Many sincere and honest people, regardless of their beliefs and religious affiliations, are made to ask this important question as did suffering Job. Our heart goes out in love, sympathy and pity to those children when we see the apprehension and fear of death begin to work in their heart and mind. This phenomenon sometimes begins to take place in some children even at an early age. I well remember my grandson, when he was only seven or eight years of age, when he began to think and wonder about death; not only this, he seemed to also manifest those other fearful apprehensions that overtake many of the children of God sometime during their experience in life.

What is more sad, my grandson also began to worry about "hell" during this time, and my feelings and pity for him was further heightened by this. No doubt, these apprehensions arose in him largely because of erroneous teaching by his religious affiliations, and of course from other ordinary social contacts.

As some have said, Isa. 40 should be changed to read " Scare ye, scare ye, my people". (instead of Comfort ye, Comfort ye,) my people, saith the Lord.." - Judging from what we hear in so much preaching throughout Christendom.

Another incident that touched my heart with my grandson, was when he was only about ten years of age! - he began to worry and be concerned about having to go to war, and there possibly suffer those things that attend the horrors thereof. I tried to comfort him by explaining that as painful, trying and sorrowful these things may be to us, that we must nevertheless seek to pray to God that He would give us a reconciling heart and mind to submit to whatever may fall out as our lot in life; and though it may indeed be (and is) the will of God in His great purpose concerning all these events of time - and that he (my grandson) might even suffer and even die there in defense of his nation (and as maintaining an honorable cause as a citizen of his country) that he could yet take comfort in the belief that all of this was yet working for his eternal good, and to the declarative and ultimate glory of God. I also expressed to Him that no one - on the battle-field, or otherwise - could touch a hair of his handsome head until the time appointed by his Heavenly Father, Who has numbered every hair thereof, so without any degree of fortuitous casualty to him, not one should or could fall to the ground without His Father's divine permission or decree. And that though he die in the flesh, that God gives us Hope of the Eternal Life that is in His Son. The reconciliation to the belief and comfort of this truth does not yet remove (though may greatly mitigate) the pity and sadness of our heart for those who are made the objects of our love and care when these fears may come upon them.

"...These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world..." John 16:33.

"...Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some they follow after. Likewise also the good works (of some) are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid..." 1Tim 5:24-25.

I have often felt a zeal rise up within me to desire to tell the truth of the FREENESS of Divine Grace and the mercy of God as it is FREELY given , and not OFFERED to man, and as is nearly universally proclaimed throughout the Arminian world - and especially when I have witnessed the erroneous preaching of so many so-called "hell-fire" and scare-tactics preachers - who have no more than frightening and terror stories to commend their exercises. Anything that could be said to be only OFFERED, and not therefore secured and absolutely vouchsafed to the intended benefactor, could not be any kind of a real gift or deliverance, because there always remains the possibility that there would be no takers, or "acceptors". Not only so, but if God in Christ has accomplished all that is necessary for His people's salvation, and does not know of a certainty who those people, or the true heirs are, but that the final security and deliverance (not mere offer) of this gift is after all, left to their "acceptance or rejection of such a wondrous and unspeakable gift, then Christ has most certainly died in vain, because again, the possibility or contingency remains that there may be NO takers thereof.

The Gift of Eternal Life in Christ is a LEGACY DEEDED to the HEIRS thereof. Would it not be absurd in law and the customs of man to "offer" a Will to somebody based upon their subsequent acceptance or rejection of it? A few cases like this may have occurred, by I am sure there has been very few. People in nature do not turn down or refuse free gifts; it is ridiculous to even consider such a thought as this. Yet the religious world preaches a doctrine that is akin to an idea that even the nature of the world repudiates. True and worthy heirs whose names have been placed by the Divine Testator in His Eternal Will NEVER reject their inheritance which is written in characters of Jesus' Own blood.

I have had a desire to declare unto the people the mercy of God that is specially revealed unto His called people, and that is over all His creatures in nature, (instead of dwelling upon the supposed fearful judgment(s) that awaits men, unless they become obedient to the terms that "God offers" them - and according to these fearful preachers' lingo) I have felt that if their hearers have ever felt and understood the truth of God's mercy in Christ, they would be comforted by the real truth, instead of being made fearful by legalists, and those who are destitute of that real faith which brings peace and comfort to the heart and soul of a child of Grace. Christ came to deliver His people from this fear by bringing them into the very presence of God within the beauty of the New Jerusalem mansion where they rest in His Love in Jesus; and thus they have their native fear caused by sin (at least for a while) removed from them; But those who are yet without these confines are, for the most part yet burning within the flames of their own fears of native depravity, legalism and condemnation:

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death..." Rev 21:6- 8.

The mercy of God is not only discriminatory, it is also sovereignty infinite in its nature and scope. The love of God passes all understanding of human mortals; This is vividly illustrated in the death of Christ when God's Son died "the just for the unjust" God's eternal Law is infinitely higher that man's law: Man's law does not permit the just to die for the unjust, for according to man's law, retribution must be rendered in justice to the injured of man's society. God's Law infinitely transcends human law in this respect:

"... He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?.. Rom 8:32.

