Yes, Paul's epistles are crucial because they uniquely reveal the full details of God's salvation plan for the Church Age, though they build upon the rest of Scripture.
Les teaches that while Genesis, the Old Testament, and the Gospels lay the foundation, it is in Paul's letters that the 'flower' of God's salvation plan blooms fully. Paul's epistles contain truths not found elsewhere, especially the gospel of grace based on Christ's finished work, yet all Scripture remains inspired and profitable.
2 Timothy 3:16 — Affirms that all Scripture is inspired and profitable, which Paul himself writes, showing the ongoing value of the whole Bible.
The Bible, in 2 Timothy 3:16, says, 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.' This verse underscores that every part of Scripture, including Paul's epistles, is inspired and beneficial for teaching and living. Paul's own writings in Galatians 1 reveal that he received his gospel by revelation from Jesus Christ, not from men. In Romans 1:16, he declares the gospel is 'the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth,' showing the central role of his message in proclaiming salvation. Additionally, Paul's gospel is summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: 'how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.' These verses form the core of the salvation message revealed through Paul.
Les Feldick explains that Paul's epistles are where God's plan for salvation is fully revealed. He uses the analogy of a flower: Genesis is the bulb, the Old Testament is the growing stem and leaves, Christ's first advent is the bud, and Paul's writings are the blossomed flower. Without the earlier parts, the flower cannot be appreciated, but without Paul, the full beauty of salvation is not seen. Les emphasizes that Paul is the apostle of the Gentiles, and his letters contain fundamental truths for salvation, the Christian walk, and church life. These truths, such as justification by faith and the finished work of the cross, are not fully explained anywhere else in Scripture. However, he stresses that all Scripture is inspired and profitable, so he does not isolate Paul's letters but uses the whole Bible, recognizing that Paul's writings uniquely carry the doctrines of grace.
Les illustrates that Genesis is like the bulb, the Old Testament is the growing stem and leaves, Christ's first advent is the bud, and Paul's letters are the full bloom. This shows progressive revelation: each part is necessary, but the fullest picture of salvation is found in Paul's writings.
Paul was commissioned to go to the Gentiles and received revelations directly from God. His gospel, based on Christ's finished work—death, burial, and resurrection—is not found in Scripture before his letters. These truths are revealed only through Paul.
No. Les clarifies that he uses all Scripture, Genesis through Revelation, and that Paul himself says all Scripture is inspired and profitable. However, he emphasizes that the fundamental doctrines of grace are unique to Paul's writings.
Les points out that Paul writes to believers, not the unsaved world. Even though these truths are not necessary for salvation, they help believers understand their identity in Christ and how to live the Christian life.
Flower Analogy for Progressive Revelation
Les uses the analogy of a tulip to show that Genesis is the bulb, the Old Testament is the stem and leaves, Christ's advent is the bud, and Paul's letters are the full bloom of God's salvation plan.
Paul's Unique Revelations
Paul was commissioned to the Gentiles and given revelations that contain truths not found anywhere else in the Bible.
Fundamental Truths in Paul's Letters
In Paul's letters we find the fundamental truths for salvation, the Christian walk, and the operation of the local church, while all Scripture remains profitable.
Paul's Gospel Unlocks Other Scriptures
Without Paul's gospel, passages like Isaiah 53 would not clearly reveal God's plan of salvation.
Paul Writes to Believers
Paul's letters are addressed to believers, not the unsaved, and are written to help them understand their salvation and walk with God.
Progressive Revelation in Paul's Letters
Paul's own writings are a progressive revelation, starting simply and building to deep spiritual truths.
Different Concept of Salvation Revealed to Paul
Paul was raised up with a different concept of salvation based on Christ's finished work, which is not found until his revelations.
Using Whole Scripture, Not Just Paul
Les emphasizes he uses the whole Bible and that Paul's writings uniquely carry the doctrines of grace, but he does not isolate Paul.
2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Paul affirms the inspiration and profitability of all Scripture, showing the value of the whole Bible alongside his own letters.
Galatians 1:12: For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Paul explains that his gospel came directly by revelation from Jesus Christ, not from human origin.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Paul summarizes the core gospel message of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, which he received and delivered.
Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Paul declares that the gospel he preached is God's power for salvation to all who believe.
No, Les affirms that all Scripture is inspired and profitable, and he uses the whole Bible. However, he emphasizes that the fundamental truths of salvation for the Church Age are uniquely found in Paul's letters.
Les teaches that Paul's letters contain the full revelation of the gospel of grace, including justification by faith and the finished work of Christ. These truths are not fully explained in earlier Scriptures.
Yes, Les points out that Paul writes to believers, not the unsaved world. While the message is still appropriate for all, it is specifically intended for those who are already saved.
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