Prerequisites for understanding the Bible

As we approach this, or any other Bible study, it’s important to be aware of the two fundamental prerequisites for understanding what God has communicated in his written word of truth.  The first prerequisite is to have received the holy Spirit; the second is to study the Bible in the way God has instructed.

The necessary indwelling teacher – the Holy Ghost

First and foremost, it is written in scripture that no man knows the things of God; and that it is only the Spirit of God who knows the things of God.

• 1 Corinthians 2:11 KJV  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

How then, can man know the things of God? The next verse resolves this dilemma, by explaining that believers have received the Spirit of God, that they might know the things that are freely given to them of God.

• 1 Corinthians 2:12 KJV  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

How can you be sure you have the Spirit of God?

The only way to receive the Spirit of God, is by having heard and believed the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation, and therefore entrusting your eternal future to Christ.

• Ephesians 1:13 KJV  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

In that spiritual transaction, all who believed the gospel were baptised and sealed by the holy Spirit into the body of Christ.

• 1 Corinthians 12:13 KJV  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

From that point onward, the believer’s position before God is not in their carnal flesh, but in the Spirit of God, who dwells in them. This is how you know whether you have the Spirit of God, or not.

• Romans 8:9 KJV  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Only those who have heard and believed the gospel of our salvation, have the Spirit of God dwelling in them. Otherwise, they are not Christ’s, nor can they know the things of God. 

The things that may be known of God are recorded in his inspired word, the Bible, written by holy men as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

• 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
• 2 Peter 1:21 KJV  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

As we read in Romans 8:9 KJV, only those who are Christ’s have his Spirit dwelling in them; they have the holy Spirit because they trusted Christ, having heard and believed the gospel of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13 KJV). 

Hopefully, the first prerequisite for understanding the Bible is now clear:

• Only the spirit of God knows the things of God;
• Only saved members of the body of Christ have received the spirit of God;
• Therefore, only believers in the gospel can be taught by the Holy Ghost, to know and discern the things of God. 

God’s prescribed method for Bible study

It is God’s will, not just that all men would be saved, but also that they would come unto the knowledge of the truth.

• 1 Timothy 2:3-4 KJV  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;  (4)  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

For this purpose, having gifted all believers with the holy Spirit, to teach them all things, God prescribed the method by which all believers must study his word. 

• 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

This is the second prerequisite for gaining knowledge of the truth: by studying and rightly dividing the Bible, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Failure to rightly divide the Bible, is a primary reason why the simplicity of the glorious gospel of Christ is hid to the lost, to those who believe not. 

As we study the whole Bible, it’s necessary to compare the scriptures.  The term used in 1 Corinthians chapter 2 is, “comparing spiritual things with spiritual”.

• 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 KJV  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  (13)  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Devastating impact of not rightly dividing the word of truth

All scripture is spiritual; all of it is inspired by the same holy Spirit of God, and therefore consistent from Genesis to Revelation. Yet, as we compare passages of scripture, we discover things that differ; apparent doctrines that contradict each other. Consequently, unbelievers claim the Bible we have today is not the word of God, but written by men, and not to be trusted.  Others, pick and choose verses according to the preferred doctrines of their religious denomination. Typically, they join doctrines together, that God intended to be rightly divided, because they were written to another people, and for another purpose, in God’s unfolding revelation to mankind.   

This joining together of doctrines is a device used by Satan, the god of this world.  He promotes it through transformed ministers of righteousness, who cause confusion; blinding the minds of the lost, lest the light of the glorious saving gospel of Christ should shine on them. 

• 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 KJV  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  (4)  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 

This is why right division is so important, as salvation today comes only by hearing and believing the unadulterated gospel which Christ revealed to the apostle Paul. 

• Galatians 1:8-9 KJV  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  (9)  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Adding or taking away anything from the true gospel of Christ for today, makes it what Paul calls: another gospel, which is not another.

• Galatians 1:6-7 KJV  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  (7)  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Perverting the gospel of Christ, is the subtle means by which the minds of the lost are blinded, and thus deprived of the knowledge by which they can gain eternal life and be saved from judgment and the wrath to come. 

It is only by fully trusting in the sufficiency of Christ’s payment for all sin, through his death, burial and resurrection, that a person can be saved today. One should therefore understand why Paul curses anyone who preaches another gospel.  And yet, there are a host of additional requirements added by religion, typically combined with the truth, and therefore subtly teaching people to trust in another gospel, which is not another – because it cannot save.

