Paul writes to believers to strengthen their faith and give them a solid foundation so they will not be carried away by false teaching.
Les Feldick emphasizes that Paul's letters are addressed exclusively to believers, not the unsaved world, to build them up in their faith and understanding. This teaching is essential for believers to have deep roots and discernment against the deceptions that are prevalent, especially in the end times. It is not for salvation but for the believer's growth and stability.
Ephesians 2:1 — Les uses this verse to show Paul writing to believers, reminding them of their past death in sins and their being made alive, emphasizing the past-tense experience of salvation.
The Bible shows that Paul addressed his letters to specific groups of believers, such as "the saints" and "the church of God," as seen in the opening of his epistles (e.g., Ephesians 1:1). These believers were described as those who had trusted in Christ after hearing the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation, and were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13). Paul's writings to believers emphasize the transformation that has already occurred in them: they were dead in trespasses and sins but have been made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1). This past-tense reality underscores that Paul's letters are meant to instruct and edify those who are already saved, not to lead the unsaved to salvation. Furthermore, Paul declares that faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17), implying that his teaching to believers also serves as a means for the unsaved to hear and understand the gospel through the ministry of believers.
Les Feldick consistently teaches that Paul writes only to believers, as seen in his epistles addressed to the saints and the church. He emphasizes that these letters are not primarily for the unsaved, although they can have an impact on them. The purpose is to strengthen believers' faith and give them a solid foundation so they will not be easily swayed by every new wind of doctrine, especially in the end times when deception is rampant. Les also explains that Paul's detailed teachings on dying with Christ and being raised with Him are not necessary for salvation but are for the believer's understanding and growth. Paul writes to help believers recognize their new identity in Christ and live accordingly, setting their minds on spiritual things. Additionally, Les stresses that for this age of grace, the Church Age, the fundamental truths for salvation, the Christian walk, and the operation of the local church are found in Paul's letters. This underscores the importance of Paul's writings to believers and their relevance for the church today.
Les Feldick explains that Paul does not write to the unsaved world but to believers. However, the Word of God can still have an effect on unbelievers as they hear it through preaching and teaching, leading to faith (Romans 10:17).
Les points to Ephesians 2:1 where Paul writes to believers, 'you hath he quickened' (made alive), indicating a past-tense experience. Believers were once dead in trespasses and sins but have been made alive in Christ, which is a foundational truth for understanding their new life.
Les emphasizes that Paul's letters give believers deep roots and a solid reason for their faith, so they will not be carried away by every wind of doctrine. In the end times, deception comes from many directions, and Paul's teachings are meant to strengthen believers' beliefs and trust in the doctrines God has revealed.
Christ in You — What Galatians 5 and Romans 8:10 Really Mean
But it's just simply because we're taping four programs right in succession. And again, we always like to let the folk in the Tulsa area and eastern Oklahoma know that if you'd like to come in, be a part of the taping session and give us a call or call the studio, we'd love to have you. We got room for a few more yet. So if you're interested, you come on in. We're just an informal Bible study.
Paul Writes Only to Believers
Les explicitly states that Paul's letters are written only to believers, not the unsaved world, and that the complex teachings about dying with Christ are not for salvation but for believers' understanding.
Effect on Unbelievers
Les explains that while Paul writes to believers, the Word of God can affect unbelievers through preaching and hearing, referencing Romans 10:17.
Paul's Audience: The Saints
Les shows from the opening of Paul's letters that he writes to 'the saints' (every believer), not just an elite few, and emphasizes the past-tense 'made alive' in Ephesians 2.
Believers Sealed with the Spirit
Les reminds that Paul writes to believers who trusted in Christ, heard the word of truth, and were sealed with the Holy Spirit, reinforcing the audience of believers.
Pauline Letters as Foundation
Les teaches that for the Church Age, the fundamental truths for salvation, the Christian walk, and the local church come from Paul's letters, underscoring their importance to believers.
Ephesians 2:1 to Believers
Les points to Ephesians 2:1 as an example of Paul writing to believers about being made alive from spiritual death.
Past Tense Salvation Experience
Les explains that Paul writes to believers about a past-tense experience of being made alive, and that before that they were dead in trespasses and sins.
Ephesians 2:1: And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
This verse shows Paul addressing believers directly, reminding them of their past spiritual death and their new life in Christ, underscoring that his letters are for believers.
Ephesians 1:13: 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,
This verse describes the believers to whom Paul writes, those who believed and were sealed with the Spirit, reinforcing the audience of Paul's letters.
Les Feldick teaches that Paul writes only to believers, not the unsaved world. However, the Word of God can still affect unbelievers as they hear it preached, leading to faith (Romans 10:17).
No. Les Feldick states that the complex teachings about dying and rising with Christ are not necessary for salvation. They are for believers' growth and understanding, to strengthen their faith.
Paul's letters provide fundamental truths for salvation, the Christian walk, and the local church, especially for this age of grace. They help believers have deep roots and resist false teaching.
Watch the Teaching: Christ in You — What Galatians 5 and Romans 8:10 Really Mean