*This material may be copied and freely distributed, but shall not be altered or sold. All rights reserved in accordance with U. S. and international copyright laws.
Rough Places Made Plain
"..Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:.." Isa 40:4.
9.8.11.8
Ev'ry valley shall be exhalted, And ev'ry mountain be made low; When at a great impasse my soul is halted, And when so weary, I do grow.
Here the crooked is often straightened, And the rough places are made plain; When with present danger my heart has frightened, And on these rocks I long have lain.
O, ev'ry valley is thus heightened, While ev'ry mountain is brought low; And I can see the sky with distant bright'ning, Reflects on calm seas down below.
Here my mountains are often lowered, When they are reduced to a plain; Before they had insurmountably towered, And o'er my soul they long did reign.
But all these valleys are exalted, And all these mountains are brought low; There the hard places, the crooked and faulted, Are leveled to the plain below.
What once before was then so crooked, And which so oft made me complain; And the stony road which once was so forked, Has all been reduced to a plain.
But what if mountains I encounter, Or if a valley my lot shall be? For through all these rough ways my soul must enter, Till Thy purpose from these make free.
For through the darkness I am learning, That Thy Own soul has walked here too; And my fleshly confidence Thou art burning As others passed the desert through.
And since the Lord Jesus has walked there, And since He bore all of my pain; And more than this, He also for me does care, For His great loss was my great gain.
Though here and there a mountain standing, And heated valleys that give pain; Yet, our faith and hope looks for our safe landing, When these rough places are made plain.
Then ev'ry valley is exalted, And ev'ry valley is made low; All the things that once my soul had assaulted, Are leveled to a plain below;
Oh, the comfort, I now am finding, Where once the rough way did give pain; Where once all of the crooked and the winding Before my eyes are now made plain.
Here ev'ry valley is exalted,
And ev'ry hill is now made low; And all my path and course Thy Hand has chartered, And from Thee all my blessings flow.
When ev'ry valley is exalted, And ev'ry mountain is brought low; Where once in frustration we once were halted, Is now made smooth and plain below
Ev'ry valley is now exalted, Ev'ry mountain we now can gain Are cast up for our travel, and the vaulted, With the rough places, are made plain.
*Copyright Jan 2004 O. Allen Bailey
*This material may be freely copied and distributed, but is not to be sold for profit, in accordance with U.S. and international copyright laws.
How They Grow
"...Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.... And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these..." The Lord Jesus - Matt 6:28-29.
CM
I look upon the wild lilies, And admire how they grow, Across the ridges and gullies, And valleys down below.
But 'tis this I most consider, Where their flow'rs brightly glow; And speaks within me now louder - How do the lilies grow?
When we look upon wild lilies, Remember what they show; Whether in the hills or valleys, Or the fields all aglow;
Still to consider these lilies, And love their beauty so; Then, should we not first consider Why they this glory show?
'Tis to show they are God's planting, His care is all they know; Their growth and beauty His granting, And all to Him they owe.
By man's hand they are not planted, There, row upon the row; Whose great beauty can't be painted Which bear not man's furrow.
They take no thought for the morrow, Yet, still in beauty grow; They anticipate no sorrow, No anxiousness they know;
Still, they drink God's rain from heaven, His breeze on them doth blow; And His sun from morn to evening, Makes these wild lilies grow.
His dew at night distills on them, Where they house the sparrow; While above the heaven's rhythm, Their light on them does throw.
Here man may bring forth his beauty, With his labor and toil; -Render to God all his duty In this vain world's old soil;
But, Oh, in wild nature's beauty, Which does not plant and sow, But, which still performs her duty, In this good earth below;
And all of Solomon's glory, Which half could not be told; Is but a mere allegory - Could not this beauty hold;
As in Eden's garden, planted, Her beauty still doth show; When, yet untransplanted, No suffering to know;
- When before she gained the knowledge Of sin and death to know; When before her ruin and spoilage, In God's Garden below;
We now hear these words of Jesus, Himself, a Lily grew; His grace, from toil does release us, Though, toil and stress too knew;
As The Lily of the valley, The Bright and Morning Star; Shall arise in glory early, Who've seen His Light afar;
He returned us to God's Garden, With Divine Grace to show; Though pain, toil and sin did harden, Still makes His lilies grow.
And more than this, we now ponder, What Glory more to know! Eternal Life, O, what wonder ! On us He does bestow.
I admire the lilies' glory, When through the fields I go; Still, it is my theme and story To tell the way they grow;
They shine forth their Maker's Glory - Their own they do not know; It's their passive oratory - In telling how they grow.
*Copyright 2001
O. Allen Bailey
Jesus Suffered Here
CM, 86 86, 78, 6
The Lord of Glory suffered here
Before He bled and died; And here He shed many dear tear, Before they pierced His side.
Chorus O! Jesus all my sorrow knew; While here He lived, and wept and died, To make our heavens new.
A man of sorrows, He knew grief, While here He stayed below; No one to help, or give relief, - He must take all our woe.
No one knows the sorrow He felt, - That through His Dear Soul flowed; When God in Him, for our sins dealt, And He bore all our load.
Oh, come now with tears in your eyes; His tears did also flow; He came down from above the skies, To bear all of your woe.
While here He stayed some thirty years, To Him, Eternity; For He too, did know pain and fear, With us in Unity.
Oh, come my soul, in sorrow view, God, Who is your joint heir; He bore the pain that was due you, When Jesus suffered there.
In Bethany, His Love did show, He followed to the tomb; There, their human sorrow to know, And there, their grief assume.
In sorrow, with Disciples sat, To them His Love did flow; Revealed His Father's will in that He would have them to know.
In Gethsemane, in sorrow wept, With tears, and sweat of blood; There His Father's appointment kept, When as a Lamb He stood.
They came and took Him by His Will, For He was God there still; What was determined, did fulfill, Though the Son, they must kill;
Finally, nailed Him to a tree, All around, this did see, There He suffered for you and me; To set our spirit free.
And there they placed Him on a hill, Where He suffered more, still; Bowed His Head to His Father's Will, There, all things to fulfill.
Jesus can suffer here no more, Those suff'rings long are past; When all our suff'rings, there He bore, And sin on Him was cast;
But still He knows all of our fears, Though His sorrow is past; And still He'll wipe away our tears, Long as this world shall last.
Chorus
O! Jesus all my sorrow knew; While here He lived, and wept and died, To make our heavens new.
*Copyright Jan 200
O. Allen Bailey
"... And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
Born Blind
"..And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town..." Mark 8:22-26. "...20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.... 24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth..." John 9:20-38.
Did He Open My Eyes and Why?
CM
Contrary to nature's teaching Truth's revealed in my soul: To the saints I am beseeching While these bells faintly toll.
As when In the Day arising And like the sealed roll; Christ came at His great assizing And showed the final poll:
I heard the voice of God calling, To me so long ago, While all the world was yet bawling, Their god to all to show.
Though the Lord had spoken to me, Yet Christ I did not know; - I did not not know His sufferings That follows His below.
Nature's blessed gift of sighting Leads us in what we do; And is our greatest delighting That our God did endue.
Though only as the trees walking, I there could God behold; Jesus heals me, finds me, talking With eyes so dead and cold;
For the world of flesh can't know Him Till God in Christ does show; - Removes from them the paradigm That nature did bestow;
For what means of the called's seeing, The blind world cannot know; And there is no true believing Till Christ this sight bestow.
Until Christ is revealed in us, Our God we cannot know; Which in time does point to Jesus- And will His Glory show.
For I knew not it was Jesus, Like the blind man of old; Till from this blindness release us, And from old Satan's hold;
Though I'm yet in nature's blindness And sin afflicts my soul; Yet, Dear Jesus shows His kindness, And makes me daily whole.
I often fall by the wayside, While here below I go; Still here upon this ebbing tide, And Time's old constant flow;
Some days the sun shines upon us, Some days the fair winds blow; Some days we can walk with Jesus And then His Glory know;
For Thou hast removed my blindness, - Caused the scales to unroll; But there still remains this deadness That permeates my soul.
More He would remove this blindness, So badly I now see; And give my poor sight more soundness To show His Own mercy;
But still more to know His mercy That daily sets me free; More He would cause my eyes to see, And make me live in Thee.
I far from Him so oft have strayed With eyes so good and strong; But though I oft have Him betrayed He still is all my song.
And all He has said, He has done, And gives more sight to see; For He'll finish what He's begun By His Own Agency.
His promises have all come true, And live within my soul; Led in His Way, that's ever new, His Name to more extol.
“…All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all…”
Luke 15:4
Luk 15:4 “..What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
Luk 15:5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
Luk 15:6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
Luk 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance..”
The Prodigal Son – Luke 15:11
Luk 15:11 And he (Jesus) said, A certain man had two sons:
Luk 15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
Luk 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
Luk 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
Luk 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
Luk 15:16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
Luk 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
Luk 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
Luk 15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
Luk 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
Luk 15:21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
Luk 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
Luk 15:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
Luk 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Luk 15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
Luk 15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
Luk 15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
Luk 15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
Luk 15:29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
Luk 15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
Luk 15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Luk 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found..”
Pity Those Who Go Astray
*By O. Allen Bailey
LM
Pity children, who go astray;
Remember these in life’s old way;
Consider too, from earth’s old stand,
- All of our feet are on such sand.
For, we must learn - the world forsake,
No more its sinfulness to make;
When these vain things become a snare,
We’ll find their load we cannot bear.
For, flesh and blood is our deceit;
And with its wiles, we can’t compete;
The best are prone to sometimes stray,
And leave the strait and narrow way.
A father gave unto two sons
Their living which their place had won;
The younger took this livelihood,
And wasted all - just as he would.
Our love for these, ever remains,
As for the sun, after the rains;
And for the straying, emptied son,
Who realized what he had done.
He saw himself a wretch undone,
When he was through his little fun;
- Came to himself, and then he said,
I’ll eat just what the swine are fed.
- As on these husks I’d even feed;
I’ve run headlong where sin did lead;
“..Oh, pity me, my father, dear,
For, I’ve departed from thy fear;
“For, in thy house, I know there’s room,
And thou dost welcome all who come;
- The poor and needy in the way,
And all like me, who’ve gone astray.
But, here I lie in this low place,
In shame and sin, and foul disgrace;
O! woe is me, such is my case,
I’d even dare to show my face.
I’ve been so foolish, now I know,
When I first followed the vain show;
Now sin has pierced me through and through;
And now I know not what to do.
Still, have no other place to go;
- My father’s house is all I know;
I’ll go to him, and there I’ll say,
“I’ve sinned against thee Till this day.”
“Father, forgive me what I’ve done;
My name’s not worthy of thy son;
Only a servant, I might be,
For, from this shame I can’t be free.”
Thus, he arose, though still in shame,
Knowing his flesh was all the blame;
- But knew his father in his love,
And his compassion all above;
His father sees him from afar,
His heart then brightens like a star;
He falls and weeps on His son’s neck;
In the best robe, his son does deck.
In his dear love he is so thrilled,
The fatted calf is then so killed;
On the son’s hand, a ring is placed,
The table’s best, is with these graced;
“Let us make merry and rejoice;
Let us in praise, lift up our voice.
My son, who once was dead, you see;
The Lord, from death, has now set free.”
Angels in heaven, now do sing,
To make the heavn’ly places ring;
At one poor sinner who relents,
And one dear child who thus repents.
And so we learn to thus forgive,
Then love and peace within us live;
When here we see a sheep that’s lost,
But have no means to bear its cost;
Earth’s elements have overcome
Here, ev’ry dear and father’s son;
But, sin and death on these can’t hold,
No matter if it seems so bold;
For Jesus came His sheep to find,
In sin and death of ev’ry kind;
Into this wilderness of woe,
In Love and Power, He too did go;
In Love, He finds them - though once lost,
There He once bought them with a cost;
He takes, He bears them in His arms,
Closed in His bosom from all harms.
Into His house of friends He brings,
And there in union, with them sings;
And there this lamb with them are fed,
- This lamb who’d gone where sin had led.
What a Savior is Christ to us;
And, oh, how sweet in Him to trust !
So, in His Grace we sometimes find
His mercy shown to ev’ry kind.
*Copyright 2011
O. Allen Bailey
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
That saved a wretch like me;
I once was lost, but now I’m found;
‘Twas blind, but now I see.” – John Newton
“Eph 2:1 “..And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."
Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast..”
*This material may be freely copied and distributed, but shall not be altered or sold for profit
When Ye Pray
By O. Allen Bailey
Prayer is a Great Blessing to God’s Children, And Is Freely Given
Spiritual prayer, like all other gifts of the Spirit, is a great blessing to God’s children. God did not ordain to give us this wonderful gift in order that we might, so to speak, "get" the things we think we need, or rather "want" from Him" - or by this means - to inform Him of what we (think) we need. God knows all about what we need infinitely better than we do ourselves; it is all contained in His Will in Christ for us - stored up in His Riches in Glory, and He has promised and absolutely stated that He will supply His people not only a part, but all of their need according to His riches in glory in and through Jesus; because God loves them and has willed to give them all things in His Son:
"..But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.." Phil 4:19
Besides, because God loves us, and therefore loves to give to us, it is His Will to give us all things. In fact, all things are granted and are ours and stored up in His Son, Jesus; and in due time in our experience of His great salvation, all of this legacy shall be finally given to us in our individual experience of salvation and the Life which is in Christ; The best thing concerning prayer, then, is to first ask for the power in the giving of His Spirit, because His children, called by His Grace, have not been given or received the spirit which is of this world (of unbelief,) but they have been given the Spirit which is of God, and this is the Spirit of faith or belief in Jesus as our Savior; therefore, we ask in His Name. Then prayer, instead of informing God of our needs, it is the other way around; prayer is given to help us to realize our need of God and His blessings, and to value, appreciate and love Him for giving and being so gracious to us as His blessed children. It is God’s good pleasure to give to His children the Kingdom of his Son, because the Father Himself loves them; and because He has said: "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.." Luke 12:32.
Many times in our experience, it is in prayer that we are given to know more about the wondrous things in Christ, which God has given to us; and it is also His good pleasure that we might know that all His blessings for us are freely given. God is so gracious to His children, that He requires absolutely nothing in return.
What an amazing Good and Gracious God our God is! So, we are taught: ".. Freely ye have received; freely give.." and is the best we can do in emulating His giving to us so freely. And we cannot even do that without the Gift of His Spirit working in our renewed hearts - which He has also given us freely of His Love for us!
Do Not Use Vain Repetitions in Prayer - God Is Not Hard of Hearing, nor Does He Require Much Speaking from Us
Mat 6:7 "..But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.."
We often hear this admonition of Jesus - yet so badly violated by religious professors who profess to be earnestly praying to God: as also Jesus’ illustration of the Pharisee and Publican who went up to the Temple to pray. As we so often today hear individuals, and even multitudes attempt, so to speak - "team up on God", that they seeming might "extract" their desires from Him; and their "prayers" also seem (to the present writer) to be more like an attempt to "give God instructions" than anything else - or like the false prophets in Elijah’s days, when he therefore mocked the false prophets:
"..And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.." 1 Ki 18:27.
Consider God’s Will in Your Prayers - And Not Only Your Own
However, God is not hard of hearing the earnest petitions of His people, that we need to use vain repetitions and rituals as these did; neither is He like the gods which men have formed in their own imaginations, because of the inherent ignorance which is in them due to their fallen natures. Jesus taught us that we are not able to acquaint God with any of our needs; because He knows what we stand in need of before we can even ask Him, (Because, in fact, we don’t know what we actually stand in need of - while our Heavenly Father does) and He is gracious in His Love and will towards us to give us those things He desires His children to have; and that which in His purpose in Christ is good for them. Therefore, all of our prayers (like everything else) should always be prefaced with a "If it be in accordance with Thy Will"; because we must realize to ask of Him according to His Will - and not according to our human will - or at least that our human will may be found to be in accordance with His Will. Jesus certainly had a human will, being both God and Man; but even His human will must be brought into conformity with The Divine Will in Him, when as our Great Head and Example, He gave witness of this in Gethsemane and at other times:"..And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.." Mark 14:36.
"..Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.." Luke 22:42"
"..I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.." John 5:30
"..For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.." John 6:38
When we are given to pray by the unction of the Spirit through faith, our prayers are answered
"..Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.." Mark 11:24.
*"..But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
*".. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.." James 1:6
"..And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear…" Isa 65:24.
I repeat what is said above, God has already determined to bless His children, and has actually answered them in His mind and purpose for them even before He gives them a reason, desire, will and strength to pray a sincere, earnest and spiritual request in His name.
But without the intercession of His Spirit within our hearts, we are not able to pray aright, We must be spiritually taughtand every born-again child of God has learned this to some extent or another, and more and more learn it in their journey of faith. God continually brings us to the place where we are always made to feel dependent upon Him and His mercy for us in Jesus; so we will not be left to ourselves:
".. 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.." Rom 8:26
Rom 8:27 "..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.."
Rom 8:28 "..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.."
Neither are we to be left to our own self righteousness - like the Pharisee who went up to the temple, and thus prayed within himself- or, as some rendering it: - he "prayed, standing by himself," denoting that he alone, felt sufficient within himself without the consideration of others whom he esteemed much inferior to himself and his ability to keep the Law of God. The bread given from requests of yesterday in this respect will not carry over for tomorrow; like the manna that fell upon the Israelites in the wilderness, it would not keep from day to day; but must be renewed from daily within us for our daily sustenance; as the spiritual man is renewed from day to day in the experience of the resurrection Life - as Jesus told Martha:
"..Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.." John 11:26
"..For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
But - It is the remembrance or reflection upon the past mercies received from the Hand and Spirit of our Lord that is precious to our souls. "Thou shalt remember all the ways which the Lord has led thee." How many times do we poor weak mortals forget all the prayers which we have truly been enabled by His Spirit to ask - and He has also duly answered; but we so soon forget that these things were indeed answered for us and in us; for we are still such slow learners, and do so easily forget all His mercies, and have to be put again and again in remembrance of His faithfulness, (along with our own unfaithfulness) and the way in which His mercy and goodness has continually led us all our days: but, notwithstanding, we yet find that all things in our experience are working for our good when we are made to feel by faith that we are yet in the hope of being the called according to His purpose in Jesus; and when then we are made to rightly understand that this experience will not tend to make us self righteous Pharisees; but will further humble us before Him in our own sight. We know that there is no basic difference in sinful mankind; for all have (and do) sin, and have come short of the glory of God. There is no difference in the Jew or Gentile in this respect; for He is merciful unto all that call upon Him in this faith which He has been pleased to give unto us. This humbling Hand of God will not puff us up with pride and boasting as it doesinful.s the natural religionist; but rather it will further humble us before Him and His mercy; for we are from time to time brought to the consideration of our sinful selves along with the poor publican and ask in our petitions with him: "Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner!" With this recognition within ourselves, being justified not by our own goodness and performances, we can with the poor Publican, also go down to our house (or place of rest) justified by the faith of Jesus, rather than when we come in pretense as a mere natural proud human being - presenting only our own esteemed goodness for justification in His sight and in our own sight, we can find nothing but condemnation in ourselves as being nothing but sinners and before Him in fallen nature.
"Thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee…. "..to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, "..And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.." Deut 8:2
Remember To Forgive When You Pray
Mark 11:25 "..And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11:26 "..But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.."
Luke 11:4 "..And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.."
Thus, when we come to ask anything in His Name, we are ever reminded by His Word and Spirit in ourselves to forgive our enemies, and desire to manifest a spirit of mercy to all, considering that we are all sinful within ourselves, and in that respect - with Jacob of old, not worthy of the least of the mercies of God as they are in any way due unto us; but that they are given freely out of His great goodness and Love toward us, and as it has pleased Him - for
"His mercy is over all." "..The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
"..All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.." Psa 145:9-10.
In being so blessed, we find in our conscience that our own personal trespasses against Him and His righteous Law have been forgiven; because these things pertain to the conscience of the inward man.Mat 5:44
"..But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mat 5:45 "..That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.."
For, there is a part of us of our human spirit (and which the people under the former covenant mostly followed) that is not in conformance with this principle of love and forgiveness of our enemies. How hard it is for us sometimes to forgive our perceived enemies, whether real or imagined - much less to then pray for those who would spitefully use us! Are we to be like James and John, when not received by the Samaritans, they thought to ask Jesus that they, like Elias, should command fire to be called down upon the Samaritans and consume them who were hated by the Jews, and the Jews by the them? How different did Jesus teach upon these things than did the bulk of the Jews (especially their religious leaders) teach in Jesus’ day! Are we not to consider these things concerning our fellowman and fellow creatures - and especially those of the household of faith; or are we to find ourselves also in the same place with the arrogant and proud Pharisee that thought because He was a natural descendant of Abraham, a member of a distinguished sect among the Jews, and studiously and meticulously practiced all the requirements of the traditions of the fathers - that He was therefore acceptable in the sight of God? But, not only so - but this led him to then disregard others of a perceived social and moral status to be far beneath himself in righteous works and religious piety to the extent that they were to be held of little or even no regard in the sight of God! But Jesus revealed the true circumstances of these two men, and made the real comparison of those holding two different attitudes and perception of themselves as to their relationship and comparison with others.
Luke 18:1 "..And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;"
This parable, I think, had both what is called a historic and prophetic meaning, and also a spiritual teaching, all combined into one - as it plainly says that it was to teach His children patience, or endurance - although they may sometimes have periods of long affliction which they must still long endure. Jesus, at this time, was no doubt beginning to refer to the terrible suffering of persecution which would later come upon His apostles and disciples after He had sent them out into the land to preach the everlasting gospel. But included in this admonition is the assurance to fortify their minds of faith that He would be with them to end of that age, and to deliver them until His purpose in choosing and calling them to this work would also be fulfilled in God’s Purpose: Hence His parable in the illustration of an indifferent judge, who though he had no regard to his duty as a judge to God or man, yet he would finally gratify the continued requests of those coming asking to be avenged of those who were troubling them; in this case a widow, as in the parable. To my mind, this represents (as in many, if not most of Jesus’ parables) the destitute condition of the poor souls in Israel that were held under bondage of and to the corrupt legal system of religion which prevailed there and ruled over the (spiritually) poor and afflicted of this people. (because they had no one of that legal establishment to teach them the principles of the mercy in Christ, or anyone (such as Jesus was to them) to show mercy to them (as Jesus did) These comparisons, to my mind, are also well illustrated in His parable of The Rich Man and Lasurus (as well as in The Publican and Pharisee) These comparisons are continually made by Jesus in His public parables, such as that already mentioned of the Pharisee and Publican who went up to pray; but we can see many other illustrations of this principle given also, as in the parables of The Rich Man and Lazurus, The Sheep and Goats, The Tares and Wheat, The Good and Worthless Fishes, The Unclean Spirit, The Parable of the Servant Forgiven, but would not Forgive, The Unjust Steward, The Laborers in the Vineyard, and others. All these parables are illustrations in the way of comparisons, and that mostly showing the difference of Christ’s then coming Kingdom as compared with the former Law Dispensation and its rigidity and hardness upon God’s people, and which was then growing old, and therefore becoming obsolete; as He so many times illustrated in these parables - and sometimes as He even spoke plainly to the Jews concerning the latter end and abrogation of the things of the Legal economy; because the Law was given by Moses; but Grace and Truth came by Jesus-Christ.
Jesus told the Jews, and it is applicable, I think, to all - that "unless you be converted and become as little children, you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Here again is an illustration: How do we ordinary humans so admire the wonderful and leading qualities of little humble children; They are so different in this from most of us adults. They have not yet learned much of those principles of human nature that goes along with being human, such as deceit, subterfuge, lying, stealing, hatred, etc. which practice and habit is to be abstained from and admonished against in Christ’s Kingdom. Little children are so loving and admiring because of these very attributes manifested in them. They, by nature exhibit such a complete trust in their benefactors, as do God’s children when they are also in realization of His kindness and goodness and sustenance of themselves; and they are made to look and trust unto their Heavenly Father in Jesus for all things:
"..And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
"..But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
"..Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.." Luke 18:15-17.
These little children in human nature are so like, and in conformance with those principles which are brought to view in the lovely assembly of the saints when they are filled with this same spirit which was in the lowly Jesus. Oh, for more revelation of those blessings which conforms us to the image of Jesus, The Son of God! Who -
"..Shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.."
While things such as doctrines, and even points of doctrines are important within the Kingdom of the saints - yet Jesus did not emphasize those things to the extent which many would sometimes make critical issues over; for we walk by faith and not by sight. And the Kingdom of God does not stand in meat and drink in order to exclusively satisfy the taste of anyone who would arrogate authority to themselves to rule as lords over the conscience of God’s heritage; but it stands in love and joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost - and without this, I think I cannot conceive of how much beneficial standing it will serve our soul and spirit - but like the assemblies of believers in Asia, which were addressed by Christ in Revelation - we too, sometimes find that we have only a name to live, but sometimes we feel very dead; and when we would profess that we are (spiritual) Jews, we also feel by experience to be not so; but rather have found ourselves by Christ’s Own indictment, to be perhaps in danger of finding ourselves to be only as Judaizing liars - just as some of these were. But we trust we have not come to those considerations; but are come to Mt. Zion, the pillar and ground of the truth, and to the spirits of just men made perfect by the blood of Jesus
"..Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.." Col 3:11-14.
Phil 4:1 Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.."
The Grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all.
OAB
*Some have tended to misunderstand James above. I think he means that unless we are blessed to be given the true spirit of faith to pray with, then our prayers are only after the flesh, and not from the Spirit, which is accordance with the Will of God for us; for, we cannot truly pray aright (that is in accordance with God’s Will) except we be given true faith to do so; our fleshly nature, which is sinful, desires the things that nature seeks after, and cannot ask for anything more than that; but the Spirit makes intercession for us according to the will of God for us and in us - and thus causes us to pray aright and according to His Will : Therefore, every true prayer which has been indicted by His Spirit in our hearts will in time be answered for us. This is because as said above, God cause us to spiritually pray according to His Own will and not according to our personal - or even according to the collective will of men or mankind in general; because God is in One Mind, and who can turn Him from His Purpose in the earth? And whatsover He desires, that He also does. This truth is so often illustrated in the Scriptures: For, we trust we are not so foolish as to forget the Divine teaching of God’s sovereignty over all things as to ask God for things which we know may not be in accordance with His Will according to His Word, but are yet far beyond our province and understanding - but this is another common makeup of the human nature, and which we sometimes are prone to, and are therefore given to sometimes act in this way; however, there are always not a few, when we point these things out, who will bring up the point that we who believe as such are such complacent Stoics, and therefore so inconsistent as to mitigate against the path of following the same principles of which I have just attempted to illustrate. However, if not mistaken, the present writer sees no inconsistency in this - as some seem to think there may be.
THE WORK OF GOD IN BELIEVING
*Copyright, O. Allen Bailey
July 12, 2008
*Some parts added (from original) by author - Aug 14, 2008
“…This is the work of God, that you believe upon Him Whom He hath sent” John 6:29,
And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment..” John 3:23.
“Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God , God dwells in him, and he in God..” I John 4:15.
“..For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world : and this is the victory that overcomes the world, (even) our faith..” John 5:4.
“..He that believes on the Son of God has the witness in himself; he that believes not God has made Him a liar; because he believes not the record that God gave of His Son. And this is the record, that God HAS , and this life is in His Son..” 1 John 5:10-11.
(bound - to owe money, be in debt for that which is due, the debt - metaph. the goodwill - Strong’s.(bound - to owe money, be in debt for that which is due, the debt - metaph. the goodwill - Strong’s.“..to give
“..Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ; that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel..”
NO “OFFERS” OR “INVITATIONS” (OF SALVATION) ARE TO BE GIVEN TO (OBVIOUSLY} DEAD ALIEN SINNERS
Then how are we to perceive those who are true believers of the Gospel of Christ, and those who are not? - They are made known by the fruits they bear. Jesus said that a good tree cannot bring forth corrupt (worthless in the sight of God,) fruit. That is, evangelically speaking. Conversely, or rather inversely, He said that a worthless tree (a tree that is inherently no good to bear fruit, because it does not have the nature to do so) cannot bring forth any good fruit. Did Jesus mean that one becomes so good (or so good in nature or religion) that they can only bring forth “good” fruit. Of course not! If so, this would be in contradiction to many other truths of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. The prophets have said that there are none that does good; no, not one. They have ALL gone out of the way; They have all become polluted and filthy, There are still further indictments with the charge of wickedness and sinfulness upon all of fallen humanity. Because all are sinners, and have fallen short of meriting the glory or favor of God by their own or inherent goodness. Then what did Jesus mean by these statements?
First, and immediately, He was comparing the outward fleshly religion of the Scribes and Pharisees with the sincere and true faith of those who are given by Christ to truly or evangelically trust in Him FOR SALVATION. This was not true with the hypocritical Jewish leaders in general: Jesus charged them with so many errors that He summed up all their works in their religious devotions as to have been wholly based not upon any sincere faith towards God as loving, believing and obeying Him; but instead, they sought to perform such works (in God’s name, of course) that was only gratifying to their selfishness, pride, boasting, and vain glory - so in the end, all that was done by them proved only that it was done to be seen of men about them concerning their supposed “good works“, and that they might receive the applause and praise of such like men, who were of the same cut and die as themselves; because they had so well fooled or deceived even those who were in true faith, but weak in the flesh, that “they indeed appeared righteous unto men, but God (Jesus) knew their true motives and true incentives, and therefore their true heart by these vain and ulterior motives that spurred them in their false and insincere devotions. “ A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man after the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil things; for out of the abundance of ones heart, they speak. “ “How can you, being evil, bring forth good fruit? Make the tree good, and the fruit will be good also.” This was Jesus’ indictment against them, and all their (religious) works which they professed to do in the name of God, and to His declarative glory - just as deluded professors of religion continue to practice to this day until they are humbled under the mighty Hand of God. Idols do not make themselves. They are made by vain and foolish people, who make these idols in their own image, and then are so deluded, that they fall down and worship the work of their own hands. Modern Arminian religion, in the view of the writer is just like this: Their votaries would have no god, except they invented one that is even weaker than themselves, and to which they fall down and worship, and say: “This is my God.” And if a true believer in the power of God reprimands or makes fun of them (As Elijah did) they are sometimes even brought to tears and will say: “You are messing with my God, of whom I have been taught from a child that He loves all of the individuals of humanity equally! ..“ It is even so, because the same incident has happened to me personally more than once, but several times -Then the whole crowd around sometimes will join in concert with the objectors of this doctrine, and with serious frowns upon their faces (as these types did against Jesus, when they crucified Him, and say: “..Away with this man!! - and all of his kind ! We will not have this Man to come and rule over us - especially when it is against our free will, which we have by nature; because we are all free moral agents; and it would be unfair to some, if God favored some of humanity over others; because then He would be an unfair and unjust God, if He had allowed Himself to so discriminate between the individuals of mankind in such a way as it had eternally pleased Him in His Son ! ..“ Because we also have the right to claim ourselves as children of God in Adam and also in Abraham..”!