Someone who believes that God’s word is perfectly preserved, without error, has no doubt that God knew exactly what he intended to say, and how to say it. They have no problem in believing all scripture as the truth, so they let each passage and verse say what it says, to whom it says it, exactly as written. By rightly dividing and comparing scripture with scripture, they grow in the knowledge of the truth, with spiritual understanding and the wisdom which God’s word teaches.

An example of failing to rightly divide the word of truth

Calling on the name of the Lord to be saved, and confession with the mouth unto salvation, is often mistakenly amalgamated with the gospel of Christ (by which we are saved, and wherein we stand today). 

A reason why this mistake is made, is because confessing the Lord Jesus with the mouth, believing he was raised from the dead, and calling on his name, are described by the apostle Paul, as necessities for the salvation of the remnant of Israel. 

Speaking of Israel in Romans 10, Paul expressed his heart’s desire that they might be saved. He was speaking of a people who had a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.  Specifically, because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness, they were going about to establish their own righteousness and had therefore not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  They did not know that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, to everyone that believeth.

• Romans 10:4 KJV  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

The law said, do and you shall live.  But the righteousness which is of faith came from believing the word of faith, which Paul preached to the Romans, among whom were the remnant of Israel, a remnant according to the election of grace.

• Romans 11:5 KJV  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

What was the word of faith that Paul preached?

The word of faith which Paul preached to the Jewish remnant, for salvation, required belief and confession in Jesus as the risen Lord.

• Romans 10:8-10 KJV  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;  (9)  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Righteousness by the word of faith, or by works of the law?

While unbelieving Israel followed after the law of righteousness, they didn’t attain to it because they didn’t seek it by faith, but rather by works.  They didn’t believe what was written in the law, which spoke of their coming Messiah and Saviour, the righteous one.  Those in Israel who believed in him would not be ashamed. However, to the rest, who did not believe Moses, and therefore did not believe on Christ when he came unto his own, to them he became their prophesied stumbling stone.

• Romans 9:31-33 KJV  But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.  (32)  Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;  (33)  As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 

For these Jews to be saved, they needed to seek righteousness by faith, rather than by the works of the law. Paul, therefore, preached the word of faith to them, as follows: 

• Romans 10:9-13 KJV  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (11)  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  (12)  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  (13)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Even the book of Romans needs to be righty divided.  Can a person today really be saved by simply confessing the Lord Jesus Christ with their mouth, and believing in their heart that God raised him from the dead?  Can they be saved by simply calling on his name? This is a vital question of eternal consequence, and therefore the subject of this study.

Where’s the gospel of our salvation in Romans chapter 10?

To those who know the gospel by which we are saved today, which Christ revealed to the apostle Paul, you will notice that the word of faith which he preached, as described in Romans chapter 10, does not even mention that Christ died for our sins.  

Salvation for those Jews and Greeks required confession that Jesus was the Christ, and believing that he was raised from the dead. This was fulfilment of a prophetic promise of salvation for all who called on the name of the Lord to be saved.  But what prophesied salvation did God promise for these Jewish believers? 

Peter explained the context for calling on the name of the Lord

In his sermon, in Acts 2, Peter preached the future fulfilment of this promise of salvation in Christ, to all who would call on the name of the Lord to be saved. 

• Acts 2:21 KJV  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Then he goes on to show that the name they should call on was Jesus of Nazareth, the one approved among them by miracles, wonders and signs; the one whom they crucified but whom God raised up, whose soul was not left in hell; the Christ, as foretold by the patriarch David.

• Acts 2:22-27 KJV  Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:  (23)  Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:  (24)  Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.  (25)  For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:  (26)  Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:  (27)  Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Peter finishes his preaching by making clear: the one whom they had crucified was both Lord and Christ.  To be saved from that untoward generation, and the coming wrath of God, they were to repent (change their minds about who Jesus was) and be baptised for the remission of their sins and thus receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

• Acts 2:36-41 KJV  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.  (37)  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?  (38)  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  (39)  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.  (40)  And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.  (41)  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Peter explained, that what happened at Pentecost was a partial fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel, concerning that great and notable day of the Lord, in which he will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood. 

That great and notable day of the Lord, preached by Peter, is that coming great and dreadful day of the Lord (Mal 4:5), that day of His fierce anger and judgement (Zep 2:2-3), the day of the Lord in the valley of decision (Joe 3:14), a day in which the earth shall quake; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:  And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? (Joe 2:10-11). 

