There is real progressive revelation within each of God's programs, but none between them. The kingdom program does not ripen into the mystery, and the mystery does not collapse back into the kingdom — as Christ's command to keep the law, given after the cross in the Great Commission, makes plain.

For the believer, the judgment seat of Christ is no courtroom of condemnation but the place where a faithful Master rewards His servants. Rightly divided, it weighs our service, never our salvation, and the crown of righteousness it gives is our glorification in Christ, all of grace, to all who love His appearing.

The book of Hebrews was written to believing Israel — the scattered remnant tempted to return to the temple — not to the Body of Christ. Seeing the audience rightly settles its covenant, its priesthood, its warnings about falling away, and its earthly hope, and leaves the grace believer's assurance untouched.

The Scriptures seem to clash: Hebrews says the priesthood is changed, the prophets say Levi's priesthood is everlasting. Rightly divided, both are true. They unveil Israel's restored kingdom priesthood, Christ the King-Priest after Melchisedec presiding over the sons of Zadok in a rebuilt temple, a glory wholly separate from the Body of Christ.

Does the Body of Christ need a High Priest? The whole priesthood — Aaronic and Melchisedec alike — belongs to Israel's program. Paul never calls Christ the High Priest of the Body; he calls Him our Head, Saviour, and one Mediator. This study makes the case and answers the Romans 8:34 and Hebrews objections.

Christendom pictures Christ as our Advocate, forever pleading our case before the Father. But Paul never once calls Him our Advocate, and the Body has a standing no accusation can touch. Here is why the Advocate of 1 John belongs to Israel's believing remnant, and why our settled completeness in Christ needs no pleader.

What we sing, we are taught. Paul files congregational singing under teaching and admonishing one another, so when the Body of Christ sings Israel's throne of grace, covenant showers, and earthly kingdom, she catechizes herself in the wrong program one beloved hymn at a time. A plea to sing with understanding what is true of the Body of Christ.

Satan is one adversary, but he does not wage one war. Toward Israel's remnant he is the accuser and the devourer, assaulting a salvation kept by endurance. Toward the Body of Christ he can only deceive, for our standing is sealed beyond his reach. Right division belongs to the doctrine of the devil no less than to the doctrine of grace.