Dear John and Doves -

I've seen a number of links on this site to what's called "Rightly Divided" or "Mid-Acts" theology, mostly from the Grace Ambassadors web site.  Their approach is often considered "hyper-grace."  Without addressing any of the points they raise, I'd invite all who are considering this (or any) theology to ask one question:  "How old is this?"

Are the teachings offered by people like Mr. Johnson expounded in Christian history?  Are they found in the work of Jonathan Edwards, or Charles Spurgeon, or John Wesley?  George Whitfield?  John Knox? Are they addressed and either proffered or refuted by any of the great Christian thinkers and preachers of the past?

The assertion is offered that "this is what Paul preached."  Well, perhaps that's an interpretation.  If it's a truly Pauline understanding of the gospel, then it should appear throughout history.

On the other hand, if these teachings are new and do NOT appear in history, one should be properly cautious before embracing them.  

For example, Mr. Donnie Holt of "Grace For Today" when speaking of salvation, asserts:

"We receive it without a covenant, we receive it without a nation above us, we receive it.  We're not under the old covenant, we're not under the new covenant - we're under God's unadulterated grace."

His position is that Jews (and proselytes) were saved under the Old Covenant by the provisions Moses detailed, and that when Jesus came, He instituted a New covenant that was just for Jews.  Then, through Paul, God offers "unadulterated grace" to Gentile believers.

IF THIS IS TRUE, then we would properly expect it to be evidenced in Christian history, Christian theology and Christian literature fairly consistently from the very beginning.  We would also expect to see those who disagree articulating their reasons for disagreement.

I see neither.  The reason is because this is a new doctrine, NOT a historical one.  That means that either it's false; OR for 2,000 years church teachers and preachers have missed Paul's message.  But today ... suddenly ... men like Mr. Holt and Mr. Johnson have discerned this New Testament truth that men could not see until they came along.

Is this reasonable? 

Best,

Steve