The Condition of Fruitfulness

 

The Condition of Fruitfulness

Representations Made by Dean E. Boelt

“As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing" (Jn. 15:4-5).

The inexorable condition of fruit bearing for Christ, as He emphasizes in the above declaration, is unity with Him. If we are "united with Him" in His death and resurrection (Rom. 6:4-5, ASV; cf. Col. 2:10-14), fruitfulness will follow. But without that fellowship, "ye can do nothing" of any recognition by God, as He said.

That was the reality which the religious workers of record in Matthew 7:26-27 learned too late. They were attempting to serve God in dissociation from His beloved Son. As the Savior put it on another occasion, "Every plant which My heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up" (15:13). It is a lesson which religious people today who are not in vital fellowship with the exalted Lord also require to learn.

But--praise His Name!--the opposite situation is equally certain. Those who get into, and abide in Jesus, bring forth "much fruit." "So shall ye be My disciples," He continued; that is, by fruit bearing (v.  8 ).

Christ is "the true vine," and His Father is "the husbandman" that sustains the vine. Existence of the "true vine," obviously, presupposes that of false vines. And so there are, have been, and will continue to be as long as this world continues. Hence, the Lord's grave warning of the "false prophets" with which the brethren would certainly be confronted (Mt. 24:11, 24-25).

Paul, of course, followed with grave warnings of the false teachers who would subvert many (Tit. 1:10-11; cf. Acts 15:24; 20:29-30). He himself had to constantly contend with them, and it is certain that they must be confronted and dealt with today. They are "a strange vine" of the earth, as the Prophet probably would say (Jer. 2:21). That is, they are sharply distinguished from that of God's "planting" (Isa, 61:3).

It is heartening to know that personal union with the exalted Christ is ample protection against false teachers and full surety of fruitfulness to God. As Peter declared with reference to such abiding in Christ, "If these things"-the fruits of union with the Lord-"be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Pet. 1:8).

The indispensable responsibility of the individual believer, thus, is apparent. It is to abide in Christ, growing "up into Him in all things" (Eph. 4:15). The work of the church is designed to serve the need associated with that responsibility. It is, first, to bring people to the Lord by proclamation of the gospel. Then it is to build them up in the faith by continually nurturing them in Him.

As a congregation, or group of them, gives itself to that assignment, it may be certain that it has the Presence and blessing of the reigning Savior. But only so, it must be added. --From the February 1992 issue of The Banner of Truth

Concerning Christ’s Kingdom

Essentially . . . It Is One of Righteousness

Concerning Christ's Kingdom

By Albert G. Stoner, Jr.

"But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows" (Heb. 1:8,9; cf. Ps. 45:6,7).

Introduction. With regard to God's unswerving love of tenacious regard for righteousness, this is not something new taught only by the Apostles. It is a thought that is found throughout the pages of Scripture.

"Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" queried our father Abraham (Gen. 18:25). And again, "The righteous Lord loveth righteousness," declared the Psalmist (Ps. 11:7). And Again, we have this word from the forty-eighth Psalm, "Thy right hand is full of righteousness" (Ps. 48:10).

God is a "God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He" (Deut. 32:4). And, "There is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts" (II Chron. 19:7). And, finally, "Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity" (Hab. 1:13).

But the point of reference in our text is with particular regard to the Son of God. "But unto the Son He saith . . ." The point of apostolic focus here is the Son's love for righteousness and His hatred for wickedness. We see here also an index to the heart of the Father as this was the grounds of His appointment of the Son to take charge of the salvational enterprise. If "the way into the holiest" was to be opened again to those who had sinned and "come short of the glory of God," it would have to be done by One who had absolutely no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, and whose love for righteousness was undiminished and unflagging.

And such was the case with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is said of Him that "He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth" (Isa. 42:4).