If Elijah had the authority to reprove false idols and false gods that men had invented out of their own imagination, then why don’t His true ministers of the present dispensation also have the same authority ? They suffer reproach from a truly professing (but unbelieving world,) only because they are given (like the Apostles) to trust in The Living God for Life and Salvation, and preach Him as their Only All in All, and as a God that IS God, and not a mere demagogue, or a god who is so weak that He can not make a move until He first consults with their free will, unless he violate it - and thus becomes amenable to their censorship as being an unjust or unfair creator, who does toward them, and like to Rodney Dangerfield, does not show them the proper respect that they think they deserve, or is due them in their noble estate, as they say they have been created in their god’s image, and after their god’s likeness - and indeed they have; for all of this seems to me to be the language and philosophy of Satan, instead of the language of a sin-stricken, but mercifully-delivered born-again child of God.
John, The Baptist, who came as the forerunner and messenger of Christ to announce His close Coming, did not accept all testimonies of those who came to John for baptism, but he turned some away. Why? Because they came not with a valid witness of faith in themselves of the faith of Jesus as believing in Him - or with fruits meet, or fit for true repentance in the name of Christ; but they presented other credentials; such as being natural descendants of Abraham, etc. Neither John, or Jesus, later, would accept of such qualifications for entering the Kingdom of God by performing the ordinance of water baptism upon them. Neither would Philip, when the eunuch requested baptism by the hands of Philip. But what was Phillip’s reply””..Thou mayest, IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH THY WHOLE HEART..” There was no “easy decisionism” going on between Phillip and the eunuch (as now so much transpires between so-called missionaries and evangelists of modern times. Who then can know of a person’s real (spiritual) qualifications as being recognized and therefore accepted as a member, and as a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation for them? When they make the gospel without charge, as Paul said: The true Gospel is not for trade or sale to or from any merchant, bidder, buyer or seller. It is completely free, and freely given to those whom God calls by His grace in Christ; and as it is preached an d proclaimed by those who have also been made heirs by their calling to effectively preach it to the children of promise as the true seed and heirs of the same promise as it was and is in Abraham, the father and representative of all the children of faith in Christ-Jesus. Only those who have been truly called and ordained by the Holy Spirit to such work. No man takes this honor (given from God) unto himself, but those who have been ordained of God; as was Aaron.” Church assemblies often perform an ordnance thus recognizing that God has manifested such gifts and callings for the work of the ministry of Christ, but this is all they are doing, or can do - Man cannot ordain anything - absolutely speaking; the ordination of all things is of God Himself. If professing Christian ministers do not have this discernment, then they do not truly have the qualifications for performing the work of baptism, as did John and all the Apostles of Christ. Their peace must either remain upon them, or return unto them - If not, they are to leave that place (or person) as a place forsaken, (or not yet visited by the Holy Spirit in regeneration.) Many ask: How do ministers (and all other enlightened children of God) perceive this? Because they also have the same spirit of faith in them as the one that has recently been brought into the truth of salvation as it is in Jesus. Ananias addressed Saul of Tarsus as “brother Saul” before Saul was baptized in water. This salutation was more than the mere fact that Saul was a fellow Jew, or a citizen of the Jewish nation (as was a customary manner of speech during those times.) Gentiles were addressed (by Jews) as “men”, while Jews were addressed as “brethren.” I doubt if Aninias would have addressed Saul (Paul) in the way that he did, except for the revelation that had been given him concerning the notorious persecutor known as Saul of Tarsus, who was so exceedingly zealous for the Jew’s religion that he was persecuting the saints and believers’ in Jesus from city to city; and even having them murdered as much as he could acquire authority to do so from the high priests and others in governmental authority.
Again, true ministers of Christ suffer this reproach in preaching Christ alone as The Savior of His chosen people (instead of “offering“ Him to all (conditionally, based upon their free will option) - and that salvation is solely by His grace alone; excluding in supposed “offers” of the Gospel, and which is first manifested to them in spiritual regeneration, and subsequently in their calling to the power and witness of believing the Gospel, which then becomes the present or daily manifestation and witness to them and for them as the salvation or deliverance of their very souls (or of their very being) in believing and enjoying the blessing of it, and now which they would not give anything in exchange for; because it has become, and is ever and continually becoming their real or only superlative reason for having a manifest purpose, life and hope in God through Jesus, and that shall abide in them and continue with them unto the realms of eternal glory. Therefore, they will not, and cannot preach man’s supposed free will in order to salvation - which the contrary part has made as sacrosanct as the proverbial sacred cow of the Hindus. God is not permitted (by them) to select His Own in Himself in Eternity - or to so discriminate between the vessels which He has formed and molded for His Own glory - but if so, He is then charged by vain and arrogant man as “Being unfair to His creatures, and being an unjust God, and “The Author of sin”, etc., if He did not give every individual of the Adam family an “opportunity” or “chance” to “be saved” by thus closing with the supposed terms of His “offer” to them as sinners, and by the means of such a vain thing, acquire unto themselves eternal life - As if they could trade their “acceptance” or their legal work of making a “decision” for Christ (to save them), so as to close upon Grace and free salvation. By such a theory, God’s sovereignty must fall to the ground, submit to, and bow before the feet and face of man’s supposed holy and inviolable Idol, called FREE WILL (of every individual of mankind to either accept or reject of an offer of salvation from Christ), in order that fallen humanity be not offended, or either that God be charged with being an unjust or unfair Creator in exercising His Divine Right and Prerogative to “have, or show or manifest His mercy, by showing His Power upon and in the vessels of mercy, whom He has before (in eternity, in His Mind, and in Time in the eternal redemption that the Son of God performed for them by , and in His Holy Life and death upon the Tree, and even Now, as He manifests Himself unto these by His Spirit individually and through the faith of the Gospel, thus declaring that finished work to them through the Eternal Spirit, as it works in the vessels of mercy according to His good pleasure in Christ -Jesus. - But after all, according to their theory, and ironically, though all this granted and freely given sharade (which these would make it into, and that is avowedly presented as preaching “grace” and the unmerited favor of God in Jesus in the whole work of salvation - yet, according to these kind of “good news” preachers, Eternal Life, Eternal salvation and Heaven and Immortal Glory is still up for “grabs” to the first bidder, and they say “hurry up and avail yourselves of this stock before it is “everlastingly too late”. The great supposed champion of Arminianism and the idol of the Missionaries of The Southern Baptists, in my mind could very well equate perfectly as the great example of these who hang their supposed eternal destiny, not upon Christ Himself, and on the work HE HAS FINISHED AND COMPLETED FOR THEM; BUT ONLY UPON THEIR DECISION (TO BELIEVE ON HIM AS THEIR SAVIOR.) IS THIS PRINCIPLE, IN WHICH THEY SO MUCH TRUST, REAL GOD-GIVEN FAITH - OR, IN OTHER WORDS, do they ACTUALLY AND TRULY believe in - Christ Himself, AND HIS REDEMPTIVE WORK FOR THEM, or ONLY in their “decision” to “accept” His “offer” FOR OR TO them to believe? To one who has actually been arrested by the mighty power of God through His Spirit, and found or experienced or realized that they were completely helpless within themselves to aid their eternal salvation in any way, such as enhancing their position before God - in or to gain eternal Life (by any work which is left to their option to perform) in Jesus, then, all of this becomes pure foolishness unto them; because it denies and contradicts all of their own experience, not only so, but it also contradicts all of the Holy Scriptures as being the True word of God where His eternal counsel is revealed plainly. (that is to those who are the called to the true Gospel) which is for them as the true objects of His Gospel - but to no others - and they never will believe it until wrought upon by divine grace and the power of God in believing; For it is unto “the Jew first, and also to the Gentile, for therein is the power of God manifested in the power of the Spirit, when the Spirit in the believer couples with the power of the Gospel of Christ which is in the recipient of this grace. and is for His people only, whom He has chosen for Himself, that they should (and will) show forth His praise in the work of salvation - but not their own praise, as legalism always strives to teach. Believing is not according to their work - or any of mans optional work - but it is the work of the Spirit, working in them according to His mighty power, and is the same resurrecting power that raised Jesus from the dead; And when He rose from the grave (hell), all His chosen ones that were chosen in Him before the world began, rose with Him.
Salvation in believing is not according to their works - OR ANY WORK THAT MAN CAN DO ACCORDINGLY, or conditionally, and with a free will which is disposed to believe unto salvation, or on the other hand, that can freely reject such a (supposed) proposition made to it; and thus, by such a (theoretical) rejection, merit the damnation of (their supposed) hell - when it also could have been otherwise. But the truth of eternal salvation is that IT IS all according to His Own Purpose and grace which was given, not generally or conditionally to all, upon terms of their acceptance or rejection (of it); but it was given to them personally and individually in the Mind of God in Christ, and these who are predestinated unto Eternal Glory shall not fail of Christ’s benefits for them; but shall most certainly come forth in His Own time according to that same purpose and grace which was given unto THEM before the world began. But in a great house, such as this world - or the nominal church, there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but of earth and of stone; being of such material, they are also very susceptible to break before the sword of the Spirit when it is wielded by the vessels of gold and silver that God has before prepared unto His Own glory. These in all things - that is, in being enabled by divine grace to preach and maintain a CONSISTENT doctrine that gives not a part, but ALL of the glory to Christ alone in the work of salvation, is the only doctrine that will ever stand, or has ever stood the ravages and assaults that have been laid upon and against it; because it is the only true doctrine of how sinners are truly saved from their sins in Time and Eternity - HOW THEY ARE delivered, brought into the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, or brought into the confines of The Holy Jerusalem, that John saw coming down from God OUT OF (NOT IN) HEAVEN. This Kingdom is not a kingdom which man acquires first by his diligent searching for it, but “is always found (sooner or later, in their apprehension of it) by them who did not seek it (by nature) - which includes all of humanity) and when they are given to seek it, they shall surely find this Kingdom (sooner, or later) and its Essence, which is the Spirit of Christ in them. for it is even then in their hearts and mouth, it is not afar off; but it is in them as a springing, or artesian well of water, springing up unto everlasting Life, which is in Jesus, Who is their Life, and also their Salvation. Though God has made some (of humanity) unto honor, and some unto dishonor - which the latter seem to be very numerous or much more common, and therefore cheap to acquire or buy with the natural man’s money, and also by preying upon their votaries and adherents native sense of the condemnation of quilt and depravity which is in mans fallen conscience by nature - But where is their avowed “salvation” that they are prone to so much talk about? Where is their suffering for the name of Christ? Really, all these stand in very high esteem in the religious world, and “they are not in trouble like the poor and afflicted of God’s flock, And “Have more than their heart’s desire in the their estimation and value of their own righteousness and the religious works that they are doing “for” Him and His cause. But not the remnant according to the election of grace, who followed the faithful Apostles of Christ, who preached Christ, but never offered Him upon anyone’s condition of accepting or either rejecting Him as their savior based upon their free will of choice to believe, (or not to believe) in Him as their Lord and Savior. The Apostles, with their companions in the Gospel were even forbidden to go into certain countries which they had purposed in their natural minds to go; but the Spirit forbid them to go there., but sent them in another direction, under the influence and guidance of the Holy Spirit alone. But it is not the same with the modern “missionaries” They say that it doesn’t make any actual difference where they go (because all people are actually ministers of Christ, and therefore have a mission to one another in preaching Christ, thus degrading and even demeaning the office of a true heavenly called minister of Christ. (I profess to be a minister of the Gospel of Christ, and have for many years; yet, most all of these who gave their money in attempting to save “souls” on the opposite side of the globe never said much about Christ to me in my secular workplace; Actually, I, at times attempted to tell them about the Christ that I believed in, but most of them didn’t seem interested in my kind of Savior, who saves men against their natural will. However the most of the disinterested were the same ones that were giving ten percent (or more) of their money to the mission cause in order to perhaps save some (or perhaps all souls on the other side of the earth -(because they say it is left up to the mere chance of anyone accepting it - but perhaps no one accepts it? But I suppose they have a ready answer for this too, and that according to their illogical take on this) While they were trying to save (but not too seriously) souls on the other side of the earth, while I thought that there were plenty right in the office with me who could do with a little knowledge of the salvation which is in Jesus, if it was God’s will to reveal it unto them. But evidently not; because we, see that according to God’s purpose in this earth we are now living in times, when men, who like the ancient Jews, will not, and cannot endure sound doctrine, but have heaped unto themselves teachers with itching ears, so they cannot believe or preach anything from their supposedly renewed hearts, or from the sacred text that might come directly through the agency of the Divine Spirit; but must beg to get their doctrine of Christ from seminaries and schools of divinity, (so they can only preach like a parrot) And what they have only heard and copied from others, who are in gross error concerning the principles of the Gospel of Christ. Most of these, (ironically,) do not even claim to be sent directly by God; but they admit they are dependant upon the organizations that they have made themselves subservient to - while the heads of these same organizations are continuously beating them over their heads with blind, but zealous preachers who are always spurring them on with unnecessary works - because they know nothing about truly spiritual things - or they have quickly become bored with any preacher that God in His providence may put among them that is able to even half-way preach the doctrine of Christ, but they who only cater to every bodies whims and frivolities; so that the preacher becomes a little “spiritual diplomat” in trying to solve and counsel carnal man in things that he does not really know much about; but perhaps should have been left to other professionals (in such matters.) Paul admonished his ministerial, (and all other brethren) contemporaries not to become :servants of men, and that they ought to obey God rather than man. However, if the more enlightened among these under consideration were to heed this admonition of the apostles, they would quickly lose their position, their big salary, their house and car, and all that goes with a position of serving the flesh of mankind. They believe and teach that they have a choice in salvation; but their inconsistency shows through when they cannot make a choice to even suffer for his name’s sake, and thus suffer for the truth’s sake, or to stand up to those who love to have the preeminence over them and others, as did Diotrephes. The same things could be said about those also who are sent by a mission board. However, The modern missionaries contradict themselves in their doctrine of making Christ an “offer“ to sinners in accepting Him as their Savior, in which they have no warrant in the Scriptures of Truth in so doing, thus showing the foolishness of the natural mind concerning salvation, proving, in essence that they do not have the same experience as those who have truly tasted that the Lord is fully and wholly gracious in the gift of salvation; and does not present it, based upon conditions of man’s acceptance or rejection of it; but rather freely GIVES salvation unto the heirs of promise in His Own Time and Way, working salvation in them, that is, in their hearts and minds, according to His Own Invincible Will and Purpose in His Son. While these of the other persuasion , at the same time, teach that they must be sent to certain geographic and/or demographic locations, because the people there, they feel, are in dire need of salvation, without which knowledge, these shall surely perish in their sins unless these get to them with their gospel and perhaps save their souls through the presentation of the “offers” of grace and salvation - (which of course, they have ready to quickly dispense unto them; because they themselves have supposedly “accepted of His offer” of eternal salvation, and now have Jesus in a little box all to themselves to offer to others. - and that also at their own option - so that nearly everything in their theology is not based upon the free and good-will of God in Christ, but upon the free volition of the will of the natural mind of man in order to receive of the blessings of God in salvation. And like others as themselves (which number into the millions,) they teach that God has desired that not “any (of the human race) - which they have added to the text - should perish, but that God is only desirous (not absolutely willing, as the text reads) (that all men) which “all men” they have also added - come to repentance” which scripture (some of) them willfully use out of context, thinking they are not to blame for handling the word of God deceitfully (which the Apostles dared not do)
However, their construction upon the passage above does not refer to those who are perishing in sin, and that in accordance with God’s Will, but inversely, as it is a statement concerning God’s absolute will in preserving that remnant of grace that was pursued by the serpent and apostate whore of Babylon, who were the unbelieving Jews, who brought upon themselves their own destruction when the vengeance of God was finally released upon them, bringing forth their utter destruction as a political people and nation. But the true believers in Christ among them who were vexed with the evil deeds of their hypocritical enemies to the Gospel and the suffering of persecution that they received at their hands were divinely spared when the Jews finally fell away, and the Kingdom of Christ was mostly given to the Gentiles, and a people who would be called by grace, washed in the blood of the Lamb in their conscience (because they had already been chosen in Christ in eternity, and washed in His blood upon the gruesome Tree of Calvary.
But these of the contrary part, along with all other human and religious socialists will forsake the word of God, if they think their desired ends in saving souls (or for political socialist- activists, in saving the earth and the world in seeking to establish these kinds of human governments in the earth, while ushering in their great social Utopia - which (according to their Deistic and even agnostic and atheistic principles, such as that of past Marxists, Jeffersonians, Somersets and Voltaristic thinkers, along with many other famous agnostics of our own day - could in their way of thinking) really do without a Sovereign Creator and/or Sustainer, except that One which The natural Evolutionarily process has ordained (by blind chance) to so order and establish in their supposed self-designing creation.
These will also seek to justified any “means” they may desire, or they might conjure up in their imaginations concerning what they call Christianity, And what they consider is the ultimate good and best for all humanity - which they believe God has placed in their own weak hands for its safe keeping, and as there is now evidently, at least, in their minds - and like all their brethren Deists and stark atheists before them - that there is no Almighty Being super ruling, superintending, and in His sovereignty yet conducting the affairs of this earth and its inhabitants and beyond, including Old Sol, and his attendant orbiting solar system, the Milky Way Galaxy, with her billions of stars and also their orbiting planets - Not to mention the billions of galaxies beyond, with their trillions of stars and other phenomenon, including perhaps planets, and whatever, yet unknown or even guessed at, or even heretofore speculated upon by the mind of man - Yes, and all else of which may comprise God's vast material (and spiritual) Cosmos and/or Universe - Yet, according to the belief of many, this Almighty Creator and Sustainer of His Own World. which He has NOT made for creatures, and their glory; but according to His Word of Divine Testimony, has made for His OWN essential and declarative Glory - However, this same Infinite, Omnipotent, Invincible and Omniscient Creator cannot save a single soul, unless they first give this Almighty One their permission, by closing with His begging, pleading terms of a mere OFFER, made unto them (by human preachers) saying, “would you like to be saved? - then believe on Christ, and you shall be saved - - that’s all you have to do - just this one little work of faith, that you are free to exercise at your own free will option, and then you are eternally secure in Christ. This doctrine and teaching surely did not come from heaven, in that it denies and dishonors a sovereign God in Christ in the work or business of Almighty God in Christ in His Sovereignty and Grace toward them as His Own sheep of His Own pasture, and as such, in saving His Own people (which He fore loved, and determined in His Eternal Mind to save from the condition in which they had fallen in their federal head and seminal progenitor or representative as a sinful source in their earthly nature, in which also they were lost in the elements of this fallen mass of humanity - but not lost from God The Father, or from the security which He has eternally given them in His Son.
The modern missionaries by their methods and beliefs show that they are averse to the same Spirit Who directed the ministerial work of the Apostles, when THEY, AND THEY ONLY WERE GIVEN the “Great Commission” (as it has been styled afterwards), by the direct command of Jesus Himself before He departed the shores of Time; and they all fulfilled this commission to a jot and tittle. Paul said so - at least, three times. This is not to imply that ordinary ministers of today, or after the days of the Apostles are not still called to preach the everlasting Gospel as Christ wills, and as He directs them to go anywhere His Spirit may lead them in Providence and Grace. The only difference is - are they given a general commission to preach, and thus compound “offers” of grace and life to all in general - or are they to simply preach as with the ability that the Spirit of God gives them, and “let the chips fall where God shall direct them?” But where are all of these so-called “missionaries” who have arrogated to themselves the work and authority of the ministers of Christ. The condition of Christendom today proves that these intruders and imposters are not real ministers of Christ; because they are contrary to Him and His word of truth in all they practice and do in order to dishonor His Power and Glory in dishonoring the Praise that is due His Holy Name in the work of preaching Christ‘s great salvation, and how sinners receive it. If this they can show, then they can be accepted as true ministers of Christ as the Apostle said when He was also made to defend his own credentials and divine authority as an approved Apostle of the Lord Jesus. Neither did he present his diploma from Gamlial’s school; because God may have used Saul’s former education in both the Jew‘s religion and his learning in secular subjects; but it wasn’t really generally necessary. God used Saul in this way because - like all other things that He does - He does it sovereignly, and after the Counsel of His Own Will and Purpose. God had separated Saul of Tarsus from his mother’s womb literally and figuratively, that He might show His power in Saul in his wondrous calling and in the power of the mercy which is in Christ - if Paul‘s means (of preaching) was essentially necessary, then all the other Apostles would have failed to qualify - even Jesus Himself!
As these false ministers of light are vessels of dishonor, and are made only of earth and of stone, they are designed for this dishonor or inferior place in the house by the decree of the Sovereign Potter, who made the world, and all things in it, for Himself, - even the wicked, for the day of evil, and that according to His sovereign Will and Purpose in Christ.
An admonishment and exhortation to some of my brethren ministers seems in order here. Those who know and believe the truth of these things, but hesitate to preach what God has put in their hearts, and which their hearts and conscience have persuaded them to believe is the truth. Come out of them and suffer affliction with the poor and despised of this religious world that holds the truth (down) in the unrighteousness of that which proceeds only from the rebellious and unbelieving heart of unregenerate man. Take His yoke upon you, so that being made free from the bondage of legalism, you may know more and more of the great salvation that is in Jesus. These can never carry through in their preaching. Even though they may begin (it sometimes seems) in the Spirit (Because Satan has power - for awhile, anyway- to transform himself into a minister of light. Like the flies in King Solomon’s ointment, they spoil all the avowed healing salve before all is said and done in attempting to preach their Christ, which they think they are compelled to “offer“ to the world of every individual of the Adam race - if we are a race.. These just cannot carry through to the finish with the real “Jesus-Christ of Yesterday, Today, and Forever.” Before very long, their legalistic bias to the free will of man will always get the best of them, when then they will prove to the truly enlightened in the Gospel of Christ that they are only ministers of dishonor unto Christ’s name, because they fail to , (but cannot) give God all the glory due Him in their preaching: And thus they fulfill the truth spoken by Elihu by the Spirit: “Great men are not always wise; neither do the aged understand judgment; but there is a Spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them instruction..” Job: in Whom they also profess to trust; But they are not able (in spite of themselves, and all their efforts to “preach the whole counsel of God”) in the work of believing unto the salvation which is in Jesus. These, like the old Judaisers, are clouds without water, raging waves of the miry sea, whose waters cast up mire and dirt when it cannot rest, because of sin; Not able to speak any comforting word to the children who are weary with sin and the raging sea of confusion which can only cast up more mire and dirt; Foaming out their own shame and proving by their legalism that they are only yet under the condemnation of sin, from which they have never been delivered, as they profess they have, when they would delude others in the same way. While they promise them liberty by such means. They prove themselves to be servants to the corruption of the flesh of condemned human depravity, only showing forth their true unbelief: And like the carnal Jews, when they say they see; yet their sin remains upon them; And also like the unbelieving Jews unto whom Christ spoke, They cannot believe upon Him unto Life. Because God has also given “..to them ears, that they should not hear, and eyes that they should not see, unto this (very) day..” And show (by their doctrine, as did the unbelieving Jews) that they give no present sound evidence of being His sheep; for like the Jews of old, they CANNOT hear His word - AS CHRIST ALSO TOLD THE CARNAL JEWS. “.Ye believe not, because you are not of My sheep, as I said unto.” Evidently, Christ had spoken like words unto these unbelieving Jews on more than one occasion, and perhaps more. No wonder that these leaders of the people hated Him so much, when by His Divinity, He looked into their very soul and being, and their actual standing before Almighty God’s judgment upon them! No more severe words of judgment have ever been spoken against any of mankind as was spoken by Jesus-Christ Himself against these serpents and their generation of vipers.
Many have told me that Jesus never healed anyone, except He had first asked them if they were willing to believe upon Him, and therefore qualified to be healed of their maladies (because of their belief in Him.) These must have failed to correctly notice (the details of) many passages in the gospels concerning those whom Jesus healed. Some instances are given:
The wild Gaderene was stark, raving mad, because he was possessed of, or by a legion of devils. In healing the man, by casting out the devils, Jesus did not speak a word directly to the Gergesene himself: He only addressed the devils that were then possessing the man. These demons had knowledge of Jesus as being the Holy One of God. They cried out - not the man - “We know who thou art, Thou Holy One of God. Art Thou come to torment us before the time?..” Here was a man, not in any way able to help himself (As all “God helps-those-who-help-themselves would teach.”) He was not able to close with any “offers” in order to receive or gain the mercy of Christ-Jesus in delivering himself from the terrible plight which he for such a long time had found himself enslaved by perhaps the worst kind of spirits that may possess the sons of men. Jesus here demonstrated His power as God Omnipotent!! Only the Son of God could possess such sovereign power in the work of delivering such a poor and miserable one, such as the wild Gaderene from such a terrible bondage as can be imagined by the mind of man. It was only necessary for Jesus to speak one word unto these spirits which possessed the demented man: GO ! It is often pointed out that the shortest phrase in the New Testament was when it was said that “Jesus wept.” This is wonderful, but here Jesus used only ONE word, and it was sufficient to drive out a whole legion (at least, a hundred, because that was about the size of a Roman army legion) However, if the number had been a million, it would not have been any harder for The Son of God to have performed the same work upon the wild lunatic of the worst kind. His power, as well as His love is infinite concerning the objects of His Divine choice. Consider this: The devils in the man could not have made a single move until Jesus had spoken the single word: GO ! When this Omnipotent command was given, the legion of foul spirits were sent out of the man into a herd of swine (NOT SHEEP, BUT SWINE) Under the Law of God given to the Jews exclusively, swine were unclean or unsanctified animals. However, even this whole great herd of swine could not contain, or withstand, such a posse of unclean spirits, when they were made to run down a steep slope into the sea, where they were all drowned. What a majestic display of God’s power in Jesus was there manifested in finding and healing such a helpless wretch as the wild Gaderene was. Jesus, no doubt traveled over the sea for this explicit purpose to find this lost sheep, and that the power of God in Jesus as the Son of God manifeste4 in the flesh might be displayed in Him!! Jesus does not go into the wilderness to only find His lost sheep; but when He finds them, He takes them on his shoulder, takes them to house of His friends (The church or assembly of believers) and says to them” Rejoice and be glad; for this is MY SHEEP, which was ONCE lost, but NOW is FOUND, And there is joy among the angels or messengers of God over only ONE sheep that Christ has manifested Himself unto by going unto them, finding them, placing them in His bosom (if they are only lambs, carrying them home to His Dear children within the confines of His house, which is the pillar and ground of the truth as it is in Himself, and saying to His friends: “..This is MY SHEEP, which once was lost (in the elements of this old world of sin and death) “but NOW is found..” These sheep were never lost from the security of that covenant which has been eternally “ordered in all things, and sure - or secure; but these lost sheep were lost only in the wilderness of this sinful and undone world of humanity who fell from communion and innocence with God- that God according to His eternal Purpose in Christ might enter into judgment with His creature known as man (including, of course, man’s bride, woman, who was taken out of him in the beginning of the manifestation of life and death in Adam and also the Life of Jesus, The Promised One, Who was to bruise the serpent‘s head by destroying him who had the power of death over them all their lifetime, by abolishing death, and bringing immortality and life to light through the Gospel - or that good news that is in His Kingdom concerning His great salvation - proclaiming life and salvation and redemption in Himself forever - Thus bringing about the restitution of all things in the fullness of times, when His Kingdom was shown to be fully established in the earth, and then offered up unto the Father without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing of imperfection in her. She was, and is complete in Him, Who gave Himself for her, to redeem her from all iniquity, and to purify her, and present her faultless and spotless before God - which He has completed when He finished His final coming in judgment upon this unbelieving world that is dead in trespasses and sin. Therefore, He is even now seated upon the Power of His throne, and yet making all of His enemies to be His footstool.
This insane Gaderene was wholly or completely healed by the sovereign power of Jesus, The Son of God manifested in the flesh of humanity. He was then clothed, AND PUT IN HIS RIGHT MIND by God's Sovereign Power in Jesus. We all, as sinful and spirit possessed creatures may not have felt to have been in the same miserable condition as the Gaderene, but we were all lost and undone in our fallen nature in sin, without hope, and without God in the world, before we were quickened unto Divine Life in Christ. We all, who have experienced this sovereign work of deliverance according to the mighty power of the Lord Jesus, have experienced the same salvation and grace which was freely bestowed in mercy upon a stranger to the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the promises, that were embodied in the former covenant that is now abolished in Christ at His coming, and at the revelation of the Son of God in the Person of Jesus was manifested to a miserable wretch who was shown to be the eternal object of God’s Love as shown in the record and testimony that God has given of His Son.
After the restoration of the Gaderene, He requested of Jesus that he might become His disciple by following him in His work. This Jesus would not permit, but Jesus commanded “To go home to his friends, and tell them what great things the Lord had done for him..” This is the simple, consistent, yet glorious testimony of one who has been saved by sovereign grace. They are not sent unto the unbelieving world, thinking that they may “make sheep, or a people for the Lord.” God has made and formed His Own people in Christ in eternity, and He will manifest each and every one of these in His Own Time. "..For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.. - Rom 8:28-30, John 6 -- according to the Apostle, and Jesus’ prayer for them; Here is revealed by Divine testimony of the Spirit, where God has shown a continuous and consistent unbroken chain of Omnipotent, Invincible power and love for His people, whom He chose for and in Himself in all Eternity, and they shall show forth His everlasting praise, world without end.
We could also mention the man that Jesus healed who was born blind, or blind from his birth - who did not even know (How could he - he was blind) who had healed him until Jesus found him after the Jews had cast him out of the synagogue, Then Jesus asked him if he believed upon the Son of God, he replied: “Lord, who is He, that I might believe upon him?
Jesus said: “It Is He that speaks to you.” There was again divine power that attended these words of Jesus; because the words that He speaks unto His children are Spirit, and they are Life. When Jesus had thus spoken, the Man whom Jesus had healed replied “My Lord, and my God, and worshipped Him.”
