𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗟𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗟𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦?

EARTHLY WORDS OR HEAVENLY WORDS?

(What Did Jesus Say—Then or Now?)
Key Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Doctrinal Anchor: Ephesians 3:1–5

INTRODUCTION

Many sincere believers often ask, “What did Jesus say?”
But the critical follow-up question is rarely asked:
Was Jesus speaking during His EARTHLY ministry to Israel—or during His HEAVENLY ministry through the Apostle Paul?

In dispensational truth, Christ spoke:
On earth → to Israel, under law and kingdom promises
From heaven → to Paul, revealing the mystery of grace for the Body of Christ

Failure to distinguish the two leads to confusion, contradiction, and doctrinal mixture.

MINISTRY DISTINGUISHED
Matthew 15:24
Truth: Jesus ministered in two different realms.

A. Earthly Ministry to Israel
Matthew 10:5–6
B. Heavenly Ministry to Paul
Acts 9:3–6
C. Different Audiences, Different Purposes
Romans 11:13
Truth: Same Christ—different ministries.

MESSAGE DIRECTED
Matthew 4:17
Truth: Messages matched dispensations.

A. Kingdom Proclaimed on Earth
Matthew 4:23
B. Grace Proclaimed from Heaven
Acts 20:24
C. Repentance vs Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:18–19
Truth: The message changed when the program changed.

MISSION DEFINED
Luke 19:10
Truth: Earthly mission ≠ heavenly mission.

A. Seek Lost Sheep of Israel
Matthew 15:24
B. Save Sinners by Grace
1 Timothy 1:15
C. Reveal the Mystery
Ephesians 3:3
Truth: The Body of Christ was not revealed during Christ’s earthly walk.

MYSTERY DISCLOSED
Ephesians 3:5
Truth: The mystery was hidden before Paul.

A. Hidden in Ages Past
Colossians 1:26
B. Heavenly Truth Revealed to Paul
Galatians 1:11–12
C. Not Spoken by Christ on Earth
Romans 16:25
Truth: Jesus spoke new truth from heaven through Paul.

MANDATES CONTRASTED
Matthew 28:19–20 vs Acts 20:24
Truth: Different marching orders exist.

A. Kingdom Commission (Earth)
Matthew 28:19–20
B. Grace Commission (Heaven)
2 Corinthians 5:20
C. Law Teaching vs Grace Teaching
Romans 6:14
Truth: The Church is under Paul’s commission, not Israel’s.

MINISTRY LOCATION
Hebrews 8:1
Truth: Christ now ministers from heaven.

A. Earthly Teaching Before the Cross
John 12:34
B. Heavenly Teaching After Ascension
Acts 26:16
C. Seated Authority in Heaven
Ephesians 1:20–22
Truth: Our doctrine comes from a glorified Christ.

MEDIATORSHIP EMPHASIZED
1 Timothy 2:5
Truth: Christ’s heavenly role is unique.

A. Earthly Prophet to Israel
Deuteronomy 18:15
B. Heavenly Head of the Body
Colossians 1:18
C. Intercessor for Saints
Romans 8:34
Truth: The Body of Christ relates to Christ from heaven, not Sinai or Galilee.

MESSAGE AUTHORIZED
Romans 2:16
Truth: Paul speaks for Christ today.

A. Paul Chosen as Pattern
1 Timothy 1:16
B. Paul Received Direct Revelation
2 Corinthians 12:1–4
C. Paul Writes Christ’s Heavenly Words
Ephesians 3:1
Truth: To reject Paul is to reject Christ’s heavenly ministry.

METHOD REQUIRED
2 Timothy 2:15
Truth: Right division is essential.

A. Distinguish Earth from Heaven
Philippians 3:20
B. Distinguish Israel from the Church
1 Corinthians 10:32
C. Distinguish Law from Grace
Romans 11:6
Truth: Confusion disappears when Scripture is rightly divided.

CONCLUSION

When someone asks, “What did Jesus say?”, the biblical response must be:
WHEN did He say it—and to WHOM?
“Because only PAUL penned what Jesus said during His HEAVENLY ministry.”
Christ on earth prepared Israel.
Christ from heaven builds the Body.

CALL TO ACTION

Read Romans–Philemon carefully
Ask when and to whom
Stop mixing Israel with the Church
Stand boldly in grace truth

FINAL THOUGHTS

Earthly ministry = Kingdom
Heavenly ministry = Grace
Paul reveals Christ today
Mystery truth brings clarity
Right division brings peace

“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