The Kingdom of Reference. The kingdom spoken of here is Christ's, i.e., the mediatorial one, the one that was "appointed" to Him by the Father (Lk. 22:29). This is the kingdom that would rule in the midst of enemies' oppositions (Ps. 110:1, 2). It is the kingdom whose dominion would be proclaimed as good news throughout the length and breadth of the earth (Mt. 24:14). And it is the one which Jesus will deliver back to the Father after that all wicked rule and authority and power have been "put down" (I Cor. 15:24).

In a word, this kingdom is set for bringing home of the ransomed ones, the saved of all ages who had fallen prey to the dominion and wiles of the Devil. And it is set for the "removal of all that offend" and them which do iniquity.

The power of this dominion shall gather the wheat into the barn of eternal salvation and it shall bind the tares in bundles and cast them into everlasting fire "prepared for the Devil and his angels."

This Kingdom's Uniqueness. Everything about this kingdom is distinguished by righteousness, and righteousness is the preeminent characteristic. It was essential that this be the case with regard to the matter of eternal redemption. It was a great investment that the Father was going to undertake in bringing home His banished ones, the ones created in His own image. And this redemptive undertaking must be established in righteousness.

The judgments regarding the redeemed ones, as to their acceptance, shall be uncontested and incontestable, because of the righteous nature of this dominion. And so also concerning the judgments regarding the lost and their being eternally rejected by God.

Everyone that is accepted of God by faith shall have come into the kingdom in the appointed way, they shall have continued in the faith, as is required, they shall be ministered an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom in the approved way, and none shall climb up another way. The appointed way is, of course, obedience to the gospel and continuance in the faith.

To put this another way, when it comes to the matter of the execution of God's eternal purpose in Christ, the purpose must be implemented righteously. Whether calling sinners to repentance, sustaining the repentant ones, the believing ones, breaking down the "middle wall of partition," deposing principalities and powers, or binding the "strongman," the work and purpose must have a righteous foundation.

Christ's was not a scepter of mercy, or of love, or of longsuffering, but a scepter of righteousness. Mercy cannot divide between the sheep and the goats, but righteousness can, and shall make the division. Love cannot discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not, but righteousness can. Longsuffering cannot divide asunder between the flesh and the spirit, but righteousness can.

I summon you all to a revitalized appreciation for our righteous King. Truly, none of you would want. any goats or tares or unregenerated flesh, or any who are not God's servants, to enter into the world to come. And they shall not be there, because of Christ's righteous scepter.

If it is to be an everlasting salvation, then it must have a thoroughly righteous foundation, and be established by a thoroughly righteous King and kingdom. The righteousness of this scepter shall guarantee that all who are accounted worthy of obtaining that world shall "go no more out." No more expulsions shall be in that realm, because every one there has an entrance which is established in the holy character of God Himself.

The kingdom and the scepter is righteous, not inherently so, but because of the righteous King who sits upon the throne. Without Him there would be no righteous kingdom and scepter. Christ's very love for righteousness and His hatred for iniquity set in motion the kingdom's operation and its dynamic power for reclaiming sinners from their state of lostness and undoneness. At the cross the very issue which was at stake was the fact that God could not and would not compromise His love for righteousness and His hatred for sin. His mercy, love, and grace, which were manifested in His reclaiming of sinners, are built upon this moral foundation. Christ Jesus is "a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God" and His appointment as such has a righteous foundation.

And thus, it is an impregnable and an unimpeachable bulwark for returning sinners and for those with the feeling of inward infirmity Godward. His enablement to be touched is builded upon a righteous foundation.

The righteousness of the law declared that "the soul that sinneth, it shall die." The righteousness of Christ's kingdom declares, by way of contrast, You shall surely live, but you must come by the appointed way. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me" (Jn. 14:6). "And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mk. 16:15, 16).

Other Dominions Contrasted. There have been kingdoms of this world which were eminent for certain things, some even commendable things. Some were noted for their strength (Babylon), some for restoration (Josiah), some for territorial expansion (David), some for wickedness (Ahab).

Some kingdoms have even been remembered for their benevolence, but the scepter of Christ's kingdom shall forever be preeminently known for a love for righteousness and hatred for iniquity. Love is forever established upon this sure foundation, mercy rejoices greatly and is firmly planted upon this firm, immovable base, and grace reigns through righteousness by Jesus

Christ our Lord!