We also could speak of the impotent man who had lain 40 years beside Bethesda’s Pool in Jerusalem, waiting for the moving of the waters, that he might step down into the pool and be healed; because at a certain time an angel went down into the water and caused the first one who stepped down into it to be healed of their maladies. Jesus did not have to conform to the ordinances and miracles that were given and performed under the former dispensation; because this man was in such a helpless condition that he did not “have the means to walk, and therefore to step down into the water and be healed. Moreover, if he was able to walk a little, someone else, who was more able (to walk) always “stepped down before him” (when he was going.) Jesus said unto this man: “Would you be made whole?..” In our way of thinking, we might consider this a superfluous question; But God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts, our thoughts. He knows the thoughts that He thinks toward us in mercy; thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give us an expected end.” Isa 55. Of course it was the man’s fervent desire to be healed. Jesus spoke in this way to draw out the truth of these things - as He often did; because He was about to give another demonstration of His Amighty, sovereign power (without the deeds of the Law being considered.) His power was (as in case of the Gaderene) shown in this case also, when Jesus only said” “ARISE, TAKE UP THY BED AND WALK!” Divine Power attended His voice, and the man instantly obeyed, when strength came into his lifeless limbs, and his body was immediately made to obey the command of Almighty God in the Person of His Son. This man was looking for the “means” of the water to heal him; but Jesus does not need any means other than His Own intrinsic power when He is pleased to demonstrate His power and glory upon the vessels of mercy which He has afore prepared unto glory; even us, whom He has called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles; because a short work has God made upon the earth (land) of Israel by and through His Son. And ended, or concluded it in His righteousness. He has also finished all of the redemptive work for His people in that work which He performed in suffering and dying for these vicariously, that is, in their room and stead. Because, when they were yet without strength, Christ died for us who were (and yet are in our fleshly nature) ungodly and lost in the elements of this world; but now, when the fullness of time has come for us, in His purpose, we are quickened together with Him, and made to set with Him in the heavenliest, or heavenly places in Him; being predestinated thereunto according to the purpose of Him Who works ALL things (not just some of them) after the counsel of His Own Will. (Not the creature’s or human will, mind you)
There are many other instances of Jesus’ sovereign power manifested to undeserving sinners, but perhaps they can be saved till later, if it be God’s will.
There are multitudes of professing Christians claiming, and no doubt thinking that they are really preaching the true Gospel of Christ in avowedly preaching in such a way as giving invitations, proffers and offers of salvation to supposed unbelievers in Christ, basing the terms of salvation upon the free-will acceptance of what they style the gospel of Christ being and consisting of and in mere offers and invitations for all or anyone (’whosoever” - as they style it, with their connotation upon the word) -and that in order for their adherents to believe and thus secure to themselves eternal salvation in thus closing with the terms of such an offer according to their free-will option as a take-it-or-leave-it-affair. But is it really so for those who have been chosen in Christ from the foundation of the world; that is, in eternity, or in the eternal Mind and Power of God - chosen to belief of the truth about or of salvation, and the truth concerning its Divine Author in bestowing it upon whom His sovereignty has eternally pleased, and no others?
According to Jesus’ parable of the wedding supper, none of the prospective guests who were merely invited to the Rich Man’s wedding supper, came. So much for the real effectiveness of outward biddings or invitations to come to the feast of the Gospel. People by human nature do not attend social functions in which they do not have an interest. If they do, it is usually because they are forced to (AGAINST THEIR WILL) or for some other reason, perhaps only to enhance their position or social status in the world. So it was/is in Jesus’ parable: The invited (to their hypothetical gospel feast) did not come, or show up because they had no real interest in this coming feast that God in Christ was about to pour out and in the hearts and minds of those who were not merely invited or bidden to a feast, (but were to be called to later it after Christ had died, and risen again for them) as not like those who were steeped in the things of this world and would continue in them; and therefore, they pursued those things instead (as the parable clearly shows.) Some could not come because they were bound under Jewish and Eastern traditions; such as the man who had married a wife, and did not come because the Jewish custom said that a man could not bring his wife with him to such a feast. Also, according to the Law, newly married couples were given a whole year’s honeymoon. Think about it. All of this is to use the analogy that those who were invited, but did not come, were interested in something else.
The same lesson is taught (for the understanding of the enlightened) by Jesus in the Parable of the Sower. (Mark 4:3) Although the word sown by the parabolic Sower profited some for a while (at least, so it SEEMED,) YET IN THE PROCESS OF TIME, THESE FELL WAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE AND PERHAPS PROFESSION ALSO. Notice this: It was only those who received the word (seed) in good ground that actually brought forth what Jesus called GOOD FRUIT, because of other things hindering the word that was in them for AWHILE ONLY.
Then, what is difference in these various kinds of HEARERS? Here is the difference: Only those who was said (by Jesus) to have brought forth GOOD fruit
In various degrees - (but still GOOD fruit) were those WHO RECEIVED THE SEED OR WORD OF THE COMING KINGDOM IN GOOD GROUND - THAT IS, IN GROUND THAT HAD BEFORE BEEN PROPERLY PREPARED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD. OR THE GOOD HUSBANDMAN AS IN PLANTING AND HARVESTING ALSO. - TO NOT ONLY TO HEAR THE WORD, AFTER SOME MANNER, OR ANOTHER; BUT AS TO ALSO KEEP THE WORD (IN THEIR MIND AND HEART) OR UNDERSTANDING AND AFFECTIONS, OR TRUE LOVE FOR IT. - THEN, ALL THE BRINGING FORTH OF THEIR GOOD FRUIT, WAS DUE TO THE PREVIOUS EXCELLENT PLANNING AND PREPARATION OF THE GROUND, (TO MAKE IT GOOD) AND THAT IN THE PURPOSE, SKILL OR POWER OF THE FARMER, OR THE WISE AND GOOD HUSBANDMAN, WHICH IS CHRIST; MAKING IT GOOD - SO AS TO PRODUCE THE FRUIT DESIRED OR PLANNED BY THE GOOD HUSBANDMAN, WHICH IS GOD, IN HIS WORK OF SOVEREIGNLY GIVING SALVATION TO THOSE HE PLEASES IN HIS LOVE.
Most, if not perhaps all of Jesus’s parables centered in the fact, and pointed to the reality that His coming Kingdom was to totally replace the former economy that God had dispensed unto the people of the Jews or Israelites. Thus, these comparisons are made by Jesus in His parables which He spoke in the audience of the multitudes of Jews, but which He expounded the greater meaning unto His disciples as He gave them ability at that time to understand the true meaning of His parables. These things were spoken as “In a mystery before the multitudes” (As they for the most part, still are in our times; because multitudes from that time have yet not been able to understand the true meaning of Jesus’ words) and teaching but perhaps are only given “..To hit the highlights..” - so to speak.
At the end of this parable, Jesus finishes it with this statement: “None of those who were invited shall attend My wedding feast..” Again, so much for mere invitations, biddings and offers in which the Arminians so much trust - not only, it seems to invite somebody (all men, they say, which is even not in accordance with this parable, but is contrary to it;) because in the end of the parable none of those who were merely “invited” or who were “bidden” came, but only those who were COMPELLED (by divine power in working in their hearts) to come, actually showed up. Jesus first sent His disciples over the land of Israel only. Later He expanded this commission to include “the highways and byways - in order that in the Purpose of God in Christ, His house would be full in the calling of the Gentiles which did not volunteer in their calling, but were wrought upon by the mighty power of God through the Spirit sovereignly working in them, (as He continues to do in a true and spiritual calling of His elect people) and thus “compelling” these Gentiles to come in to the great Gospel feast which Jesus had prepared for them. Unbelievers can only view these things in a human and physical way, not have experienced the inward power of God - just as Jesus charged the Sadduccees in their ignorance of the resurrection of the dead; because they were only thinking about it physical or human terms, not considering the Omnipotent power of God, with Whom nothing is impossible.
This relates primarily to Christ’s first coming into the world to perform the work of eternal redemption for His people. He came then in His human incarnation as the suffering and humiliated Savior, bearing the curse of sin for His people. This did not begin for Him when He began His ministry of public preaching; but began after His birth surrounding the circumstances of that itself, when He was born with the lowest of social status among the Jews. His holy and blessed mother, being chosen to bear Him, was the poorest of people of the Jews, And was also bearing their stigma with her husband, Joseph, who was a just man. But under the stigma of causing her pregnancy, perhaps illegitimately as the people thought, not realizing that Jesus was not physically conceived in Mary‘s womb by the ordinary human process of nature, but was miraculous formed by the direct Power of the Holy Spirit. . Jesus was despised and rejected by men, even from His birth into the world. “He was despised and rejected, and we esteemed Him not.. He was rejected as perhaps being the Messiah or King of Israel in the warped political mind of Herod The Great, When Herod attempted to kill him and His parents escaped into Egypt, that the Scriptures might be fulfilled. HE WAS REJECTED BY THE RELIGIOUS Jews when He announced His Divine ministry by declaring to them that He Himself, Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised Deliverer of Israel - And He was; but not concerning THE NATIONAL ISRAEL as was supposed (and as yet supposed by many people, not only Zionists of the Jewish culture, but by many who now bear the Christian profession) as being the Messiah, or the Anointed One, Whom the faithful in Israel had long looked and waited for, He was immediately rejected by them, and they even attempted to stone Him to death by casting Him over a cliff down upon rocks - as they sometimes did in stoning to death violators of the Law. But, being Omnipotent, He passed invisibly and unharmed from among them, as He did at other occasions. Jesus’ words and comments upon the Scriptures - which He read from the Book of Isaiah infuriated these Jews in their synagogue at Nazareth. Why? Because. Even then, at the inception of His public preaching and ministry before the Jews, He preached to them true sovereign election of a people, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles. Rom 9. To prove His point on this, He referred to the Scriptures where Gentiles of their past history were visited in mercy and grace, and God showed His favor toward these also, (as well as to Israelites. ) which was contrary to popular Jewish beliefs and rabbinic teaching, and provoked them to a natural pride and jealously which makes up part of the nature of the natural man, and which we all are prone to when left to the dictates of the works of the flesh such as this. They thought they were the sole possessors of the kingdom of heaven, because God had chosen them as a politic and religious people unto Himself over all the other peoples and nations of the earth - And He had; but not in the way they thought about it; because their leaders were not given to truly understand their own Scriptures concerning the prophecies that spoke of Christ and His coming to them in the flesh. Thus, they stumbled at that stumbling stone and rock of offence that Jesus the Savior in His perception of Him to them presented; and they fell again after the same example of their constant and natural unbelief in the power of God - As all men do, until delivered by the power of His Spirit in them to acknowledge and believe the truth as it is in Jesus when they are enabled to see the true purpose and excelling glory of His Kingdom which is even now established in this earth.
Jesus was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of shame and death. But now He is the exalted King, High Priest, Prince and Savior over the true Israel of God. He has broken down the former enmity that existed between the natural Jew, and the Gentile, and by His sacrifice has made of both One new man in Himself by breaking down the middle wall of partition that once separated them; So there is now in the Spirit, no longer a distinction between a natural Jew by birth, culture, or even affiliation; because they who are called to the glory of the New Heaven and New earth which Jesus established have sat down in this Kingdom with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the true sanctuary of rest which God (Jesus) pitched, and not which man (Moses) pitched. Because the Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus the Savior, Who abolished our death in Adam, the first man. Of the earth, earthy, And as the Lord from heaven, a Life giving Spirit, brought Immortality and His Life to light, or manifestation of Himself through the Gospel - as He causes His people to understand, believe and rejoice in Him as their consummate Savior in all things; so they ever desire after their inward man (which is Christ in them, their Hope of Glory) to always give Him, and Him only, all the honor, and all the praise, and all the majesty, and all the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Every child of God who has truly or really experienced a genuine calling by divine and sovereign grace has found in their heart (and has verified by the Holy Scriptures of truth) that such teaching as it taught by conditional time Salvationist of every brand is far from the truth as is is in Jesus - Especially as they have found that in this kind of “gospel” or “good news” in which they which use such methods such as invitations, alter calls, and such are essentially denying the main basis of the true gospel of Christ in the sovereign calling of His children to His gospel and the glories thereof - and the truth as it is in Jesus, by denying the power of God in His sovereignly quickening, or regenerating, and effectually calling His people into the way of salvation which is in Himself. Also His sovereign work of qualifying His children for this calling and the preservation of His chosen people, (or the election of grace) unto eternal glory, both through time and in eternity to everlasting life in Christ - and that based solely upon His eternal Purpose, power and God-head, which He has wrought in His only begotten, The Lord-Jesus Christ.
One cannot believe on Jesus as their Savior until they are born of the Spirit. This new spiritual birth or being born-again, or being born from above is really a mystery to the natural mind until one has personally experienced it (for themselves.) Now, just like our natural birth into the natural world, we are completely passive in the new birth. Everyone understands this concerning the natural or physical birth, but like Nicodemus, it is a mystery to one until they have experienced or realized the second birth for themselves. A natural human being cannot make any physical motion until they are given life - even perhaps beyond conception. They have no will, as to form any conscience decision about anything in the natural realm. In the spiritual realm, it is the same way with man concerning eternal life and salvation - even though he now possesses natural life and understands the natural life and most (*or perhaps even all) of its concerns - as many *may who give little or no evidence that they are (yet) born of the Spirit.“..For what man knows the things of a man, except the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God know no man, but the Spirit of God…”
THE WIND (HOLY SPIRIT) BLOWS WHERE IT WILLIn illustrating the passivity of man under the influence of being born of the Spirit, Jesus described this phenomenon like unto the blowing wind which blows where it “listeth” (or where it turns, pleases or will, and causes various effects by its movements; just as the rudder or tiller of a ship causes the vessel to turn wherever the helmsman desires or wills. In this case the rudder is the wind, and the Pilot is the Holy Spirit, which is Omnipotent, (therefore being Invincible) in all His work. Thus the natural wind moves by or according to its own intrinsic nature and power which the Creator has given it.)* So - as it is true In the nature of the earthly wind, is it also true in the heavenly wind of the Spirit; like the natural wind of the atmosphere of this earth, we have no control over the atmospheric wind, and it is the same with the wind of the Spirit when it pleases God to blow upon us. We see the effects of the wind of nature, such as the movement of trees and their branches and leaves and such, and the wonderful breezes that also blow upon us in giving us all the natural and wonderful blessings of this earthly life from God in His abounding goodness of showering these blessings upon us; because He makes His rain to fall, His sun to rise and shine, and His breezes to blow upon the just(ified) and the un(justified) alike; and His kindness, beneficence, and goodness is over all His works - Even the disastrous and destructive effects sometimes caused by our earthly atmosphere; but humanity, while they have become more and more proficient in predicting the weather along with its greatest component and medium, the wind (driven by the heat energy of the natural sun) - yet man to this date has little, if any CONTROL over this terrestrial wind. The natural wind, being an invisible fluid or gas, cannot be viewed by our natural faculties of vision; nevertheless, it exists, and is actually very potent as we observe in the great storms of destruction produced by the wind. However, we humans” cannot tell from whence it comes, or whether it goes, but we hear the sound thereof“(as Jesus told Nicodemus) - It is the same with the Holy Spirit, when it blows upon the objects of His Love. The main difference in the natural wind and the heavenly wind is that the natural wind causes most of its effects upon the external part of us, or our physical body, while God’s spiritual wind shows nearly all of its effects upon the elect by its infusion into our very inward being, imparting eternal life unto our soul. And we become a living spirit unto God in our hearts: We then know Him as The God that we never knew before in our earthly nature and as we might have viewed Him only in His Providence - but not truly in His grace and favor toward us as His Dear children and the apple of His eye in His Love and Purpose in Christ-Jesus. But first, Jesus stated the truth of above that which one knows nothing about, and that one cannot even SEE God’s spiritual kingdom (that is, spiritually) until they are truly born anew from heaven; And then they are true candidates and are then qualified to truly believe in the Lord Jesus as their personal or own Savior. Not only so; but they being made partakers of the Divine nature, are also given to see, believe and trust to others, that have been wrought upon by the same Spirit by the evidences they give and their adherence to, and love of the same principles which through the entrance and work of this same Spirit of Christ - which has also wrought in them, so they can mutually say: “..We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren…” (Not necessarily the natural world of mankind in this respect, because the Love of The Spirit only flows between those who have been born of this same Spirit, and therefore show forth the fruits and evidences of this same Spirit, and thus they have (spiritual) fellowship one with the other.“Love not the world, neither the things of the world; for all that is in the world is of the world..”
“Honor the king; As much as in you lies, do good unto all men; Love the brotherhood..”
“..Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…”
John 3:3.
A man (or woman) cannot even see those things that form the spiritual heavens of God *as revealed unto the objects of His eternal Love - much less, enter into the understanding, knowledge and glory of them.
Though many may merely talk about these things, and *may even use the proper (Scriptural) words *and correct grammar, they cannot really understand *and truly appreciate spiritual things until they are born of the Spirit of Christ. It is so ironic that so many *professed Christian believers use the third chapter of John (John 3:16 especially) in thinking they are preaching salvation by the sole merits of Christ when they make believing upon Him conditional (or rather, propositional) upon the *dead alien sinner’s part to believe on Him from a standpoint of condemnation within themselves. All condemnation can produce is further condemnation- I am referring to those who are by a condemned nature in sin separated in spirit from Christ, and show this condemnation and guilt by attempting to extricate themselves from this condition by some legal work they might perform, and thus present to God for acceptance. This is what is done when man thinks he can “close” with some form or another of an “offer” of God to them)
Vain are the hopes of sons of men, Whom upon their work have built’ Their hearts by nature, all unclean, And all their actions quilt.
Isaac Watts
JESUS DID NOT MAKE ANY OFFERINGS (SACRIFICE) TO ANY, EXCEPT TO HIS ETERNAL FATHER, AND THE FATHER ACCEPTED HIS OFFERING FOR SIN, BECAUSE THIS OFFERING WAS ORDERED IN ALL THINGS AND SURE; EVEN FROM ETERNITY. ALL OF THOSE WHO ARE CALLED TO BELIEVE THE GOSPEL WERE ALSO EMBRACED IN HIS SACRIFICE FOR SIN, WHEN CHRIST HIMSELF WAS MADE THE OFFERING. - THERE ARE NO MORE OFFERINGS TO BE MADE BY ANYONE, SINCE CHRIST FIRST AND LAST ENTERED ONCE IN THE END OF THE LAW AGE, AND MADE THE FINAL OFFERING ONCE AND FOR ALL; BECAUSE, AS IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MAN ONCE TO DIE (NOT MANY TIMES,) IN ORDER TO LEAVE OR BEQUEATH AN INHERITANCE TO THOSE HE LOVES - So Christ in the end of the legal dispensation entered into the most holy place with the sacrifice of His Own blood, and thus obtained eternal redemption for all that were given Him in grace before the world began. The signs of natural life is fully manifested in the new-born child, (or any other creature) and it is even so spiritually with the heaven-born child. So - the evidence of spiritual life as *manifested or revealed in believing does not give life; but is only the evidence that spiritual life is already in existence and attendance in the child that has antecedently or previously received of the Spirit of God in Jesus; and then the new-born child is consequently shown to have already been born from above - that is, born from heaven. Preaching Christ, and “offering” Christ is as far apart as day is from night, and produce the same results (naturally) as the presence and absence of the sun shining upon the earth does in our natural lives.
HOW ONE THEN BORN OF THE SPIRIT CONFESSES CHRIST AS THEIR SAVIOR“Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells
For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek ; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the Lord shall be saved..” Rom 10:11-13.
(already dwells) in him, and he (already dwells) in God…” I John 4:15.
This “confessing” and this “calling” as above and as plainly shown here as to be based upon a new, or spiritual life already *living in a child of God; In fact, the presence of eternal life dwelling in them is the very thing that makes them a (spiritual) child of God. They believed, and therefore confessed - not in order to become a child of God; but their “confessing” shows that they (already) have God dwelling in them by His Spirit:
Rom 10:13 is a favorite text with free-will advocates; but I can’t see how this can help their puerile (childish) arguments in any way, because these passages are not any support for the free will of man in conditionally accepting their supposed terms of Christ’s “offer” of salvation to (spiritually-dead) sinners; but rather is a description of how a child of God receives faith in Jesus as being their Savior; because from a Scriptural standpoint, they fail to read and properly understand the preceding verse which says:
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that is, the word of faith, which we (the apostles) preach.” (Rom 10:8.)
The “ifs” of the Scriptures, as they truly are conditions to be fulfilled - yet they are not fulfilled by the free will of man as Arminians teach. God fulfills all the work of salvation in the hearts of His people by working faith and all blessings that He is pleased to give unto them by His Omnipotent Spirit - and that NOT against their human will; because He gives them a new will in regeneration and makes them a willing people in the Day of His Power when it is manifested to them, BY WORKIING IN THEM -not merely UPON them, as free will advocates seem to think. He has said that His people shall be a willing people in the Day of His Power - and this takes place even NOW in the midst of THE NEW JERUSALEM, where He has perfected the spirits of all just men in Christ. The curse and condemnation of a broken law has been removed from them, so they are no longer under a servile commandment, but rejoice in the great liberty they have in Christ when they look into this perfect Law, and see themselves therein, having their conscience washed clean from the stain and quilt of the sin of their flesh which is dead to the condemnation of sin, because Jesus has taken this condemnation of sin into His Own Holy flesh or body when He was made a substitute for them when He expired upon the Tree. He buried their sin in the earth, and left it there when He rose from the dead; and they rose there with Him, to walk in the newness of His Life, which He gave for them when He was made sin for them, though He knew no sin, or did not commit sin because He was Holy and undefiled before God, and therefore a fit sacrifice to bear their sins in His Own Holy body..
The verse above (in Roms 10:8,) refers to, or is rather a quotation from Deuteronomy concerning the unbelief of the children of Israel who believed not the word of God before Moses - as compared with those who have truly been given faith to believe God’s promises - for instance, as were Joshua and Caleb given faith to believe the promise of the land of Canaan. (while others failed to believe, because they trusted in their own natural strength from a human perspective, not considering the power of God which He had already many times manifested or demonstrated to and before them. Yet, they could not believe; because Moses said about them: “They were children, in who was no faith. “ And they fell through the same example of unbelief - and with many of them God was not well-please, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness.” And so, they entered not in because of their unbelief, and is the same figure used by the Book of Hebrews writer. Many seem to think that every human being has this “word of faith” dwelling by nature in “their hearts and mouth.” however, did the Apostle mean this, or did he mean something entirely different? As man possessing evangelical (saving) faith (even a “spark” of it) by nature, cannot be shown from the Scriptures. If so, the Holy Scriptures would be a *conglomeration of contradictions. Man cannot believe upon Jesus until given spiritual faith to do so. *Spiritual faith is a special and wondrous gift of God, and is not given to all. Jesus plainly declared this in His conversations with the unbelieving Jews. To some it is given to believe, while, for God’s Own Purpose and Divine reason, He has not given this gift to all.“..For unto YOU it is GIVEN in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake..“
The Apostle John was especially given to so lucidly and plainly declare this truth throughout his writings. Jesus many times pointed out the unbelief of the Jews; However, there is not ONE instance where He ever presented them with any offers or propositions (to believe on Him,) but only stated their final end in the CONDITION of their unbelief. *The condition is CERTAINLY there, BUT NOT A PROPOSITION OR OFFER as for them to believe at their own option; This is read into it by the bias of the minds of those who advocate a free-will doctrine in order to teach their free-will-of-man doctrine in salvation.
Saints do indeed believe (with a saving faith) - and they are the only ones that do so; and that is upon Jesus as being the only Messiah, Christ or Savior of His people; but this is not left to lady luck, dame fortune or the caprice of their natural free-will, but upon the mighty working of God’s sovereign power, working IN them, both to not only WILL, but also to DO of His Own good pleasure, working IN them that which is well-pleasing in His sight; and this working of His mighty power continues through their life’s journey and experience, knowing, finding and always realizing that Christ is indeed their present and eternal Savior by His Life that He has freely given them, as He has eternal Life to give to as many as the Father has given Him. Jesus is their Yesterday, Today and Forever, Their All in All, Who has delivered them from so great a death when they were lost in the elements of this world in sin; but now they are quickened together in Him in their Divine calling, being made again and again to realize in the perfection of faith and journey that He alone has saved them, does presently deliver them, and are made to trust in Him that He shall “yet deliver them.” -Which He shall according to His promise and word, and His Spirit which is ever in them, which forms the foundation of their Hope which is also Christ-Jesus Himself, as He is forever living, they shall also forever live in Him:“..I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins, for IF
- (PROPOSITION OR only a CONDITION?) - “you believe not I am (he,) ye shall die in your sins…”
However, they not only WOULD not believe, but they COULD not believe:“..And because I tell you the truth, ye believe not…”
“..Which of you convinces (convicts) me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do you not believe me? He that is of God hears God’s words: ye therefore hear (them) not, because ye are not of God…” John 8:45-47. (“..Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not; the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. BUT YE BELIEVE NOT, BECAUSE YE ARE NOT OF MY SHEEP, as I said unto you…” “..My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me…”
However, these words that Jesus spoke (He knew personally and collectively to whom He was speaking) unto the unbelieving Jews did not immediately come into full fruition of judgment upon them (as a peculiar nation) until the end of that Age (The Legal Dispensation under Moses), *(WHICH SIGNALED) the final end of the Law Dispensation, and the full establishment of Christ’s spiritual Kingdom in the earth )- and simultaneously when the full vengeance of God came upon that sin-laden nation (which had been long predicted by the holy prophets, and now by Christ Himself,) and afterward by His Apostles who followed Him in building upon Him ministerally as the Foundation of His Own Kingdom.*“..And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day…”
Paul, in writing to the Philippians, desired that the church there be in harmony upon the truth concerning the faith of Jesus. There is always much disparity throughout Christendom concerning faith; just what it is, how it is received, and what it accomplishes in those who are considered to believe and obey the gospel of Christ.
MAN CANNOT BELIEVE UNTIL FAITH IS GIVEN FROM ABOVE, OR ALREADY IN ATTENDANCE IN THE CHILDREN OF GOD
As it was in Paul’s day, so it is even now upon this subject. There were many then who could not accept the teaching of Christ and His Apostles concerning faith. Their hearts and minds were steeped and thoroughly indoctrinated by the tradition of the fathers (of the Jews) and the opposition to the true gospel of Christ was further strangled by the vain imaginations of the pagan gentiles, who for the most part lived in gross idolatry. The adversaries or enemies concerning the gospel were primarily of the unbelieving Jews; but were also found among many gentiles as well - Therefore, the apostle says in the next verse:“..And in nothing terrified by your adversaries; which is to them an evident token of perdition,
(destruction) but to you of salvation, and that of God…”
THEY ARE NOT ALL (SPIRITUAL) ISRAEL WHO ARE OF (NATIONAL) ISRAEL - Rom 9.As it was in the will and purpose of God to save a remnant out of the nation of Israel, and to leave the remainder in unbelief to perish in their sins, Paul is evidently relating to this fact here. Jesus said that the “kingdom would be taken from them, and given unto a NATION (not nations in the plural) bringing forth the fruits thereof.” This literally took place with the nation of the Jews, and the spiritual kingdom under Christ was given unto a spiritually called nation of believers OUT OF “every kindred, tongue and nation.” But before this had developed to its mature embodiment, national Israel after the flesh was to suffer perdition (destruction) while a remnant out of them would be “saved” or delivered from the calamity which was coming upon the whole nation. In Rom 9 Paul deals extensively with this same subject:“..Esaias also crieth concerning Israel
Compared with the long travel and ordeal of the children of God under the Law dispensation, It was indeed a short work that God made (upon the earth) by His Son, Jesus-Christ - Who came and redeemed His people with His Own blood from their sins. After when He had finished His work in redeeming them, He rose from the dead for their justification, so that by His Life, they would also live in Him. They were crucified with Him in the flesh; and by His Life, they now live in Him; Yet, as Paul says, not as living in their own fleshly strength, but Christ by His Spirit is living in them; and the life that they now live in the flesh or in their body, they live by the faith of Him Who loved them, and gave Himself for them. Gal 2:20.
Man, by nature, and until humbled under the mighty hand of God, is, and tends to be, a proud and legalistic creature. This can be seen in all forms of humanistic worship. Paul in his indictment of depraved mankind - as in Romans 1:25 - says that spiritually depraved mankind has always changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and praised the creature more than the Sole Creator, Who has blessed Himself as such forever, and will not share His glory with another.
Belief of the truth as it is in Jesus is the gift of God - as well as all other blessings both in providence and grace, and is sovereignly given to the elect according to God’s good pleasure in Christ.“By grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
THE GOSPEL, OR GOOD NEWS CONCERNING SALVATION, IS ONLY UNDERSTOOD AS SUCH AFTER ONE HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE TO BELIEVE IT - AND NOT BEFORE HIS SPIRIT MAKES THEM ALIVE.
Paul said that he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, because it was the power of God unto salvation to everyone who was blessed to receive and believe it. The gospel is not to or for those who do not believe it, but is given for those who do (already) believe it. The Gospel of Christ is for sheep, and to feed sheep only - not for goats, because goats have no appetite for sheep food. Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep. Sheep are spiritually regenerated or spiritually alive children, who are made so through regeneration and their calling to believe in and follow Christ; because He knows and calls them as such. They know Him (in regeneration) and His voice is leading and calling them as His Own sheep, which He has forever known (as His Own sheep) and has predestinated these to be such from all eternity. His sheep in their calling will not follow strangers, who are only (and always) bawling, “Lo, here, And Lo, There! - As if they have Christ in a little box, and as if they are therefore able to “offer” Him to anyone whom they please; because they believe that it is His Will for them to do so. If they truly knew The Almighty and Living God, they would not be given to dishonoring their Creator in such a way as to deny His power in the work of salvation for His people in acceding and arrogating His sovereign power in saving and calling His people unto themselves instead of unto the sovereign Lord.
The apostle gives the Ephesians to understand that they are saved by grace alone, and it was not in any way of themselves; but it was solely the gift of God bestowed upon them because of His eternal love for them in Christ. Neither is he here attempting to separate faith from grace, as some have even dared to teach; but is only showing how the grace of God is manifested in or to His children in their calling. They receive the spiritual knowledge of these things through something that is called faith. Some have illustrated faith as eyes that God has given His children to see and view the marvelous things, which He has done for and blessed His children with. According to God’s purpose, without the instrument called faith, we would not receive these blessings into our understanding, appreciate them, and rejoice in them as the sovereign and freely given (superlatively) gifts of God. Again, this faith does not produce spiritual life itself, but is THE EVIDENCE of eternal life already abiding in the child:“..Verily, verily, I (Jesus) say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, HATH (already has everlasting life, in order to believe) EVERLASTING LIFE, and shall not come into condemnation; but IS passed from death unto life…”
Until one has indeed been quickened by the Holy Spirit, and then converted from the understanding and dictates of the natural mind of the flesh, they conceive of the work of salvation in an entirely different light when they are afterwards enlightened by the Spirit. They then see that eternal life and deliverance from death is wholly or entirely the work of God in Christ - and not in any way of themselves. Furthermore, they now would not have it any other way, and the grace of God is thereafter all their theme and rejoicing; as they admire and would rest in the sweet comfort and hope of salvation by grace alone. Now they are enabled, and can truly sing with John Newton from the perspective of a renewed heart, sometimes filled with the spirit of grace and thanksgiving:
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I‘m found, ‘Twas blind, but now I see…”
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!