Zephaniah prophesied, that neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver unbelievers in Israel in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land. 

This is the baptism of fire prophesied by John the Baptist, in which Christ will indeed make a speedy riddance of those who rejected him; he will save the wheat (believing Israel) but will burn up the chaff of the land with unquenchable fire.

• Matthew 3:11-12 KJV  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:  (12)  Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

By rightly dividing the word of truth, and comparing scripture with scripture, we can see that this prophecy is not about the church, the body of Christ, as its members are not appointed unto wrath (1 Th 5:9); but it speaks of the time of Jacob’s trouble, a time concerning Israel and Judah.

• Jeremiah 30:4-7 KJV  And these are the words that the LORD spake concerning Israel and concerning Judah.  (5)  For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. (6)  Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?  (7)  Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Those, of believing Israel, who call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved out of this great and notable day of the Lord.  Peter preached this good news of salvation to the Jews at Pentecost:

• Act 2:20-22 (KJV)  The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

He went on to preach to those assembled Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven, that Jesus, whom they crucified, was the Christ and was raised from the dead. This was a message to Israel:

• Acts 2:36 KJV  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.  

And so, the message went out from Pentecost to all the world; their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.  As prophesied throughout the Jewish scriptures, the Messiah had come, had been crucified and resurrected to sit on his throne; they were to believe and call on his name to be saved, from the coming judgment. 

Those Jews who believed Peter’s preaching, and went out from Jerusalem, back to every nation under heaven, were among those of whom Isaiah prophesied: How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Rom 10:15)

But not all Israel believed; as Isaiah had prophesied “who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed”? 

John explains that some did not believe, despite the many miracles that Christ did before them. God hardened their hearts, due to their unbelief. Others, even many of the chief rulers, believed but did not confess Christ as the Messiah, because they did not want the Pharisees to put them out of the synagogue. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

• John 12:37-43 KJV  But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:  (38)  That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?  (39)  Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,  (40)  He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.  (41)  These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.  (42)  Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:  (43)  For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 

Understanding the prophetic context for Romans chapters 9, 10 and 11.

In Romans chapter 10, Paul was writing concerning Israel. He quotes Moses and the Prophets, to show not only what the remnant were to believe and confess, but also to show that this word of faith was preached and heard in all the earth, unto the ends of the world.  

Yes, all Israel heard about Jesus as the Christ. All who believed were in a position to call on his name, and so be saved from the wrath to come.

• Romans 10:18 KJV  But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

For salvation from the coming wrath, that great and notable day of the Lord, the Jews had to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, that he was raised from the dead; and they had to confess him with their mouth, calling on the name of the Lord to be saved. 

None of those people from the first century AD are alive today, and no amount of repenting, calling on the name of the Lord, or confessing with the mouth, will save a soul today. 

The prophetic timeline for Israel’s salvation

Those specific instructions for Israel’s salvation were all prophetic. They gave assurance of salvation, and forgiveness of sins, to the believing remnant who will call on the name of Jesus as Lord, to save them from their affliction in the time of Jacob’s trouble.  

The remnant, in Peter and Paul’s time, as well as in the later days, also have an assurance that, upon Christ’s return to save Israel, their sins will be blotted out.  

The prophetic timeline for this event, is when God will send Jesus Christ to execute judgment, pour out forgiveness on the believing remnant of Israel, and set up his millennial kingdom on the earth, with them as kings and priests. From a timeline perspective, Peter refers to it as the times of refreshing and restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

• Acts 3:19-21 KJV  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;  (20)  And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:  (21)  Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

In those days, in his great mercy, God will pour out his spirit of grace and supplications on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and he will remember their sins and iniquities no more.

• Jeremiah 50:20 KJV  In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

According to the prophecy of Joel, which Peter preached to the Jews in Acts 2, the requirement for their salvation was to call on the name of the Lord for deliverance from the coming great and terrible day of the LORD. 

• Joel 2:32 KJV  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Scripture is full of prophecy concerning the latter days, a time in which Jerusalem will become a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all the nations round about. 

• Zechariah 12:2-3 KJV  Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.  (3)  And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

It is from this time of Jacob’s trouble, that Christ will return to Zion, both to save the believing remnant, the Israel of God, from their enemies, and to pour out his Spirit of grace and supplications upon them, turning away ungodliness from Jacob, as he saves all Israel.

It is this same prophetic event that the apostle Paul refers to, when explaining the mystery of Israel’s partial blindness, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in, at which point all in Israel who call upon Jesus, the name of the Lord, will be saved according to the covenant that God made with them.

• Romans 11:26-27 KJV  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:  (27)  For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

Mosaic law, as the basis for Israel’s salvation 

Currently, Israel still does not believe that Jesus is the Messiah, despite him being the one whom Moses and the prophets did say should come. This transgression has legal implications that resulted in Jerusalem, the land, and the cities of Israel, being laid waste for nearly 2,000 years, since AD70, while the inhabitants were scattered among the nations, in which they have suffered persecution. 

The Babylonian and Roman destruction of Jerusalem, and resulting diaspora of its people, were a direct consequence of not harkening unto God, and walking contrary to the Mosaic covenant:

• Leviticus 26:31-33 KJV  And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.  (32)  And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.  (33)  And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

According to the same covenant, God promised:

• Leviticus 26:40-42 KJV  If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;  (41)  And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:  (42)  Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.

That clause was invoked by Israel, under the leadership of Nehemiah and Ezra, resulting in a return to the land and rebuilding of the temple.

However, they transgressed the law again and rejected the very one whom Moses and the prophets did say should come.  They were religiously zealous, and could have believed Jesus and gained eternal life, if they had searched and believed the scriptures.

• John 5:39-40 KJV  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.  (40)  And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

But they did not believe what was written by Moses, so were unable to believe the words of Christ.

• John 5:45-47 KJV  Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.  (46)  For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.  (47)  But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

Peter preached, as fulfilment of prophecy, that when Christ came, he was crucified.  Paul also preached, in the synagogues of the Jews, that Christ must needs have suffered. 

• Acts 17:2-3 KJV  And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,  (3)  Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

Jesus Christ was wounded for Israel’s transgressions, bruised for their iniquities, and the chastisement of their peace was upon him, just as prophesied by Isaiah.  Christ suffered, so Israel could be healed from their iniquities. 

• Isaiah 53:5 KJV  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

They were expecting a victorious saviour to save them from their Roman oppressors, yet Christ was despised and rejected. Instead of believing Moses and the prophets, they esteemed Jesus as stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted, just as Isaiah had prophesied they would. 

• Isaiah 53:3-4 KJV  He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  (4)  Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

The Psalms also prophesied of Christ’s death, mentioning crucifixion details that were unknown until Roman times, in which Christ’s hands and feet were pierced, as he was nailed to the cross. 

• Psalms 22:16 KJV  For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

In the day when Israel cries out to God, in their affliction, Christ will return to save them from their enemies, according to his covenant.  In that day he will pour out his Spirit of grace and supplications, and the remnant of the twelve tribes of Israel will look upon him whom they have pierced.

• Zechariah 12:9-10 KJV  And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.  (10)  And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Persecution for confessing and testifying the name of Christ

Hosea prophesied that Christ would resurrect and return to his place in heaven, until the people acknowledge their offence and seek his face in their affliction. 

• Hosea 5:15 KJV  I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

It is from that affliction, that prophesied time of Jacob’s trouble, that the believing remnant of Israel will call upon Jesus as the name of the Lord, to be saved from their time of great tribulation. 

They will confess him as Christ, and thus be persecuted for his name’s sake, delivered up to synagogues, because they have the testimony of Jesus Christ, and keep his commandments.

• Luke 21:12-13 KJV  But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.  (13)  And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

In that day, those who call on the name of the Lord and confess him with their mouth will, indeed be saved.  But that is not the gospel and means of salvation for today.

Note:  An in-depth study of the scriptures regarding God’s past, current and future dealing with Israel, can be found in the book, Foretelling Jacob’s Trouble: Whose side are you on? – by RC Black.

The only gospel that saves today

The gospel which Christ revealed to the apostle Paul for this age of grace, is that Christ died for our sins, was buried and raised again the third day for our justification. 

• 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;  (2)  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  (3)  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  (4)  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

By believing the gospel of Christ, we are sealed in Christ unto the day of redemption. We have God’s righteousness imputed to us by faith in what he accomplished in his death burial and resurrection, and so all our sins are forever forgiven!! 

There are no special words of confession to repeat, or a need to call on the name of the Lord to be saved.  If we simply trust in Christ, that he paid for the sins of the world by his shed blood, and that he was buried and raised again for our justification, this is how we are saved in this dispensation of the grace of God; entirely by his grace through faith.