An Error Exposed. The "once saved, always saved" doctrine

and others, as well, flourish because of a failure to see Jesus as

He is in truth. "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity."

Men are encouraged by this teaching in its various forms to minimize the jeopardy of willful sinning because of their blindness to Christ's unswerving hatred for iniquity. The subtle effect of this doctrine is that this love and hatred are esteemed to be inconsequential.

The point of revelation here pertains to the very heart of the Son of God-His "likes and dislikes," His love and hatred, that which He greatly esteems and that which causes the greatest revulsion in Him. As faith beholds Him, men are changed into the very same image, from faith to faith. This love for righteousness and hatred for wickedness are assimilated into the very character of the ones believing the record which God has given of His Son.

For the one who has obeyed the gospel, the vision of Christ by faith is a very blessed one. There is no cause of drawing back in Him. "He is altogether lovely," and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

This is particularly relevant when considering the exceeding sinful age in which we live. The Lord Jesus Christ is rarely proclaimed or known in this generation, with regard to His moral predispositions.

Let us, by faith, then follow His steps. May it be said of us who have believed on the Savior that they "loved righteousness and hated iniquity," and so glorify His holy Name. --From the February 1992 issue of The Banner of Truth

This Gospel of the Kingdom

“And THIS GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Mt. 24:14). “And THIS GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM SHALL BE PREACHED IN ALL THE WORLD for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Mt. 24:14). “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached IN ALL THE WORLD for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Mt. 24:14). “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world FOR A WITNESS UNTO ALL NATIONS; and then shall the end come.” (Mt. 24:14). “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; AND THEN SHALL THE END COME.” (Mt. 24:14).

What If God . . .?

“What if God, willing to show His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory.” (Rom. 9:22-23).

Who Must Flee, the Devil or You?

Who Must Flee, the Devil or You?

There are times in life's experience where the Devil must flee,and there are others where we must flee. He that is wise will perceive and know the difference.

“Resist the Devil,and he will flee from you"(Jas.4:7), declares James. Of the Devil, Peter also writes, "whom resiststedfast in the faith"(I Pet. 5:9).

There are nevertheless times when we ourselves are to flee.Flee youthful lusts(II Tim.2:22).Flee fornication (1Cor.6:18). Flee from idolatry (I Cor.10:14). Flee the seductive influence of false teachers (see I Tim. 6:1-11)."Abstain from all appearance of evil"(I Th. 5:22). "Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (I Pet. 2:11)

Whenever the people of God are faced with temptations of these sorts,they are to flee their alluring influence, in the same way that Joseph fled from the attempted ensnarement by Potiphar's wife (see Gen. 39:12). Sometimes such fleeing will involve further testing for the one that is seeking to escape, as was the case with Joseph, but nevertheless it is always right to flee from perceived intended entrapment by the wicked one.“He that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey" (Isa. 59:15). But God is faithful, who will always provide “a way of escape that ye may be able to bear it" (see I Cor. 10:13).

The Lamb's Book of Life

The Lamb's Book of Life

The Book of Life—that blest register of Heaven,In which "the whole family" of God was enrolled “from the foundation of the world" (Mt. 25:34; Eph. 3:15; Rev.13:8; 17:8)! The official roster of "the general assembly and church of the Firstborn,” which is “written not with ink,”but with the finger of the everlasting God! Like all of God's works, it partakes of His character, being of necessity "very good"—that is,perfect—in its scope and in its eternal nature (Gen. 1:31; Eccl. 3:14). Wholly unaffected by “our works,” it is a product entirely of divine grace,“which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (II Tim. 1:9-10). How this precious roll of the "heirs of promise" has intrigued, impelled, and comforted believing hearts down through the ages (Heb.6:17)! And how it continues, and shall continue, to do so until "the mystery of God” is finished, and He shall become “All in all" (I Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 10:7; 21:5-6).