And on the other side of God's sovereign coin, His divine Law also transcends our human concept of justice, because many have puzzled how God could in justice require the blood of that present generation - to not only answer for the sins of that generation; but to answer for their father's sins also. Are the children of the fathers responsible for the fathers sins? (Ezek 18, Jer 31) I think to answer this question with any degree of satisfaction, we must first consider that Jesus is yet speaking as to the source of sin; Since that generation was a very wicked generation in general, they were therefore representing the inherited depravity of their fathers' who killed and destroyed the prophets just the same as the (religious) leaders of that present generation were now in the process of repeating these same atrocities as committed by the fathers.

"...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. 32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

"...33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? 34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: 35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. 36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation..." Matt 23:29-36.

A considerable debate has arisen among religious circles in recent years concerning life- after- death, and WHEN the resurrection takes place, and the NATURE of the resurrection. Much of this controversy has been a spin-off from the ramifications of the eschatological, or end-times theories that have been bounced around since the year one. Some of these theories and scenarios have quitened down for a time - sometimes even for centuries, then there has been a considerable resurgence of them from time to time. Some of the more popular eschatological schemes that have become so prominent during the twentieth century were nearly unheard-of in centuries past. On the other hand, some scenarios that are generally thought to be new, have in reality, and to some extent, been around for a long time, and existed all the way back to and during Apostolic times.

The children of God, especially ministers, sometimes get so caught up in controversy and thereby striving to maintain and promote a certain dogma, that they seem to forget to maintain a spirit of moderation, toleration and kindness toward those whom they consider to differ with as erring, but also lovable and loving brethren. They seem to forget to pray and resolve that the Spirit may give them the Grace to always "speak the truth in a spirit of kindness and love" with charity for all those who may differ with them. Since we all by nature are endowed with such a large potential for prejudice, we should always pray and strive to avoid it as best we can; but give our fellows all just due and respect.

"... But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace..." James 3:17-18.

"... I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace..." Eph 4:1-3.

"... Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour..." Eph 4:29, 5:1-2.

"... Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 2 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 2 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose... Rom 8:26-28.

Many years ago, when I believe I first felt blessed to feel a spiritual love to God and His people, His Kingdom, the only doctrine that was paramount in my mind, and which I held in such high esteem and love, and I sometimes felt such a fiery zeal to defend was - SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, ABSOLUTELY AND FREELY GIVEN ! ! -

The following is the great and paramount doctrine to be maintained for our peace with God, and our peace with one another:

"...For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, ..Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; ..That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men..." Titus 3:1- 8.

Important and useful as subservient doctrines are to this leading doctrine, those subordinate doctrines are only superlatively blessed to the saints spiritual welfare as they are encouched and administered in and through the Love of the Spirit sent down from heaven into our hearts.

Instead of coming together in a spirit of controversy, if we are always blessed to see ourselves as less than nothing (in our own strength and abilities), and really, as knowing nothing rightly without the illumination of Christ's Spirit, we will not likely cause a disturbance among the brethren. So- if we are always blessed to come together singing, "I am a stranger here below, and what I am 'tis hard to know", (instead of " I am on God's Highway to Heaven", or "boastfully proclaim "When The Roll is called up yonder, I'll be there") - and thus be made to wait upon the Lord for present deliverance (instead of getting ahead of Him)- And though we may not, as ministers, make a big stir and show before the people, yet we at least, won't cause them any trouble and confusion.

"... What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?.." 1 Cor 13:36

"...Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself..."Gal 6:1-3.

"... And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.."

"...That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love..." Eph 4:11-16.

"...Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away..." 1 Cor 13:1-10.

Many say that our eschatological views are so important, that any serious differences thereof would necessarily involve such a great heresy, that we must therefore sever fellowship with one another - and if we don't view the resurrection in just the same way and nature, then one or the other (or both) are in such error, that we must therefore be anathematized by one or the other (or both) and therefore be excommunicated from our common communion, which is love, joy and peace in the holy ghost.

The present author does not feel this position to be the truth. We should refrain from anathematizing brethren because of differing views. We have fallen into a terrible habit of this over the past several years, where brethren have become so contentious that they cannot bear any view that substantially differs from their own. This spirit, it seems to me, is not of Christ. Those brethren who have become so exalted in themselves as being superior to other "weaker" brethren in intellect, theological superiority, etc., and would therefore seek to maintain their own perceived monopoly on the truth, as they would consistently attempt to follow this attitude and practice which I feel in the end is to the detriment of the enjoyment of love and peace among us, instead of the opposite.

As we look over the pages of the periodicals of many of our dear old brethren of the past, we often admire the great tolerance and respect that they possessed for each other's respective views. Witness the following example by Gilbert Beebe c. 1855 in the signs of the times:

"...Without any design to controvert the view of any brother, we will simply present such views, imperfect though they may be, as the subject suggests to our mind, and leave our readers to examine and receive or reject them, as their judgment may dictate.."

But so many now seem to have reached such an ecclesiastical and theological plateau or even apex, that they have difficulty in giving any serious consideration or respect to the views of those brethren who substantially differ with them on any subject in general, such as the various interpretations of the Apocalypse, the Parables of Jesus, The Parousia, or Second Coming of Christ, etc.

What is worse, some have even gone to the extreme of casting out worthy brethren from their assemblies, because they have been esteemed heretics by those who differed with them on some of these things; where it is evident that our former brethren of years' past evidently were endowed of a more tolerant spirit than some of our present day.

"... Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which paste all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things..." Phil 4:5-8.

Please examine and consider these thoughts and receive or reject them, as your judgment may dictate.

In Hope of Eternal Life in Christ,

OAB

Please direct your comments to:
Allen Bailey
oabssb@bellsouth.net