To the condemnation and legal bias of the natural mind of the sinner, salvation is always viewed as a work that man must produce of himself; at least, some very important part or parts of it, such as (voluntary) faith, repentance, etc. based wholly upon the free volition of the sinner (and which God offers to the sinner based upon conditions of their acceptance of certain terms to be performed by them as listed above.) While these things (by name) are indeed a part of receiving the fruits of salvation and the work that Christ has wrought out for us (and in us), none of these fruits that grow and flow from the gift of salvation in Jesus are to be considered as OUR WORKS, but the work or works that God alone has first begun, and is now or presently working in them according to His own good pleasure through the administration of His Spirit.
Like all other works (which God works in His people,) faith or the belief of the truth in Jesus is not our work, but the work of God, which He works in us. This is done by God Himself by His Spirit, working deliverance from sin unto salvation in His people, to the praise of the glory of His grace, and that in order that He alone may be rightly and justly accorded all the praise and sole glory in and for the wondrous gift of eternal life which is in His Son. The saints must cast their crowns before His throne, (Rev 4:11) disclaiming any honor or glory accruing unto themselves in the work of salvation, but give all praise unto God, Who made all things for Himself, and for His Own glory they exist. Christ Himself worked out their Eternal Salvation, and gave them the unspeakable gift of His Own Life; so they shall forever sing in Heaven and Immortal glory: “Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thy Own name be honor and glory.” In addition, as in the 100th Psalm: “Know ye the Lord He is God: It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” But, without this knowledge and the proper consideration of it concerning the True Lord and God, and His will concerning those whom He has chosen in His Love, how can we truly enter into His gates with (proper) thanksgiving, and into His courts with (rightful) praise; and be (truly) thankful unto Him, and (correctly) bless His name for all of His benefits unto us - if we mix and contaminate His blessedness and goodness with (the presentation) of our own dead works, supposing that we may gain His favor by such, when He has already (and is daily) loading us with blessings out of His free goodness, mercy and love for us as His Own in Christ?
At the beginning of our journey in faith we may at the start be given more or less of faith, and that according to the purpose of God in dealing with us as individual recipients. Because faith is not some kind of tool just laying around (as many seem to suppose) that we can just pick up at our leisure and use at our own option so as to gain the things that we may consider blessings, and which we may suppose we need to serve God acceptably - and that to further enhance our own or perhaps even others salvation - as many teach.SPECTACULAR EXPERIENCES NOT NECESSARILY REQUIRED IN THE CALLED
Having said so much about spiritual life and faith and its reception, lest some think that one needs some spectacular or astounding display in some kind of experience of these things, I do not mean to convey that idea. Because the manifestation of the grace of God to many of His called children is not as perceptible in some as in others. Their individual experiences may, and do vary according to God’s purpose in dealing with them. However, they are all by His grace continuing upon the path, which He has designed for them individually. Like the Apostles, the hairs of our head are all numbered, so that not one with any degree of fortuitous casualty can or shall fall to the ground out of the bounds of His providential care and decree concerning us. They are in His sight worth much more that five sparrows which are sold for a farthing, and not one of these falls to the ground until the appointed time in His purpose of life and death for these little (but wonderful) creatures - The Omnipotent, exalted and glorified Jesus has the keys not only of the grave, (hell) but also of death itself, and opens these as He pleases. He shuts up a man, and there is no opening, and conversely, He opens a door of utterance unto His saints, and none of them can shut it, as I now feel more and more in my present (but yet sinful) experience. Nevertheless, where sin abounds, grace does much more abound in the knowledge of Jesus and the unspeakable gift of God’s Dear Son.
As “There is a way which seems right unto (the natural) man, yet “the ends thereof are the ways of death.” Prov
The natural mind, especially in religion, often follows those ways, which tend or lead not unto life, but contrarily, unto the way of death, spiritually speaking. Those who are yet in the flesh (or not regenerated) are “after the flesh” and cannot please God spiritually. Rom 8:3. Because Paul says “To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” in Christ. While believers often and even daily feel the remnants of carnality, and struggle with the remnants of a fleshly and depraved nature, I think the apostle here in Romans meant to portray the basic difference between those who are born of the Spirit and those who are not; because he presently adds: “But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.” Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His…” Rom 8: 9
Faith, as well as grace, is the gift of God; because by grace, through faith are we saved (presently) and continually, and of course, none of grace is of ourselves, but is entirely the work of God - both as working in us and out of us. In us, as God has given us of His Spirit - and out of us, as His choice of us in Christ in eternity, and in the redemptive work that Christ performed for us when He lived and died in our room and stead.
John 3:16 is often quoted along with other scriptures that speak of believing upon the Lord Jesus in order (to be “saved”) Many look upon “being saved” as receiving eternal life. However, this is not the meaning of the term as it is used throughout the Scriptures. The word means to be delivered from something. In fact, where the word was translated “saved” in the New Testament (when it was quoted from passages in the O. T.) it is given in many translations, including the KJV, as being “delivered”. God delivers His people whom He foreknew, or loved and them only. Comparatively, He has always dealt with the mass of humankind after this manner. He has ALWAYS taken out of the mass a (special) people for, or in order to show His Own glory in being a Sovereign God and Savior unto His people. When Jesus manifested Himself to Saul of Tarsus as the Son of God and the Redeemer of Israel, and arrested him upon the Damascus Road, He revealed His purpose unto Saul that Saul was a special chosen vessel unto Him to bear His name unto the Gentiles; and for this same cause He had called him out of his blind seal for the Jew’s religion, and that the Gentiles “ Might receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith that is in Jesus.” How can human wisdom penetrate into the mystery of God’s Sovereign Mind and Will? Consider this case of Saul of Tarsus under consideration: Here was a man who was very adverse in his mind and works to the Will of God in Christ; and even so zealous for the works of the Law, that he was convinced within himself that he was accomplishing the will of God in his mad pursuit of destroying the saints of God who trusted in Jesus for salvation. Yet, in the Mind and Purpose of God in Christ, Saul himself was a “chosen vessel of Christ” to accomplish the purpose of God in him in sending him to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles. Saul did not become a chosen vessel of God at that very moment when Christ revealed Himself to Saul; but he was a chosen vessel from all eternity - including the time during which he persecuted the church of God. Paul says of himself that he was born as one out of due time, and was not meet or fit to be called an apostle of Jesus, nevertheless, by the grace of God, he was what he was; and the grace of God that was bestowed upon him was not in vain, because he labored more than all of his contemporaries, yet not he, but the grace of God which was with him.
Concerning the mystery of God’s unsearchable judgments, none can understand - though some are as arrogant as to presume that they can do so - one has said:“.. So, in regard to predestination, some who oppose that true and precious and solemn doctrine, will sometimes say, that if God purposed the wicked acts of men, then he himself does the wicked acts, and they will gravely profess to reply to us by saying that God does not work efficiently in the wicked to do evil, as he does in the righteous to do righteousness, as though we believed the contrary. Such arguments avoid the question, and create the issues to which they apply. Still they have to acknowledge that if God permitted a thing to be done or even foreknew that it would be, and still created the world with that knowledge, then it was his purpose that it should take place. That truth a child can see, and the wisest man cannot evade it, and an angel cannot understand the full meaning of the glorious truth of God’s absolute sovereignty in will and purpose and works. "He is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working." "His judgments are unsearchable, and His ways past finding out.”
Paul, in his first verses to the Philippians assures to them his persuasion that as God had begun (because God is always faithful in His work of grace in His people) He would also continue to perform the work of grace through faith in them until the day of Jesus Christ. This was not merely a personal or private persuasion of Paul’s mind, but was a divine persuasion from the Holy Spirit, as Paul was not an ordinary minister of Christ, but an Apostle. Not only so, but this is a consistent truth as taught throughout the Holy Scriptures, that where God begins a work, He always finishes it; because He is not like fickle, vacillating and fallible man who is subject to his own nature and environment, and cannot always accomplish his desires, and as birds taken in a snare, and as fishes taken in a net, man is subject to the changes and even ravages of this earth - but not so with The Almighty, Who has Himself, and that from ancient times, determined the “things not yet done, saying “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” His word shall accomplish all its purpose whereunto He has sent it, just as His rain that waters the whole earth, and that gives seed to the sower, and therefore bread unto the eater, so shall be His word (not the preacher’s word in trying to make sheep) that goes forth out of HIS mouth (not your mouth, or the preacher’s mouth, mind you) but out of GOD’S mouth.
Finally, my brethren, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for this is God working in you, not only to give you a will to love and follow Him, but also experimentally and effectually accomplishing the work of God in your hearts and in your minds, sovereignty working in you to do His will and commandments (which are not grievous) but joyous - and to accomplish the work of His salvation and deliverance in you, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, and that not unto the praise of man, whose breath is in his nostrils, but unto His Own Name and honor’s sake and to the Glory that is found in our common Savior, Jesus, His Son.
Now, if there be, or you have found any consolations of the Spirit from your troubles and have found rest in Him, if there be any virtue found in Jesus, if there be any praise unto His Dear name - whatsoever is pure to your hearts, whatever is lovely, whatsoever things are of good report as the truth of salvation and grace as it is in Jesus, as you have already attained, learned, received and heard; these things- do and follow, Though in the world you may (and shall) have tribulation; yet in Him is peace; and the peace of God in Christ, which passes understanding, shall always be with you, even to the ends of the earth.
OAB
By O. Allen Bailey
(With comments from Mike Krall)
“.. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ…” 2 Th 2:13-14.
“..For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved…” Rom 10:13
“.. And many more believed because of His own word; 42 and said unto the woman, now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world…” Jn 4:41-42...”
Arminians generally believe that this verse encompasses the opinion that every individual of the human race can be “saved” (delivered from spiritual death) by their (voluntary) calling upon the name of the Lord when they may or might hear the word of God preached (either by audible, written or other means). Though some who are not Arminians, also hold to the doctrine of gospel regeneration, and believe that one must actually hear a sermon preached, or have read a sermon in order to be amenable to spiritual regeneration - while at the same time some of these believe that the reading of the Scriptures (or written word of God) does not qualify as having heard the Gospel actually preached, seemingly to think that there is something “magical” in the preaching of the Gospel as it is done from the hands and mouths of professing human ministers! By these statements I do not mean to demean the office of gospel ministers, as they are yet and undoubtedly the primary instruments that Christ uses to spiritually instruct His children; but I mean to support the scriptural injunction that even ministers should not think more highly of themselves than they ought, but to think soberly as God has ministered gifts to each and all - Not as ministers or instruments TO GIVE OR IMPART SPIRITUAL LIFE, but to bring LIFE AND IMMORTALITY (that already or presently dwells in every regenerated son) TO LIGHT - (and to MANIFEST these as regenerated sons) through the everlasting gospel of Christ as ministered by His Spirit through them, and working that which is well-pleasing in His sight and to His Own declarative glory.
But is the doctrine of Gospel regeneration the truth that the Apostle intends to convey here?
My sense of Romans 10 is that Paul shows the spiritual effectiveness of the glorious Gospel when preached under the provisions of (The Holy Spirit) during the New Testament Dispensation as compared with that of the Law Covenant.
Paul’s whole slant on this is to illustrate and magnify the truth that there was very little Gospel preached to God’s children until Christ-Jesus, the Son of God came into the world and finished His work of redemption for His people. And this Gospel or good news he compares with the “gospel” of the light of nature as it is revealed to the natural mind of man while yet destitute of the Spirit - which condition the majority of the Jewish nation was always in during former times, and continued in during the days of the Apostles.
Why is it that some are given to spiritually believe the Gospel in truth as it is in Christ Jesus, when others are oblivious, and indifferent to its spiritual meaning of salvation by the free and sovereign grace of God in Christ - while some seriously pervert it by adding many conditions and requirements to it - or openly reject it, still others even go so far as to abhor its teaching as being inconsistent with a righteous and just God? One would think that the Jews who “were given (and preserved) the oracles of God,” would be the first to believe the “good news” of Christ’s coming - rather than those who in general rejected Him along with the Gospel He preached Himself, and later committed unto His Apostles. Is there not an obvious reason for this, and which the Scriptures also plainly reveal to an enlightened mind?
It is obvious from nature, and as stated in the Scriptures, that God speaks to His creation (including man) in many different ways. For example as clearly stated in Romans 1, the 19th Psalm. In addition, Hebrews 1, and which Paul had already commented on in Romans 1- and in these present verses where he brings up the 19th Psalm and Isaiah 53:1.
Romans 10:17 is quoted by many of those who say that the condition to be met by the sinner in order for regeneration to take place in them is the hearing of the gospel preached, as when they refer to this verse, “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” We who hold to the doctrine of unconditional election and effectual calling believe that regeneration by the operation of the Spirit always precedes saving faith, and that the dead alien sinner is completely passive in this operation. Those of the contrary view say that this verse means that one must (naturally) hear the word of God in order to receive (saving) faith, (while at the same time many inconsistently maintain that all people have a “spark” of faith from the Adamic nature that is sufficient for the job (of hearing), and further (but inconsistently) proving that the hearing of the word (preached) may cause (or provide an opportunity for) regeneration - and the effect of this “hearing” (of the gospel) may (or may not, depending upon the hearer’s response) produce a saving faith in the hearer.
Others have thought that the true Gospel is revealed in the natural creation, and that one can spiritually know and commune with God thereby with this knowledge alone. But does this idea support Paul’s comments upon the subject here where he brings in the pertinent passages from the above scriptures? I rather think the opposite is true.
I think the key to all this is HOW one is given to HEAR the Gospel and the CONDITION of the HEARER at the time. There is a difference of ETERNAL life and SPIRITUAL life dwelling in the hearer. Eternal life is eternally in Christ, as the saints were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world; and this Life is imparted or rather infused at some time after the reception of natural life. Although I refrain from going into metaphysics when writing and speaking on the Scriptures, this could be done at any time after natural conception as was evinced during the gestation period of Elisabeth while pregnant with John the Baptist, and when John leaped for joy in her womb at the voice of salutation of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Infants and severely retarded persons (as far as we know) cannot hear the preached Gospel in an intellectual way; But most all suppose that they may hear it after a truly spiritual manner. The heart can believe where the mind may not. Spiritual things are made known only by and through the Spirit; The natural eye has not seen, nor the natural ear has not heard, neither has entered into the natural heart of man what God has prepared for them who love and wait for Him; but God has revealed it unto them by His Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, yea, even the deep things of God; and this knowledge of the Gospel under consideration is certainly one of the deepest things of God. The Apostles though having long been conversant with God manifested in the flesh (Jesus) - yet must be made to really know Him as Spirit only by the revelation of the Spirit: “Flesh and blood has not revealed this unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” In addition, the Word that He spoke unto them was Spirit, and it was Life. In addition, upon this rock (or principle of SPIRITUAL REVELATION to His people) has Christ built His spiritual Kingdom or called-out assembly of saints - And not upon the Pope as the natural human successor of St. Peter as the Rock of the church, as they teach and practice! Because Christ Himself is the only Rock and Foundation of His Own body, and His members are built upon the foundation of His Life and the work which He Himself did and upon the ministerial work and witness which was conveyed to the Apostles as the ministerial foundations for all faith and practice throughout the Gospel age.
*This material may be freely copied and distributed; but shall not be altered in any way, or sold for profit as in accordance with U. S. and international copyright laws.O. Allen Bailey
O. Allen Bailey
Comments from Mike Krall
“The hearing of the Gospel and the act of believing are manifestations of the work of salvation already done in the life of one of God’s elect. The Gospel comes to those whom God has already given Spiritual life, not the means to give Spiritual life. If we say that the hearing of the Gospel is necessary and the cause of the imparting of Spiritual life, this leaves us with some implications that cannot be ignored.”
1. “God has not given us two ways of salvation: one for those with rational faculties and another for those without. If hearing the Gospel is necessary for one to be regenerate and that the hearing must be understood then that leaves out those two groups just mentioned. But if the hearing of the Gospel is merely the means whereby God manifests what He has already done (and it is this way), bringing life and immortality to light (2 Timothy 1:10) rather than into being, then we have a biblical warrant not to write off either those dying in infancy nor the mentally incapable. There is no getting around this conclusion without being inconsistent with the position that regeneration comes only under the Gospel. The Arminians know this and that is why they have conjured up this unbiblical idea of an age of accountability, something not taught in the written Word.”
“2. Here is a hypothetical scenario. One has a grandfather that he hopes and prays would believe on Christ. So he takes his grandfather to hear the Gospel and he sits under the preaching and hears the gospel clearly preached with his natural ear and he fully understands it with his natural ear but goes away never believing on Christ as the Savior of sinners (God’s elect). This person even witnesses over and over again to him but to no avail. Then some time later the grandfather is stricken with a stroke, he has lost his hearing and is in intensive care in the hospital. (We have never known of anyone that had an unsaved loved one in such a condition that did not ask for prayer for that person.) BUT WHY? If he is now incapable of hearing or reading the Gospel how can the Spirit all of a sudden work independently of the Word? “Ah, but he heard the word at one time”, some will say. But are we to say that there is something magical about the dead letter that gives God the permission now to do his work of regeneration. Does God now have permission (liberty) to regenerate someone even if the word was heard 85 years earlier as was the case with Luke Short who heard Puritan John Flavel preach when he was 15 and supposedly got converted at age 100? Mr. Short said that it was what he heard at 15 that never left his memory and when the Spirit quickened him he then embraced the Christ that he had heard of at age 15. “
“This sounds like a good testimony (and it is a good testimony from and going to a natural mind) for the idea of the Spirit needing the Word to regenerate, but we believe it is just the opposite. Yes, the preached word was used to bring the truth to the mind, but prior to the preached word being delivered to a child of God, the Holy Spirit had already been there and worked an effectual work of Grace within/upon the child of God by implanting within them the new birth. God sent the Spirit sovereignly to do the work as He sees fit. To limit God to the work of men, in preaching and witnessing, to impart Spiritual life to a sinner is to try and put God in a box, the same way the Arminians have tried to do. The inconsistency of those embracing this view is proof that they cannot take their view to its logical conclusion, to be proven by a “thus sayeth the Lord. “ - Mike Krall - www.pristine-gtace.com
OAB
THE COMFORT AND PEACE IN BELIEVING
By O. Allen Bailey
LM
Oh, the peace in now believing What the Dear Savior has performed; My fear He is now relieving Because He left me not forlorn.
O! my soul, with what rejoicing, Since He has given eyes to see Now, His name I’m daily voicing, Since He’s become so Dear to me.
‘Twas all through His Spirit’s sending, And giving me this gift to see Though, before, my heart was rending -Before His grace had set me free.
Now, my theme is all His story Of how this faith did come to me; I’ll forever sing in glory What love and faith has done for me.
There forever I shall praise Him, And here to know Him, more and more; And even though these eyes grow dim, And when this earthly life is o’er.
First He gave me Life to view Him When first, He called me by His grace; Though, at then, I did not know Him, Nor, could I then, not see His Face.
Not until, it pleased to view Him, And my eye’s scales were rolled away; ‘Twas not Till then, that I knew Him, And what His grace had done for me.
Now, His Life is daily filling Where a dark void once remained; And His peace is daily stilling Where my old sin had once far reigned.
I could say with fearful others Where perfect Love has not cast out; Whose heart so often stays in doubt;
I this way have often traveled Before His truth I knew the more; And my mind, His word unraveled, To show me what He kept in store.
Now with John, I also wonder, What is this, my Dear Lord and God, When, I now am made to ponder Why is Thy Love to such a clod?
To one that has been so wayward; To one, Thy counsel often spurned; Who once was shy, and so awkward, And from Thy Face, I often turned.
Through this, Thou proved Thy faithfulness Though I, the vain man, proved a liar; Through the folly of youthfulness, Because my soul could rise no higher.
But Thy Grace shall reign forever In the dear objects of Thy Love; And space and time shall never sever Them from Thy Kingdom from above.
Oh, what comfort in believing What my Dear Lord has done for me; And His Love is still relieving And in His peace, I’m daily free.
What, if through Thy people journey In the way Thy Son has walked too; What if trials are few or many, Or troubles, also, great or few?
There, Thy Hand, these all are guiding And to these pilgrims is made known All their way, in Thee abiding, And all the way Thy Love was shown.
Oh, now what peace in believing What Dear Jesus has done for me; And my eyes are clearer seeing That His Dear Love did set me free.
*Copyright, O. Allen Bailey,
Aug 15, 2008
"..The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing..."
*This material may be freely copied and freely distributed, but shall not be altered in any way, or sold for profit as in accordance with U. S. and international copyright laws.
THE GOSPEL IS NOT AN OFFER
by Gery Schmidt Providence Strict Baptist Assembly
Gery or Mike Schmidt, 104-1138 Yates Street Victoria British Columbia Canada V8V 3M8. MK
Is the gospel something to be offered to the unregenerate? A great many Christians believe so. It has long been maintained that Christ himself, or eternal life is to be offered unto the lost for their rejection. However, we are convinced that the very concept of the gospel being an offer to the unregenerate represents a departure from the Scriptures in at least the following four things: first, what the gospel is; secondly, the purpose or utility of the gospel; thirdly, the doctrine of total depravity; and fourthly, a proper understanding of God's justice.
First, the notion that the gospel is an offer represents a misunderstanding and perversion of what the gospel is. The word gospel represents the greek word euaggelion, which literally means "good news.' But what is the good news? Essentially, the good news is that Christ Jesus came into the world to save his people from their sins (Mt. 1:21, Lk. 2:10,11;1 Tim. 1-15). The very heart of the gospel is the person and work of Jesus Christ. And the gospel itself declares that the incarnation of the Son of God had a definite end in view, namely, the salvation of the elect, and none else. Yet the view that the gospel is an offer contravenes this Scriptuxal fact. Underlying the premise that the gospel is to be offered unto the unregenerate for their acceptance or rejection is the belief that the atoning work of Christ had no definite end in view. That is, Christ's death on ticle Cross was not intended to procure the salvation of any, but simply to make salvation possible for all. Thus, the concept of the gospel being an offer is founded upon an Arminian, and hence anti-scriptural, view of the atonement. Clearly, how can the gospel be an indiscriminate offer unto all since the atonement is restricted to God's elect? Ultimately, the idea that the gospel is an offer rests upon a false gospel.
Secondly, since the concept that the gospel is an offer represents a misunderstanding and perversion of what the gospel is, it naturally follows that this same concept misunderstands and perverts the purpose or utility of the gospel. Such who hold to the offer concept are under the impression that the preaching that gospel is the means by which the unregenerate become elect or reprobates, whether such become one or the other depends upon their use or abuse of their imagined free will. Christ and eternal life are offered by gospel preachers to sinners for their acceptance or rejection. However, nowhere in the New Testament can it be shown that the good news of Jesus Christ was ever offered to sinners. The good news, as earlier noted, is that Christ Jesus came into the world to save his people from their sins. In examining the various sermons and speeches in the book of Acts, it is demonatrated throughout that the gospel is not something offered, but rather something which is proclaimed and explained. It ought also to strike the reader, that to offer Christ and eternal life unto sinners is something not committed to preachers.
Such who proclaim the gospel are ambassadors of Christ. Their business is simply to declare the facts of the good news. Christ and eternal life are not in the hands of preachers to offer unto any. Eternal life is a gift residing solely with God, and such a gift is not offered but is given to all his elect at the appointed time for each indlvidual. The preaching of the gospel the means by which God gathers his elect unto himself. The proclamation of the good news was never intended to alter the status of the elect or reprobate, nor so much to be the means by which sinners could become elect or reprobate. Many, of course, stumble over what the Lord intended when he commanded that the gospel should be preached unto every creature (Mk. 16:15). To preach the gospel unto every creature does not entail that salvation is possible for all, but that the elect are scattered all over the world, and that no gospel preacher can distinguish the elect from the reprobate while the former are still unregenerate. The intention of the true gospel preacher is to call forth the elect to repentance. And the apostle Paul well understood this fact when he wrote, "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect in order that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:10).
Thirdly, the view that the gospel is an offer is a denial of the doctrine of total depravity. The very practice of offering the gospel to the unregenerate for their acceptance or rejection clearly implies an,ability within the unregenerate to exercise saving faith prior to regeneration. Inviations to the ungodly to close with the tenders of the gospel not only denies total depravity, but also undermines the very necessity of God's grace in salvation. If an unregenerate man can savingly believe in Christ, what need of -grace is there? Yet the Scriptures represent unregenerate man in an entirely different light than do the proponents of the offer system. In Romans 8:7,8 the apostle Paul notes that "the fieshly mind is enmity against God, for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not able to; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Yet the offer system completely contradicts Paul's statements. While Paul declares the unregenerate are hostile toward God, the offer system implies some are not hostile toward God. Paul declares the unregenerate cannot please God, while the offer system implies some can please God by accepting the gospel offer. It goes without saying that the offer concept is synergistic in its view of salvation, thus leading to the heretical doctrine of salvation by works. It completely destroys the truth of sola gratia (solely by grace).
Many, of course, will set forth texts like Matthew 111:28 and Revelation 22.17 as proof that the gospel is to be offered. Yet these texts, and whatever other ones might be added, will never support the notion that the gospel is an offer or invitation. Let us consider Matthew 11:28. It is interesting to note first of all that the word 'come' is imperative, and thus represents an- exhortation or command. But just who is it that the Lord exhorts to come unto him? Not anyone and everyone, but such who are "weary and heavy-laden." Weary and heavy-laden over what? Sin. But how does a sinner, while unregenerate, become weary and heavy-laden over sin? Such cannot have a true sense of their sin who have not had their eyes opened, their ears unstopped and their hearts of stone removed by the Spirit in his regenerating work. The Lord is addressing his sheep for such only match the description "weary and heavy-laden." The same can be said for Revelation 22:17. The exhortation is restricted to such who "hear" and "thirst". None while unregenerate have any ability to hear and thirst for the water of life. For if such could hear and thirst prior to regeneration, how did their ears become stopped, or how could they thirst for something, they were simultaneously hostile to? The only answer is that such sinners are only partially depraved. Thus, the very notion of the gospel being an offer Is palpably self-condemning in light of the Scriptural doctrine of total depravity.
Fourthly, the offer concept represents a misunderstanding of God's justice. Wny argue that the gospel must be offered so that God will be just in condemning to hell those who reject the gospel. Such a notion has surprisingly been espoused by many, yet it is an utterly ridiculous view. First, if the gospel is to be offered to all so that God will be just in condemning to hell all who reject it, what is the logical conclusion concerning such who never heard the gospel, and thus never rejected it? God is not just in condemning them. This alone demonstrates the puerility of the offer concept. The fact is, sinners are worthy of damnation from the moment of conception when original sin is imputed to them. Infants die before committing any actual sin, and the scriptures make it quite clear that 'the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). Sinners in Old Testament times never heard the gospel; the Lord let them go their own ways. The same can be said for multitudes who have lived since the first century A.D. Is it to be surmised that God is unjust in damning such? The offer concept leads to such a conclusion. Further, rejecting the gospel is all that the unregenerate can do; indeed, the reprobate will always reject the good news of Jesus Christ. Their rejection of the gospel is one sin which aggravates their condemnation, but such a rejection is not the ground of their condemnation. In the end God will be found to be just in all his dealings with the reprobate, whether they have heard the gospel or not.
In conclusion, there is a need for all professors of Christ who believe the gospel is an offer to study afresh the Scriptural teachings concerning man in his unregenerate state, what the gospel is, and what the purpose and end of the good news is. Since Christ became incarnate in order to save his people from their sins, then everything which proceeds from this fact must be co-extensive with it, and this includes the very preaching of the gospel.
Silas Durand, 1898.John 5:24.Eph 2:(after the flesh) though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: For He will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth…” Rom 9:27-28. (Also consider the continuing verses here, which form a part of the same subject.)John 13:47-48.John 11:25-27.Read all the preceding verses just before this to further strengthen this statement of the Lord.)Phil 1:29. Paul is here speaking to the church among the Philippians, and not unto the world in general. *(And all his other epistles are addressed in the same manner; that is, unto specific assemblies of believers)1 Cor 2:11. Phil 1:27.
What’s In A Name?
By: Jack Dawsey
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”- Matthew 1:21.
The name, Jesus, was given to our Lord because of the work He must and shall perform. In other words, “He SHALL save his people…” Note: The Scripture doesn’t say that Jesus will “attempt” to save his people, or that he will “try” to save, or that he will “make a way” to save, or that he will be a “mentor” to them that are saved, or he saves “if allowed” to save, or he “begs” sinners to “let” him save. Rather, the Scripture is clear Jesus “SHALL SAVE…”
The word shall is an auxiliary verb, (also empathetic – Gk, esomai, es'-om-ahee -
future tense of Strong’s G1510, - Ed) meaning determination or finality of promise. It has a fixed and binding meaning (hence; the term shall is used extensively in legal documents). The word cannot and must not be augmented.
In the original Hebrew language (and among the ancient Jews), the name Jesus means savior. The word “savior” has its root in the original “Oshea” (see 13th Chapter of the Book of Numbers). There, you’ll discover that Moses prefixed the first syllable of Jehovah’s name, “Jeh” to Oshea changing it to Jehoshea: meaning Divine Savior or Redeemer. The name was soon contracted to Joshua because none would be so presumptuous to be called by Jehovah’s title.
As the name Joshua passed through the Greek language, (and subsequent tongues), it was shorten to Je’zes or Jesus, the savior. As Joshua was a “type” of savior, Jesus is the real savior. The type was replaced with the antitype. As Joshua was a captain of ancient Israel, Jesus is the real captain of His people, the believer. Jesus is Divine because He is the one, true Jehoshea, chosen of God.
Let us notice the circumstances in the giving of the name Jehoshea (Gk. Ie’sous or je’zes) to the savior. It was neither Mary nor Joseph that provided the name to their newborn son. It was given by God Himself. Not once but twice did God reveal this precious name. He gave it first in a message to Mary and afterwards to Joseph. It is remarkable that his name was affixed by the angels BEFORE he was conceived in the womb of Mary. Obviously, the angels knew Jehoshea or ‘Jesus’ by that name in heaven, and continued to call him Jesus while He was formed in the womb. Therefore, what’s in a name, particularly the name Jesus?
First, I suggest it reveals the character of the Son of God. It shows the high esteem of His Father. Consider this with respect to the naming of Jesus. If the angels of God came to earth to do God’s bidding, isn’t that proof-positive of the Father’s esteem? Isn’t it sufficient proof that the mind of God dwells in his beloved Son, and that He delights in Him with the highest pleasure much like a proud father would dote over his earthly son?