—Fred O. Blakely

Many Shall Come from the East and the West

“And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Mt. 8:11-12).

On the Use of Commentaries

“When my mind is sterile, that is the time when I go to the commentator, hand him the shovel, and show him where to dig.”

—Given O. Blakely

Jesus Came to do the Father’s Will

“All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from Heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:37-40).

Abide in Jesus!

“And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming” (I Jn. 2:28).

Do Not Tamper with God’s Word!

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18-19).

The Person who Loves Christ

Jesus said: “He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him” (John 14:21).

The Message that We Have Heard of Him

“This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (I Jn. 1:5-7).

Always Delivered unto Death for Jesus’ sake

“For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh” (II Cor. 4:11).

ADAM AND JESUS

 

ADAM AND JESUS

By Given O. Blakely

“And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit . . . The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.” (1 Cor 15:45,47)

Humanity is summarized in two individuals; one from earth, and One from heaven. The first man, Adam, was “made a living soul.” The Second Man, Jesus, was “made a quickening spirit.” That is, Adam was caused to live, but Jesus causes to live. Life was brought to Adam, but life is brought by Jesus. Life was conferred upon Adam, but Jesus confers life. Now that Jesus has been exalted and enthroned, the only life that God recognizes is the life that has been conferred, or given, by Jesus Christ.

Man, is a tripartite (composed of three parts) being. In order of their priority, these parts are identified as “spirit,” “soul,” and “body.” Two thirds of these parts are unseen – the “spirit” and the “soul.” Only the quickening and powerful word of God is able to distinguish experientially between these two parts (Heb 4:12). By “experientially,” I mean the awareness of the distinction becomes known to the individual.

The soulish part of our persons is more related to Adam. Our spirit is related more to Jesus, who comes to quicken and restore it “after the image of Him that created him” (Col 3:10). So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit” (1 Cor 15:45, NKJV).

A unique distinction is seen here. Adam’s life was derived; i.e., he “became a living soul.” Jesus, on the other hand, is Himself the Giver of life. He came to restore the “image” that was marred by Adam – to bring humanity into affiliation with “the Father of spirits.” Rather than receiving life, the Lord Jesus gives life – a most unique distinction.

FEDERAL HEADS. Both Adam and Jesus are federal heads of a race; i.e., they are the first of the order over which they preside. Their progeny, or descendants, also bear their likeness. This is the point of Paul’s discourse in Romans 5:12- 21. The “natural” part of us is traceable to Adam. The “spiritual” aspect and nature of those who are born again, is traced back to Jesus.

THE IMPACT OF ADAM’S DISOBEDIENCE. Adam’s sin brought death to our spirits, i.e., it thrust humanity into a state of alienation from God. The effect of the “first man’s” transgression is described in arresting words. “Death” entered the world, and was “passed upon all men” (Rom 5:12). “Through the offense of one,” we are told, “many” are “dead” (Rom 5:15). “Judgment to condemnation” resulted from Adam’s sin (Rom 5:16,18). “Death reigns” because of that single offense (Rom 5:17). “By one man’s disobedience, many were made sinners” (Rom 5:19). Those vivid portrayals are descriptive of spiritual death – a violent interruption of communion with the Living God. Whatever a person may think about perverted views of “original sin” and so-called “total depravity,” we do have to contend with these statements of the Holy Spirit. They are meticulously precise, leaving no room for question or doubt.

THE IMPACT OF JESUS’ OBEDIENCE. As the “Quickening Spirit,” Jesus came to rectify the dilemma brought on by Adam’s sin. How marvelously His ministry is portrayed by the Holy Spirit. “ . . . much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many” (Rom 5:15). “. . . but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification” (Rom 5:16). Here, the expression “many offenses” refers to God laying the iniquities of us all upon the Lord Jesus – He “bore our sins in His body on the tree” (Isa 53:6; 1 Pet 2:24). Justification was the result! “. . . they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:17). “. . . by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life” (Rom 5:18). “. . . by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Rom 5:19).

