Why do many people say they understand the Bible for the first time after hearing this teaching?
Because the teaching clearly distinguishes law and grace, a distinction many had not heard before. Hearing that difference explained unlocks the Bible’s progression from Old Testament law and prophecy to Paul’s commission to the Gentiles, so listeners say for the first time they understand Scripture.
Les teaches that Paul comes on the scene late in the progressive revelations. The Old Testament had moved through Genesis, the flood, the Tower of Babel, Abraham, covenant promises, Isaac, Jacob, Israel brought out of Egypt to Sinai, the law under Moses, and the prophets. Prophecy was fulfilled when Christ came the first time. Israel under Peter and the eleven continued rejecting, so God saved another little Jew, Paul, and told him from day one to go to the Gentiles. Many letters testify that people understand their Bible for the first time because the difference between law and grace was pointed out.