Consider this with respect to Jesus’ baptism. The Father said “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” In other places, the Father calls Jesus, “Mine Elect” or the “Elect” or “My beloved in whom my soul delights.” Therefore, we have sufficient reason to believe the Father esteems His Son with such high regard due to the “finality” in the triumphant work He assigned him in redemption. In redemption, Jesus unites the unholy with the holy, no small feat. Nothing is more pleasing to Jehovah Father than to see His Darling Son manifest the outpouring of the Father’s love to sinners. There is no greater love. He said it best: Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends…
But the root, Jehoshea, says something else. It shows that God would have us regard Jesus as the only savior and redeemer. Unlike modern theology taught in the schools of academia where Jesus is portrayed as a good man, or a prophet, the original manuscript identifies Jesus as “savior.” The apostle’s writings are clear too: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we MUST be saved.” -Acts-4:12.
The name Joshua or Jehoshea is descriptive of God’s saving nature. As Joshua replaced Moses, Jesus replaced all “types” and “shadows” and SAVED.
He accomplished a work that neither Moses nor Oshea nor any could do because it required propitiation. Propitiation is a distinctive work of atonement that none but Jesus was qualified to do. He came to earth not to do his own will but the will of him that sent him, namely “to save.” By the way, Jesus either accomplished His Father’s will or He didn’t. If He didn’t accomplish, then he’s an imposter. On the other hand, if he redeemed and saved as the Scripture declares, he is the captain of salvation. In summary, the name Jesus is ordained and affixed by his heavenly Father; hence, the reason his name is precious in the heart of believers.
In closing, here’s a “what-if” quiz for you. What if it was mandated for you to abandon every name in your family tree, but one, which would you lay aside? What if you were required to renounce every name among your relatives, including kings, queens and priests, but one, whom would you lay aside? The language of the poet suits many.
Jesus, thou art the sinner’s friend,
As such I look to Thee,
Now in the bowels of thy love,
O Lord, remember me.”
“Remember thy pure word of grace,
Remember Calvary,
Remember all thy dying groans,
And then remember me.”
“Thou wondrous advocate with God,
I yield myself to thee,
While thou art sitting on thy throne,
O Lord, remember me.”
“I own I’m guilty, own I’m vile,
Yet salvation’s free,
Then in thy all abounding grace,
O Lord, remember me.”
“Howe’er forsaken or distressed,
Howe’er oppressed I be,
Howe’er afflicted here on earth,
Do thou remember me.”
“And when I close my eyes in death,
And creature helps all flee,
Then, O’ my great Redeemer God,
I pray remember me.” -Unknown.
(beginning, origin the person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a series, the leader that by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause the extremity of a thing - the first place, principality, rule, magistracy of angels and demons) -- Strong’s “..
...."Absolute Predetermination and Absolute Predestination are alike in that both believe that the absolute government of God controls all events and creatures, good or evil. The two doctrines differ greatly, however, when explaining how God so governs." .."The Key Words, "determine" and "destinate", together with their related forms, are very similar in meaning.
... "However, the two words are not exact synonyms, and it is in the difference between the definitions that the truth is found..." (COJ)
It seems to me that the writer has nullified his own arguments (in trying to make such a distinction between what he calls Prededetermination and Predestination ) in the very beginning of his pamphlet - (because there he admits that the two words are synonymous terms,) although not "exact" synonyms: for he says on page 5: "It is indisputable that the English words "determine/predetermine" and the Greek words 'horizo/proorizo' represent almost perfectly synonymous concepts", (If they then are some kind of synonyms, it would be hard to prove the importance of their differences!! - OAB) And I still fail to see how critical is that elusive 'truth' that he seems to search for...Although, still, he says: 'all one needs is a fifth grade education' to properly understand the principles which he is contending for, Now, though my natural mind is not able to understand the things of the Spirit, and is even enmity against God... but after all, still being a "butt-head"and an 'unrepentant sinner' , even that would do me no good.... But maybe this is only An Error In Correct Reasoning..... - as he says.
(see tract, Absolute Predetermination vs Absolute Predestination
This writer seems to wrestle a lot with these Scriptures, but to me He essentially winds up, for the most part in affirming the Absolute Predestination position; He seemingly (was forced) to use different terms to state the same principles (and use a lot of epithets for his opponents which was not too becoming.) I take no personal offense with the writer., as he did not personally address me as a 'dumb ignorant absoluter butt-head ', but he did some others of my affiliation in his writings, (which he knows is not generally true) .....
Although I admit that we both could be wrong in our views on this subject as others could be as well... (But I ask him to please be honest with the history of the Church; Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Gill, Toplady, Philpot, Huntington, Kent, Hawker, Newton, Cox, Beebe, Trot, Durand, Boaz, even John Clark and Sylvester Hassel, all supported this doctrine [We do not need, or do we accredit the testimony of Catholic scholars, otherwise famous, but for the most part Arminian in sentiment, upon these subjects, whether they be Thomas Aquinas, Domingo Banez, or Luiz de Molina.] There are other more worthy references in the 16th Century that could have been used.)
Still, being 'filthy' by some, and a 'butt-head' by another, I am only an 'unrepentant sinner' being absolutely predetermined (but, mind you, not predestinated ) to be a Strict Predestinarian; packed into a 'whole carton of dominoes blown into standard orbit.' And I always 'ignore all words and definitions' that 'doesn't suit my doctrine ' (as I have done in the totality of this article), 'ignored and twisted the grammar', 'Ignored any parts of the verse or parallel passages that is contrary to my doctrine'.. and finally am only an 'ignorant butt-head' that can't figure out the arbitrary and imagined gates and boundaries, and the 'rows of dominoes in a cow lot'; although I can easily conceive of the idea of the fences within the main boundary of a cow lot being there in order " to 'set apart for a particular end' , and to 'define a thing' in accordance with the lot keepers' plans and" expectations" ..and let the cows 'go so far, but no farther".. hummm... that's almost like saying 'the wrath of man shall praise thee, and the remainder thou shalt restrain', - But we must be very careful that we do not charge God with folly and wickedness..." although all of this should be easy , for any unrepentant sinner, using his liberty as a cloak for lasciviousness 'can easily do it.'.... but not being a linguist and destitute even of the rudiments of the professional grammarian, not making it to a D.D., or S.R.P. (Self-Righteous-Pharisee), but had to settle with Huntington for a S.S.G. (Sinner Saved by Grace) and I.B.H. (Ignorant Butt-Head) which was mainly due to my slothfulness in the lack of using my 'enabling powers' with the other Scribes and Pharisees, (although I am still in principle A wicked, Stoical Pharisee in order that I might blame my wicked works upon God. while contrary to the doctrine of the Pharisees, (which is hyprocrisy), I feel to be a helpless sinner, sick, and in need of a Physician, who would smite myself upon my sinful breast while exclaiming to God ' be merciful to me a sinner of fallen Adam's race, for exactly where sin has abounded, grace has much more abounded through my Lord Jesus Christ;' and though I am able (by the Holy Spirit, by the Grace of God, to understand the Scripture when I am given liberty at the Lord's presence and Divine unction when I experimentally appear with Him in the glory of the Heavenlies), I mostly am still present in this fleshly carnal state of mind; having rather a spiritual desire to depart from this 'bondage of corruption, and be with Christ, which in reality of the comparative glories, is far better than the sufferings of the present time, and is not to be compared with that experience of which I speak when Christ shall appear in glory in and to His people; but so far, with the Apostle, ACCORDING TO HIS APPOINTMENT, WHICH IS NEEDFUL IN HIS PURPOSE, I MUST REMAIN IN THIS SINFUL BODY OF SPIRITUAL DEATH. which (according to some accusers ,I only willfully use as an instrument to excuse my lusts and further sins against God, although as a regenerated son of God I always and constantly feel a love toward the Author of my mercies, which still appear new every morning, as I still stand in need of 'a daily resurrection', for 'to live in Him is Life, and to die to my flesh is eternal gain, I find myself therefore 'twixt two opposing forces and desires; and then I must 'reckon myself indeed dead unto sin, but alive (active) unto God' through the present intercession of His Son from Heaven, whom has now entered into that which is within the vail , in the very presence of God Himself; and whose Holy Law has passed the sentence of death upon all my fleshy activites, both noble and profane, and makes me cry with the Apostle: 'I was alive (to the sense and estimation of my own abilities in my flesh without the (spiritual) law once, but when the commandment came (in my experience of convicting sinfulness), sin revived, stirred up the native, inherent corruption of a fallen sinful nature, and I died to all hopes of finding favor with God through any of my works and efforts to satisfy the demands of His most Holy law; for I find myself not a debtor to the flesh to seek any spiritual life there, having found that my body (flesh) is dead (powerless) to keep the commandments of God at it's own charges, but must daily cry unto my Redeemer, "Hold me up, and I shall stand, turn me, and I shall be turned, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil, forgive me my debts, as I forgive my debtors, give me today my daily bread, for no man of Himself, because he is yet flesh. can retain Thy Spirit, and finally: For Thine is the kingdom, and Thine is the Power, and Thine is the Glory, forever. Amen," So I must earnestly say with the Disciples ' I have done all that I can do through and by Divine Grace, yet I find myself still an wholly and altogether unworthy servant, for I have only done that which it was my duty to do in faithfulness to Him who has called me by His grace and enjoined upon me the privilege to love and suffer for His name's sake; I have labored... but not actually I, but the Grace and favor of God which was with me, and that has labored in and through me to the glory of His own name. I also find that 'to will to serve God in the Spirit is present with me at all times ,' for my Hope in Him is the Anchor of my soul, both sure and stedfast, and the staple of my very being in this life, and unless this Hope extend Beyond the present life of the natural life of my experience, then, I am of all men, most miserable; But with the Apostle, though I am enabled by the Divine Spirit within my breast, after the inner man, to cry 'Abba, Father, 'yet, evil is present with me, and the good that I would do, I do not, because I cannot find it in myself (flesh) to do so, so that I am also from time to time made to cry 'O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? And the only relief that I can find, is when the Spirit replies within me, "I thank God through Jesus Christ my Lord", and 'even so, come Lord Jesus'-- His Spirit replies ' My Grace be with you all' Amen. Through all this conflict and deliverance, I am even often made in sincerity to say " I am a stranger here below, and what I am 'tis hard to know'; but then I begin to reflect that this is just a poem, written by some dumb-butt like myself......and my conflict begins again; so if I'm saved at all, it must be by Sovereign Grace. Pardon me Lord, (and my friends), if I lean too much on Thee. and I would surely apologize unto the world for being "a can't help it" and am not much good as a "do it your-self" religionist either, so I cannot give the religious world too much help in saving others, for, as I cannot find a way to give a ransom for my own soul, much less find one for that of my brother. --although, I really don't mind being considered a 'driveling ignorant butt-head' by my friend that has not lost his sense of humor, and anyway, I know the charge is true, and further, I really don't care if you call me a butt-head, an Absoluter Pre-desti-nationist, or an Absoluter Pre-deter-minist., even if you called me a Pur-millienist'.
Concerning Predestination and Foreknowledge in general:
Some believe, including myself, that when God says that something shall come to pass, He does not mean that he barely foresees the event (as a mere bystander and observer), but as the Sovereign Maker and Ruler of the Universe; He also immutably [unchangeably] commands the same: for how can God immutably foreknow an uncertainty? I can not find any such example in the Scriptures. Some have used the weak theory that while God, who is infinite in knowledge, knowing all possibilities of events in Time, therefore foreseeing them in His Eternal and Infinite Mind, (which He does) yet He has not (does not) absolutely determine(d) them, only leaving them to an infinite circumstance of chance and fortune. But what is this, but the same old doctrine of Fate that was held by the ancient Stoical Gentiles and Jewish Pharisees; thus the proponents of this doctrine hold that none of the things that God infinitely foresees necessarily come to pass, although He is able to foresee all things (that come to pass.) It seems to me, that this notion only leads one directly into rank Arminianism, allowing God, in concept, to select for Time those events from His Eternal repertoire that only meets with these thinkers acceptance and approval; Isa 45:9 " Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?" Rom 11:33 "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" Rom 11:34 " For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?" 1 Cor 2:16 " For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." and would give support to their doctrine that salvation is based upon conditions (whatever conditions that varying shades of free-will advocates may present) to be performed at the option and free will of the creature, man; Although we freely admit and readily embrace the concept that God infinitely foresees all (possible) things that could take place --in His Mind - considering the power of God, these events would be , (and are ) infinite ; and yes, they are eternally present before His Infinite Mind; yet He has only determined those events to transpire in Time as those which He determined to include in Time in Eternity. Time must have 'a fullness' according to the Scriptures "..when the fullness of time was come..." "(Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world") (Eternity is The 'place' that He 'inhabits' according to Isaiah); These events are part of His Time Creation, and where else could they take place, except in Time Creation, unless you can conceive of events [of Time] taking place in another realm , for then ,they would not be the events of Time, and therefore, the events would be out of their proper or assigned place in the Time realm - which to the human rationale seems impossible, but the things that are impossible with men are still possible with God. The only other realm mentioned in the Scriptures is Eternity, (if it could be called a realm) as just quoted.) --- (Psa 90:2: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God"..... Psa 93:2 : "Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.") 57:15: "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth Eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, " Isa 40:28: "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting (eternal) God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding." Isa 41:4: "Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he." Isa 43:10: "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
Isa 44:6, 8: "......I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.Isa 45:6-7: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.
God Himself, as God, being the Creator of Time, is necessarily completely independent of His creature Time, but rules over it at His Sovereign disposal and pleasure in The Person of the Son of God, the second Person in the God Head--Micah 5:2: But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.""Known unto God are all His works from the Beginning of the world" (that is, in eternity, before time) - Acts. and as Martin Luther has said in his book 'The Bondage of the Will', when he says: "..when you (Erasmus) adduce Paul as saying 'His judgments are incomprehensible' .....whereas Paul does not say , the judgments of the Scripture are incomprehensible, but the judgments of God... " so Isaiah ..does not say, Who has known the mind of the Scripture, but who has "known the mind of the Lord" Although Paul asserts that the mind of the Lord is known to Christians: but it is in those things which are freely given unto us .. 1 Cor 2:10,16."
But some will say: "I believe that God predestinated all of the good things that transpire in Time, but cannot accept the idea that God has determined all things that take place, for this notion would make God the Author of sin."
"..Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?...Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?.."
"..Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Ecc 3:1 - 8
; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
Mat 24:6 "..And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet..".
And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them show unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any."
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. "
Job 7:1 "... And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. Gen 6:3 Rom 9:20-21by C.O.J.)
.. Gen 10:32, 18:10, Exo 34:24, Num 23:9, 24:8, 20, Deu 8:20, 14:2, 19:1, 32:8, Judj 3:1, 2 Ki 17:26, Job 12:23, Ps 9:20, Ps 22:28, 67:4, Isa 2:4, Isa 14:26, Isa 40:15, 41:2, Jer 25:15 - 17, 1:10, 46:28, Ezek 29:15, 32:12, Joel 3:2, Hab 3:16, Zep 3:6, Zec 12:9, Rev 8:18, Rev 19:15, 20:8, Job 28:26, Prov 8:29, Dan 4:17, 4:24, Job 34:29 Jn 18:37, Mat 17:22, Mk 9:31, Luke 9:44, Mat 26:24, Mark 14:21, John 12:16, Acts 13:29, John 18:4, Isa 53:10 . Gen 3:4, Gen 2:17, 3:4 2 Sam 14:14, Gen 47:29, Exo 9:4, Jer 1:5 Ps 139:13, Gal 1:15 . Ecc 3:1, 17, 8:6, Isa 14:26, Jer 51:29, Acts 26:16, Rom 8:28, Rom 9:11,17, Eph 1:11, 3:11, 2 Tim 1:9, 1 John 3:8 Gen 7:4,23, Job 12:10, 23 Rev 16:3 Heb 1:3, Col 1:7 Isa 66:1-2. Job 15:32 Job 14:14. Prov. 16:33 , Acts 17:26, 4:28 Job 14:5 2 Tim 3:16., Ecc. 8:13 Ecc. 8:8 Ecc. 8:6 - 8 Ecc. 3:17 Ecc. 3:1, Jer 51:29 Ecc. 9:1
THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH
By Gilbert Beebe
From Signs of the Times - Dec. 1, 1855.
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride for her husband." Revelation 21: 1- 2
We are aware that there is a difference of opinion among even our most enlightened brethren in regard to the application of this, as well as many other portions of the book of Revelation, particularly in regard to the period to which these portions refer. Some have understood this passage to refer to the gospel state of the church in the primitive age; others have thought it applicable to a state of primitive purity to which the church shall be restored before the dissolution of the world, while others again have regarded the language as descriptive of the final triumphant state of the church, after the resurrection of the dead. But while these differences have been held and expressed without giving the least offense, or disturbing the fellowship of brethren, all experimental christians have agreed in applying this Scripture to the church of the living God; and in understanding the striking and beautiful imagery as expressive and illustrative of the distinguishing doctrine of the gospel.
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. To us, the new heaven and the new earth which John saw, is the same which he also calls the holy city, the New Jerusalem, and both figures mean the church of Christ under the gospel dispensation. This church has existed in such form and manner as to answer the description in the text and its connection, from the time of her organization on the day of Pentecost, to the present time, and will so continue until the end of time; but her peculiar beauty is not always apparent. Since her gospel organization, she has, to all human appearance, seemed to wax and wane like the moon. Sometimes she has been involved in clouds and thick darkness, and sometimes she has looked forth as the morning-shining in the heavenly radiance of the Son of righteousness. Sometimes driven into the wilderness, and anon, she is seen standing on a sea of glass, or appearing before the throne of God and the Lamb, and sounding her loud Alleluiahs to the Lord. John seems to have had a view of her, in his visions, in every variety of attitude and circumstance which she had then, or ever should present. As the new heaven and the new earth, and as the holy city, the New Jerusalem, her gospel comeliness, as the perfection of beauty, in distinction from the old receding heaven and earth and sea, of the legal dispensation, appears. The same figurative idea is also presented by the old and new Jerusalems. As the old Jerusalem, according to Paul's allegory, was in connection of Hagar, or Mount Sinai in Arabia, signifying her identity with the old covenant, and her bondage with her children. (Gal. iv. 25.) The new Jerusalem is free, and the mother of us all, who, as Isaac was, are the children of promise; so the old heavens and earth which had passed away, must, if we are correct in understanding their figurative import as being the same, refer to the abolition of the ceremonial covenant, and the new heaven and earth, must refer to the new covenant and its dispensation.
Israel, under the legal covenant, embraced or embodied those elements which were destined to melt with fervent heat, when the old heavens should be rolled together as a scroll, and as a vesture be laid aside. As an old heaven, that order of things had its elements, as the sun, or inspired revelation; its moon, or the embodied types, which borrowed light from the sun, and reflected it upon the people of God under that dispensation, and its stars, the prophets of the Lord; but all these were shadows of good things to come, the substance or body of which is Christ.
The glory of the new heaven is beautifully set forth in the sublime language of the inspired psalmist, Psalm xix. 1-6, "The heavens declare the glory of God: and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the Son; which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the ends of the heaven, and his circuit unto the end of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof." Philosophers, astronomers and wise men of the earth, have ever found much to admire in the contemplation of the natural heavens, where worlds of living light and beauty proclaim to all the families of the earth, the surpassing workmanship of God. But how much more sublime and elevated must be the contemplation of the new heaven and new earth, when the mind, illuminated by divine revelation, is permitted to "mount up and view the glories of the eternal skies." The church of God, under this figure, presents her sun, her moon, her stars, and all in perfect harmony pour forth their floods of living light in honor of him who has garnished the heavens, and marshaled all the heavenly hosts. In the new heaven which John saw, and which all enlightened christians may see, our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Sun of righteousness with healing in his wings, comes out of his chamber, as a bridegroom. Riding upon the heavens in the help of his people, and in his excellency on the sky. Like a strong man, and as the man whom God has made strong for himself, the man Christ Jesus, rejoiceth to run his race. One and identical with the Father in absolute Deity and eternal Godhead, yet filling, as Mediator, the place of Days-man, "who can lay his hand on both," he is worshiped and adored by all the angels and spirits of the just, before the throne of heaven. He bows his heavens and comes down to find and fill that tabernacle which he has set in the new heaven for the Sun. His brightness, says the prophet Habakkuk, was like the light, he had horns coming out of his hand, and there was the hiding of his power. He is the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person. As the natural sun rises in the east, and pours his radiance unto the extreme west, so the Sun of righteousness is from everlasting to everlasting. His going forth is from the end of heaven, even from everlasting, and his circuit is unto the ends of it. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending, the Almighty. How gloomy would be the natural heavens without the natural sun; but how much more gloomy would be the spiritual heaven without Christ. He is the fountain and source of all spiritual light. He is the light of the world; for there is no spiritual light in the world but what is in him. He shines in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. He has bespangled the new heavens with stars, which he holds in his right hand; but all their brilliancy is by the light reflected from him through them. He has given gifts for the edification of the body, the church, and these he has marshalled in their appropriate orbits, and they cannot, nor do they desire to turn either to the right hand or to the left. The apostles had their spheres appointed, and so with all the gifts of prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, for he holds them in his right hand; nor will he allow the voluntary associations of men, or mission boards, or ecclesiastical dignitaries to pluck them from his hand. His clouds of witnesses are in the new heavens, charged with the thunder of his word, and the lightning of his truth. "Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds."-Zech. x. 1. Through his bright clouds his doctrine shall drop as the rain, and his speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as showers upon the grass. (Deut. xxxii. 2.) In the clouds of this new heaven he makes the rainbow of the covenant appear. John saw a rainbow encircling the throne on which the Prince of glory presides. (Rev. iv. 3; x. 1.)
Time and space and ability fail in our attempt to describe the superior glory of the new heaven and the new earth. All the elements of the holy Jerusalem are new; nothing of the old remains, they are like a vesture laid aside, and their elements are melted with fervent heat. Behold, says Christ, I make all things new. Paul was caught up to the third heaven, and saw what he was unable to describe of the new heaven, and it is not surprising that our limited powers should utterly fail to express things which are so indescribably glorious.
John says, "And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven." It is impossible for the wisdom of this world to comprehend the origin of the church of God. Many imagine that it is composed of flesh and blood; that it comes by observation; that men are employed, and money invested, for the purpose of procuring from the earth a kingdom for our Lord; that men are to win a bride for the lamb. But they do not know that his bride is already betrothed, and already prepared as a bride for her husband. They do not know that this kingdom was with God, as a prepared kingdom from the foundation of the world. (Matt. xxv. 34.) The holy city was not seen coming up, but coming down from God; her origin is above, her life is hid with Christ in God. Nor does she descend to earth to procure a bridal dress, or to make preparation for the consummation of the marriage; for, like everything that comes from God, she comes already prepared. A boundless theme for contemplation is presented in the ancient preparation of the bride for her husband. As set forth in the figure of the first Adam, whose bride was provided in his original creation and formation, so as far back into the ancients of eternity as we can trace the goings forth of Christ in his Mediatorial capacity, we may contemplate the church of God set up in him who was set up from everlasting, chosen in him, blessed with all spiritual blessings in him, by which she is not only prepared, but also adorned as a bride for her husband. She is and was clothed with salvation before the world began; for Paul says, "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling; not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." Clothed in his salvation, and covered with his righteousness, and adorned with all the rich gifts of the Spirit, shod with the preparation of the gospel, wearing the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, she is well described as the perfection of beauty. Psalm 1.2.) And her language is, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with jewels. "-Isaiah lxi. 10. He whose works were all finished from the foundation of the world, (Heb. iv. 3), hath thus clothed, beautified and adorned her; and, thus prepared, she is made manifest by revelation. So we see that this holy city, this New Jerusalem, is not only adorned for her Husband; but she is adorned by her Husband. She has not clothed herself with salvation, nor covered herself with righteousness. He hath done it all, and in thus clothing and adorning her, he hath done it all in a manner calculated to express the union and relationship of the Bridegroom and the bride. He has clothed and covered her with salvation and righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself, not as he decketh another; for she is recognized by him as the bone of his bones, and the flesh of his flesh; and in adorning her with ornaments, and decking her with jewels, it is all done by him as unto himself, and not as for another. Thus the church, though viewed in any other light than that of her relationship to Christ, is black as the tents of Kedar, yet in the comeliness which Christ has put upon her, she is as white and spotless as the curtains of Solomon. (Cant. i. 5.)
"And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men," &c. The great voice which John heard, is the voice of the Bridegroom, and the voice of the bride; or in other words, the voice of Christ, by his Spirit through the gifts which he has bestowed upon his members; and this is truly a great voice in many respects. It is great, as being his voice by which the worlds were made, by which dead sinners are made alive in a spiritual sense, and by which all that are in their graves shall be raised at the last day. Great, as emanating from him who has all power in heaven and in earth. Great, because of the importance of the proclamation uttered, and great as being proclaimed in every nation, language and tongue, throughout the world, through the gifts bestowed upon his church. The heaven from which John heard this voice, is the new heaven of which he had a revelation as declared in this text, and evidently means the church of the living God, which is the ground and pillar of the truth. The gospel of the Son of God proclaims what John heard, namely, "Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them," &c. The tabernacle which Moses made in the wilderness, according to the pattern which the God of Israel showed him in the holy mount, was a type or figure of the tabernacle intended in our text, and was to be set up in manner and form precisely as it stood in the mount of God when Moses first saw it, and to be made of the materials which God had before designated, and it was to be consecrated to the purpose by him ordained, and to contain the ark of the covenant, the mercy-seat, the cherubims of glory, and to be the place where the God of heaven would meet his chosen tribes, in the person of their High Priest, and commune with them from between the cherubims, and from over the mercy-seat.
The body in which Christ appeared in his incarnation, may be viewed as a tabernacle of God, for God was manifest in the flesh, and in that body all the church of the first-born was represented. The fullness of the Godhead bodily and the church was and is complete in him. But in the immediate sense of the text under consideration, the mystical body, the church, is in our view, intended as the antitypical tabernacle of God. The psalmist says of the church, "God is in the midst of her."-Psalm xlvi. 5. And again, "For the Lord hath chosen Zion: he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest forever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. I Will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread."-Psalm cxxxii. 13-15. The application of the figure of the tabernacle in the wilderness, as designed to prefigure the true tabernacle into which Christ has, by his own blood, and through the eternal Spirit, entered, is very clearly stated in Heb. viii. 2-5; ix 2-14. It is a tabernacle made without hands. For God dwelleth in the church, as we have proven, but we are told that God dwelleth not in tabernacles made with hands, therefore the church is a building of God, a house or tabernacle not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2 Cor. v. 1.) A kingdom prepared for the saints from the foundation of the world. (Matt. xxv. 34.) A stone cut out of the mountain without hands. (Dan. ii. 45.) But in the revelation made to John, Behold it is with men. This holy city, New Jerusalem comes down from God, out of heaven, and is set up in gospel order, according to the pattern in the mount of God, and God, in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, comes down to dwell in it, because he has desired it, and he will dwell in this tabernacle forever. The church is frequently spoken of as the temple as well as the tabernacle of the Lord, which signifies his special dwelling-place. In the mystical body of Christ what wonders are revealed. The eternal God and redeemed sinners meet together there. The saints are redeemed unto God, and God is in Christ. Here the fullness of eternal Godhead is embodied, and here the church is complete; the fullness of him that filleth all in all. And he, the eternal God, will dwell with them, (Eph. i. 23; Col. ii. 9, 10) with men redeemed from the earth. What a wonderful household is this! God dwells with his people: "And they shall be his people." "They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels."-Mal. iii. 17. And this is the special provision of the new covenant, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Heb. viii. 10; Jer. xxxi. 33.) And God himself shall be with them, and be their God. He will never leave nor forsake them; and he will put his fear in their heart, that they shall not depart from him, and he will not turn away from them to do them good. He will be their God, to protect and defend them, to feed and comfort them, to wipe away all their tears. He will be their God, as the object of their worship, their adoration and praise; they shall trust alone in him, and have no other God before him. They are safe while he condescends to be with them as their God. The eternal God is their refuge, and underneath them are his everlasting arms; their place of defense is the munition of rocks; God is a wall of fire around about, and a glory in their midst. He is their Shepherd, they shall not want. He leads them in green pastures by the living waters. And "The Lamb, that is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."Rev. vii. 17.
THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD
By: Elder Silas Durand
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:22)
The apostle’s subject in this connection, is “the resurrection of the dead;” and he takes it up with especial reference to objections which had been made to the doctrine by some among the Corinthian brethren. It is likely that these objections were various. The Sadducees said there was no resurrection, neither angel nor spirit, (Acts 23:8) but we do not know that any member of the church of God had been led away into this error. It is not likely. The Pharisees allowed what Paul expressly declared to be his belief, “That there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust;” (Acts 24:15) but of course, this was only a natural or traditional belief with them, and not a spiritual belief, as it is with those and those only who are taught of God. We learn in the first epistle to Timothy (1:17, 18) that one great error upon this subject was, “that the resurrection is past already.” Hymenaeus and Philetus proclaimed this error, and “overthrew the faith of some;” and it must have been regarded by the apostle as a very dangerous error, for he says the word of them that hold it “will eat as doth a canker,” destroying the peace and comfort of those upon whom they take effect, as a canker does, and causing great injury and sore trouble to the church. It seems likely that this error is the principal one with reference to which this particular argument of the apostle was made. I have regarded it as something like this: to hold that all the resurrection there is for us to experience is our experimental resurrection with Christ from under the condemnation of the law at the time our burden of sin is removed, and we find peace in believing, so that as soon as one becomes a believer the resurrection with him is “past already.” This would be simply to deny the resurrection of the body, and this it appears that the objectors referred to in this place did, by the peculiar question they are represented as asking, “How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?” By this question, they intended to suggest the natural impossibilities of such a thing as the same body being raised up, as a strong argument against it.
It is clear also that the apostle is referring throughout this chapter to something yet to be experienced by the believer, in speaking of the resurrection of the dead, and not something which was experienced in becoming a believer; for he is talking to believers only, and yet is speaking of what is still in the future of them.