We were quickened,” or made alive by Jesus when we were yet “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph 2:1). That quickening, or spiritual resurrection, took place in the inmost part of our person – our spirit.

Salvation begins with the reclamation of your spirit – the essential part of your being. The new birth enables the individual to possess and govern his own soul. Thus Jesus said, “In your patience possess ye your souls” (Luke 21:19). Moreover, the body, or the most external part of our being, is controlled from within. Paul called this “keeping under his body” (1 Cor 9:27).

What a marvelous salvation is found in Jesus. It is realized by all of His descendants. They are all made alive and righteous – really righteous.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the capacity of Jesus whose name is “the Everlasting Father.”

THE SPIRIT OF JUDGMENT AND BURNING

 THE SPIRIT OF JUDGMENT AND BURNING

By Given O. Blakely 

“And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy; everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning.” (Isaiah 4:3-4, NKJV)

The very thought of being viewed as “holy” by the God of heaven is challenging. The thought of everyone in any given place being “holy” is even more arresting. But that is what our text says. Those who were “left” and “remained” were those who survived the chastening hand of God. From an immediate view, this was fulfilled in those who survived the Babylonian captivity. From the even higher vantage point, it speaks of those who have been made clean through Jesus Christ. By saying they “will be called holy,” the Spirit is emphasizing that is how God Almighty views them. Rather than such holiness being the result of arduous activity on the part of the remnant, it is the consequence of God purging from them everything that defiles. It is a very real holiness.

The text also refers to “everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem” – a sort of Divine catalog in heaven. Frequently reference is made to such people – those who are recognized in the chambers of glory. Malachi referred to “a book of remembrance” kept by the Lord (Mal 3:16). Moses spoke of a book God had written, containing the names of people (Ex 32:32). Ezekiel spoke of “the records of the house of Israel” (Ezek 13:9). Jesus spoke of names being “written in heaven” (Lk 10:20). Paul spoke of fellow workers whose names were “in the book of life” (Phil 4:3). Jesus spoke of “the book of life,” in which the names of His people are recorded (Rev 3:5). John wrote of “the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev 13:8).

Those who are “holy” are those recorded in the books of heaven – those who are recognized and received by God – those who have been “made” holy, or righteous (Rom 5:17). There are no unholy people written in the books, and no holy people who are NOT written in them. Whatever the earth may think of these people is of little consequence. They are known in and defended by heaven.

But there is something that preceded the state of holiness and the acceptance of these persons by God. They could not be received as they were, for sin had defiled them. Their “filth” had to be washed away, and their guilt had to be taken from them. Cleansing first, then holiness and acceptance. Purging first, then purity and a place in heaven!

This cleansing and purging, however, will not come easily. It will require judgment and burning – Divine assessment and consumption. For Israel, this was first accomplished in the Babylonian captivity. For us, there is a twofold sense in which it is accomplished.

First, the “spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning” fell upon Jesus. By Divine appointment, He was made responsible for the sins of the world, being “made to be sin for us” (2 Cor 5:21). As a result, the reproaches, or rebukes, due to the human race fell upon Christ. As it is written, “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me” (Rom 15:3; Psa 69:9). Thus Jesus “was made a curse for us” (Gal 3:13), that through it we might be called “holy,” and have our names “written in heaven.” Through His experience of Divine judgment, when sin was “condemned in the flesh” (Rom 8:3), we are washed and purified.

Second, the righteousness that is imputed unto us is joined to personal holiness – the transformation of our persons and character. In this process, the chastening of the Lord comes into play, “for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth” (Heb 12:6). This chastening is the process of refinement, where dross is removed from the saints (Mal 3:3). As it is written, “For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried” (Psa 66:10).

This is more than a mere formality. There is conscious betterment that comes from it – an acute awareness that we are being made “worthy” (2 Thess 1:5). How wonderfully this is stated in the twelfth chapter of Hebrews. “Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be PARTAKERS OF HIS HOLINESS” (Heb 12:9-10). Let every child of God be quick to submit to the spirit of judgment and burning whereby we are made suitable to be holy, and recognized heaven.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I than you in Jesus name that you have provided a means to cleanse me from defilement.

THE LIFE-GIVING WORD

 THE LIFE-GIVING WORD

By Given O. Blakely

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV)

THE WORD IS LIFE-GIVING AND DISCERNING. This is the appointed means through which spiritual life is begotten and maintained, and the Word unveils the real intentions of the heart as well. The right and ability to impart life belongs to God alone. As it is written, “See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god with me . . . I make alive . . . “ (Deut 32:39). The generation of life is the peculiar prerogative of God. He alone can create it, and through Him life – any life – is sustained! “Life” involves the ability to respond to your environment. That is called “reciprocity.” When a fish responds to the environment of water, it is “alive.” When a worm responds to the environment of soil, it is “alive.” Of particular interest is our response to God – the “living God.” When the individual can respond to God, he is spiritually alive. Only God can cause that to happen! That is why Jesus declared, “I am the Way, the Truth, and THE LIFE.” No man cometh to the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

The Word of God is “living and powerful” (Heb 4:12). It is not subject to human laws, whether they are philosophical or procedural. It cannot be systematized, a snare into which men have traditionally fallen. The more you systematize the Word of God, the less powerful it becomes. This is confirmed by the obvious lack of moral and spiritual power that characterizes those seeking to stabilize human conduct by laws and regulations. Throughout church history, there have been major thrusts of activity that have sought to protect God’s Word by classifying and organizing its teachings. Thus Calvin gave us his Institutes, and Campbell his Christian System. Both volumes contain excellent statements, and sound thought. However, they have caused as much difficulty as they have good. Those who have adopted their regimented approach are traditionally divided among themselves, unable to work productively together. This is also the mindset that created catechisms. The reason for this situation is their stilted approach to the living and vibrant Word of God.

You might as well attempt to systematize a young child as Scripture. Your efforts will run aground, because living things cannot be limited to humanly conceived boundaries. A system can rise no higher than the one who contrived it. It is limited by the perception of its creator. God’s Word does not fall into that category. Those who feed upon it find their thoughts becoming more voluminous and focused. They become less confused and more confident. Within them, the vistas of truth are in a state of expansion. They begin seeing more and understanding more. The horizon of their awareness is becoming larger. New things are seen in the most common texts of Scripture. This is because the Word is “living and powerful.”

Because of this condition, the Holy Spirit often says things in Scripture that conflict with human perceptions of the Word. It will mention people who COULD NOT believe because God blinded their eyes (John 12:39-40), or refer to being saved because of God’s foreknowledge (2 Pet 1:2). It will speak of participating in the Divine nature (2 Pet 1:4), and being “one spirit” with the Lord Himself (1 Cor 6:17). The Holy Spirit may even say people are called AFTER they have been predestinated (Rom 8:29), or that we have been “chosen in Him before the foundation of the world” (Eph 1:4). It may trace an immoral situation to Divine cause (Judges 14:3-4; 2 Sam 21:1). Such sayings do not fit into preconceived notions of Scripture. There is no acceptable hermeneutic, or principle of interpretation, that will allow such texts to be received as they are. The Word of God is living, and thus not subject to human restrictions. This does not characterize a sectarian creed, denominational emphasis, or a strictly personal view of Scripture.

THE WORD IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO SPIRITUAL LIFE. The Word of God is directly related to life – spiritual life. “For the word of God is LIVING and active.” God’s Word has Divine qualities because it comes from Him. Note carefully, the Word does not lose those attributes after it has come to us. It is not, for example, living and powerful in the original, but lifeless in the English. Is there any one who would care to affirm Scripture has lost its power? – in any age, or to any people? When Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing; the words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are LIFE” (John 6:63), He powerfully conveyed the consistent impact of His Word – even after it was written. That, of course, is why His words are recorded. They are not merely there for information, or intellectual data. The Holy Spirit is still associated with the Word of God and His Christ! It is His sword (Eph 6:17), through which he cuts and divides within us.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for Your powerful Word.

Israel and the Nations of the Gentiles

“When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel” (Deut. 32:8).

The Terrors of Hell

 

The Terrors of Hell

Surely, my friend, you don't want to know firsthand about the terrors of hell, and the screams of the tormented! How can you be made to. realize how terrible it will be there, forever and ever suffering, gnawing your tongue because of pain, with the utter hopelessness of ever getting out?

Friend, if you have loved ones in the flames of torment right now, no doubt they are hoping that you won't have to come there. They are hoping that you will open your eyes and see how blind you have been, and that you should take no. chances where hell is concerned. Stop listening to the Devil! If he can get you to put off salvation one day at a time, he has won your soul.

If you are not a Christian, why not turn to. Jesus today? To have your sins forgiven, you must: Believe in and confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 8:36-37; Rom. 10:9-10), repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30; 22:16). If you are already a Christian, you should live like one. If and when you sin, you need to repent and confess your sin to God, and He will forgive you (I Jn. 1:8-2:2).

If you do these things, you should never know firsthand the

terrors of hell.

--Lowell Green, Rockwood TN

Sins, Once Scarlet, Now White as Snow

 

Sins, Once Scarlet, Now White as Snow

By Albert G. Stoner, Jr.

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isa. 1:18).

The words of the Prophet are foreshadowing the glorious nature of the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. In the mind of the Holy One sin is glaringly scarlet and conspicuously crimson by its very nature. Sin is a "very grievous" (Gen. 18:20) matter before the living God and it continually testifies against those who commit it (cf. Jer. 14:7). Sin is "the transgression of the law" (I Jn. 3:4). Sin is as a "thick cloud" (Isa. 44:22), separating God and men, and alienating men from the life of God (cf. Eph. 4:18). "The wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). "He that committeth sin is of the Devil" (I Jn. 3:8). And in the time of the New Covenant the greatest sin is not believing on Christ (Jn. 16:9), the One whom God exclusively (cf. Acts 4:12) has appointed and "set forth" (Rom. 3:25) "to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb. 9:26).

From God's perspective sin is, and has always been, "scarlet" and "crimson." Its grievously reprehensible nature continually shouts out brazenly into His face. But the Prophet Isaiah is speaking here of a glorious time when the "scarlet" and the "crimson" nature of sin would be changed into pure "whiteness" and "wool." That is to say, in the purpose of God a particular death would occur that would gloriously effect a removal of sin from the mind of God so that He sees them no more, and an effectual cleansing from sin for the guilty parties, so that they are no longer guilty. And, bless God, that time has come. We are now living in the day of salvation, in the day of an accomplished redemption. The Lamb of God has come and has taken away the sins of the world (cf. Jn. 1:29). He has "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb. 9:26). "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (I Pet. 3:18). "God hath set forth (Christ) to be a propitiation (a covering for sin) through faith in His blood" (Rom. 3:25). The Man Christ Jesus is, Himself, in the present time the covering for sin (cf. I Jn. 2:1-2). He is "the Hiding Place" (Isa. 32:2) from the wrath of God for all those who trust in Him and take hold of His salvation.

From God's perspective, sin has been completely atoned for by His only begotten Son. So far as the pardoned individuals are concerned (those in Christ Jesus), what was once scarlet (indelibly associated with their persons) is now white, and what was once crimson is now as wool because of the unimaginably enormous payment for sin which has been made by the Lord Jesus. As it is written, "by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous" (Rom. 5:19).

But the believer in Christ must labor to hold fast this perspective. As the Apostle declared: "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief" (Heb. 4:11; cf. v. 3). Earnest energy must be put forth in fighting the good fight of faith, and laying hold on eternal life (cf. I Tim. 6:12). This is a perspective that belongs to believing men and women; it is theirs, it is substantive; Christ Jesus purchased it for them. Nevertheless they must continually put forth effort to possess it for themselves. Let us who have trusted in Christ seek to glorify God by our faith in an accomplished salvation.