamation: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:5–7). This message concerned Israel’s long-promised earthly kingdom, foretold by the prophets from the foundation of the world (Luke 1:68–72).

Even after the resurrection, the question from the apostles remained unchanged: “Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Their hope was national restoration, priesthood, and covenant fulfillment—promises tied to the land, the throne, and the people of Israel.

Baptism and Repentance for the Kingdom

Peter’s instructions in Acts 2:36–38 were directed to Israel. Repentance and water baptism were required acts of obedience for a nation preparing to receive its Messiah. This aligns with the cleansing and renewal foretold in Ezekiel 36:25–28 and the priestly calling of Israel in 1 Peter 2:9–10. These were covenant conditions for an earthly kingdom program.

The Gospel of Grace: The Mystery Revealed to Paul

A Heavenly Calling and a New Body

Paul’s ministry centered on a message never revealed by the prophets, a mystery “kept secret since the world began” (Romans 16:25–26). This gospel brings believers—Jew and Gentile—into one spiritual body through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).

In this calling, God “hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Salvation is the gift of God, received by grace through faith alone, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8–9). This is not Israel’s covenant program but an entirely new revelation entrusted to Paul.

Paul’s Commission Without Ceremonial Requirements

Unlike Israel’s kingdom gospel, Paul was sent “not to baptize, but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17). Identification with Christ is accomplished by the Spirit, not through ceremonial acts. Ephesians 2:4–6 explains that believers are already risen with Christ and seated in heavenly places. This identity is grounded in grace, not national covenant.

Why Understanding the Two Gospels Matters Today

A failure to rightly divide the Word results in confusion, instability, and the very apostasy Paul warned would come. When Israel’s kingdom message is blended with Paul’s mystery gospel, the outcome is a distorted Christianity lacking clarity about salvation, purpose, and hope.

Social media is filled with voices blending these programs, claiming apostolic authority, or presenting works as conditions for salvation. These are winds of doctrine, not the truth of Scripture.

The secret God revealed to Paul provides stability in an age of deception. Ephesians 3:5–6 and 3:8–11 affirm that this mystery brings Jews and Gentiles into one body with a heavenly inheritance. This is the gospel Paul described in 1 Timothy 2:3–7—a message for all men, rooted in the finished work of Christ.

Standing Firm in the Truth of Christ

God’s plan for Israel and His purpose for the Body of Christ are both glorious, but they are not the same. Israel awaits a kingdom on earth. The Body of Christ awaits a heavenly hope. Each gospel operates in its proper place.

Combining these messages obscures God’s design. Keeping them distinct preserves the clarity of salvation by grace, the assurance of our identity in Christ, and the integrity of God’s promises to Israel.

The question today is simple: Will we hold fast to the doctrine revealed in Scripture or be carried away by the voices seeking influence at the cost of truth?

Christ has accomplished everything necessary for salvation. Eternal life is received by trusting wholly in His death, burial, and resurrection. No ceremony, tradition, or national identity can add to what He finished.

Conclusion

When believers understand the two gospels, the Word becomes clear, and faith becomes steadfast. Israel’s national salvation and Paul’s mystery gospel are not competing messages but distinct components of God’s larger plan. Failing to divide them rightly leads to confusion. Embracing their differences brings understanding, confidence, and spiritual maturity.

Next week we will complete this series by examining the difference between our blessed hope and Israel’s thousand-year kingdom. All things in Christ will converge in the dispensation of the fulness of times, demonstrating the wisdom and purpose of God.