The first argument used in proof of the resurrection is, that Christ is risen. This he reminds them that he had preached to them, even as he had received it, as had also the rest of the ministers of Christ; and he recounts to them the evidence of that resurrection. He does not, however, speak of it as something which they all had believed, and in the belief of which they were still well settled. And now he declares to the saints that the resurrection of Christ necessarily implies the resurrection of the dead, that the two things are inseparably connected. The force of this argument evidently depends upon the doctrine of the union of Christ and the church so clearly taught in the Scriptures, but which the world can not receive. To the believers in a conditional salvation, there could be no force in this argument; for they declare that some for whom Christ died and rose again are lost, their salvation and resurrection to eternal life being ensured by the resurrection of Christ, but depending upon their performance of conditions. But the apostle declares their resurrection to depend absolutely upon his as the cause, so that if Christ is risen, then the dead shall rise, and “if the dead rise not, then is not Christ risen.” Now, by “the dead” in this connection the apostle does not, I think, include the “unjust” but those only who are in Christ. To them alone has he addressed the epistle, and of them alone is he speaking. Some one, I can not now remember who, has suggested to me that the resurrection of both the just and the unjust is by virtue of the resurrection of Christ, although one is unto life, and the other to shame and everlasting contempt, and that both are included in the reference to “resurrection of the dead” in the first part of this chapter. There are sufficient considerations to show that this is not so. First, the declaration for the comfort of the saints that the resurrection of Christ is an absolute proof that the dead will be raised. How could this be an assurance and comfort to the believer if the resurrection to damnation were also assured by it, as well as the resurrection to glory? Second, How could the resurrection of Christ be presented as a proof and necessary assurance of the resurrection of the dead, unless because of a vital connection between him and them? There can be no such connection between him and those unto whom he will say, “I never knew you.” Third, Why should Paul say, “If Christ is not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins?” How could that faith by which they are justified, and cleansed from their sins, be in the resurrection of Christ, if his resurrection also caused that of those who are not justified? Fourth, The apostle here, as well as in other places, sometimes uses the pronoun we, by which he includes only those who, with himself, are subjects of grace, and “shall bear the image of the heavenly.” From all these, and many other considerations, it is clear to me that the argument is confined to the resurrection of the saints.
The apostle evidently regards those to whom he is writing as prepared to appreciate the force of his argument by a knowledge which they all have. They all know that Christ came to save his own people from their sins; and that those who are saved by virtue of his death, were his by a vital relation; and that the efficacy of his death in satisfying the law for them, was because of this relation or vital union existing between him as Head, and them as members of his body before the transgression was committed, in which relation as he appeared under the law, payment for their trespasses could be justly demanded of him, and the punishment due to their sins inflicted upon him. The apostle could, therefore, direct their minds to the full power and effect of this relations, and show them that when Christ was raised up from the dead, the resurrection of every one thus related to him was absolutely insured. In other places, he speaks of the saints as already risen with Christ, “raised up together.” He is their Resurrection and Life, and when he was raised up from under the law, from under the power of sin and dominion of death, they were raised with him. But not until now have they received the experimental knowledge of this, so as to be addressed as “risen with him.” In this place, he speaks of a resurrection yet to be experienced, clearly showing that it is the resurrection of the body, but which is just as absolutely certain as that which they have already experienced.
To the twentieth verse of this chapter the apostle is considering what would be the case if Christ were not risen, by way of argument. Then he leaves this argumentative style, and declares positively and authoritatively, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.” In the twenty-third verse is a more general statement in regard to his being the first-fruits of all the saints. “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.” This also is a positive declaration of a truth, but presented rather as a doctrinal reason for, or proof of the former declaration, more fully to be comprehended by the saints, showing that as death was a penalty incurred by man, the law would demand that man should receive it; and, therefore, to bring any of the mortal race from under its power, our Saviour must appear in the flesh under the law, as a man he must receive the wages of sin which man had earned, as a man die, and rise again by the power of the Father, thus becoming the first-fruits from the grace, of all the family of God.
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” A still farther positive declaration in proof that Christ is raised from the dead as the first-fruits of all his people; but a statement so broad, so deep, so full, that the whole subject seems to be covered and embraced in its condensed form. If we should understand the word “all” in the first clause of this sentence to include all the descendants of Adam, still the same word in the next would not necessarily include the same number, but only those who are in Christ as their progentative spiritual Head. In that case, however, I think it would have been written, “As in Adam all died.” It appears to me that the word “all” in each clause refers to the same characters, and includes all those of whom the apostle is speaking throughout the chapter, who shall be raised in immortality and glory. The use of the present form, die, is the strongest reason for this in my mind, probably, that I can express. When Adam transgressed, death passed upon all his race, so that all are in a state of death when they are born. But none “die” experimentally, none feel the power of that death while in this mortal state, except those who are quickened by the Spirit. Paul was dead in trespasses and sins before the commandment came, but he knew nothing of it, but rather thought himself fully alive in every respect in which he could live. But when the commandment came, with its glare of spiritual light, he saw his sins, felt their penalty, and thus experimentally died, losing all hope or confidence in himself; and ever, so far as his Adamic nature was concerned, he continued to experience that death, though he lived in Christ, who was revealed in him the hope of glory. So with all the saints. Of them alone can it be said that they “die,” except in regard to physical death. All that rises from their Adamic nature is but a manifestation to them of the death that reigns there. Their natural hopes, joys, expectations, all fail and disappoint them, and prove but as exhalations from a body of death. In reference to all things worldly, they “die daily,” as Paul protested to the saints by their rejoicing that he did. If he had not died daily, they could not have rejoiced in his preaching, for he would have preached himself and the power of man, instead of Christ crucified, as soon as he ceased to die in this sense, as the Arminian and worldly preachers all do. Those who do not know their natural state and condition can do much in religious things that they can feed their pride and vanity upon. But not so with the saints. In reference to all their own works, they experience only death. They never live but by the faith of the Son of God.
Now, the death spoken of in the text, I understand to cover the whole ground of the consequences of Adam’s transgression as it is experienced by the saints, from the first sense of sin resting upon them as a burden, to the last gasping struggle of this mortal body. In order to fully understand the points of comparison presented by the words, “as--even so,” and to see where the great force of the comparison is intended especially to bear, we must keep in mind the particular doctrine upon which he is endeavoring to establish the minds of his brethren. It is the resurrection of the dead. His subject is not the new birth, not the first experience of the gift of life by faith in Jesus, but the resurrection of the body; not the quickening, which causes us to walk in the spirit while yet in the flesh, but the change by which our mortal bodies are raised spiritual and immortal bodies.
How, then, do we die in Adam? First, we die spiritually. That may not be a strictly correct expression, but will, perhaps, convey my meaning. I do not mean to infer by the word “spiritually” that Adam was created a spiritual being, as one is who is born of God, but to express that death which he immediately experienced, and in which all his posterity are born, in distinction from the death of the body, which is afterward experienced. He was created perfect as a man; good, pure, innocent. That perfection as a man, that goodness, purity, innocence, he lost, was separated from, in the day he transgressed. In that first condition he was happy, self-satisfied as a man. When he sinned he lost that happiness which was connected with innocence. He was then dead in sin, and in this state all his descendants come into the world. But only when quickened by that “life which is the light of men” do any realize this death; and therefore with reference to the saints the expression, “they die,” must be used instead of “they died.” As they begin to realize this condition of death, they begin to make efforts to get back into the life which Adam enjoyed in his first estate; but the more they struggle towards this, the more fully do they feel and understand that death which came upon him by sin. They can not talk with God as the innocent Adam could. They can not approve of themselves, and be at rest in self-complacency, as he was. They can not be satisfied with what is about them, as he was. But, on the contrary, there is continual unrest, bitterness, pain, self-abhorrence, and fear of a justly angry God. Not that they know any thing literally about Adam before his fall, but there is in their minds a picture, as it were, of what he was, of what an innocent man would be, and towards that their desires and struggles tend. They feel, or imagine what might be their state, and privileges, and enjoyments, if they were only innocent. Every one can remember, and even notice yet, that all his natural efforts when suffering under pain, sorrow, guilt, self-reproach, are, to get back into the enjoyment of such a perfect and happy life as he thinks man might enjoy but for this painful sense and consequence of sin. But this never can be; because in Adam he is dead; and this death he is just now merely becoming more and more conscious of by the light of another life. Experimentally, therefore, in Adam he dies; in Adam all the saints die.
To suit all our natural desires and ideas, and all the theories of worldly or conditional religion, the apostle’s expression must have been, “As in Adam all die, even so in Adam shall all be made alive.” But it is not so. They are made alive, not in Adam again, never more in Adam, not even for a moment, but in Christ. None are ever to know the joys of the perfect life of a man, only the sorrows of his fallen state. But when they are made alive, it is with a life as much higher and more glorious than the perfect life of Adam, as Christ, the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, is higher and more glorious than Adam, the creature of his power and wisdom. As they die in Adam to all the joys and comforts of that innocence and goodness in which he was created, while yet the body lives, so they are made alive in Christ while yet in the flesh, enjoying by faith a taste of the holy pleasures and heavenly comforts of that divine life. This joyful experience of the Christian I regard as corresponding to what I have called the spiritual death in Adam. As in Adam they die thus, in Christ they are made alive thus. Not that the life which they lost is restored, but that another life, infinitely glorious, and eternally theirs in Christ, is manifested in them; and that life which they now live in the flesh, they live by the faith of the Son of God. They taste the joys of this heavenly life even while enclosed in the body of this death. It is a present experience, not merely an expectation or theoretical looking for. Christ comes into their souls from time to time, experimentally, with sweetness and power, and thus gives them a taste, an earnest, of the rapturous joys of that eternal life.
All this the saints know by experience, and now to this knowledge the apostle addresses himself in speaking what they must recognize as a clear and truthful proposition. They have known that as in Adam they died in sin, so in Christ they are made alive unto holiness, have been given a hope of eternal life, and have been made to taste of heavenly joys. They have known that as sin and death come by Adam’s transgression, so righteousness and life come by the obedience of Christ. And yet, some of them have denied the resurrection of the body. Well, is the death of the body, which all must certainly experience, because of Adam’s transgression? In laying down the natural life, do we “die in Adam?” Then, in this respect also shall we be made alive in Christ. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” This, it seems to me, is the very thing which the inspired apostle means to establish by this expression. To every part of the death- work of Adam there must be a counterpart in the life-work of Christ; and so as the body must go down to death because of the disobedience of Adam, it must come up again into life because of the obedience of Christ; but not as it went down; not into the life from which it was separated. It is made alive in Christ. In answer to the caviling question of the natural mind, the apostle presents the figure of a seed sown in the earth, and says, “Thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain; it may chance of wheat or of some other grain; but God giveth it a body as it pleased him, and to every seed his own body.” The putting of the body into the grave literally is not this planting or sowing, but the going down to death, the sowing of the body of the saint in death. As we stand by the bedside of the dying saint, how strikingly the words of the apostle apply. It is sown in corruption, in dishonor, in weakness. It is sown a natural body. That is the kind of a body that every descendant of Adam has. But the bodies of the saints are sealed with the Holy Spirit of God. By the power of that Spirit they shall be raised. But the resurrection power is not only a quickening, but a changing power; and so they are raised in incorruption, in glory, and in power. In a word, they are raised spiritual bodies.
The truth of the resurrection is thus clearly proven, but not to the understanding of the natural mind. The faith of God’s elect discerns it, and by that faith they embrace and rejoice in it. It is a mystery to them, but not a question of doubt, at least when faith is in exercise. They can not understand how, but they believe. Should they give rein to the carnal mind, and follow it in all its attempts at philosophical investigation, they would be lost in a maze of speculation. But compassed about this subject with “the form of sound words,” which they are admonished to hold fast, they are safely enclosed and kept in from error, and can rest in faith and love, even though they can not understand fully the great mystery that is shown them. They do not know how they shall appear when they are raised, but the spiritual body must be beyond the natural sight or comprehension; but they know that they shall be raised, and that is enough. “It does not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when we shall appear, we shall be like him.” “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, we also shall appear with him in glory.” (I John 3:2; Col. 3:4)
Elder Silas H. Durand
February 24, 1871
I SAW THE DEAD STAND BEFORE GOD
By O. Allen Bailey
“..And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works..” Rev 20:12 .
“....The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Psa 1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
Psa 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish..” “..Psa 1:4
“..What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one..” “..Rom 3:9-12.
The general take throughout Christendom upon the above reference to Rev 20:12 is used as directed to a “great judgment day” at the “end of Time”placed in a literal, futuristic setting. However, in accordance with the general context and message of the book of Revelation, I think this passage refers to a judgment of God in Christ that would take place with His Coming in general, and which judgment was often spoken of by The Holy prophets, by Himself while He was on earth, and was also spoken by His forerunner John the Baptist and many times later by His Holy Apostles.
The Psalmist says here that the ungodly shall never stand in judgment with the righteous. And Paul says that both Jew and Gentile are together condemned by the Law as sinners; and that there is none that doeth good, no, not one. If the “dead” were judged out of the “things which were written in the books”, then it seems to me that these books under consideration must be the Books of the Law, or the five books of Moses, called the Torah. And Paul says that by the deeds of the Law no flesh (Jew or Gentile) shall be justified in His sight. These are brought to this judgment in order that the way of their ungodliness might perish. These were alive to their own goodness and righteousness before the Law entered, that their offenses against the Law might abound in their conscience, and sin might become 'exceeding sinful' to them. When this happens with them, they fall helpless before the righteous Law of God, which is just and holy, but they carnal, sold, or sold out - like the bondman, under sin. They once yielded their members to sin and were willing servants to it, because, before they were not then dead to sin, but were then dead intrespasses and sin by nature: “..And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins..“..Eph 2:1. “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses....Col 2:13.
“..Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus..”
The 'righteous' do indeed stand in judgment; but as far as the Law goes, they are found condemned sinners in its sight. Like the poor publican who went up to the temple to pray: They can only smite themselves upon their breast, and cry: “Lord I am guilty! Be merciful to me, a sinner!”
When these Books (in the plural) have been opened, 'every boasting natural mouth of those who trust in their own works for salvation and acceptance before God is stopped, and the whole world (both Jew and Gentile) who are convicted of sin, stand guilty before God. But when they have been made alive in Christ by the entrance of His Spirit, being born again, not of a corruptible seed, but of an Incorruptible Seed, which lives and abides forever, are given to believe on His Name, are raised up from death in this sin (or are blessed to rise in judgment among the great congregation of saints) in Christ where there is no longer any distinction between a Jew or Gentile; Christ having broken down the middle wall of partition between them that separated them in the flesh, and of the two He made of One in His Body; so there is no longer any respect of persons before Him, but they are One in Christ Jesus.
“..My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
Psa 22:26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
Psa 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee..“..Psa 22:25
“..I will give thee thanks in the great congregation:I will praise theeamong much people.“..Psa 35:18.
“..Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
Psa 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Psa 40:9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
Psa 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.“...Psa 40:7
Quickened sinners, who are taught to reckon themselves to be dead indeed unto the sin of their flesh, are yet made alive unto Christ by His Spirit dwelling in them. It is the Spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing. Therefore, we are not debtors to sin, to serve it unto condemnation; because the letter killeth; but the Spirit gives life:
“..But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you..”
“..Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.. “..Rom 8:11-13.
There is nothing in our flesh (ourselves) to look to for the obtaining of spiritual life. Our Life is hid with Christ in God; and when He appears in our flesh, it is a glorious place with us; because The Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty from sin. We are not debtors to ourselves and the performance of our works for acceptance with God; but unto the mercy of God in Jesus, Who is our Life. We often look for our life in the flesh; but there we find only coldness and death. But when we by the faith of Jesus are made to realize this by so often looking to the deeds of the body (flesh) and finding nothing - we can then mortify (recognize the deeds of the body when presented for the reward of salvation as being inert or lifeless; while instead we find these motions of sin in our members to be only the production of dead works in the sight of God. By this experience we learn that all of our Life and salvation is vested in Jesus for us, and that we are not our own, but we are bought with a price by Him Who loved us, and gave Himself for us: and He will supply all our needs by His riches in Glory - We are thus crucified with Christ in our flesh; nevertheless, we live in Him:
“.. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain...” Gal 2:20.
In wondering why the above particular Psalm was placed in the beginning of the list of Psalms , its contents seem to make it very appropriate to be placed here. Just as the last verses of Malichi were placed at the end of the prophets with its summation of the hopeless condition of the Law covenant to save sinners under its provisions, it therefore pointed to a New Day of salvation when the incorrigible sinners, or the chaff of that kingdom would be cut off and out of the Kingdom, when the Sun of Righteousness would arise with healing in His wings, lest the long-suffering Lord would come and smite the earth with the terrible curse that sin deserved, and where there could be no remedy, in that the Law was weak through the flesh of Adam. But God had prepared a Sacrifice for Himself; even in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who came and saved His people from their sins by His propitiation upon the cross, or Roman Tree; where He suffered the Just for the unjust before God and that to bring them to God in being their justification for righteousness.
Like, and in all the called by divine Grace, the blessing precedes the actions of the Spirit, as shown in the Beatitudes of Jesus - (they are not blessed because of their actions or obedience, but are already blessed individuals to obey and to be such) “..Blessed is that man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, but his delight is in the Law of the Lord,” or the Torah. Though he is yet a sinner in nature, God does not allow him or her to sit in or under their counsel, or walk (for very long) in the way of wickedness – as David himself had experienced these things to his own hurt and confession when he fell prey to the works of the flesh. But rather, after the inward man, his delight is in the spiritual law of Christ which is written not on tables of stone, but in the fleshly, feeling tables of his heart or affections. Because Jesus said, quoting from Isaiah:
“..It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. “..John 6:45.
“..And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.“..Isa 54:13
And by the Hebrew writer:
“..And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more..”Heb 8:11-12.
In this judgment the “wicked” are separated from the “righteous” whenever and wherever this may take place with them. The wicked, who are denoted as “chaff” in the purpose of God in Christ are to be blown away so as to separate them from the “wheat” or the precious part in God's Purpose. John the Baptist came preaching the very fulfillment of this Psalm in Christ and with nearly identical words:
“He will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable..”
And Malichi in the last chapter as pointed out above:
“..For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.“..Mal 4:1.
And in Jesus' Own words:
“..Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.“..Mat 13:30
"But these must also be brought before the judgment seat of Christ to give account of the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or bad:"
“..For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.“..2 Cor 5:10.
This separating of the chaff from the wheat is also mentioned in the Parable of The Sheep and Goats:
“.. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left..“..Mat 25:31-33.
“..But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed..“..Luke 17:29-30.
“..And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth (land)? “..Luke 18:7- 8.
All of these Scriptures were historically fulfilled or beginning to be fulfilled with the coming of Christ when He came in final judgment upon that generation and also when He now comes in experimental and personal judgment upon His people as He appears to the objects of His grace in convicting them of their sinful condition in His sight before the Law's tribunal. They are weighed in the balance, and found wanting; they are ten thousand talents in debt with not a farthing to pay. This judgment may appear sooner or later in their individual experiences with Christ's dealing with them according to His Purpose for and in them: because:
“..Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot behid..” Tim 5:24 -25.
“..And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works..” Rev 20:12 . Historically speaking,this book of final judgment was sealed in the Purpose of God in Christ as was spoken to Daniel by Gabriel until the coming of Christ Jesus:
“.. And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.. “...Dan 12:8-10.
No man in heaven or earth, or under the earth was found worthy to open this book that was sealed on the front and back side and to look thereon, except the Lion of the tribe Judah, which was Christ Jesus, our Lord. No one had either the authority or the power to do so – but Jesus prevailed by and through His Power given Him of His Father. Those who were left under the elements of that which was abolished would go away into the interminable judgment of God where there is no revocation; but those who were chosen to inhabit the house not made hands, and which had foundations would go in with the bridegroom to eat and drink in His Kingdom, for as the Father had appointed Him a Kingdom, He had also appointed them a Kingdom of Love, Joy and peace in the Holy Ghost, because there remained a rest for the people of God in Christ.
These books that were opened were and are the spiritual law of God when it is opened in a child of God's renewed conscience. Paul experienced this when he said:
“..For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died..“..Rom 7:9
None who are called to this experience are exempt from this judgment. It will overtake them sooner or later in their knowledge of sin and judgment, and their life experience of sin and death working in them; because as the Apostle said:
“..But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us,,“..2 Cor 1:9-10.
“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”
I Corinthians 2:4
The Lord blesses His ministers to preach by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. The different gifts are measured out as it pleases the Lord.
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:7)
The Lord blessed Paul with the liberty of speech or liberty of thought or door of utterance when he went to Troas to preach.
“Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s Gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord.” (II Corinthians 2:12)
One may quote much Scripture and preach a good “legal” or “letter” sermon, but it will not have any effect unless the Lord blesses both the speaker and the hearer to meditate upon spiritual things.
Two listeners may sit side by side and one rejoices in the preaching while another cannot get interested in the sermon.
Why?
“Blessed is that man that heareth me…” (Proverbs 8:34)
The Lord blesses the ministers to preach and blesses the hearers to hear and the praise belongs to the Lord.
What does man have to boast about?
Do not you believe that God gives a spiritual appetite to His people?
The Lord causes you to hunger and thirst after righteousness and He feeds you.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
Please notice the truth of that Scripture.
The Lord blesses His people to both hunger and to thirst after righteousness. All men in this world are not covered by that blessing.
“For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)
What does it mean?
Do you believe that those who are blessed to hear a good sermon are also blessed to render praises unto the Lord?
“This people I have formed for Myself; they shall shew forth My praise.” (Isaiah 43:21)
The Lord gives His people the desire to praise Him.
Have you experienced this good feeling of praising the Lord?
Does it cause you to speak to yourselves in “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord”?
“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.” (Psalm 113:3)
I apologize for having lost the old archive of the first guestbook, as the provider went out of business, and I have failed to find a backup copy. Thanks to all that have visited. Maybe I will run across the archieve someday.
“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” Concerning the wonderful mystery expressed by the apostle in Romans xi. 25, I have to say that it looks to me very deep and unsearchable. I cannot fathom it. I have some thoughts upon the subject, but do not know that I will have strength to try to express them. What is written in the text is inseparably connected with all the rest of the chapter, and the preceding chapter.
In all of this connection the apostle is keeping in view Israel as a nation, while he still teaches the doctrine of election, and of salvation by grace without the works of the law. While he keeps Israel after the flesh in view, with the advantages of the Jew, and what pertained to them (Rom. iii. 1; ix. 4,5), and his desire for them as his kinsmen according to the flesh, he yet brings to view Israel after the Spirit all the way through, as it were, a nation within a nation, so that he can say, “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew.” This he illustrates strikingly by referring to the seven thousand which the Lord reserved to himself in the midst of the nation of Israel, in the days of Elijah. These were made to see that to which all the rest of Israel were blinded. It was not, however, as fleshly Israelites that these seven thousand obtained that righteousness which all Israel were professedly seekers after, but as the election of grace. It was not professedly seekers after, but as the election of grace. It was not God’s purpose that any should know him by wisdom (1 Cor. i. 21), and it is in this sense that he is said to have blinded Israel, that they should not see the way of righteousness by their natural understanding, nor obtain it by the works of the law.
But (eleventh verse), “Have they stumbled that they should fall?” Was it a kind of accident, or haphazard step of theirs, which with due care they might have avoided? How closely and carefully the apostle keeps all the threads of this wonderful argument in hand. The weaving he does can never be raveled out.
The fall of Israel as a fleshly people was according to the purpose of God, that there might be salvation for the Gentiles. If salvation could come to one Israelite because he was of the flesh of Abraham, then no Gentile could be saved, for the promise was to Abraham and his seed. But the apostle, while still keeping Israel as a nation in view, shows here as elsewhere that not the children of the flesh of Abraham, but the children of the promise, are counted for the seed. Still regarding Israel as having received the promise through Abraham, who is the root bearing up the olive tree and its branches, the apostle speaks of those Israelites who did not believe as having been cut off. This, according to the figure he is using, would leave place for some Gentiles to come in, by grafting, so as to fill up the place of the original branches, and receive the root and fatness of the olive tree; or in other words, receive the promise of Abraham, and heirs according to the promise, as Isaac was. (Gal. Iii. 29; iv. 28.)
The fall, then, of Israel, and the diminishing of them, shows a way of salvation for the Gentiles, and is therefore the riches of the Gentile world. Then the apostle widens the argument gradually, showing the possibility of receiving again those natural branches which were cut off and cast away because of unbelief, “if they abide not still in unbelief.” But they must come in by grafting, and on the same principle of goodness and mercy which brought the Gentiles in. The Gentiles are warned against high-mindedness and boasting, as though they were better than the Jews who had been cast away because of unbelief. They are no better. “Because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear. If God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.”
In the twenty-fourth verse the apostle refers again to the figure of grafting, the only place where this figure is used in the Bible, so far as I remember. In former years I occasionally heard people speak of grafting into Christ, as though the apostle was representing by this figure how sinners are savingly united with Christ. But a little careful attention will make it plain that he does not speak of grafting in that sense. The olive tree is undoubtedly used here to represent the covenant made with Abraham and his seed, and the Israelites who stand in the natural view as heirs of that covenant and its promises. Because of unbelief some of the branches were broken off, and the Gentiles, as branches of a wild olive tree, are grafted into this good olive tree; that is, are given faith to believe and receive as theirs the promises made to Abraham, for these promises are the root and fatness of the tree.
A graft bears it own fruit. It is therefore taken from a good tree and put into a tree whose fruit was not good, to make the tree bear good fruit. This shows that grafting could not illustrate the union of sinners with Christ, for by that figure the sinner as a graft would bear the same evil fruit as before. But here it is a branch from a wild olive that is grafted into the good olive tree, in order that the branch thus grafted may be benefited by the fatness of the root. The good tree makes this graft good.
Now the apostle calls attention to how easily the branches once broken from the good olive tree may be grafted into their own olive tree again. But it is noticeable that if they are again joined to their own tree it will be by grafting, the same as the Gentiles.
Then the peculiar words of the text, “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.” Israel is still openly regarded by the apostle as the nation, the descendants of Abraham according to the flesh, “to whom were committed the oracles of God,” and “to whom pertained the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever.” – Rom. iii. 1; ix. 1-5. Some of them did not believe, “but shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” Some did believe, and these believing Israelites are regarded by the apostle, in the use of this figure, as still of the nation of Israel, as still branches remaining upon the good olive tree, which waits to be filled up with Gentile believers, the fullness of the Gentiles, the elect among all people, who shall come and sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, and be “no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints.”
“And so all Israel shall be saved.” This is rather sudden and startling, is it not? Then none of the branches that were cut off shall be finally lost, but all be grafted in again, with all the believing Gentiles. Is that what the apostle means? It would seem so. The apostle has been hurrying along to this grand and blessed truth that all Israel shall be saved; has been waiting anxiously for the time when he would be ready to say it. He has expressed unusually strong desires that all Israel might be saved. (Rom. ix. 1-3, x.1.) He has intimated the truth of the mystery at times, by saying, “For they are not all Israel which are of Israel; neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children, but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” – Rom. ix. 6-8. Then again he has spoken of the seven thousand hidden ones as the chosen remnant, and has also said, “Israel hath "Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for, but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.”
And now the full, clear note of heavenly gospel music is sounded by the apostle, “And so all Israel shall be saved;” and the spiritual Israel comes forth in our view, out of Egypt, up through the Red Sea, out of the wilderness, over Jordan, under the leadership of our spiritual Joshua, into the promised gospel land, “As it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.”
Now the wonderful mystery begins to open up, so that the secret of the Lord is manifest as with us. Israel after the flesh now begins to disappear, and we see none saved upon that ground. “By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” For the Gentiles’ sake, then, the fleshly Israelites are counted enemies, and so there is a door of mercy opened to those who are aliens because of the unbelief of the Jews as such. But as touching the election those same people who are cut off because of unbelief are beloved for the Father’s sake, and shall be made to rejoice in the same mercy which brought the Gentiles in.
So now the secret is opened up, and it is indeed a glorious secret, which is with them that fear the Lord, to whom now he will show his covenant. It is not on account of any works of the creature, not of any personal merit, that any are saved, but through mercy. “For God hath concluded them all,” but Jews and Gentiles, “in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” So all that the apostle has been talking about, al the branches that were broken off because of unbelief, and the branches of the wild olive that were grafted in, all are of that Israel who shall all be saved through mercy. Yes, mercy opens a wide and beautiful door to every poor, mourning soul who sees in himself no merit. Every one who feels that he is justly cut off from all hope, who has no power to believe that he can be on eof the Lord’s redeemed; every one who feels to be an “alien from the common wealth of Israel and a stranger from the covenant of promise; without God and without hope in the world; every such one is among those whom mercy takes up, and who shall through mercy be made joyful in God’s house of prayer.
“Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song.”
Well may we break out with the apostle in words of sublime adoration and praise, and say, “Oh, the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out.”
January 28, 1903
Elder Silas H. Durand
*Copyright, O. Allen Bailey
July 12, 2008
*Some parts added (from original) by author - Aug 14, 2008
“…This is the work of God, that you believe upon Him Whom He hath sent” John 6:29,
And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment..” John 3:23.
“Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God , God dwells in him, and he in God..” I John 4:15.
“..For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world : and this is the victory that overcomes the world, (even) our faith..” John 5:4.
“.He that believes on the Son of God has the witness in himself; he that believes not God has made Him a liar; because he believes not the record that God gave of His Son. And this is the record, that God HAS (already) given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son..” 1 John 5:10-11.
“…But we are bound (bound - to owe money, be in debt for that which is due, the debt - metaph. the goodwill - Strong’s.“..to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning (beginning, origin the person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a series, the leader that by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause the extremity of a thing - the first place, principality, rule, magistracy of angels and demons) -- Strong’s “.. chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:..” 2Th 2:13
“..Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ; that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel..” Phil 1:27.
There are multitudes of professing Christians claiming, and no doubt thinking they are really preaching the true Gospel of Christ in avowedly preaching in such a way as giving invitations, proffers and offers of salvation to supposed unbelievers in Christ, basing the terms of salvation upon the free-wiil acceptance of what they style the gospel of Christ being and consisting of and in mere offers and invitations for all or anyone (’whosoever” - as they style it, with their connotation upon the word) -and that in order for their adherents to believe and thus secure to themselves eternal salvation in thus closing with the terms of such an offer according to their free-will option as a take-it-or-leave-it-affair. But is it really so for those who have been chosen in Christ from the foundation of the world; that is in eternity, or in the eternal Mind and Power of God - chosen to believe the truth about or of salvation, and the truth concerning its Divine Author in bestowing it upon whom His sovereignty has eternally pleased, and no others? - Because every child of God who has truly and really experienced a genuine calling by divine and sovereign grace has found in their heart (and verified in the Holy Scriptures of truth) that such teaching is far from the truth as itn is in Jesus - Especially if in this kind of “gospel” or “good news” they are essentially denying the main basis of the true gospel of Christ in the sovereign calling of His children to His gospel and the glories thereof - and the truth as it is in Jesus, by denying the power of God in His sovereignly quickening, or regenerating, and effectual caliing. Also His sovereign qualifying and preservation of His chosen people, (or the election of grace) both through time and in eternity to eternal life in Christ - and that based solely upon His eternal Purpose, power and God-head, which He has wrought in His only begotten, The Lord-Jesus Christ.
One cannot believe on Jesus as their Savior until they are born of the Spirit. This new spiritual birth or being born-again, or being born from above is really a mystery to the natural mind until one has personally experienced it (for themselves.) Now, just like our natural birth into the natural world, we are completely passive in the new birth. Everyone understands this concerning the natural or physical birth, But like Nicodemus, it is a mystery to one until they have experienced or realized the second birth for themselves. A natural human being cannot make any physical motion until they are given life - even perhaps beyond conception. They have no will, as to form any conscience decision about in the natural realm. In the spiritual realm, it is the same way with man concerning eternal life and salvation - even though he now possesses natural life and understands the natural life and most (*or perhaps even all) of its concerns - as many *may who give little or no evidence that they are (yet) born of the Spirit.
“..For what man knows the things of a man, except the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God..” 1 Cor 2:11.
THE WIND (HOLY SPIRIT) BLOWS WHERE IT WILL
In illustrating the passivity of man under the influence of being born of the Spirit, Jesus described this phenomenon like unto the blowing wind which blows where it “listeth” (or where it turns, pleases or will and causes various effects by its movements; just as the rudder or tiller of a ship causes the vessel to turn wherever the helmsman desires or wills. In this case the rudder is the wind, and the Pilot is the Holy Spirit, which is Omnipotent, (therefore being Invincible) in all His work. Thus the natural wind moves by or according to its own intrinsic nature and power which the Creator has given it.)* So - as it is true In the nature of the earthly wind, is it also true in the heavenly wind of the Spirit; like the natural wind of the atmosphere of this earth, we have no control over the atmospheric wind, and it is the same with the wind of the Spirit when it pleases God to blow upon us. We see the effects of the wind of nature, such as the movement of trees and their branches and leaves and such, and the wonderful breezes that also blow upon us in giving us all the natural and wonderful blessings of this earthly life from God in His abounding goodness of showering these blessings upon us; because He makes His rain to fall, His sun to rise and shine, and His breezes to blow upon the just(ified) and the un(justified) alike; and His kindness, beneficence, and goodness is over all His works - Even the disastrous and destructive effects sometimes caused by our earthly atmosphere; but humanity, while they have become more and more proficient in predicting the weather along with its greatest component and medium, the wind (driven by the heat energy of the natural sun) - yet man to this date has little, if any CONTROL over this terrestrial wind. The natural wind, being an invisible fluid or gas, cannot be viewed by our natural faculties of vision, nevertheless, it exists, and is actually very potent as we observe in the great storms of destruction produced by the wind. However, we humans“ cannot tell from whence it comes, or whether it goes, but we hear the sound thereof“ (as Jesus told Nicodemus) - It is the same with the Holy Spirit, when it blows upon the objects of His Love. The main difference in the natural wind and the heavenly wind is that the natural wind causes most of its effects upon the external part of us, or our physical body, while God’s spiritual wind shows nearly all of its effects upon the elect by its infusion into our very inward being, imparting eternal life unto our soul. And we become a living spirit unto God in our hearts: We then know Him as The God that we never before knew Him in our earthly nature and as we might have viewed Him only in His Providence - but not truly in His grace and favor toward us as His Dear children and the apple of His eye in His Love and Purpose in Christ-Jesus. But first, Jesus stated the truth of above that which one knows nothing about, and that one cannot even SEE God’s spiritual kingdom (that is, spiritually) until they are truly born anew from heaven; And then they are true candidates and are then qualified to truly believe in the Lord Jesus as their personal or own Savior. Not only so; but they being made partakers of the Divine nature, are also given to see, believe and trust to others, that have been wrought upon by the same Spirit by the evidences they give and the adherence to and love of the same principles which through the entrance and work of this same Spirit of Christ which has also wrought in them, so they can mutually say: “..We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren..” (Not necessarily the natural world of mankind in this respect, because the Love of The Spirit only flows between those who have been born of this same Spirit, and therefore show forth the fruits and evidences of this same Spirit, and thus they have (spiritual) fellowship one with the other.
“..Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God..” John 3:3.
A man (or woman) cannot even see those things that form the spiritual heavens of God as revealed unto the objects of His eternal Love - much less, enter into the understanding, knowledge and glory of them.
Though many talk about these things, and may even use the proper (Scriptural) words and correct grammar, they cannot really understand and truly appreciate spiritual things until they are born of the Spirit of Christ. It is so ironic that so many professed Christian believers use the third chapter of John (John 3:16 especially) in thinking they are preaching salvation by the sole merits of Christ when they make believing upon Him conditional (or rather, prepositional) upon the dead alien sinner’s part - (or those who are by a condemned nature in sin separated in spirit from Christ); because, how can they believe upon Him until they are *first given eternal life? The signs of *natural life are manifest in the natural new-born child (or any other creature) and it is true with the new spiritually-, or heaven-born child. So - the evidence of spiritual life as *manifested or revealed in believing does not give life; but is only the evidence that spiritual life is already in existence and attendance in the child that has antecedently or previously received of the Spirit of God in Jesus; and then the new-born child is consequently shown to have already been born from above - that is, born from heaven. Preaching Christ, and “offering” Christ is as far apart as day is from night, and produce the same results (naturally) as the presence and absence of the sun shining upon the earth does in our natural lives.
HOW ONE IS THEN BORN OF THE SPIRIT AND CONFESSES CHRIST AS THEIR SAVIOR
“Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God , God dwells (already dwells) in him, and he (already dwells) in God..” I John 4:15.
This “confessing” is plainly shown here as to be based upon a new, or spiritual life already *living in a child of God; In fact, the presence of eternal life dwelling in them is the very thing that makes them a (spiritual) child of God. They believed, and therefore confessed - not in order to become a child of God; but their “confessing” shows that they (already) have God dwelling in them by His Spirit:
Rom 10:9 is a favorite text with free-will advocates; but I can’t see how this can help their puerile (childish) arguments in any way, because these passages are not any support for the free will of man in conditionally accepting their supposed terms of Christ’s “offer” of salvation to (spiritually-dead) sinners; but rather is a description of how a child of God receives faith in Jesus as being their Savior; because from a Scriptural standpoint, they fail to read and properly understand the preceding verse which says:
"..But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that is, the word of faith, which we (the apostles) preach.” (Rom 10:8.)
This verse refers to, or is rather a quotation from Deuteronomy concerning the unbelief of the children of Israel who believed not the word of God before Moses - as compared with those who have truly been given faith to believe God’s promises - for instance, as were Joshua and Caleb given faith to believe the promise of the land of Canaan. (while others failed to believe, because they trusted in their own natural strength from a human perspective, not considering the power of God which He had already many times manifested or demonstrated to and before them. Yet, they could not believe; because Moses said about them: “They were children, in whom was no faith.“ And they fell through the same example of unbelief - and with many of them God was not well-please, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness.” And so, they entered not in because of their unbelief, and is the same figure used by the Book of Hebrews writer. Many seem to think that every human being has this “word of faith” dwelling by nature in “their hearts and mouth.” however, did the Apostle mean this, or did he mean something entirely different? As man possessing evangelical (saving) faith (even a “spark” of it ) by nature, cannot be shown from the Scriptures. If so, the Holy Scriptures would be a *conglomeration of contradictions. Man cannot believe upon Jesus until given spiritual faith to do so. *Spiritual faith is a special and wondrous gift of God, and is not given to all. Jesus plainly declared this in His conversations with the unbelieving Jews. To some it is given to believe, while, for God’s Own Purpose and Divine reason, He has not given this gift to all.
“..For unto YOU it is GIVEN in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake..“ Phil 1:29.
Paul is here speaking to the church among the Philippians, and not unto the world in general. *(And all his other epistles are addressed in the same manner; that is, unto specific assemblies of believers)
The Apostle John was especially given to so lucidly and plainly declare this truth throughout his writings. Jesus many times pointed out the unbelief of the Jews; However, there is not ONE instance where He ever presented them with any offers or propositions (to believe on Him,) but only stated their final end in the CONDITION of their unbelief. *The condition is CERTAINLY there, BUT NOT A PROPOSITION OR OFFER as for them to believe at their own option; This is read into it by the bias of the minds of those who advocate a free-will doctrine in order to teach their free-will-of-man doctrine in salvation.
Saints do indeed believe (with a saving faith) - and they are the only ones that do so; and that is upon Jesus as being the only Messiah, Christ or Savior of His people; but this is not left to lady luck, dame fortune or the caprice of their natural free-will, but upon the mighty working of God’s sovereign power, working IN them, both to not only WILL, but also to DO of His Own good pleasure, working IN them that which is well-pleasing in His sight; and this working of His mighty power continues through their life’s journey and experience, knowing, finding and always realizing that Christ is indeed their present and eternal Savior by His Life that He has freely given them, as He has eternal Life to give to as many as the Father has given Him. Jesus is their Yesterday, Today and Forever, Their All in All, Who has delivered them from so great a death when they were lost in the elements of this world in sin; but now they are quickened together in Him in their Divine calling, being made again and again to realize in the perfection of faith and journey that He alone has saved them, does presently deliver them, and are made to trust in Him that He shall “yet deliver them.” -Which He shall according to His promise and word, and His Spirit which is ever in them, which forms the foundation of their Hope which is also Christ-Jesus Himself, as He is forever living, they shall also forever live in Him:
“..I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins, for IF - (PROPOSITION OR only a CONDITION?) - “you believe not I am (he,) ye shall die in your sins..”
However, they not only WOULD not believe, but they COULD not believe:
“..And because I tell you the truth, ye believe not..”
“..Which of you convinces (convicts) me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do you not believe me? He that is of God hears God’s words: ye therefore hear (them) not , because ye are not of God..” John 8:45-47. (Read all the preceding verses just before this to further strengthen this statement of the Lord.)
“..Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not; the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. BUT YE BELIEVE NOT, BECAUSE YE ARE NOT OF MY SHEEP, as I said unto you..” “..My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me..” John 11:25-27.
However, these words that Jesus spoke (He knew personally and collectively to whom He was speaking) unto the unbelieving Jews did not immediately come into full fruition of judgment upon them (as a peculiar nation) until the end of that Age (The Legal Dispensation under Moses), *(WHICH SIGNALED) the final end of the Law Dispensation, and the full establishment of Christ’s spiritual Kingdom in the earth ) - and simultaneously when the full vengeance of God came upon that sin-laden nation (which had been long predicted by the holy prophets, and now by Christ Himself,) and afterward by His Apostles who followed Him in building upon Him ministerally as the Foundation of His Own Kingdom.*
“..And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day..” John 13:47-48.
Paul, in writing to the Philippians, desired that the church there be in harmony upon the truth concerning the faith of Jesus. There is always much disparity throughout Christendom concerning faith; just what it is, how it is received, and what it accomplishes in those who are considered to believe and obey the gospel of Christ.
As it was in Paul’s day, so it is even now upon this subject. There were many then who could not accept the teaching of Christ and His Apostles concerning faith. Their hearts and minds were steeped and thoroughly indoctrinated by the tradition of the fathers (of the Jews) and the opposition to the true gospel of Christ was further strangled by the vain imaginations of the pagan gentiles, who for the most part lived in gross idolatry. The adversaries or enemies concerning the gospel were primarily of the unbelieving Jews; but were also found among many gentiles as well - Therefore, the apostle says in the next verse:
“..And in nothing terrified by your adversaries; which is to them an evident token of perdition, (destruction) but to you of salvation, and that of God..”
As it was in the will and purpose of God to save a remnant out of the nation of Israel, and to leave the remainder in unbelief to perish in their sins, Paul is evidently relating to this fact here. Jesus said that the “kingdom would be taken from them, and given unto a NATION (not nations in the plural) bringing forth the fruits thereof.” This literally took place with the nation of the Jews, and the spiritual kingdom under Christ was given unto a spiritually called nation of believers OUT OF “every kindred, tongue and nation.” But before this had developed to its mature embodiment, national IIsrael after the flesh was to suffer perdition (destruction) while a remnant out of them would be “saved” or delivered from the calamity which was coming upon the whole nation. In Rom 9, Paul deals extensively with this same subject:
“..Esaias also crieth concerning Israel (after the flesh) Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: For He will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth..” Rom 9:27-28. (Also consider the continuing verses here, which form a part of the same subject.)
Compared with the long travel and ordeal of the children of God under the Law dispensation, It was indeed a short work that God made (upon the earth) by His Son, Jesus-Christ - Who came and redeemed His people with His Own blood from their sins. After when He had finished His work in redeeming them, He rose from the dead for their justification, so that by His Life, they would also live in Him. They were crucified with Him in the flesh; and by His Life, they now live in Him; Yet, as Paul says, not as living in their own fleshly strength, but Christ by His Spirit is living in them; and the life that they now live in the flesh or in their body, they live by the faith of Him Who loved them, and gave Himself for them. Gal 2:20.
Man, by nature, and until humbled under the mighty hand of God, is, and tends to be, a proud and legalistic creature. This can be seen in all forms of humanistic worship. Paul in his indictment of depraved mankind - as in Romans 1:25 - says that spiritually depraved mankind has always changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and praised the creature more than the Sole Creator, Who has blessed Himself as such forever, and will not share His glory with another.
Belief of the truth as it is in Jesus is the gift of God - as well as all other blessings both in providence and grace, and is sovereignly given to the elect according to God’s good pleasure in Christ.
“By grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Eph 2:
The apostle gives the Ephesians to understand that they are saved by grace alone, and it was not in any way of themselves; but it was solely the free gift of God bestowed upon them because of His eternal love for them in Christ. Neither is he here attempting to separate faith from grace, as some have even dared to teach; but is only showing how the grace of God is manifested to His children in their calling. They receive the spiritual knowledge of these things through something that is called faith. Some have illustrated faith as eyes that God has given His children to see and view the marvelous things which He has done for and blessed His children with. According to God’s purpose, without the instrument called faith, we would not receive these blessings into our understanding, appreciate them, and rejoice in them as the sovereign and freely-given (superlatively) gifts of God. Again, this faith does not produce spiritual life itself, but is THE EVIDENCE of eternal life already abiding in the child:
“..Verily, verily, I (Jesus) say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, HATH (already has everlasting life, in order to believe) EVERLASTING LIFE, and shall not come into condemnation; but IS passed from death unto life..” John 5:24.
Until one has indeed been quickened by the Holy Spirit, and then converted from the understanding and dictates of the natural mind of the flesh, they conceive of the work of salvation in an entirely different light from when they are afterwards enlightened by the Spirit; because they then see that eternal life and deliverance from death is wholly or entirely the work of God in Christ - and not in any way of themselves. Furthermore, they now would not have it any other way, and the grace of God is thereafter all their theme and rejoicing; as they admire and would rest in the sweet comfort and hope of salvation by grace alone. Now they are enabled, and can truly sing with John Newton from the perspective of a renewed heart, sometimes filled with the spirit of grace and thanksgiving:
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now I‘m found,
‘Twas blind, but now I see..”
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
To the condemnation and legal bias of the natural mind of the sinner, salvation is always viewed as a work that man must produce of himself; at least, some very important part or parts of it, such as (voluntary) faith, repentance, etc. based wholly upon the free volition of the sinner (and which God offers to the sinner based upon conditions of their acceptance of certain terms to be performed by them as listed above.) While these things (by name) are indeed a part of receiving the fruits of salvation and the work that Christ has wrought out for us (and in us), none of these fruits that grow and flow from the gift of salvation in Jesus are to be considered as OUR WORKS, but the work or works that God alone has first begun, and is now or presently working in them according to His own good pleasure through the administration of His Spirit.
Like all other works (that God works in His people) faith or the belief of the truth is not our work, but the work of God which He works in us. This is done by God Himself, working in His people, that He alone may be rightly and justly accorded all the praise and glory in and for the wondrous gift of eternal life which is in His Son. The saints must cast their crowns before His throne, (Rev 4:11) disclaiming any honor or glory accruing unto themselves in the work of salvation, but give all praise unto God, Who made all things for Himself, and for His Own glory they exist. This unspeakable gift of Life was wrought out by Christ Himself for them; so they shall forever sing in Heaven and Immortal glory:
“Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thy Own name be honor and glory.” And as in the 100th Psalm: “Know ye the Lord He is God: It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.”
But, without this knowledge and the proper consideration of it concerning the True Lord and God, and His will concerning those whom He has chosen in His Love, how can we truly enter into His gates with (proper) thanksgiving, and into His courts with (rightful) praise; and be (truly) thankful unto Him, and (correctly) bless His name for all of His benefits unto us - if we mix and contaminate His blessedness and goodness with (the presentation) of our own dead works, supposing that we may gain His favor by such, when He has already (and is daily) loading us with blessings out of His free goodness, mercy and love for us as His Own in Christ?
At the beginning of our journey in faith we may at the start be given more or less of faith, and that according to the purpose of God in dealing with us as individual recipients. Because faith is not some kind of tool just laying around (as many seem to suppose) that we can just pick up at our leisure and use at our own option so as to gain the things that we may consider blessings, and which we may suppose we need to serve God acceptably - and that to further enhance our own or perhaps even others salvation - as many teach.
SPECTACULAR EXPERIENCES NOT NECESSARILY REQUIRED IN THE CALLED
Having said so much about spiritual life and faith and its reception, lest some think that one needs some spectacular or astounding display in some kind of experience of these things, I do not mean to convey that idea. Because the manifestation of the grace of God to many of His called children is not so perceptible in some as in others. Their individual experiences may, and do vary according to God’s purpose in dealing with them. However, they are all by His grace continuing upon the path which He has designed for them individually. Like the Apostles, the hairs of our head are all numbered, so that not one with any degree of fortuitous casualty can or shall fall to the ground out of the bounds of His providential care and decree concerning us. They are in His sight worth much more that five sparrows which are sold for a farthing, and not one of these falls to the ground until the appointed time in His purpose of life and death for these little (but wonderful) creatures - The Omnipotent, exalted and glorified Jesus has the keys not only of the grave, (hell) but also of death itself, and opens these as He pleases. He shuts up a man, and there is no opening, and conversely, He opens a door of utterance unto His saints, and none of them can shut it, as I now feel more and more in my present (but yet sinful) experience. Nevertheless, where sin abounds, grace does much more abound in the knowledge of Jesus and the unspeakable gift of God’s Dear Son.
As “There is a way which seems right unto (the natural) man, yet “the ends thereof are the ways of death.” Prov
The natural mind, especially in religion, often follows those ways which tend or lead not unto life, but contrarily, unto the way of death spiritually. speaking, those who are yet in the flesh (or not regenerated) are “after the flesh” and cannot please God spiritually. Rom 8:3. Because Paul says “To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” in Christ. While believers often and even daily feel the remnants of carnality, and struggle with the remnants of a fleshly and depraved nature, I think the apostle here in Romans meant to portray the basic difference between those who are born of the Spirit and those who are not; because he presently adds:
“But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.” Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His..” Rom 8: 9
Faith, as well as grace, is the gift of God; because by grace, through faith are we saved (presently) and continually, and of course, none of grace is of ourselves, but is entirely the work of God - both as working in us and out of us. In us, as God has given us of His Spirit - and out of us, as His choice of us in Christ in eternity, and in the redemptive work that Christ performed for us when He lived and died in our room and stead.
John 3:16 is often quoted along with other scriptures that speak of believing upon the Lord Jesus in order (to be “saved”) Many look upon “being saved” as receiving eternal life. However, this is not the meaning of the term as it is used throughout the Scriptures. The word means to be delivered from something. In fact, where the word was translated “saved” in the New Testament (when it was quoted from passages in the O. T.) it is given in many translations, including the KJV, as being “delivered”. God delivers His people whom He foreknew, or loved, and them only. Comparatively, He has always dealt with the mass of mankind after this manner. He has ALWAYS taken out of the mass a (special) people for, or in order to show His Own glory in being a Sovereign God and Savior unto His people. When Jesus manifested Himself to Saul of Tarsus as the Son of God and the Redeemer of Israel, and arrested him upon the Damascus Road, He revealed His purpose unto Saul that Saul was a special chosen vessel unto Him to bear His name unto the Gentiles, and for this same cause He had called him out of his blind seal for the Jew’s religion, and that the Gentiles “ May receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith that is in Jesus.” How can human wisdom penetrate into the mystery of God’s Sovereign Mind and Will? Consider this case of Saul of Tarsus under consideration: Here was a man who was very adverse in his mind and works to the Will of God in Christ; and even so zealous for the works of the Law that he was convinced within himself that he was accomplishing the will of God in his mad pursuit of destroying the saints of God who trusted in Jesus for salvation. Yet, in the Mind and Purpose of God in Christ, Saul himself was a “chosen vessel of Christ” to accomplish the purpose of God in him in sending him to preach the unreachable riches of Christ unto the Gentiles. Saul did not become a chosen vessel unto God at that very moment that Christ revealed Himself to Saul; but he was a chosen vessel from all eternity - including the time during which he persecuted the church of God. Paul says of himself that he was born as one out of due time, and was not meet or fit to be called an apostle of Jesus, nevertheless, by the grace of God, he was what he was; and the grace of God that was bestowed upon him was not in vain, because he labored more than all of his contemporaries, yet not he, but the grace of God which was with him.
Concerning The mystery of God’s unreachable judgments, none can understand - though some are so arrogant as to presume that they can do so - as one has said:
“.. So, in regard to predestination, some who oppose that true and precious and solemn doctrine, will sometimes say, that if God purposed the wicked acts of men, then he himself does the wicked acts, and they will gravely profess to reply to us by saying that God does not work efficiently in the wicked to do evil, as he does in the righteous to do righteousness, as though we believed the contrary. Such arguments avoid the question, and create the issues to which they apply. And still they have to acknowledge that if God permitted a thing to be done, or even foreknew that it would be, and still created the world with that knowledge, then it was his purpose that it should take place. That truth a child can see, and the wisest man cannot evade it, and an angel cannot understand the full meaning of the glorious truth of God’s absolute sovereignty in will and purpose and works. "He is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working." "His judgments are unsearchable, and His ways past finding out.,” Silas Durand, 1898.
Paul, in his first verses to the Philippians assures to them his persuasion that as God had begun (because God is always faithful in His work of grace in His people) He would also continue to perform the work of grace through faith in them until the day of Jesus Christ. This was not merely a personal or private persuasion of Paul’s mind, but was a divine persuasion from the Holy Spirit, as Paul was not an ordinary minister of Christ, but an Apostle. Not only so, but this is a consistent truth as taught throughout the Holy Scriptures, that where God begins a work, He always finishes it; because He is not like fickle, vacillating and fallible man who is subject to his own nature and environment, and cannot always accomplish his desires, and as birds taken in a snare, and as fishes taken in a net, man is subject to the changes and even ravages of this earth - but not so with The Almighty, Who has Himself, and that from ancient times, determined the “things not yet done, saying “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” His word shall accomplish all its purpose whereunto He has sent it, just as His rain that waters the whole earth, and that gives seed to the sower, and therefore bread unto the eater, so shall be His word (not the preacher’s word in trying to make sheep) that goes forth out of HIS mouth (not your mouth, or the preacher’s mouth, mind you) but out of GOD’S mouth.
Finally, my brethren, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for this is God working in you, not only to give you a will to love and follow Him, but also experimentally and effectually accomplishing the work of God in your hearts and in your minds, sovereignty working in you to do His will and commandments (which are not grievous) but joyous - and to accomplish the work of His salvation and deliverance in you, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, and that not unto the praise of man, whose breath is in his nostrils, but unto His Own Name and honor’s sake and to the Glory that is found in our common Savior, Jesus, His Son.
Now, if there be, or you have found any consolations of the Spirit from your troubles and have found rest in Him, if there be any virtue found in Jesus, if there be any praise unto His Dear name - whatsoever is pure to your hearts, whatever is lovely, whatsoever things are of good report as the truth of salvation and grace as it is in Jesus, as you have already attained, learned, received and heard; these things do and follow, Though in the world you may have tribulation; yet in Him is peace; and the peace of God in Christ shall always be with you, even to the ends of the earth.
* This material may be freely copied and distributed; but shall not be altered in any way, or sold for profit as in accordance with U. S. and international copyright laws.
O. Allen Bailey
2 Peter 3
November 2, 2007
Dear Brother _____,
It seems brethren still get into the same circumstances as that of which Paul said of the Corinthians:
“.. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying…”1 Cor 14:26.
But Paul has previously said in the 8th verse:
“..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..”
If I am lately reading your general attitude correctly in your sermons and in your present letter, you seem to imply that you as a minister may have a certain monopoly upon the truth, and have thus come to an exclusive understanding of divine things by “leaning not unto your own understanding”, and have done so by “committing your ways unto the Lord” I also trust, through grace, that I have been blessed to some extent to have been brought off of trusting in my natural understanding, and too, feel willing to be passively and actively led by the understanding of the Scriptures through the Spirit; - but that is not to say that I am so dogmatic to think I have reached, or might have reached some kind of plateau, or will ever be perfect in understanding (during this life at least;) because if the Apostles were given to know only in part, where does that leave us ordinary ministers, comparatively speaking?
Now, having said as much, not with any desire to offend you, as I have also sometimes admired your perceived love, tolerance and moderation toward the brethren - but only to further add, and set our record straight - unless we can be reconciled in our seemingly different positions toward these basic attitudes, there seems to me that there can never be any real or peaceful harmony between us in the house of God as long as we hold an attitude of making one another offenders for a word, or assuming a dictatorial spirit and attitude as to be so zealous as to then also initiate practices, customs and restrictions among the Old Baptists which seem to me to smack of nothing more than mere legalism or a concern for the perfection of the flesh which all believers called to the liberty of the gospel have never been able to bear, as one thing of these things have invariably had the tendency to lead to another piece of legalism, and which nearly all the Old or Primitive Baptist of former years have rejected as being only as such. I speak of the Sabbath or spiritual rest that remained and remains for the people of God called under the New Covenant as being considered a certain literal day of week as was instituted and practiced under the Mosaical economy; the dress of pious women, and the covering of their heads; which the Apostle said if any man seemed to be contentious toward these metaphors and illustrations that he was using and speaking with, further explained that no assemblies which he was connected with had any such literal customs or practices, neither did other assemblies of God. To be included in this would be church communion restrictions, and thereby partiality shown toward church members, (as Stanley Philips practices) thus making them second-class citizens in the house of God; The dress of women professing godliness is next on the list - as being binding upon them in specific ways, other than that they should dress with moderation and modestly. The Romanist ritual of the covering of their heads when they are praying or in the meeting house, What about when they are in any other house while they are praying? - But which Paul also explains as an illustration, and not a literal observance to be outwardly practiced, because he referred all this to an illustration of Christ and His church. If I am an Old Baptist, and as far as I have found, the Old Baptists of the past never practiced any rituals (or ordinances) except baptism and the Lord’s supper (and seemed to get along very well without these things,) then why do they need them now?
As a professed minister, I do not feel the necessity of preaching “hell-fire” sermons along with Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, Billy Graham, etc. - or any others; neither to attempt to speculatively place the judgments of God that has come upon the children of wrath and disobedience through past ages as shown in the Scriptures (and is perhaps yet coming as far as I might know into a futuristic setting. But if I did have knowledge of any future judgment(s), - especially of a “general judgment day” as you espouse - what good would it do for any of God’s people if I could warn any of it? Could I “scare” them out of, or away from it, lest they come under its sentence of supposed condemnation?
Hell-scared religion has always been, and remains just that.
According to our mutual and ostensible or supposed belief of election, all these things are fixed in the eternal counsel of God.
While we may indeed warn our brethren and children of temporal things and “of a certain, fearful looking for of fiery judgments” - and though we may indeed through grace deliver by exhortation and admonition a brother from a sin not unto death or excommunication from our assemblies when they may have fallen into a particular transgression, and that according to the will of God; and thus “ save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins thereby” - does this also apply to things beyond the realm of our present province, and far beyond our jurisdiction in the counsel of God?
It is my desire to always manifest such a spirit (though I mostly feel to fail in this because of my deadness in the flesh) ostensibly of speaking in love) - not only toward the understanding of truth as we may perceive it - but also in real charity toward one another and all men
“.. 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.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace…” James 3:17-18.
And also when there seems to be so much disparity and divergent opinion upon that which we profess to believe to be the truth concerning the Kingdom of Christ, because Christ has called us to partake of this present life and grace in a way that we (if possible) may all speak the same thing, and that there be no essential divisions among us.
The wisdom from above must first be pure - not necessarily in the letter of it, because we all fail of this in our flesh - but in the love of the Spirit manifested in charity toward the brethren and all men; because the wrath of man, or emotions that are generated from the corruptness of our old human nature never work the righteousness of God; because the Spirit of Love is not of confusion, does not lead to confusion, or cause confusion, but is of peace, and is sown in peace of all its children as takes place in a lovely setting in all assemblies of the saints. (1 Cor 14:33, James 3:18.)
Eschatology or the End-Times
All discussions on the nature of prophecy always involve the times of the end. But the end of WHAT? It seems that ones' views on this are often based upon preconceived notions and mind-sets that we have largely received from tradition. I know this has somewhat been my own experience, and have heard the same from many others also. Ideas that we have imbibed and encouched in our mind for so long time are not easily removed or even mitigated by presentations of a different perspective. This was the condition of the Jews when Christ came into to world, because of the teaching that prevailed among them at that time concerning the nature of their awaited and looked-for Messiah. They looked for an earthly or political savior who would deliver them from their fleshly enemies, and as had always been done throughout their past history; However, the true nature in the purpose of God of the promised deliverer and the reason that He was coming was completely foreign to them. And based upon this misconception, from a mental standpoint, it was very hard for them to believe that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Anointed One. What they had naturally thought about their nation and its final glory in its end-times was therefore almost opposite for them concerning the purpose of God in Christ, and their earthly expectations as a nation were completely shattered and nullified at His final coming, rather in working for their temporal deliverance, it issued in their national destruction and perdition as a favored nation after the flesh. Since they had this mindset and continued with it after Christ and His Apostles came and generally could not be convinced that Jesus was the Christ - even though so many miraculous and supernatural things had been done among them, they were recognized by God as certainly being willfully ignorant of these great signs as having signaled the obviously certainty of His coming.
At His first appearing they were naturally ignorant of His appearance; but later as a mountain of evidence presented itself to them, they as a nation became more and more WILLFULLY ignorant and therefore incorrigible to these facts. These are the principles to which the Apostle Peter primarily addresses his epistles now under consideration. However, we do not say that this general principle of unbelief of His true coming that has later been, and is now manifested throughout present mankind has not and yet does not have its proper application to all (who like the ancient Jews) are also held under like condemnation except for the mercy in Christ as his great mercy has been, and yet continues to be over all, because in Him they yet live and move and have their being, and He gives to all rain and gladness and sends and makes His rain to fall both upon the just and the unjust. Matt 5:45. Acts 14:16-17, Acts 17: 27,
Next, the nature of what is commonly called “hell” (and its various applications) must enter into this discussion; as I think this term too has been traditionally conceived and held within the wrong connotation which does not accord with a proper understanding of its meaning as it is used and applied in the Scriptures. (Mainly considering that the word literally means the grave, a covering over, a pit, or the place of the dead.) as it is always used in the Old Testament (sheol)
Therefore, I am sending to you some of my views on the events that I believe signaled and included the end-times of the former dispensation; that is, the Law Dispensation - and that these events and the signs that attended them were concurrent with and hailed the full establishment of the Gospel Dispensation Age. I believe there has been and shall continue to be in the future ages varying degrees of the manifest glory of this Kingdom according to the Will of Him that has ruled, and shall forever rule the times and seasons, but with us, as it was with the Disciples, it is not always for us to know or understand the workings and timing of these things, but we, with them, must also in a figure wait with them at Jerusalem (or in a place where legalism still manifests itself, and so rules over us until we be endewed with power from on High in order to overcome these things of our old, first or elementary nature
This Kingdom that was ushered in at, and by the coming of the Son of God is standing in terms that have been defined as “last” and “forever” by the holy Prophets and Apostles, as there will never be any need to supersede this Kingdom with any other kingdom, because the inhabitants of this kingdom have been perfected forever by He Who shall forever stand for them as their righteousness, mediator, counselor and in all things that show Him to be their all in all, so they are forever complete in Him; That these have in spirit indeed come to the Mount Zion and the general assembly, seated in the spiritual heavens - in contradistinction with those who are experimentally yet held under the bondage of legalism, and are now manifestly included with all those just men who are perfect in Christ; That all vestiges of the mount that burns with fire and smoke must be removed from their conscience, until they are all made perfect in love; because the fear caused by the dread of these things and its consequent torment has been taken away from them in Christ - and because the fearful, and unbelieving, are now in torment like the old Jews of Jerusalem were when she was shown to be in the throes of her last and final judgment as a nation. (Rev 21:8.)
That the things written mostly allegorically and in symbols and metaphors in the Book of Revelation referred mostly to, and were mainly historical events that actually took place during the end of the former Age, (as the plain words and integral context of the book says itself in its own introduction), and are not to be construed as referring to perhaps some far-off or futuristic and speculative events as is attempted to be shown by many and which has always been and is now so popular throughout both Christendom and also the secular world - But the prophecies contained in this Book do also have a very important relationship to the experience(s) of the saints for all future ages for their instruction, patience and comfort - for instance, as the seven churches of Asia, although they were actual or literal assemblies just as those of Greece were; but that these churches also had or have a general spiritual application to all assemblies of future believers throughout the ages, and as long as saints are in this body. The more I have thought and studied the Scriptures about these things, the more convinced I am in my mind that the predicted events spoken of by Peter and also the other Apostles were indeed fulfilled during that age of time. Therefore, I feel that I do not need to speculate upon any further judgments that may come upon any Ages after this as having direct bearing upon the passages under consideration, (as so many have done, and continue to do.) as it appears to my mind that all these things were (from a historical perspective) literally fulfilled during that very age of time. As far as the future and prophecy is concerned, I think that all scenarios conjured up both in the religious and secular world are merely speculative, and cannot be consistently based upon the Holy Scriptures when Scripture is compared with Scripture.
AN INTODUCTION TO THE ESCHATOLOGYOF THE APOCALYPSE
THE THINGS THAT MUST SHORTLY BE DONE
by Allen Bailey
An Exposition of The Book of Revelation
Introduction
Many have written upon the authorship and date of the writing of the Apocalypse; and of course, opinions are divided. It is not even agreed by scholars if the apostle John "whom Jesus loved" was the author; or if perhaps the book was written by some other John. Neither is the date of writing agreed upon - although the traditionally received date has been around 95 AD or during the reign of the Roman emperor Domician. Others though, especially those of the preterist school of interpretation have contended for a thirty-year earlier date, or around 66 AD, which would be 3 or 4 years before the fall of Jerusalem and during the reign of Nero.
Several methods are often employed in the interpretation of Revelation. The main methods being the continuous-historical, the futuristic and the praeterist. The church- historical method attempts to largely trace the visions of the Book throughout the history of the New dispensation, while the futuristic method endeavors to show that almost all of Revelation must refer to the far-distant future, or the time preceding the "second" coming of the Lord - While the preterist view teaches that most of the prophecy of this book must be seen as having been fulfilled in the past, especially before and during the times of the fall of Old Jerusalem and the period immediately following, and many preterists believe that the end of that Age and the ushering in of the New Dispensation Age thus constituted the "second" coming of Christ in His Kingdom. There is a lesser school of thought that thinks the book has little historical value at all, but is to be largely "spiritualized" and was given to be applied in this manner to believers throughout the future age of the New Dispensation.
As usual with theologians, each school of interpretation that has stringently followed their own method of interpretation has perhaps tried to force too much of the contents of the book into their favorite scheme; and the reader may perceive that the present writer is perhaps no exception as may become apparent as I proceed.
According to many scholars the original word for "revelation" is apokalupsis from which our "apocalypse" is derived. It denotes the act of uncovering something that is hid. So this meaning agrees with the Revelation being a "revealing" of Jesus Christ and the things of the Spirit (1 Cor 2:9)
But in the writer's view, since the Book was given to "unveil" Christ, then the Book of Revelation must be a book like every other book of the New Testament and was addressed primarily to the Apostolic or first-century church and would have been easily understood by them - but was even then historically hard to be understood by those not of the faith. Ironically, it is often seems harder to be understood today by believers because of our distant historical removal from that age and also because of the mind- set bestowed upon this book by tradition and popular culture espousing interpretations that appeals to the natural mind of man.
However, in our times we often hear many people say that the Book of Revelation is a complete mystery to them; yet these often accept the popular, traditionally received doctrines that are largely based upon certain interpretations taken from this Book. Others seem to be sort of hypnotized from reading Revelation and therefore conclude that they will never be able to understand anything in it or form a satisfying context from it; that is, a connection with other books of the Old and New Testament.
Most of the early church believers were thoroughly familiar with the imagery of The Old Testament Scriptures; and as the imagery of Revelation is mostly taken from these idioms, (which foreshadowed Christ and the New Jerusalem along with the dissolution of the former economy) they were thus able to make the connection and understand that Revelation did perfectly fit in with the other writings of the New Testament Scriptures. Also, enlightened early-church believers were historically close, and even contemporary with many events which the Book of Revelation refers to and would again have had a better opportunity to understand the imagery presented in this Book that perhaps represented some of these events and personages. Furthermore, the early believers were privileged with the communications and personal instruction of Christ and the Apostles as shown in their own writings.
The world has from the beginning been full of, and yet abounds with many who come up with some new apocalyptic interpretation that they desire to correspond and equate with current or soon-approaching events and through these fantasies and speculations they often gain many followers in the religious world (and some get rich selling their books!) Witness the current TV programs, even those that are presented on the History Channel: These invariably go with the futuristic apocalyptic scenarios as no doubt these will gather more viewers and therefore more profits for the industry. How mundane indeed it would be for the average viewer to be presented with the idea that most, if not all of these apostolic predictions were already fulfilled during the last days of the apostolic age or shortly thereafter and signaled the end of the Law dispensation and the complete establishment of the spiritual kingdom of Christ upon earth! It seems that with every change in history such writers under consideration have included and identified current world rulers (especially despotic ones) within these scenarios as being the fulfillment of those images depicted in the Book of Revelation. For example, throughout history every tyrant from every renegade nation has become one or more of the beasts presented by John - from the early Roman emperors and Popes even down to the despots of our times, such as Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, Saddam Hussein, etc. As fruitful and prolific as the human imagination is, there will always be a place to fit in these individuals and events within the apocalyptic scenarios conjured up in the minds of these writers.
Then What is the Book of Revelation and Why was it written?
The Revelation is The Revelation of Christ and His coming Kingdom, as it describes itself in its opening statements and throughout its contents it is its own best interpreter:
"...The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John..." Rev 1:1.
This introduction clearly identifies what (or Whom) the Book is about and why it was given to John to write these things for the benefit of the Church; especially the early church.
Revelation is about Christ and His then coming Kingdom.
Revelation is to show unto Christ's "servants things which must shortly come to pass." concerning Christ and His Kingdom.
The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ - How much Allegorical - How much Literal?
How much Fulfilled - How much Futuristic?
INTRODUCTION
Literal: - Being exactly as stated - Merriam-Webster
1. Allegory - Figure of speech: - story in which figures and actions are symbols of general truths..
2. Symbol: - something that represents or suggests another thing.
Nearly everyone recognizes that the Apostle John wrote the Book in symbols. These symbols are mostly based on a systematic structure of Old Testament principles.
Before I begin this book I would like to state I support the belief, and which appears to be the view of most, that the Scriptures are filled with many allegorical, symbolic and figurative statements; And most all, regardless of their stated eschatological views, attempt to "pick and choose" which passages of Scripture are best to be interpreted either literally or figuratively - and this is usually done to in order to fit the particular scenario they wish to promote. Since all do this, (even those who claim to hold to a more "literal" interpretation than those who are more inclined to the allegorical side,) you will find the writer is no exception. Therefore, I also then claim my privilege to do likewise; However, I have attempted in my way to keep a consistent Scriptural typology in so doing.
The symbolical, figurative and poetical make-up of the Scriptures are some of the things that make them so beautiful; For example, the Psalms, Isaiah and The Song of Solomon are filled with this kind of language. If it had been God's purpose, John would have written The Apocalypse in plain, everyday language. But there are evidently several reasons why he did not.
First, Most of these things were shown to John in a series of visions. These visions were not presented in every day terms; but were encouched in esoteric or mysterious pictures and images as they appeared to John's comprehension. This is not to say that John himself did not understand their meaning - at least that he did not comprehend the essential meaning of many of the visions. After all, he was an Apostle, blessed to be the one under the Angel for the conveyance of these divine messages to the church, had seen and been with the Lord Jesus Himself, and not only so, but was highly loved and favored by Jesus while He was upon the earth, so much, that John has become known as "the beloved disciple". Also, by virtue of being an Apostle of Christ, he possessed such revelation by Divine inspiration as no others, except his fellow Apostles, and he knew from the words of Jesus before He left the earth that the meaning or interpretation of the visions which he saw was in accordance with Jesus' words, especially the last words of Jesus at the supper, and upon the Mount of Olives.
Secondly, As it was Christ's purpose to obscure the real meaning of His Parables from the understanding of the multitudes, but to later expound their meaning to His Disciples, so are the things contained in The Book of Revelation - They were not presented for all in general, but were given as it expressly states:
"...The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John..."Rev 1:1.
Thirdly, Because of the fear of, and certain expected persecution from the religious and political powers-that-were at that time, whether they were the Roman emperors Nero, (before the fall of Jerusalem) Domcian, (after the fall) or others with the religious leaders of the Jews, (if written before the fall of Jerusalem) This publication written in plain, every day language would have revealed the true identities (to the powers-that- were) of the characters (which are otherwise represented by symbols) in the Book, and would have surely brought the vengeance and retribution of these rulers down upon the heads of the Apostles (if then still living) and/or other early believers in Christ. At any rate, the dedicated believers and followers of the Apostles, being spiritually informed, would have basically understood what these otherwise mystical writings meant and what they were pointing to. This fact applies to other apostolic epistles as well, and the lack of consideration of this principle has caused, I believe, much misunderstanding of the apostolic writings.
Fourthly, The very first sentences of Revelation then states the essential purpose of the whole book. If I, or any other author publishes a book, in our preface or introductory remarks we usually state our main purpose or reason for writing and publishing the book. The intelligent reader will then expect the author to consistently conform to what he or she has said in the preface of the book. This is especially true when the very first words of the book begin with a plain statement as the Book of Revelation does. While there may be (and are) many things within the book that we may not understand or comprehend, we should yet attempt to reconcile the general contents with the author's preface or introductory comments. Those who do not follow this rule, it seems to me, are inconsistent.
Then the purpose, (or at least, the primary purpose) for giving the Apocalypse to the church was to "show unto the servants of Christ things which must shortly come to pass", and for John to: "... Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.." Rev 1:19. to the servants of God for their instruction and comfort, as the Book itself declares in its opening statements. And all this was done to declare and hail the Revelation of Jesus Christ in the Coming Age.
"...Who (John) bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand..." Rev 1:2-3.
And it is again reaffirmed that the time for these things to take place is even "at hand". As stated other places within this writing:
"...And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand..." Rev 22:10.
It seems to the writer that whatever ones' conception of the nature of these things, the timing, " that must shortly come to pass." and "the time is at hand" is highly relevant to the context. Therefore, it seems to me that the nature and timing of these divinely predicted events cannot violate this opening statement. For instance, if the timing of these events were not to come to pass "shortly" - because it is further stated that the reading, hearing, and keeping of the words of this prophecy by Christ's servants was then "at hand", or already very near, at or close to, not far away, if not then existing, in progress, attending or manifestly present. (Rev 1:3, 22:11.)
Fifth, Traditionally it has been held that John was given and wrote the Apocalypse when he was very old, perhaps over a hundred years, or during the reign of the emperor Domician, (and not during Nero's reign, which was 54 - 68 AD. Although the Domician date would not necessarily conflict with the principle that I am presenting here, I think the Neronian date is more consistent with the Book of Revelation. Consider this. If these predictions were written during the reign of Dominican, then how could any of them refer to the holocaust and destruction of Old Jerusalem, as this event would now have been past for some years (unless they were portrayed only as in retrospect - as to explain and clarify what had happened?) Moreover, there is neither ecclesiastical or secular proof that the Apocalypse was written during Domician's reign; and in fact, a considerable controversy has existed down through the ages among scholars concerning the date of the writing of Revelation.
Therefore, since there is no conclusive historical proof that Revelation was written after the close of the Apostolic Age (AD70) or after the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus, the son of Vespasian, there is much reason to believe that the things (at least many of them) that John saw, represented and embraced those things which would at last herald and attend the final dissolution of that Age (The Law Dispensation along with The Apostolic Age) as before predicted by Christ, His Apostles, along with the Holy Prophets, and if this was not the main subject matter for these predicted events.
Sixth, The things that John saw would also include the things then present at the giving of the revelation, "the things that must shortly be done" (Rev 1:1) (which would encompass "The things which shall be hereafter" Rev:1:19.), and as such they would still be considered to "be done shortly", (1:1) as "hereafter " - (a loose translation in the KJV) (1:9) - some scholars say the word could even be translated as from this very moment - which would still embrace hereafter. does not necessarily imply that these things predicted would be accomplished in the far-off future, (but "shortly" does imply that they were near) though only that they were yet future; (but yet near) but neither way would fit the futuristic scenarios of thousands of years as some hold, because a literal thousand years could in no way be considered as "shortly" by the saints understanding, and surely one would think that Christ is speaking down to our capacities and in a way that we can understand, and not mystically; and not from God's perspective of time, which means nothing to Him. The futuristic scenario, and even the continuous-historical method seems to my mind to stretch these things too much, although the continuous-historical and spiritualistic approach is much more plausible than the literal-futuristic scenarios, because there is surely an application of continuing history and provisions in Revelation to embrace the spiritual experiences of future saints in accordance with the things contained in the Book; but the purely "literal" approach of the futuristic-Millenarians seems to me to miss these things by miles.
"... Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.." Rev 1:19.
"...And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done..."Rev 22:6.
In the mind of the present writer, most futuristic interpreters of prophecy seem to have a habit of misapplying the tense of many Scriptures, (that is, they many times give little or no consideration to the place and occurrences of the fulfillment of these predictions relative to the time and perspective from which these predictions were given by God) such as the time(s) and the perspective of the writers that penned them; but from another unrelated perspective from an historical standpoint that is calculated to support their favorite scheme of futuristic eschatology.
For instance, they do not start the time for fulfillment of the prophecy from the present perspective and location of the prophet in their actual historical time frame, but they remove the prophets themselves to a future time frame within their scenarios as if the prophet himself is living during these times. This method is generally used by futuristic interpreters, so as to make the fulfillment of the prophecy fit any time frame that the interpreter may choose. This method allows endless speculation upon the fulfillment of prophecy and therefore encourages the many fantasies that are often conjured up by futuristic interpreters.
Thus, most Dispensationists apply the divine predictions of Christ's, such as those found throughout Matt Chapters 22 through Matt 25 to a far-off futuristic scenario, seemingly to willfully ignore the plain language and internal context of these passages; such, for instance to change "this" generation to "that" generation (not Christ's then present generation, but to a far-off futuristic generation) in order to give more credence to their far-off futuristic interpretation of Christ's predictions. Many Amillenists do not restrict these passages which refers to the judgment that would come upon that nation and that present generation of the Jews, to a far-off future, but do restrict many other passages of Scriptures which the present writer believe refers to the same judgment. These same references are found in most, if not all of Christ's parables, and evidently refer to much of the predictions of the Apocalypse also, including that part of the Revelation that refers to events that transpired during the Post-Apostolic or Early Church Age, or immediately after the times of the Apostles.
Other interpreters, especially the Spiritualists. tend to interpret the whole, if not most of Revelation (and many other Scripture texts as well) in a purely allegorical and figurative way, and which would seem to suit any scenario and fantasy that their imaginations may conceive - as if the Holy Scriptures have no historical context whatever to be considered and therefore followed. I do not deny that God is able (and sometimes does) use these methods to the blessing of His people through those who follow this habit, because the analogy of faith can still be kept intact and encouraged in the heart of a true believer in grace, though they may err in some, if not many things of the letter of the Scriptures, and even though they have not yet been given to properly analyze and understand the broader context of the subject under consideration.
In Revelation John writes "...Write the things which thou sawest, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter..." Rev 1:19 (KJV)
Berry's Interlinear (between lines, or line-for-line rendering) Greek- English New Testament gives the literal translation of the Greek as: "..things which are, and the things which are about to take place after these..." It seems to me that this language is saying - " the things which ARE ABOUT to take place (very shortly) would follow the things (the things that presently stood at the time that John saw this vision); for John says: "write the things which thou sawest, and the things which ARE. So the things that John was instructed to write would include no more than the above; things that were PAST (that is, the things that John had ALREADY seen) the then PRESENT circumstances of affairs and events, and the things that were "ABOUT" or (to shortly) - in a short period of time, as humans ordinarily think about and measure time in the events of life, which is a period of (at most) a few years - when these predicted events would transpire or "take place".
According to the KJV rendering, the "things which shall be "HEREAFTER" - hereafter is a looser rendering, which could be implied to mean to cover events that would SHORTLY transpire, but really could mean to cover any future period of time, while the rendering "ABOUT to take place after these" would certainly seem to restrict the meaning to a much shorter period of time. "AFTER THESE" could also mean to refer to the fact that the 'things ABOUT to take place" were on the near horizon, and would shortly follow the present circumstances, or "the things that now ARE,", or from John's perspective, then things that then "WERE" or already in existence or under way.
In Rev 22:6 John writes again, which seems to be a repetition or reaffirmation of what he has been inspired to write in the preface or introduction: "..And he said unto me, "These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the "things which must SHORTLY be done." The rendering given by Berry's Interlinear is" "... God.....sent angel his to show his bondmen the things which MUST COME TO PASS SOON. Behold, I am coming quickly..." Rev 22:6-7. It seems to the present writer that the statement, " the things which must come to pass soon", as it is now again repeated, and where it is placed near the END of John's vision, just as this statement "( " the things which ARE ABOUT to take place." Rev 1:19) are in parallel here and near the end of the vision are a summation of these things, and will further reinforce the belief that ALL of what has been revealed to John in the vision refers to those things which have already transpired, are presently unfolding and that will come to pass in the near-future. When we couple or connect the very next sentence, "Behold, I am coming quickly." with the foregoing, it reinforces the thought that This Coming of Christ and the nature of it is what is under consideration, and that this "coming" of His will be in a short time or very soon, in the near future, and His coming will embrace and further establish those things which are spoken of in the final verse of this Book where Christ says: "Says He who testifies these things, Yea I am COMING quickly." (The Spirit in the heart of the faithful who understands His message replies:) "Amen; yea, COME Lord Jesus." - And as the KJV has it: "Surely I COME quickly." (the Bride replys:) "Even so, COME, Lord Jesus."
"...The Spirit and the bride say, Come;" it, is not to the world she says "come," but the Spirit and the bride say, "Come" to him for whose coming she longs and hungrily waits, and who has just announced by his messenger that he is coming, and that quickly. All through the law and prophecies the Spirit said, "Come." It did not tell the world to come, but cried to heaven " Lord Jesus, come quickly" Every commandment and every sacrifice of the law, every utterance of prophecy, and every type and figure of the old covenant, said, "Come." They all testified by and through the Spirit, of his coming-the coming Of Jesus. But we need not go so far back to find this Spirit that says to Jesus, "Come," for the doctrine of the gospel church of this dispensation, every principle of it, says, "Come," all look unto his coming "without sin, unto salvation." The ordinance as well as the doctrine of the church say, "Come." Baptism, the Lord's supper, the laying on of hands, all look to and receive their meaning from the coming of Jesus. There could be no substance in any of these things without the appearing of Jesus all by and through the Spirit, say, "Come." Not only the Spirit, but the bride, which is the church, says, "Come." The prayer and desire of every member of the church, of every one of the redeemed, is for Jesus to come to, and in them, for "Thy kingdom come. They will be done in earth as it is in heaven." The church is not interested in seeing the world flock to her, but is vitally concerned in having Jesus come and take up his abode in her. This is her earnest prayer..." H.H. Lefferts - Signs of the Times.
"...The prophetic application of the Old Testament scriptures in reference to the coming of Christ in the flesh, and for what purpose he came, and also in reference to the church, and kingdom of God in gospel times, is not any better understood by the mass of religionists in our day, than they were by the Jews of old, or are by Jews of this age. The veil is on their minds as they read the scriptures, and they know not that Christ's kingdom has come, and is not of this world. The disciples of our blessed Redeemer did not understand it until their understanding was opened by our Lord in his conversation with them after his resurrection. And it rather appears the apostles did not fully understand that the gospel should be preached among the Gentiles until after the baptism of Cornelius, the centurion. And, in truth, none can see, nor understand the indivisible union of Christ and his church, and the nature and character of Christ's second coming, unless taught of God. His second coming is in his kingdom with power and great glory. He comes without sin unto salvation in the experience of his saints. Volumes have been written, and thousands of sermons preached on this subject, which have been but little else than the conjurations of the natural mind, the theories and speculations of men. He came with power and great glory on the day of Pentecost, and also in the experience of every subject of grace since the setting up of the gospel kingdom on earth. There is a patient waiting for the coming of our Lord in all the scenes of trial, affliction, tribulation, distress and persecution attending the saints on earth. His coming is not limited to days, and months, and times and years, as is generally understood in the imaginations of men. Paul says to his brethren, I Cor.1:7-8, of their "waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." The sufferings of the saints are limited to "this present time," and they cease forever at the end of their pilgrimage in the day of the Lord Jesus. The day of the Lord is one day, the gospel day, the day of salvation, which day will never end until the whole church of God, from the least unto the greatest, will be experimentally called, justified and glorified. Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, being confirmed unto the end, and being blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, are all in immediate connection, as setting forth the perfect glorification of the church in her exalted Redeemer. This cannot take place on earth, hence the future is spoken of in relation to its full consummation. Not future with Jehovah, but future in reference to time, the end of time with the church, and the full manifestation of the glory which does not yet appear; that is, appear in time, but will appear when Christ, who is our life, shall appear to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe. This can be seen by faith even now, but then it will be known and understood without the veil of this earthly tabernacle to intervene between the saints and the unclouded glory of our God. I think Paul must have had this view by faith when he said, "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them, also, that love his appearing..." J. L. Purington -Signs of the Times.
To my mind, the whole tenor of the Scriptures in the Gospels and the Apocalypse point to this same destruction of the old dispensation and subsequent deliverance of the elect to the glorious benefits of the New Covenant Age, all of which began and was consummated in that very age of time. To my mind, to hold this doctrine, is not conducive in any way to the leading of God's children to complacency, as some would assume to claim; for some have said: "..In contrast with the Praeterists, Most Historists believe that although Christ finished His redemptive work at the cross, yet God's revelation to man was not complete in Christ at that time, but must be gradually fulfilled throughout succeeding ages of time.." And ".. "Historicism is a satisfying and godly view of Revelation. It allows for God's hand to be seen in our past, present and future. Events which have been considered political in nature are shown to be fulfillment of His recorded word..." - With which the present writer wholly agrees - But comparing these thoughts with the foregoing Scriptures it rather gives the child of God still a greater hope that God in Christ has finished all things that are necessary for their eternal salvation - not only for that life which is to come, but also for their present life. Though the Jews under consideration of that age could not believe and receive Jesus as the True Messiah that had been promised in the Law and Prophets, but rather rejected and murdered Him, and then with all vigor proceeded to severely persecute those that preached Him and continued to say "..Where is the promise of his COMING? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation..." 2 Pet 3-4. , and was prefigured by Noah and the security of the Ark that saved Noah with his family from the destruction of the flood of waters - We would ask: Are these principles still comparable or applicable to the future generations of those who have been called by Grace throughout the succeeding ages of the gospel glory after that Christ has finished all the work that the Father gave Him to do, and that He is now set down from this work on High, and is now making daily intercession for them by and through His Spirit.
Do these principles still apply in a general way to the generations of mankind still living upon earth as they applied to the natural Jew whom God had chosen as a body politic and as a peculiar nation out of the mass of mankind? According to some views, we would be persuaded to believe so. God had winked at the foolishness and waywardness of the Gentiles during ancient times, and abundantly blessed them with the natural blessings of life, though they were ignorant of Him as their true Creator and the Creator of the entire universe. This judgment therefore under consideration could not refer to the Gentile nations, but must have been a dispensational judgment confined to that generation of God's chosen people after the flesh. Though the Apostles by virtue of the commission given unto them by Christ, preached that "God now commands all men (the gentiles in contradistinction to the Jew) every where to repent -" Do not the people yet rage and imagine a vain thing" as they did when that generation rejected Him, yet the foundation that God has laid in Him stands fast, having this seal: The Lord knows those that are His, whether they be ministers or any other that He has been pleased to call unto this Glory. I hope by Grace to believe in the absolute sovereignty of Almighty God as much as anyone, and also to declare, (and have declared) these things as He has been pleased to give me strength; but what connection has this with the teaching in order to trust in God for all things that transpire in the world, that we must as one writer has said, and others have implied " I am aware that the scenario presented by the present writer here will tend to virtually destroy all of the Futurist's prophetic standings." So let it be.
3. Figure: - shape or outline; illustration; pattern or design; symbol representing a number.
4. Type: - Class, kind, or group set apart by common characteristics.
5. Parable: simple story illustrating a (moral) truth. - (parenthesis mine - Ed.) - Merriam- Webster
The Glorious Appearing of the New Heavens and Earth, with the Dissolution of the Old
2 Peter 3
“..16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
“…And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts..” 2 Pet 1:16-19.
I have purposed to write this treatise upon 2 Peter and give my view of its Scriptural significance and relationships because I have perceived so much religious teaching that has been based upon human emotionalism, speculation and ecclesiastical tradition much more than upon principles of spiritual understanding and truth which are contained in the holy oracles of God . The only understanding that we have is the understanding that God is pleased to give us, and that works in accordance with the credibility learned or perceived in our own spiritual minds by an emerging consistency, leading us to one conclusion regarding New Testament prophecy: That the Bible from an historical standpoint has been entirely fulfilled, and which understanding can be realized through study and patience in accordance even with human logic and common sense which has been sanctified and enlightened by the Holy Spirit of Christ. This seems to have been my experience along the way in being given to think and study about these things; However, I don’t want to be so dogmatic and conceited within this body of human vanity that I could not be in error on this, as I have been in error on so many things in the past. Yet, were where the Spirit of Christ is, there is liberty; or where His Spirit is manifested in us, there is the resurrected and exalted LORD JESUS manifested in our mortal, dying flesh. May the interested reader also be given patience, and bear with me in this composition when it may seem to get tedious or boring to them, and perhaps sometimes sound very fanciful. But though my take on this subject may appear a fantasy to many others, I assure you that I have been impressed to put much thought and searching into it from Holy Writ, as these things have been pieced together in my own mind over the years. I have felt somewhat like those of whom the prophet wrote, which of course represented the blinded Jews who could not understand spiritual things, and whose natural wisdom was made foolishness at the coming of the Son of God and the glorious appearing of His Kingdom:
“.. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?..” 1 Cor 1:20.
“…9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people..” Isa 28: 9-11.
God, in dealing with the nation of the Israelites, predicts their latter end through the words spoken by His servant Moses and as contained in Deut. Chapters 31 through 33. All the predictions of this final judgment were literally fulfilled at the coming of Christ, and at the end of the Law Age, or Legal Dispensation - thus signaling the final dissolution of that dispensation. The remnants of that people and their name were left for a curse unto God’s chosen, and God then called His people by another name, even the LORD, our Righteousness.
“..12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.
13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:
14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.
15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:
16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.
17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy…”
Again, all these things were totally fulfilled at the coming of Christ at His appearance in His glorious Kingdom as these New Heavens and New Earth were brought to view to the living in Christ, and is represented by the prophet above.
“..And we know that we ARE of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
20 And we know that the Son of God IS come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that IS true, and we ARE in him that is true, even IN his Son Jesus Christ. This IS the true God, and eternal life..” John 5:19-20.
“..16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you FOR EVER;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the WORLD cannot receive, because it SEETH him not, neither KNOWETH him: but YE know him; for he DWELLETH WITH you, and SHALL BE IN you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I WILL COME to you.
19 Yet a LITTLE WHILE , (Brachus - Greek) (short, small, little, a short time, a little while - Strong’s) When translated “a little while” the Greek emphasizes the shortness of the time interval “oh, how little” - this phrase is used often in the NT of the return of Christ. “-and the world (of the Law dispensation) SEETH ME NO MORE; Greek - Mekti - no longer, no more, not hereafter - Strong’s) but YE see me: because I LIVE, ye SHALL LIVE also.
20 At THAT DAY ye shall KNOW that I AM IN MY FATHER , and YE IN ME, and I IN YOU..” John 14:16-20. The latter statements of Jesus is about the Comforter, The Holy Spirit which He would shortly send to the disciples; However, the former listed statements which He spoke to the High priest is about the coming judgment that would transpire upon that nation within only a few years hence.
“..3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ..” Eph 1:3.
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,.” Eph 1:20.
“..6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus..” Eph 2:6.
>. 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God..” Eph 3:9-10.
When someone authors a book they usually give an introduction and/or preface to the book in order to give a short and specific outline in order to inform a prospective reader of information on the contents of the book so the reader will get a general idea of what the book contains. The Apostles ordinarily used this method in the introduction of their epistles, as Peter did here. Another good example of this method is especially found in the first verses of the book of Revelation where the Apostle John being inspired by the Spirit does exactly this:
“..The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand…” Rev 1:1-3.
And the Spirit of Christ again reinforces the introduction (and contents) of the Book in its ending statements (as many writers do) by again repeating what was said in the beginning of the Book:
