It is very important for a young Christian to start right; therefore, the first chapter is designed to help you establish your faith in the Bible, for it is the Word of God.
Keep in mind that the Bible is not a book of philosophy, although it is philosophical. Do not go to the Bible for a scientific treat. However, there is no discrepancy between ascertained (To render (a person) certain; to cause to feel certain; to make confident; to assure;) facts of science and the Bible. The Bible is not a book of history, but is found to be accurate when recording history. The Bible was given to man from God, revealing Jesus Christ. The Son of God and God the Son, the only Savior (John 14:6 (6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.) He is the center and the circumference. It is Christ from Genesis to Revelation (John 5:39) Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
The Bible is as high above all other books as the heavens are above the earth. Someone has said of the Bible: "Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be right."
“All scripture is given by inspiration ( The act of inspiring or breathing in; breath;) of God". Upon this statement of fact, evangelical (Contained in, or relating to, the four Gospels; as, the evangelical history.) Christianity stands. The Bible claims to be the inspired Word of God. By: “inspiration" we mean that the Holy Spirit exerted His supernatural influence upon the writers of the Bible. The writings were inspired--not necessarily the writers, but the Bible nowhere claims to have been written by inspired men.
The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible--11 Pet 1:21 (For "the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.) Christ told his disciples that He would leave "many things" unanswered, and that the Holy Spirit would come and choose certain persons and through them reveal His perfect will unto man: and that the Holy Spirit would be the believers teacher. John 16:12-15 (12) I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. (13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. (14) He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it to you. (15) All things that the Father hath are mine; therefore said I that he shall take mine, and shall show it unto you.
Man is the instrument used by the Holy Spirit to write the Bible
Results: The infallible (Incapable of error in defining doctrines touching faith or morals.) Word of God.
The Bible is a difficult book because it came from the infinite to the finite--form the unlimited, all powerful God, to limited man. Therefore, you cannot understand the Bible as you would understand the writings of Plato or Socrates. You can study the great philosophers with the natural mind, and by diligent application, grasp their profound meanings. If the Bible could be understood by natural man, it would be a natural book, and could not be the Word of God. Since, the Bible is from God, and therefore spiritual, before you can receive its teachings, you must be born of the Spirit (John 3:6) That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. And be filled with the Spirit. Always approach the Bible praying that the Spirit will be your teacher and will guide you to a better understanding of His Holy Word, or it will remain a difficult closed book. (John 16: 12-15 (12) I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. (13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide, you into the truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come. (14) He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. (15) All things that the Father hath are mine; therefore said I that he shall take mine, and shall show it unto you.
The oneness or unity of the Bible is a miracle. It is a library of 66 books, written by over 35 different authors, in period of approximately 1,500 years. Represented in the authors is a cross section of humanity, educated and uneducated, including kings, fisherman, public officials, farmers, teachers and physicians. Included in the subjects are religion, history, law, science, poetry, drama, biography and prophecy. Yet its various parts are as harmoniously united as the parts that make up the human body
For 35 authors, with such varied backgrounds, to write on so many subjects, over a period of approximately 1,500 years, in absolute harmony, is a mathematical impossibility. It could not happen! Then how do we account for the Bible? The only adequate explanation is, “Holy man of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit".
"For the word of God is quick and powerful...."
The Bible claims dividing power as a sword. The Bible will separate man from sin (Ps 119:11) (11) Thy words have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee: or sin will separate man from the Bible (Isa. 59:2). (2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
The Bible claims reflecting power as a mirror (Jas. 1:22-25). (22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (23) For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. (24) For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (25) But, whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. In the Bible, we see ourselves as God sees us--as sinners (Rom. 3:23).
The Bible claims cleansing power as water (Eph. 5:26). (26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. David prayed that God would "wash him from iniquity" and "cleanse him from sin" (Ps. 51:2) (2) Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
The Bible claims reproductive power as seed (1 Pet 1:23). (23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. We are children of God because we have been born into the family of God by the incorruptible seed of God. This is the new birth (John 3:1-7). (1) There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. (2) The same came to Jesus by the night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. (3) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (4) Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born (5) Jesus answered, Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. (7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.
The Bible claims nourishing power of food (1 Peter 2:2). (2) As newborn babies, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby. The Bible is spiritual food for the soul. No Christian can remain strong in the Lord and not study the Word of God.
"Study to show thyself approved unto God" is a command. As you study the Bible, you will discover that it does not just contain the Word of God--it IS the Word of God. You must also keep in mind that the Word of God contains the words of God, as well as the words of Satan, demons, angels and man--both good and bad. God is truth and cannot lie. Satan "is a liar and the father of it" (John 8:44). (44) Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do, He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it
Man is natural and is therefore limited, and does not always speak the truth. (To illustrate: Matt. 22:15-46). In this portion of scriptures, we have the words of Jesus, of the Pharisees, of the Herodians and of the Sadducees. The Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees were trying to entangle Jesus in his teachings, that they might accuse Him of breaking God’s Law. Their words were spoken with evil intent, revealing the thinking of the natural man, along with the words of God that came from the lips of Jesus.
As you study the Bible, ask yourself these questions:
Who is speaking: God, demon, angel or man?
To whom is he speaking: to the nation Israel, to the Gentiles, to the Church, to man in general or to some individual man or being?
How can this Scripture be applied to my own life to make me a better Christian?
The bible reveals God as the only infinite and Eternal Being, having no beginning and no ending. He is the creator and sustainer of all things. He is the Supreme Personal Intelligence, and Righteous Ruler of His universe. He is life, and therefore the only source of life. (John 5:26)--- (26) For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself
Man is natural and cannot know God by wisdom. "Canst thou by searching find out God"(Job 11:7). (7) Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? God is a person and can be known only by revelation. In the Old Testament He revealed Himself to and through His prophets? In the New Testament He reveals Himself through His Son Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1-3) (1) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. (2) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. (3) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
The Bible nowhere attempts to prove or argue the existence of God. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is. The existence of God is a fact taken for granted by the writers of both the Old and New Testaments. : In the beginning God" (Gen. 1:1). The Bible opens by announcing the sublime fact of God and his existence. There are arguments for the existence of God; they are not conclusive, but are food for thought:
Universal belief of God comes from within man. It is innate in man and comes from rational intuition
The argument from "cause and effect." everything that began owes its existence to a cause. We have a watch; we must have a watchmaker. We have a building; we must have a builder. We have a creation; then we must have a creator. This creation could not have come into existence without an intelligent, personal creator, any more that the alphabet could produce a book itself without an author.
This is the argument from anthropology. Man's moral and intellectual nature argues for a moral and intellectual creator.
The Bible and the Christ that it reveals His Virgin birth, His sinless life, His vicarious (Performed of suffered in the place of another;) death and His bodily resurrection--all of this and much, much more--argue for the existence of God.
The Bible reveals God as a personality, He is called "The living and true God"--One possessing self-consciousness and self-determination., His personality is shown in what He does, such as:
God loves. "God so loved the world" (John 3:16)
God hates. "These six things doth the Lord hate" (Prov. 6:16) (16) these six things doth the Lord hate, yea, seven are abomination unto him. (17) A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. (18) A heart that deviseth wicked imagination, feet that be swift in running to mischief. (19) A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
God cares. “He careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7) (7) Casting all your cares upon him; for he careth for you
God grieves. "It grieved Him at his heart" (Gen 6:6) (6) and it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
Only a personality can love, hate, care and grieve; therefore, God must be a living, eternal, personal being.
There are four definitions of God in the Bible. Since God cannot be defined, they are incomplete. However, they do throw light upon the nature of God. They are:
"God is love" (above verse 8) this is the nature of God in His divine compassion.
"God is light" (1 John 1:5) (5) 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. This is the nature of God in His divine character; in Him there is no darkness.
"God is consuming fire" (Heb 12-29) (29) for our God is a consuming fire. This is the nature of God in His divine holiness.
God is a Spirit" (John 4-24) (24) "God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. This is the nature of God in His divine holiness. The attributes of God reveal His nature. Do not think of His attributes as abstract, but as vital mediums through which His holy nature is unveiled--attributes ascribed to Him as;
Life is ascribed as God. (John 5; 26) (26) For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.
All knowledge is ascribed to God. (Ps 147:5) (5) Great is out Lord, and of great power: his understanding in infinite.
All power is ascribed to God. (Rev 19:6) (6) And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thundering saying: Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Filling the universe with His presence is ascribed to God. (Ps 139:7) (7) Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
God is everywhere present, but He is not in everything. If God were in everything, man could worship any object and he would be worshiping God. God is a spirit being. "And they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."
Grace is the love and mercy of God in action. Mercy is negative, and love is positive; both together mean grace. To show mercy in love is grace. God showed mercy in love when he sent His Son to bear our sins in His own body on the cross. (John 3:16).
The grace of God saves forever. (Rom. 8:38-39). (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor Life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The grace of God is unconditional; that is, we are not saved on the condition that we "hold out unto the end" or that we "Fail Not'" or that we "do our best". We are saved by the grace of God, apart from works.
The grace of God is sufficient. (11Cor. 12:9) (9) And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I gather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
The grace of God makes no discrimination. (Rev. 22:17) (17) And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
The grace of God justifies. (Rom 3:23-24) (23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
The grace of God makes every believer and heir. (Titus 3:7) (7) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
The grace of God teaches believer how to live. (Titus 2:11-12) (11) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.
The Grace of God is nothing less than the unlimited love of God expressed in the gift of His Son, our Savior. It is the undeserved love of God toward sinners.
By the Trinity of God we mean His tri-personal existence as Father, Son and Holy Spirit-three distinct persons in one God.
The Father is recognized as God (1 Peter 1:2) (2) Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. And is all the fullness of the Godhead invisible. (John 1:18)(18) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
The Son is recognized as God (Heb. 1:8) (8) But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. And is all the fullness of the Godhead manifested in the flesh. (John 1:14)(14) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.
The Holy Spirit is recognized as God (Acts 5:3-4)(3) But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?(4) While it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And is all the fullness of the Godhead acting upon man, convicting him of Sin (John 16:7-11) and guiding the believer into all truth. (John 16:12-15)
The doctrine of the Trinity is not explicit in the Old Testament, but is rather implied. And God said, Let US make man. (Gen. 1:26)
The doctrine of the Trinity is revealed in the New Testament. In the above scripture (Mat. 3:16-17) we have Christ being baptized in water, the Father speaking from heaven, and the Holy Spirit descending as a dove. We are to baptize in the "name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Mat. 28:19). (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Even creation implies the doctrine of the Trinity. In creation, we have space, matter and time in one creation. In space, we have length, breadth and height in one space. In matter, we have energy, motion and phenomena in one substance. In time, we have past, present and future in one time. In man, we have body, soul and spirit in one man (1Thess. 5:23) (23) and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Holy Trinity, we have Father, Son and Holy Spirit in one God.
Christianity differs from all religions, because it is more than a religion-it is the life of the Son of God made living in man. Christ is Christianity, and Christianity is Christ. He is the supreme subject of each book of the New Testament, and fulfills all the promises of God in the Old Testament, from his incarnation to His Second Coming as "Lord of Lords and King of Kings." (Rev. 17:14). He is the God-man Christ Jesus in glory, exalted above all creatures, having "all power in heaven and in earth" (Matt. 28:18).
During His earthly ministry, He claimed to be God incarnate (in human flesh). He is all that He claimed to be, or He is less than the least (Rev. 1:8). Before His claim can be denied, there are some things that must be accounted for:
-----------His virgin birth
-----------His holy, sinless life
-----------His many miracles
-----------His vicarious (Performed of suffered in the place of another;) death and His bodily resurrection
The deity (The collection of attributes which make up the nature of a god; divinity; godhead;) of Jesus Christ, or his God nature, is well established in the New Testament. Some of the facts are:
He is called God by the Apostle John. (Above verse)
He is called God by the Apostle Thomas (John 20:28) (28) And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
He is called God by God the Father. (Heb. 1:8)(8) But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom.
He claimed to be God in that He was with the Father before creation. (John 17:5)(5) And now O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
He claimed to be God in that He was before Abraham. Abraham rejoiced to see my day... (John 8:51-59)
He received worship, and only God is to be worshiped (Mat. 14:33). (33) Then they that were in the ship came and worshiped him, saying, of a truth thou art the Son of God. Angels refused worship (Rev. 22:8-9). (8) And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. (9) Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not; for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethern the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship god. Man refused worship (Acts. 10:25-26). (25)And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met Him, and fell down at his feet, and worshiped him. (26) But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
He forgives sin (Mark 2:5-11). Only God can forgive sin.
He is creator and maker of all things. (Col. 1:16). (16) For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him. And for him.
He is sustainer of all things (Heb. 1:3). (3) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Only God can control the Universe.
He claimed to have "all power in heaven and in earth" (Mat. 28:18). (18) And Jesus came and spake unto them saying. All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Only God has all power.
He walked upon the blue waters of Galilee. The winds and the waves obeyed His commands. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. He cast out demons and made the lame to walk. He turned water into wine, and fed five thousands with the lunch of a lad.
The humanity of Jesus Christ is seen in His human parentage (Mat. 2:11) (11) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
He developed as a normal human being (Luke 2:52) (52) And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and Man.
He was subject to all the sinless infirmities of the human nature:
He hungered (Mat. 4:2) (2) and when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward hungered.
He has thirsty (John 19:28) (28) after this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
He was weary (John 4:6) (6) Now Jacob's will was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
He wept (John 11:35) (35) Jesus Wept.
He was tempted (Heb. (4:15) (15) For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Jesus is man, and yet He is more than man. He is not God and man, but the God-man. He is God in human flesh. His two natures are bound together in such a way that the two become one, having a single consciousness and will.
The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is without parallel in human history. It was by the virgin birth that God became man, one perfect person but two natures; one nature being that of Almighty God, the other being that of man-made without sin (Heb. 4:15). (15) For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. The union of the two natures became the God-man Christ Jesus.
The first hint of the virgin birth is found in (Gen. 3:15.) and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. The One to defeat Satan was to be born of “the seed of the woman". This is a biological miracle; there is no "seed of the woman." From this, we are to understand that one was to be born of a woman without a human father. (Above verses 34-35).
Isaiah prophesied that a "Virgin would conceive, and bear a son and shall call His name Immanuel (God with Us) (Isa. 7:14) (14) Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Again Isaiah prophesied saying, "unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given" (Isa. 9:6-7). (6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, counselor, "The mighty God, The everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of "David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. This means that God gave his only begotten Son who was with Him from eternity, and the Child Jesus was born of a virgin, God gave His Son "unto us."
According to prophecy, He was to be born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2). (2) Joseph with Mary went up to Bethlehem to be taxed and to fulfill prophecy (Luke 2:1-7)
The death of Jesus Christ is mentioned more than one hundred twenty times in the New Testament, and is spoken of many times by the Prophets in the Old Testament.
The death of Jesus Christ was vicarious ( Performed of suffered in the place of another; substituted;) (Mat. 20:28) (28) Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. He was God's substitute for sinners (11 Cor. 5:21). (21)For He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of god in him. On the cross, Christ was made sin for the sinner. By faith in Him, the sinner is made righteous with the righteousness of God.
The death of Jesus Christ was natural (John 19:31-37). (31)The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for the sabbath day was a high day) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. (32) Then came the soldiers, and break the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. (33) But when they came to Jesus, and say that he was dead already, they break not his legs. (34) But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. (35) And he that saw it bare record and his record is true, and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. (36) For these things were done, that the scriptures should be fulfilled. A bone of him shall not be broken. (37) And again another scripture saith, they shall look on him whom they pierced. By a natural death, we mean that His spirit and soul were separated from his body.
The death of Jesus Christ was unnatural (Rom. 6:23). (23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. By an unnatural death, we mean that since He was sinless, in that He "Did not sin: (1 Peter 2:22). (22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth "Had no sin" (1 John 3:5) (5) and ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Knew no sin (11 Cor. 5:21) (21) for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Before he could die, He had to be "made sin for us"; therefore, His death was unnatural. The death of Jesus Christ was preternatural (Rev. 13:8). (8) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the lamb slain from the foundation of the world. By this, we mean that the death of Jesus Christ was not an afterthought with God; it was the forethought of God.
The death of Jesus Christ was supernatural (John 10:17-18). (17) Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again? (18) No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. Jesus said, "No man taketh life from me." Then He said, "I lay down to myself" (supernaturally). "I have power to take it up again (supernaturally). Then He died on the cross, and three days and three nights later, He took life up again when He arose from the dead. Only God in the form of man could die a vicarious, natural, unnatural, preternatural and supernatural death.
Luke tells us that we have "many infallible proofs" of His resurrection (Acts 1:3). (3)To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Let us look at some of these things "infallible Proofs" according to eyewitnesses:
After his resurrection, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene. (John 20:11-18)
He appeared to the women returning from the sepulcher. (Matt. 28:5-10).
Then He appeared to Peter. (Luke 24:34) Saying, the Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
To the Emmaus disciples. (Luke 24:13-31)
To the apostles, Thomas not presents. (Luke 24:36-43)
Again to the apostles, Thomas present (John 20:24-29)
To the seven by the Sea of Tiberias. (John 21:1-23)
To over five hundred brethern. (1 Cor. 15:6) (6) After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
He was seen of James. (1 Cor. 15:7)(7) After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
He was seen again by the eleven apostles (Matt. 28:16-20) (16) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. (17) And when they saw Him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. (18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. AMEN.
He was seen by Stephen, the first Martyr (Acts 7:55)(55) But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.
He was seen of Paul on his way to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6) (3) and as he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. (4) And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (5) And he said, who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said I am Jesus whom thou persecutest; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (6) And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Many of these eyewitnesses died martyr's deaths because they preached the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They were glad to die for a living Christ. They had the "infallible proofs."
When Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, all of His disciples "forsook Him and fled" (Matt. 25:26). (26) His Lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed. From this time until after His resurrection, the disciples lived in fear. They did not believe that He would rise from the dead (John 20:9). For as yet they knew not the scripture that he must rise again from the dead. Had Jesus not come from the dead, the cross would have been the end of Christianity. After the death of Jesus, we see His disciples rejected, discouraged and defeated. The death of Jesus meant but one thing to them, the end. How do we account for the great change that came into their lives three days and three nights later? The only logical explanation is that they had the "infallible proofs" that He had risen from the dead, and was alive forevermore. They saw Him, talked with Him, touched Him, and ate with Him.
Now look at some "infallible proofs" according to circumstantial evidence:
The change that came into the lives of the disciples after the resurrection-from fear to unlimited courage. They rejected in persecution (Acts 5:40-42). (40) And to him they agreed; and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (41) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. They chose death, with faith in the resurrected Christ, rather than to deny that faith and be delivered (Heb. 11:35) (35) Women received their dead raised to life again; and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.
The early church began to worship on the first day of the week, the day of the resurrection. It was not a law-it was spontaneous (Acts 20:7). (7) And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. For more than two thousand years, the church has worshipped on the first day. For the Christian, every Sunday is Easter.
The early Christian went everywhere with the word of the resurrection (Acts 8:1-4) (1) And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (2) And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. (3) As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. (4) Therefore, they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.
The empty tomb-for if Jesus is not alive, what happened to His body? The Roman guards were paid to say "His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we slept". First, the disciples lacked the courage. Had the disciples stolen His body, then how do you account for the fact that they all suffered, and most of them died a martyr's death? In the face of death, one of them would have revealed the hiding place of the "stolen body" to save his own life. Second, no one was ever arrested or tried for stealing the body of Jesus. It is evident that the governing officials did not believe the story of the guards. Third, the guard could have been put to death for sleeping while on watch. Fourth, if they were asleep, how could they have known that it was the disciples who stole the body? Fifth, had the enemies of Jesus moved the body, they could have produced it and brought a quick end to Christianity, and they would have!
The grave clothes found in the empty tomb are proof of the resurrection (John 20:1-10). Had friend or foe stolen the body, they would not have removed the grave clothes, since He had been dead three days and night. When John saw the grave clothes and recognized that they were folded the same as when they were wrapped about the body, he knew that a miracle had taken place. Jesus came out of the clothes and they collapsed without disturbing the folds. They were left in the empty tomb as "infallible proof," and when John saw and understood, he believed that Jesus had come from the dead.
After forty days of instructing His disciples, the risen Christ ascended up on high, and is seated at the right hand of the Father (Heb. 10:12). Two men brought the message of His second coming to the apostles; "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner." the message of the Second Coming of Jesus is so important, that it is mentioned over three hundred times in the New Testament.
He is coming to take His Church to be with Him (1 Thess. 4:16-17)(16) For "the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Also (John 14:1-6).
He is coming to judge the nations (Matt. 25:31-46)
He is coming to save Israel (Rom. 11:25-26)
He is coming to sit upon the throne of David (Luke 1:31-33) also (Isa. 9:6-7)
He is coming to bring righteous government to the earth (Heb. 1:8)
JESUS CHRIST IS COMING BACK TO THIS EARTH AGAIN."EVEN SO, COME, LORD JESUS (Rev. 22:20).
The Holy Spirit is God, and is equal to the Father and the Son. Don’t ever speak of Him as “IT” or refer to Him as an influence. He is God the Holy Spirit, and is set forth in the Bible as being distinct from the Father and the Son. In the Genesis account of creation, He is seen actively engaged in the work of creation, along with the Father and the Son. In the Old Testament, He came upon men to empower them to service: but when they were disobedient, He departed from them.
When David sinned against the Lord, he prayed “Take not thy Holy Spirit from me” (Ps 51:11). In the New Testament, after Pentecost, we see the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer, never to leave him, filling and empowering him for service. The study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit is of utmost importance. A scriptural understanding of God the Holy Spirit will make you a better Christian and servant of God.
In dealing with Ananias, Peter revealed the deity of the Holy Spirit when he said, "Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit... thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." In this scripture it is very clear that the Holy Spirit is God, and He is co-equal, co-eternal and co-existent with the Father and the Son.
His deity is also set forth in that He possesses divine attributes:
He is everywhere present in the universe (Ps. 139:7-10) (7) whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? (8) If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there, If I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there. (9) If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; (10) even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
He has all power (Luke 1:35) (35) and the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
He has all knowledge (1 Cor. 2:10-11) (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
He is eternal (Heb. 9-14) (14) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
His deity is revealed in that His name is coupled in equality with the name of the Father and the Son.
In the baptism on the believer (Matt. 28:19) (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
In the apostolic benediction (11 Cor. 13:14) (14) the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. AMEN.
His deity is seen in relation to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35) (35) And the Angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
He was anointed by the Holy Spirit for service (Acts 10:38) (38) How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
He was led by the Holy Spirit (Matt. 4:1) (1) Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
He was crucified in the power of the Holy spirit (Heb. 9:14) (14) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:11) (11)But is 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.
Jesus gave commandments to the apostles and the church through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:2) (2) Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen.
If Jesus needed to depend solely upon the Holy Spirit during His life and ministry here on the earth, can we afford to do less?
It is often difficult to impart truth by the use of words. Frequently they reveal only a half-truth, leaving the other half hidden. The writers of the Bible used certain emblems when unfolding the mysteries of the Holy Spirit, because they illustrate more about Him than volumes can contain, They Are:
Fire as an emblem (above verse). Fire speaks of His consuming, purifying power in the life of the believer (Acts 2:3) (3) and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Wind as an emblem (John 3:8) (8) the wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it hoeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit... wind speaks of His hidden depth in His mighty regenerating power.
Water as an emblem (John 7:37-39)(37) In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. (38) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (39)But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.
Seal as an emblem (Eph. 1:13)(13) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. Seal speaks of His ownership of the believer; it is a finished eternal transaction.
Oil as an emblem (Acts 10:38)(38) How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Oil speaks of His power to anoint for service.
Dove as an emblem (Mark 1:10) (10) and straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. The dove speaks of His gentle, tender, peaceful nature. We may know "the peace of god, which passeth all understanding" (Phil. 4:7) (7) and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Only when fully surrender to God.
This is a solemn study, because the Holy Spirit is God and can be sinned against by both the believer and the unbeliever. May He help you search your heart as you consider?
The sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. This sin is committed by unbelievers. It is often called the "Unpardonable sin." It has no forgiveness. It was committed by the enemies of Jesus when they accused Him of casting out devils by the power of Satan (Matt. 12:24) (24) But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, this fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. When Jesus claimed to cast them out by the "Holy Spirit." (Matt. 12:28)(28) But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
The sin of resisting the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51). (51)Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do ye. This sin in committed by the unbeliever when rejecting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
The sin of grieving the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30-32). (30)And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (31) Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. (32) And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. This sin is committed by believers. He is grieved by us unless He controls our lives to the glory of Jesus Christ.
The sin of quenching the Holy Spirit (1 Thes. 5:19). (19) Quench not the Spirit. This sin is committed by Christians when known sin is allowed to go unconfessed (1 John 1:9). (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The sin of lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-11). The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was deception, born in jealousy. They tried to mock God (Gal. 6:7). (7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. The Holy Spirit can be sinned against, because He is God.
In instructing his disciples, regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said "if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will......
convict men of the sin of unbelief (verse 9)
Convict men that Jesus is the righteousness of God (verse 10) also (Rom. 10:3-4).(3)For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Convict men that the power of Satan has been broken (verse 11).
Regenerate the believer (John 3:5) (5) Jesus answered, Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Indwell the believer (1 Cor. 6:19-20) (19) what? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (20) For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Seal the believer (Eph. 1:13-14)(13)In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. (14) Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory?
Baptize the believer (Acts 1:5) (5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Infill the believer (Eph. 5:18) (18) and be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.
Empower the believer (Acts 1:8) (8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Lead the Believer (Gal. 5:16-18) (16) this I say the, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (18)But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Administer spiritual gifts to the believer (1 Cor. 12:1-11)
The Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost, to remain with the church until it is complete and presented to the Lord Jesus at his coming. Just as Jesus Christ finished the work He came to do in the flesh, so the Holy Spirit will finish the work he came to do in the church.
"The fruit of the Spirit is love." Only as we live in love can we fulfill the will of God in our lives. The believer must become love-inspired, love-mastered and love-driven (11 Cor. 5:14).(14) For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead; Without the fruit of the Spirit (Love), we are just a religious noise (1Cor. 13:1). (1) though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” The fruit of the Spirit is love," and it is manifested in joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:
Joy is love's strength.
Peace is love's security.
Long-suffering is love's patience.
Gentleness is love's conduct.
Goodness is love's character.
Faith is love's confidence.
Meekness is love's humility.
Temperance is love's victory.
"Against such there is no law."
A Holy Spirit-controlled man needs no law to cause him to live a righteous life. The secret of a Spirit controlled life is found; (Rom. 12:1-2). (1) I beseech you therefore, brethern, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed o this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Put your all on the altar. And the Holy Spirit will fill your heart with the love of God. (Rom. 5:5). (5) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
SIN
CHAPTER FIVE
1. THE ORIGIN OF SIN
2. WHAT IS SIN
3. HOW SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD
4. THE RESULTS OF SIN
5. GOD'S REMEDY OF SIN
In considering the question of sin, we are faced with two startling facts,
The first fact is that man makes so little of sin. To some, it is an illusion, a religious mirage, the invention of some fanatic. It is denied, jokes about and laughed at by man. Many, who believe sin to be a fact, continue in it with little thought of its penalty.
The second fact is that God makes so much of sin. God said, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." (Ezek. 18:20). (20) "The soul who sins shall die”. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). (23) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
All sins are an abomination (The feeling of extreme disgust and hatred;) unto God (Prov. 6:16-19), (16) These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: (17) A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, (18) A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, (19) A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
And he hates those who work iniquity (Absence of, or deviation from, just dealing; want of rectitude or uprightness; gross injustice; unrighteousness; wickedness;) (Ps. 5:5). (5) The boastful shall not stand in your sight; you hate all workers of iniquity.
Moses said, "All that do unrighteous, are an abomination unto the Lord." (Deut. 25:16). (16) For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Sin is an evil force. Its presence cannot be escaped in this life, but it can be overcome by the Power of God.
1. The Origin of Sin. (Jude 1:6) and the Angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
The origin of sin is one of the mysteries of the Bible. (The secret things belong unto the Lord our God") (Deut. 29:29).(29) The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Its origin is one of the "secret things" that will remain wrapped in obscurity. Sin is first noted in the heart of Satan. He was created a perfect being.....till iniquity was found in him (Ezek. 28:11-19). Satan fell from perfection when he exerted his will above the will of God. Five times he said, "I will" Is. (14:12-17). It was his will over God's will---this is sin.....
2. What is Sin? (1 John 3:4) whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law.
It is impossible to deny the existence of sin, when the whole world is in conflict between good and evil. If sin were not a fact, there would be no crime; we would not need jails or prisons. We would need no locks on our doors, or vaults for our valuables. To some, sin is being indiscreet, or it is weakness of the flesh. To others, it is the absence from good. To the so-called scholar, sin is ignorance, and the evolutionist, it is the nature of the beast. The latest theory is that sin is a disease to be treated by science, because man is not a sinner--he is only sick. To others, sin is a form of selfishness, but God declares that:
Sin is transgression of the law (verse 4)
Sin is coming short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). (23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Sin is rebellion against God (Isa. 1:2). (2) Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
Sin is unbelief; it makes God a liar (1 John 5:10). (10) He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
Sin is going your own way, planning your life according to your own will, without seeking the will of God (Isa. 53:6). (6) 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.
All unrighteousness is sin (1John 5:17). (17) All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
Sin is a folly to deceive you, a force to destroy you and a fact to condemn you. Sin is a volitional (your own free will) act of disobedience against the revealed will of God.
3. How Sin entered into the World.
(Rom. 5:12) (12) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned...
By one man sin entered into the world." (Above verse). The fall of man is found in Genesis 3:1-24). When Adam sinned, his seed became corrupt (1 Peter 1:23). (23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Therefore, we are sinners, because we are born in sin (Ps. 51:5). (5) Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
You do not have to teach children to be bad, but you do have to teach them to be good. You do not have to teach them to lie, but you do have to teach them to tell the truth. "Therefore as by the offence of one (Adam) judgment came unto all men to condemnation" (Rom 5:18). (18) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
According to the Word of God, all men are judged sinners; all are condemned already (John 3:18). (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
All have sinned (Rom 3:23). (23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Sin entered the world through our first parents in the Garden of Eden, and all have sinned, because all are sinners.
Man sins by choice, because he is a sinner by nature. Therefore, the dominion sin has over you is according to the delight you have in it.
4. The Results of Sin. Ephesians 2:1) (1) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.
"The wages of sin is death: As a result of man's sin, there are three deaths. Keep in mind that death does not annihilate; it only separates. In the Garden of Eden, it separated man from God spiritually; this is spiritual death. In natural death, it separates the spirit and the soul from the body; this is physical death; in final death; it separates man from the mercy of God forever, this is eternal death...
The wages of sin is spiritual death. Just as sin separated man from God spiritually and drove him from the presence of God out of the Garden, so sin will separate you from God. (Isa 59:1-2)Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. (2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. The only way back to God is to confess your sins to Him and forsake your sins that you may be restored to fellowship with God. (1 John 1:9) (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Isa 55:7) (7) Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
The wages of sin is physical death. Physical death is a result of sin. Death had no claim on man until man sinned. Now all die, because all are in sin. Death is universal, and since we have a universal effect, we must have a universal cause, and that cause is universal sin. All men die-the good and the bad-the young and the old- and man will continue to die until death is destroyed by the Lord Jesus Christ and is swallowed up in Victory. (1 Cor. 15:26) (26) The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (1 Cor. 15:54-57) (54) So when this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, and then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory. (55) O death, where is thy sting? O grace where is thy victory? (56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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The wages of sin is eternal death. "The soul that sinneth, it shall die"(Ezek. 18:20) (20) the soul that sinneth, it shall die. The Son shall not bear the iniquity of the father; neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
(This is eternal separation from the love of God. (Rev. 20:14) (14) And death and hell were cast in the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Once the soul passes beyond the portals of hell, he is lost and lost forever. He will continue to exist, but without hope. He is damned and damned to all eternity, to all eternity. Eternal death is eternal separation from God. (Luke 16:19-31)
5. God’s Remedy for Sin. (11 Cor. 5:21) for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Man, not willing to accept God's remedy for his ruin, strives to bring about his own salvation by human means.
He strives for self-righteousness, when he needs to be made the righteousness of God (Isa. 64:6). (6) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
He strives to reform, when he needs to be regenerated (Titus 3:5) (5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
He strives to turn over a new leaf, when he needs a new life (John 10:10). (10)The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
He strives to be justified by the law, when he needs to be justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:16) (16) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
He strives to clean up the old man, when he needs to be made a new man in Christ (Eph 4:24). (24) And that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
He strives to be saved by good works, when he needs salvation by the grace of God (Eph 2:8-9). (8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The only remedy for the ruin of man is the Son of God, being made sin for us on the cross. The only way to receive this remedy is by faith in Him as personal Savior (John 20:30-31). (30) And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. (31) But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of god; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
JUDGEMENTS
CHAPTER SIX
1. JUDGEMENTS OF THE BELIEVERS SINS---9
2. JUDGEMENTS OF THE BELIEVERS SELF---18
3. JUDGEMENTS OF THE BELIEVERS WORKS---30
4. JUDGEMENTS OF THE NATIONS---42
5. JUDGEMENTS OF THE WICKED---62
In the Scriptures, we are instructed to "rightly divide the word of truth'' (11 Tim. 2:15). (15) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. This is most essential when studying the judgments. Do not endeavor (to strive to achieve or reach; to try; to attempt.) to make all judgments conform to the theory of one 'general judgment.' The 'general judgment' theory is the invention of religion, and is not taught in the Word of God. There are five separate judgments revealed in the Bible, and they differ as to time, place, and purpose. Yet, they all have one thing in common, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Judge (John 5:22). (22) For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the son.
Everyone-from Adam to the last man to be born on this earth-will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ to be judged.
In the first judgment, the sins of the believers have already been judged in Christ on the cross. When Jesus died on the Cross.
In the second judgment, the believer is to judge self, or be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ and disciplined at the Second Coming of Christ.
In the third judgment, all believers must appear at the 'judgment seat of Christ' where their works are to be judged at the Second Coming of Christ.
In the fourth judgment, all nations are to be judged at the Second Coming of Christ.
In the fifth judgment, the wicked dead are to be judged at the great white throne. All people who have died without salvation.
1. The Judgment of the Believer’s Sins. (John 5:24) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (In the air, no tribulation)
In the above verse, our Lord tells us that the believer 'cometh not into condemnation (judgment).' The word 'condemnation' is the same word rendered 'judgment' (Matt. 10:15). Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the Day of Judgment, than for that city. Our sins were judged in Christ on Calvary and every believer 'hath passed out of death into life.' This is present salvation. Christ paid for our sins. He was judged in the believer's stead. The believer will not come into judgment because:
Jesus Christ paid the penalty, and on the grounds of His substitution death, the believer is separated from his sins forever (Ps. 103:12). As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us?
The sins of the believer have been 'blotted out'' and God has promised that He ''will not remember thy sins' (Isa. 43:25). (25) I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Our Lord suffered for our sins, 'the just for the unjust' that we might be saved and never come into judgment as sinners (1Peter 3:18). For 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.
The believer will never be condemned with the world, because Christ was condemned in his place. "He was made to be sin for us" (11 Cor. 5:21). (21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Christ was made a curse for us on the cross, and "hath redeemed us from the curse of the law" (Gal. 3:13). (13) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. "He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" (Heb. 9:26). (26) For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. The believer will not come into judgment because his sins have been purged (To cleanse, clear, or purify by separating and carrying off whatever is impure,(Heb. 1:3). (3) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged out sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
2. The Judgment of the Believer’s Self. (1 Cor. 11:31-32) for if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. (32) But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
The judgment of the believer’s self is more than judging things in the believer’s life. When the believer judges self, the good and the bad in his life come to light, and he will confess the bad (John 1:9). (9) That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. And forsake it (Isa. 55:7). (7) Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. However, it is not enough just to judge sin in the believer; he must judge self.
To judge self is to practice self-abnegation (a denial;), for when the believer sees self as God sees him, he will renounce self. It is replacing the self-life with the Christ-life (Col. 3:4). (4) When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory? Christ is the believer’s life.
To judge self is to deny(To declare not to be true; to gainsay; to contradict; -- opposed to affirm, allow, or admit) self. This is more than self-denial. Self-denial is denying one’s self of the gratifications( or pleasing, either the mind, the taste, or the appetite;) of the flesh. If we practice self-denial only, it is treating the symptom and not the cause. But when we deny self, we are attacking the cause, for in self (that is, in the flesh) ‘dwelleth no good thing” (Rom. 7:18). (18) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing; for two will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. To deny self is to take up our cross and follow Christ (Mark 8:34-38). (34) And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. (35) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. (36) For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (37) Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (38) Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
To judge self is to lose the self-life, and find the Christ-life (Gal. 2:20). (20) 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.
To judge self is to no longer be self-conscious, but become Christ-conscious (Matt. 28:20). Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. AMEN.
To judge self is to no longer be self-controlled, but to become Christ-controlled (Acts 9:6). And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
To judge self is to no longer practice self-esteem (To set a value on; to appreciate the worth of), but to esteem others better than self (Phil. 2:3). (3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. To judge self is to become selfless.
3. The Judgment of the Believer’s Works. (11 Cor. 5:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every One may receive the things done in his holy body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
The believer’s works will be judged at the “Judgment seat of Christ.” The term “judgment seat of Christ” is found only twice in the Bible, but it is referred to many times. It is found in the above verse; also (Rom. 14:10). (10) But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. A careful reading of both verses with the context reveals that only believers will appear at the “judgment seat of Christ.” Their works will be judged, not their sins, for we have already seen that the sins of the believer were judged in Christ at Calvary, and “there is therefore now no judgment to them which are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1). There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
This judgment will take place “in the air,” following the first resurrection. “The dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thes. 4:14-18). (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words. There will be a thousand years between the resurrection of the saved and the unsaved (Rev. 20:4-5), and there will be a thousand years between the “judgment seat of Christ” where only saved will appear and “great white throne judgment” where only unsaved will appear.
At the judgment seat of Christ, the believer will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, WE SHOULD LOOK TO OUR OWN WORKS AND NOT JUDGE THE WORKS OF OTHERS (Rom. 14:10-13). (10) But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (11) For it is written: As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (13) Let us not therefore judge one another any more; but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. (14) I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
It is a most humbling thought to know that someday the believer will face all of his works-“good or bad.” Some will be ashamed (1 John 2:28) (28) 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. And “suffer loss”-not the loss of salvation, but the loss of rewards (1 Cor. 3:11-15). (11) For other foundation can no man lay that that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) every man’s works shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of that sort it is. (14) If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. So whatever you do, do it to the glory of God (Col. 3:17). (17) And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
4. The Judgment of the Nations. (Matt. 25:31-46) (31) 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: (32) 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: (33) And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. (34) Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (35) For I was ahungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave men drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: (36) Naked, and ye clothed me, I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. (37) Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we the ahungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? (38) When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? (39) Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? (40) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily, I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethern, ye have done it unto me. (41) Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (42) For I was ahungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: (43) I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. (44) Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee ahungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? (45) Then shall he answer them saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. (46) And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal.
This judgment is not the judgment of the great white throne (Rev. 20:11-15). (11)And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (12) And I say 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. (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were judged every man according to their works. (14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. A careful comparison of the two judgments will establish the following facts:
The judgment of the nations will take place “when the Son of Man shall come in His glory…then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory” (Rev. 20:11-15). (Above verse) The great white throne is never called “the throne of His glory.”
At this judgment, He will judge the living nations (Joel 3:11-16). At the white throne judgment, He will judge the wicked dead.
At this judgment, there will be no resurrection of the dead. At the great white throne, all the wicked dead are raised; “the sea gave up the dead who were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them (Rev. 20:13). (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were judged every man according to their works.
At this judgment, the judge is God “the King” judging the living nations in His earthly kingdom. At the great white throne, the judge is God, judging only the wicked dead.
At this judgment, there are no books opened. At the great white throne, the “books were opened.”
At this judgment, there are three classes judged: sheep, the saved (Rev. 7:9-17): (9) After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; (10) And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. (11) And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, (12) Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. (13) And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, what are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they? (14) And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (15) Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. (16) They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. (17) For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
“Goats” the unsaved (1 Thes. 1:7-10) (7) So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. (8) For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. (9) For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; (10) And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Brethern, the elect of Israel (Rev. 7:1-8). (1) And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. (2) And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, (3) Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. (4) And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (5) Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. (6) Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. (7) Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. (8) Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
At the great white throne, there is only one class: “the dead.”
At this judgment, The King gives the kingdom to those who have eternal life. At the great white throne, there are no saved and no kingdom; they are all “cast into the lake of fire.”
5. The Judgment of the Wicked. (Rev. 20:11-15) (11) And I saw great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (12) 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 of their works. (13) And the seas gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were judged every man according to their works. (14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
This is the great white throne judgment.
At this judgment, the wicked dead will seek a hiding place from the face of the Lord Jesus Christ, the judge. But there is no hiding place.
At this judgment, the “dead, small and great” will stand before God. But the greatness of the great will be of no value. “There is none that doeth good, no not one” (Rom. 3:12). (12)They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
At this judgment, the “book of life” will be opened. Why the “book of life” if there are no saved at this judgment? The wicked will be shown that God in His mercy provided space for them in the “book of life, so that they are without excuse (Rom. 1:18-20) (18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead ; so that they are without excuse.
At this judgment, the dead will be judged “according to their works.” God is a just God, and since there are degrees of punishment in hell, some will be punished more than others (Luke 12:42-48). (42) And the Lord said, who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? (43) Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. (44) Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. (45) But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; (46) The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. (47) And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. (48) But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
At this judgment, there will be no acquittal, no higher court to which the lost may appeal. It is lost, and lost forever; it is damned to all eternity, and that without hope. There is a hell (Luke 16:19-31). (19) There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (20) And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, (21) And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. (22) And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (23) And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (24) And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (25) But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (26) And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence. (27) Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: (28) for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. (29) Abraham saith unto him, they have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. (30) And he said, nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. (31) And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
And in hell, there is no hope, no sympathy, no love, even the love of God does not extend beyond the portals of hell.
REWARDS
CHAPTER SEVEN
1. THE CROWN OF LIFE
2. THE CROWN I'D INCORRUPTIBLE
3. THE CROWN OF REJOICING
4. THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUNESS
5. THE CROWN OF GLORY
There is a vast difference in the doctrine of the salvation for the lost, and the doctrine of rewards for the saved. Salvation is “the gift of God: not of works” (Eph. 2:8-9). (8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of god: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. Salvation is received by faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:36). (36) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Rewards are according to the works of the believer (Matt. 16:27). (27) For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according his works.
A most revealing scripture on rewards is found in (1 Cor. 3:8-15). (8) Now he that planeth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own work. (9) For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. (10) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. (11) For other foundation can no man lay that that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if any man builds upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble. (13) Every man’s work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. (14) If any man’s work abides, which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive reward. (15) If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
First, every believer will be rewarded according to his own labor. (Verse 8) We do not labor for salvation.
Second, “we are labourers together with God”-not for salvation, but for rewards. (Verse 9)
Third, the believer is to build on the Lord Jesus Christ, the only foundation (verse 11).
Fourth, the believer has a choice of two kinds of building materials: “gold, silver, precious stones”, this is building with eternal materials; or “wood, hay, stubble”, this is building with temporal materials (verse 12) (11 Cor. 4:18). (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The believer who builds on Christ with eternal materials, “gold, silver, precious stones,” shall receive a reward. Those who build on Christ with temporal materials, “wood, hay,” will receive no reward. The wood, hay, stubble, works will be destroyed at the ‘judgment seat of Christ,” and the believer will suffer loss-not the loss of salvation, but the loss of eternal awards.
Some believers will be ashamed at the “judgment seat of Christ” (1 John 2:28), (28) and not, little children, abide in him; when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. Ashamed of their works of “wood, hay, stubble.”
A friend of mine told me once about someone he knew years ago. He told me he sat at the bedside of a dying friend. As he talked to his friend about his home going, tears filled his eyes. Being young in the Lord, I thought he was afraid to die, and attempted to speak words of encouragement to him. He said, “I am not afraid to die; I am ashamed to die.” He went on to say, that Christ was his Saviour, but he had lived for self, and now had to meet the Lord Jesus Christ empty-handed. His life loomed up before him as “wood, hay, stubble.” He was “saved so as by fire.”
Rewards are called “crowns” in the New Testament.
1. The Crown of Life. (James 1:12) (12) blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
This reward could be called the lover’s crown. Upon examination of the above verse, we discover that the believer finds strength to overcome temptation and endure trials through the love of God. Paul said, “We glory in tribulations also.” The question is: do we today glory in tribulations? We can, only if the “love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 5:3-5). (3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience. (4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope; (5) and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Without the love of God in the heart of the believer, trials can cause him to become bitter and critical and lose the “crown of life.”
All believers have eternal life (John 3:15-16), (15) that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world, that gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. But not all believers will be rewarded with the “crown of life.” This crown will be given to those who are “faithful unto death’ (Rev. 2:10). (10) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer; behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. To receive the “crown of life,” the believer must love the Lord more than his own life. “Whosoever shall save his life (live for self) shall lose it: but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s (live for Christ at all cost) the same shall save it” (Mark 8:35). (35) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. This reward will be given to those who live for Christ, and endure temptation, in the power of the love of God (1 Cor. 10:13). (13) There hath not temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
2. The Crown of Incorruptible. (1 Cor. 9:24-27). (24)Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we and incorruptible. (26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Paul makes use of the Greek games to illustrate the spiritual race of the believer. They ran to win a "corruptible crown; but we can incorruptible" crown. No young man could contend in the games unless he was a Greek citizen, born of Greek parents. No unsaved person can participate in the services of the Lord for rewards; only the born of God are eligible (John 3:3). (3) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Just as the athlete must deny himself many gratifications of the body, so the believer must "keep under his body, and bring it unto subjection" or he will become a "castaway." He will not lose his salvation, but he will lose the "incorruptible crown."
The Greek games had hard and fast rules for all participants. The New Testament contains the rules for believers who would enter the spiritual race to win the "incorruptible crown."
The believer must deny self of anything that would weigh him down and hold him back (Heb. 12:1). Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
The believer must keep his eyes fixed on Christ, and not look to the right or the left (Heb. 12:2). (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The believer must find his strength in the Lord (Eph. 6:10-18).
The believer must place his all upon the altar of the Lord (Rom. 12:1-2). (1) I beseech you therefore brethern, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The believer must, by faith, refuse anything that would impede spiritual progress. (Heb. 11:24-29).
Do not be a spiritual spectator. Enter the race and run to win the "incorruptible crown."
3. The Crown of Rejoicing. (1 Thess. 2:19-20). (19) For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? (20) For ye are our glory and joy.
The "crown of rejoicing" is the soul winner's crown. The greatest work you are privileged to do for the Lord is to bring others to knowledge of Christ as personal Saviour. The degree of your joy in heaven will be determined by the souls you have had a part in bringing to Christ. Paul tells the Thessalonians believers that they are his "hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing" now and when Jesus comes.
It is wise to win souls to Christ (Prov. 11:30). (30) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
It is a work against sin to win souls to Christ (James 5:20). (20) Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
It is a cause for joy in heaven to win souls to Christ (Luke 15:10). (10) Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Every soul winner will shine as the stars forever (Dan. 12:3). (3) And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.
How you can win souls to Christ:
Witness with your life; live that others may see Christ in you (11 Cor. 3:2) (2) ye are out epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men. (Gal. 2:20). (20) 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.
Witness with your mouth, trusting the Holy Spirit to give power to the spoken word (Acts. 1:8). (8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Jedea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Witness by tithes and offerings that others may preach Christ and you will have "fruit (rewards) that may abound to your account" (Phil. 4:15-17). (15) Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. (16) For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. (17) Not because I desire a gift; but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
God has promised that your labor will not be in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). (58) Therefore, my beloved brethern, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. The soul winner will not rejoice alone--all of heaven will rejoice with him when he receives the "crown of rejoicing" (John 4:36). (36)And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
4. The Crown of Righteousness. (11 Tim. 4:5-8). (5) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (6) For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. (7) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. (8) 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.
The "crown of righteousness" is a reward, and it is not to be confused with the "righteousness of God" which the believer receives when he becomes a Christian; for at that time, the believer is "made the righteousness of God in him" (11 Cor. 5:21). (21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. The saving righteousness is a gift to be accepted by the lost. The "crown of righteousness" is a reward to be earned by the saved. If the believer looks for, and loves the doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ, it will affect his whole life. Look at the dynamic impact this truth had on the life of the Apostle Paul. He could say:
"I have fought a good fight" (verse 7). (1 Cor. 15:32). (32) If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? Let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. He fought a spiritual battle throughout his Christian life, and won. He never surrendered to the enemies of righteousness (Eph. 6:12). For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
"I have finished my course." He had a course to travel, and he did not detour the hard places; neither did he look back (Luke 9:61-62). (61)And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. (62) And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. He finished his course with his eyes fixed on Christ (Phil. 1:6). (6) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
"I have kept the faith." He preached at the "counsel of God"- never betraying any of the great doctrines (Acts 20:24-31). The Apostle looked ahead to the "Judgment seat of Christ" where the "Crown of Righteousness" will be given to those who "love his appearing." how important it is for the believer to look with a heart of love for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that he may receive the "crown of righteouness" (verse 8).
5. The Crown of Glory. (1 Peter 5:2-4) (2) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready ming; (3) Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. (4) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
The "crown of glory" is a special reward for the faithful, obedient God-called pastor. He will receive this reward when the "chief Shepherd shall appear." It is eternal; it "fadeth not away." Every believer may share in the pastor's "crown of glory." He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward" (Matt. 10:41). (41) He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. Support your faithful, God-called pastor by praying for him and encouraging him in the work of the Lord. Undergrad his ministry with God's tithes and your offerings (Mal. 3:10), (10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Giving freely of your time to the service of the Lord; and God will reward you for supporting his chosen servant by allowing you to share in your pastor's reward. The pastor will earn this "crown of glory" by:
Feeding the church. He is to proclaim the Word of God without fear or favor, and when necessary, he will "reprove, rebuke and exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine" (11 Tim. 4:2-5). (2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. (3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (5) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Taking the spiritual oversight of the church. The pastor is responsible to God for the message preached to his people. No pastor should preach to please the people; he is to please his Lord (Gal. 1:10). (10) For do I now persuade men, or God, or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
THE CHURCH
CHAPTER EIGHT
1. THE CHURCH'S FOUNDATION
2. THE CHURCH'S HEAD
3. IT'S ORGANIZATION
4. IT'S DISCIPLINE
5. IT'S WORSHIP AND WORK
6. IT'S POWER
7. IT'S FUTURE
Jesus said, “I will build my church” (ecclesia) (Matt. 16:18). (18) And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The word “ecclesia” in the New Testament is used to designate any assembly whether it be political, (Acts 19:39) (39). But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assemble. Christian, (Eph. 1:22-23) (22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (23) which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. Or national (Acts 7:38). (38) This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with out fathers; who received the lively oracles to give unto us. It means a called out assembly or congregation. God called Israel out of Egypt, they congregated in the wilderness, they were, “the church in the wilderness.” Today, God calls the saved out of the world to congregate in worship. This is the church in the world, in it but not of it.
Unlike the church in the wilderness, the church that Jesus is building will never cease. He said, “The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” His church is not synonymous with Christendom; it is in Christendom in the same way in which it is in the world, in it but not of it. Christendom is made up of those who profess to be Christians but they know not Christ as a personal Savior (Matt. 7:21-23). (21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Only blood washed, born again Spirit baptized believers constitute the church that Jesus is building.
It is called a:
Mystery (Eph. 3:3-10). (30) how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, (4) by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), (5) which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: (6) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, (7) of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. (8) To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, (9) and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; (10) to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,
Body (1 Cor. 12:12-31). (12) For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. (13) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free-and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. (14) For in fact the body is not one member but many. (15) If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? (16) And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? (17) If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? (18) But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. (19) And if they were all one member, where would the body be? (20) But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. (21) And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." (22) No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. (23) And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, (24) but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, (25) that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. (26) And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. (27) Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. (28) And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracle, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. (29) Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? (30) Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (31) But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
Building (Eph. 2:10-22). (10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (11) Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh-who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands (12) that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (13) But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (14) For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, (15) having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, (16) and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. (17) And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. (18) For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. (19) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, (20) having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, (21) in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, (22) in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Bride (2 Cor. 11:2). (2) For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ
1. The Church: Its’ Foundation. (Matt. 16:13-18). (13) When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (14) And they said, some say that thou art John the Baptist; some Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. (15) He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (16) And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (18) And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
“Upon this rock I will build my church” leading up to this declaration He asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I the Son of man am”? They answered naming some of the prophets. Then He said unto them, “But who say ye that I am?” Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In verse thirteen Jesus spoke of Himself as the “Son of Man.” Now Peter speaks of Him as the “Son of the Living God.” Jesus blessed Peter and said that this great truth came from God the Father. Again He said to Peter, Thou art Peter, (Petros, a little rock) and upon this rock (Petra, a big rock) I will build my church.” Jesus did not say that He would build His church upon Peter, but upon Himself, the Rock of Ages.
Simon Peter called Jesus the “living Stone” the chief “Corner Stone” a “Stone of stumbling,” and a “Rock of offense,” He spoke of all believers, including himself, as “living stones.” Christ is the foundation and believers are the building stones (1 Peter 2:1-10). (1) Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, (2) as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, (3) if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (4) Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, (5) you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (6) Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." (7) Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone," (8) and "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. (9) But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (10) who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Paul speaks of Christ as the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets (Eph. 2:19-22). (19) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, (20) having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, (21) in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, (22) in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
He also said, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11). (11) For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Although the church as a mystery in the Old Testament, yet Isaiah said, “Thus saith the Lord God, behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation” (Is. 28:16). (16) Therefore thus says the Lord God: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.
Christ is the sure foundation of His church and all believers are little building stones built into a Holy Temple in the Lord.
2. The Church: It’s Head. (Col. 1:18). And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence.
“He is the head of the body, the church.” Christ is the foundation, cornerstone and head of His church. He is head of the local church, and He is head of the church in its’ inclusive broader sense, including all born again, blood washed, Spirit baptized believers in heaven and earth.
The church is more than a religious organization; it is an organism, with Christ as the living head. It is alive with the life of Christ made living in each member (1 Cor. 12:1-31). 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 you know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free-and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
Let us examine briefly the church, and observe its role as the body of Christ.
The members of the body are given spiritual gifts according to the will of the Holy Spirit (verses 1-11).
The unity of the body is seen in its many members with different operations all related and coordinated under one Head (verse 12).
Believers are baptized by one Spirit into one body (verse 13).
There is one Holy Spirit.
There is one Holy Spirit baptism.
There is one body (the church).
This is the church in its broadest sense. You cannot join this church, the only way to become a member of His body is to be spiritually born (John 3:1-7) (1) There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: (2) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. (3) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.
And baptized into it by the Holy Spirit.
The members differ one from the other, yet they function as one in the will of God (verse 14-15).
The least or weakest member is necessary for the proper function of the whole body (Verse 22-23).
If one member suffers the whole body suffers, if one is honored, all are honored (verse 26).
The members are to covet the best spiritual gifts and minister in love (verse 31).
The Lord Jesus Christ has never delegated His authority to any one, whether he is the pope, pastor, deacon or the majority of the congregation. “He is head over all things to the church” (Eph. 1:22) (22) and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to the head over all things in the church. The only absolute and final authority.
3. The Church: Its’ Organization. (Titus 1:4-5). (4) To Titus, mine own son after the common faith; Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. (5) For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.
There is a scriptural evidence of some organization in the local church from its inception. It was a definite and permanent organized congregation, but not as we know it today.
Paul left Titus in Crete to organize the believers into local church bodies and to “set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city” (verse 5).
The local New Testament church is a microcosm of the complete body of Christ in heaven and earth. The word “church” is used over one hundred times in the New Testament, and the great majority of the references refer to the local congregation.
Organization in the local church is seen in: (NOTE: The following reflects the language and understanding of Baptists and similar groups. If you are from a different Christian group, check with your local pastor for the specific understanding of your own church.)
Its Officers.
He gave to the church “apostles” (this refers to the twelve, there are no apostles in the church today) “prophets” (we have no prophets and have not had since the last book of the New Testament was written) “evangelists” (the evangelist will serve the church until Jesus comes: “pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11-12). (11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Pastors and teachers are local ministers; the apostles, prophets and evangelist are ministers at large.
Another officer is the deacon. His qualifications are set forth on (1 Tim. 3:8-13). (8) Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (9) Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (10) And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. (11) Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. (12) Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. (13) For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Its Membership records.
The church must have kept some records of its members. The book of Acts tells us that there were about 120 in the Upper Room (Acts 1:15-26) (15) And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) (16) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. (17) For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. (18) Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. (19) And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. (20) For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take. (21) Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, (22) Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. (23) And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. (24) And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen, (25) That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. (26) And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Reads like the average local church business meeting. Simon Peter is pastor; he takes the lead and gives direction in choosing one to take the place of Judas. “And they gave forth their lots” and Matthias was chosen to be an apostle. On the day of Pentecost about 3,000 were added to the body of Christ by Holy Spirit baptism, (1 Cor. 12:13) (13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
And to the local church in Jerusalem by water baptism (Acts 2:41). (41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Again the records show another 5,000 added (Acts 4:4). (4) Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
The Scriptures tell us the “The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). (47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Its Ordinances.
Baptism…The Lord commands the believer to be baptized. This is the believer’s first opportunity to obey his Lord Savior Jesus Christ…
The Lord’s Supper (As Baptists and similar denominations understand)… is a memorial. The bread is symbolical of His broken body and wine, of His shed blood for the remission of our sins. Baptism identifies the believer with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (1 Cor. 11:23-24). (23) For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: (24) And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
4. The Church: Its’ Discipline. (Matt. 18:15-17) (15) Moreover if they brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell Him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained they brother. (16) But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. (17) And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church; but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.
This most difficult and necessary function of the local assembly, and its importance cannot be exaggerated. “Know ye not that little leaven leavened the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven” (1 Cor. 5:6-7). (6) Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? (7) Purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us:
Leaven in the Scripture is always a type of evil. The church is to purge out any evil in its membership. The motive for disciplining a brother is love, (1 John 4:7-11). (7) Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (8) He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (9) In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. (10) Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (11) Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
The goal is to restore him to fellowship with his Lord and the church. “If thy brother shall sin against thee.”
The first step is to be taken by the one sinned against. He is to go to his brother alone, not seeking revenge or self-justification, but to “gain the brother.”
If he does not repent, the second step is, to take one or two believers and go to him again.
If he will not hear the two or three, the third step is, take it to the church.
A good example of church discipline is reported in Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth. He used strong words calling upon the church to discipline a member for fornication. He wrote, “Put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (1 Cor.5:1-13). (1) It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. (2) And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. (3) For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, (4) In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, (5) To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (6) Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? (7) Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: (8) Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (9) I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: (10) Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. (11) But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. (12) For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? (13) But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
In his second letter to the Corinthian church we learn that the man repented and was restored to the fellowship of God’s people. Now Paul writes, “forgive him, comfort him... and confirm your love toward him” (2 Cor. 2:3-11). (3) And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. (4) For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. (5) But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. (6) Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. (7) So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. (8) Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. (9) For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. (10) To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I sit in the person of Christ; (11) Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
The attitude of the church toward a repenting brother should always be that of forgiveness in love.
5. The Church: Its’ Worship and Work. (Matt. 28:16-20). (16) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. (17) And when they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. (18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the same of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commander you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. AMEN.
First, the church; its worship, “When they saw Him, they worshiped Him” (above verse 17). To worship is to bow down in awe; to pay divine honors to God in humble, reverent homage. There are three essentials in worship, they are:
Faith, “the people believed…then they bowed their heads and worshiped” (Ex. 4:31). (31) And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.
Spirit, “they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit” (John 4:23-24). (23) But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Spiritual worship is worship directed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Truth, “they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.” Jesus Christ is truth (John 14:6). (6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Therefore, there can be no pretense or hypocrisy in true worship. The parable of the Pharisee and the publican illustrates true and false worship (Luke 18:9-14). (9) And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: (10) Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. (11) The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. (12) I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess. (13) And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. (14) I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
The publican worshiped in truth and he went home justified. The Pharisee worshiped in religious pride and he went home rejected.
Second, the church and its work, “For from you sounded out the word of the Lord” (1 Thess. 1:8). The church in Thessalonica did the work of the Lord so well that the apostles did not have to evangelize Macedonia and Achaia. The church shared its faith with the lost and after all that is the main work of the church. This is how that, “by the space of two years, all which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus Christ, both Jews and Greeks (Acts 19:8-10). (8) And he went into the synagogue and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. (9) But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. (10) And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks
All of Asia did not journey to Ephesus to hear Paul. It is evident that the believers went everywhere sharing the Gospel. The work of the church is; to go with the Gospel, because;
The church is commissioned to work (verse 18-20).
The church is to work with Christ (2 Cor. 6:1, (1) We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
And the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:32). (32) And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
The church is to work with Christ in His field (the world) (Matt. 13:36-43). (36) Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. (37) He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; (38) The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; (39) The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (40) As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. (41) The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; (42) And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (43) Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
The need for the church to work is great (John 4:35). (35) Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
The time for the church to work is now (2 Cor. 6:2). (2) (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
The church is to work until Jesus comes to judge the works of the saints (2 Cor. 5:10). (10) 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.
The church will be rewarded for its works (1 Cor. 3:9-15). (9) For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. (10) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. (11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (14) If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
God’s program for the local church is, COME AND WORSHIP, GO AND WORK (witness) (Acts 8:1-4). (1) And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. (2) And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. (3) As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. (4) Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
6. The Church: Its’ Power. (Acts 1:8). (8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
On the day of Pentecost the church received power to evangelize the world. When the hundred and twenty came down from the Upper Room, they came in the dynamics of the Holy Spirit. It was spiritual phenomenon issuing forth in joyful ecstasy and miracle working power, resulting in conviction of sin, “repentance towards God, and faith toward out Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21). (21) Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Some were empowered for special service, but all received power to witness.
The real power of the church is not found in:
Modern buildings or unique methods of preaching and teaching.
Its great wealth or how that wealth is used.
The church’s prominence or popularity. The Laodicean church was the first bragging congregation (Rev. 3:14-22) (14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; (15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (17) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (18) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (22) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
But not the last.
They said, “The church was rich” God said they were poor.
They said, “We are wealthy” God said they were wretched.
They said, “We do not need anything” God said they needed everything.
They said, “We are busy in the church” God said they were miserable.
They said, “We have a vision” God said they were blind.
7. The Church: Its’ Future. (1 Thess. 4:16-17). (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
(NOTE: Christian groups differ over some specific aspects of Last Things. You may want to check with your local pastor as to the understanding of your own church.)
The true church of Jesus Christ has a glorious, victorious future in the world, in the air, in the kingdom and in eternity, it cannot fall. “The gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18).
(18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it
The future of the church in the world.
At Pentecost the Holy Spirit set the course for the church as it journeys from the Upper Room to the Rapture. It is to:
Wage war (Eph. 6:10-18). (10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Run a race (Heb. 12:1-2). (1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Labor in love (1 Cor. 3:9). (9) For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building
The church of Jesus Christ will emerge triumphant for, “we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Rom. 8:35-39). (35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The church cannot fail because Christ is its head, the Holy Spirit is its power and the word of God is its guide.
The future of the church in the air.
We shall be caught up (above verse). Caught up:
In our incorruptible, glorified bodies (1 Cor. 15:42-44). (42) So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: (43) It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: (44) It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
To meet the Lord in the heavens and for the great majority of the church we will see Him in His resurrected body for the first time (1 John 3:2). (2)Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
That our works may be judged at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). (10) for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one man receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. This is the bema judgment.
That we may be rewarded or suffer loss of reward (1 Cor. 3:11-15). (11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (14) If any man's work abides which he hath built thereupon, she shall receive a reward. (15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
The future of the church in the kingdom.
The twelve apostles will sit on the thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28). (28) And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
All who overcome the evils of Christendom (Laodicea) will sit with Christ on His Kingdom Throne (Rev. 3:21). (21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne?
PRAYER
CHAPER NINE
1. WHAT IS PRAYER
2. WHY PRAY
3. HOW TO PRAY
4. WHERE TO PRAYER
5. HINDRANCE TO PRAYER
6. DOES GOD ANSWER ALL PRAYERS
Prayer is as old as man, as universal as religion and as instinctive as breathing (Gen. 4:26) (26) and to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
It is practiced in some form by all men of all faiths. Prayer springs from the heart with a need--a need greater than man's ability to encounter. Prayer is man's acknowledgment of a being higher than himself.
Most men try to pray, yet so few know how. There are two kinds of prayers: The prayer that does not reach God and the prayer that does reach God. This is illustrated by our Lord in the parable of the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:9-14). (9) And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: (10) Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. (11) The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. (12) I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. (13) And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. (14) I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Both men went to the same place, at the same time, for the same purpose--to pray.
The Pharisee prayed in his religious pride, expecting God to answer because he thought himself worthy. He informed God of his own goodness, that he was better than others. He boasted of his good works. He said, "I fast, I give." This is the kind of prayer that does not reach God. It is a self-righteous prayer.
Now look at the publican and his prayer. He came to God in great humility, conscious of his unworthiness, confessing himself a sinner and begging for mercy. This is the kind of prayer that does reach God. This is righteous prayer.
It is rare privilege to pray, because it brings you into close fellowship with God, admitting your need for Him and your utter dependence upon Him.
1. What is Prayer? (Matt. 7:7-11) (7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (9) Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? (10) Or if he asks a fish, will he give him a serpent? (11) If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your childred, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Prayer is asking and receiving; it is talking with God, it is making your request known unto Him in faith. The above scriptures are so simple on the surface, that we are in danger of failing to recognize its immensity. Our Lord instructs the believer to ask, seek and knock, because these three words cover the whole spectrum of prayer.
Prayer is asking and receiving. When you know the will of God regarding a need, whether it is material of spiritual, you can ask and receive. This is prayer according to the revealed will of God (1 John 5:14-15). (14) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (15) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
Prayer is seeking and finding. When you do not know the will of God regarding a need, whether it is material or spiritual, then you are to seek His will in prayer concerning this need until you find it. This is prayer for knowledge of the unrevealed will of God in a specific need (Co. 3:1). (1) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Prayer is knocking and opening. When you know the will of God, and yet you find a closed door, you are to knock, and keep knocking until God opens the door. This is tenacious prayer-prayer for mountain-moving faith. Knocking prayer perseveres until the impossible becomes the possible. This is miracle-working prayer (Matt. 17:14-21). (14) And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, (15) Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. (16) And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. (17) Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. (18) And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. (19) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? (20) And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (21) Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
All things are possible when you ask, seek,
2. Why Pray. (Luke 18:1) (1) and he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.
Pray:
Because Jesus said, "Men ought to pray." Prayer is imperative. You are commanded to pray (Matt. 26:41). (41) Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Because prayer is the only way to get things from God. "Ye have not because you ask not" (James 4:2). (2) Ye lust, and have not; ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain; ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Because there is joy in prayer (John 16:24). (24) Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Because prayer will deliver you out of all your troubles (Ps. 34:6). This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Because prayer can unlock the treasure chest of God's wisdom (James 1:5). (5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Because prayer is a channel of power (Jer. 33:3). (3) Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Because it is a sin not to pray (1 Sam. 12:23). (23) Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; But I will teach you the good and the right way.
Because sinners can be saved when they pray in faith (Rom. 10:13-14). (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (14) How then shall they call on him in who they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
Because Jesus, while here in the flesh, prayed often to the Father. Now if Jesus, the Son of God, needed to pray, then we should "pray without ceasing" (1 Thes 5:17). (17) Pray without ceasing.
3. How to Pray. (Matt. 6:9-13). (9) After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which are in heaven, Hollowed by thy name. (10) Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth, as it is in heaven. (11) Give us the day our daily bread. (12) And forgive us our debts, as we forgive out debtors. (13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. AMEN.
"After this manner therefore pray ye." Our Lord gave this as a model prayer after one of His disciples said unto Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples" (Luke 11:1). And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
We are to pray to "Our Father which art in heaven," because He is all-wise, all-Loving and all-powerful. We are also instructed to pray in the name of Jesus (John 14:13-14), (13) And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (14) If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. Depending on the meditative influence of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26-27). (26) 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. (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.
We are to pray for His will to be done in everything.
We are to pray for the coming of the Kingdom (Matt. 25:31-46). (31) 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: (32) 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: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. (34) Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (35) For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: (36) Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. (37) Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee a hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? (38) When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? (39) Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? (40) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (41) Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (42) For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: (43) I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. (44) Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? (45) Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. (46) And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life
We are to pray for our daily necessities.
We are to pray for forgiveness, and practice forgiving others.
We are to pray for the leading of the Lord, and deliverance from evil.
We are to pray in faith, for "without faith it is impossible to please Him" (Heb. 11:5-6). (5) By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (6) But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
This model prayer is brief, to the point, and not repetitious, it is the prayer perfect.
4. Where to Pray. (Acts 12:5). (5) Peter therefore was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
There was a remarkable change in the prayer life of the disciples after the resurrection of Jesus, and it is noted again after Pentecost. Before the death of Jesus, the disciples slept while Jesus prayed in the Garden (Matt. 26:36-46). (36) Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. (37) And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. (38) Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. (39) And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (40) And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? (41) Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (42) He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (43) And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. (44) And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. (45) Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. (46) Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
But after His death and resurrection:
They assembled in the Upper Room, waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit, and they prayed. We should always pray when assembled with believers (Acts 1:13-14). (13) And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. (14) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
They prayed as they went from house to house (Acts 2:42-47). (42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (43) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. (44) And all that believed were together, and had all things common; (45) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
They prayed in the church when Peter was in prison (verse 5).
Paul and Silas prayed in prison (Acts 16:25). (25) And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God; and the prisoners heard them. Here we see Christians praying in the presence of unbelievers, but not to be heard of them. Never pray to please others present; pray only to please God.
The most important place to pray is any place where you can be alone with God (Matt. 6:6). (6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
We are instructed to pray in all places at all times (1 Tim. 2:8). (8) I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
It is a great joy to be able to talk with God, any time, any place and under any conditions, and to know that He will hear and answer.
5. Hindrances to Prayer. (1 Peter 3:7). Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together to the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
When prayers are not answered, you should examine yourself in the light of God’s Word. If you find anything not pleasing to God, confess it, believing God for forgiveness that your prayers may be answered (1 John 1:9). (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
An unharmonious relationship between husbands and wife will hinder prayer (verse 7).
Selfishness will hinder prayer (James 4:3). (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
An unforgiving spirit will hinder prayer (Matt. 5:22-24). (22) But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, (meaning:worthless) shall be in danger of the council; but whosoever shall say, thou fool shall be in danger of hell fire. (23) Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee. (24) Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Many Christians go without answers to prayer because they have wronged others; or have been wronged, and have failed to humble themselves and seek reconciliation.
Unbelief will hinder prayer (James 1:6-7) (6) 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. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
Known sin in the heart will hinder prayer (Isa. 59:1-2). (1) Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that is cannot hear; (2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
When you pray, go to God in all humility. Ask Him to reveal anything in your life that is not pleasing to Him. Then judge it; confess it; calling it by name, and forsake it. Pray in all simplicity and earnestness, believing, and God will hear and answer.
6. Does God Answer all Prayers? (John 15:7). (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.(John9:31)
The Bible is filled with answered prayers from Genesis to Revelations. You are commanded to pray and God has promised to answer (Jer. 33:3). (3) Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not. In the above scriptures, there are two requirements for answers to prayer. First, you are to abide in Him; that is, to continue in Him. It means to remain in His perfect will at all cost (Rom. 12:1-2). (1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Second, His words are to abide in you; they are to become a vital part of your life. You are to be filled with, and guided by, His words (Col. 3:16-17). (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (17) And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Met these two requirements, and your prayers will be answered.
The answer is sometimes immediate. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus, and as he began to sink, he prayed, "Lord, save me." The answer was immediate (Matt. 14:22-31). (22) And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. (23) And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. (24) But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. (25) And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. (26) And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. (27) But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. (28) And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. (29) And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. (30) But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. (31) And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
The answer is sometimes delayed. The delay is according to His will (Rom. 8:28). (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. The resurrection of Lazarus is a good example of delayed answer to prayer. Lazarus was sick. Mary and Martha sent for Jesus to come and heal him, but Jesus delayed coming until Lazarus was dead and in the tomb for four days. Then He came and raised Lazarus from the dead. The answer was delayed-but not denied (John 11:1-44).
The answer is sometimes "NO." When God answers with a "NO", He always accompanies the answer with peace (Phil. 4:6-7), (6) be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the pea
ce of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
And grace (11 Cor. 12:7-10).
The answer is sometimes different from what you expect. You pray for patience and God sends tribulations-because "tribulations" worketh patience (Rom. 5:3). (3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience. God answers all your prayers-not according to your wishes, but according to His perfect will.
FAITH
CHAPTER TEN
1. WHAT IS FAITH
2. THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH
3. LITTLE FAITH
4. THREE KINDS OF FAITH
5. THE HALL OF FAITH
“The just shall live by faith.” This declaration of the Christian’s principle of life is found four times in the Bible; (Hab. 2:1-5). 1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. 2 And the LORD answered me, and said, write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. 4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. 5 Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:
(Rom. 1:17). 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.
(Gal. 3:10). 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
(Heb. 10:38). 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
In Habakkuk we see the difference between the lives of the unjust and the just. The unjust are puffed up and live by their self-sufficiency. But the just live by faith-their confidence is in God. To them, faith is more than a philosophy of life; it is the very principle of life (Hab. 2:4). 4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
The righteous shall live his whole life by faith. He is saved by faith (Acts 16:31); 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
He is kept by faith (1 Peter 1:5); 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
And he lives by faith (Gal. 2:20). 20 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.
His faith shall be tried many times and in many ways (1 Peter 1:7), 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
But faith will always be vindicated, because it is more than equal to any occasion. Faith knows how to wait on the Lord (Isa. 40:31), 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
And it is always victorious (1 John 5:4). 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Faith defies reason; it moves mountains (Matt. 17:14-21). 14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Faith does not always face facts; it never gives up (Heb. 11:32-39). 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
Faith says, “God is working out His perfect will in my live, and I can wait, endure and suffer.” Faith does not make anything easy, but it does make all things possible.
1. What if Faith? (Heb. 11:1-3). (1) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for.” Your faith is your title deed to eternal life. Just as a title deed is evidence of real estate, so your faith is evidence of your eternal estate in God (11 Cor. 4:18). 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Faith is taking God at His Word and asking no questions (Heb. 11:6). 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Faith is knowing that; “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28). 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
Faith does not believe that all things are good, or that all things work well. It does believe that all things (good or bad) work together for good to them that love God.
Faith has two sides. One side has to do with the intellect. It is an intellectual conviction that Jesus Christ is God. The other side has to do with the will. It is a volitional surrender of the will to Jesus Christ as Master. This is seen when Thomas believed and confessed, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
“My Lord”, this was volitional surrender; “my God”, this was intellectual conviction. Together you have saving faith (John 20:31). 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Saving faith is an intellectual conviction that Jesus is God, and a volitional surrender to Him as Lord (Master) of your life. By faith, the mind trusts in God; the heart responds to the love of God; the will submits to the commands of God; and the life obeys in the service of God.
Faith is paradoxical. It goes beyond reason. It believes without understanding “why.” It sings in prison (Acts 16:25). 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
It glories in tribulation (Rom. 5:3). 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
It chooses to suffer (Heb. 11:25). 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
It accepts all things as a part of God’s will (Phil. 1:12). 12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
You are not born with this faith. It comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
This is why we are commanded to preach the gospel to every creature, that they may hear and believe (Rom 10:13-14). 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
2. The Importance of Faith. (Eph. 6:16). (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
The shield of faith is a vital part of the Christian’s armor. You are to put on the “whole armor of God” (above verse 6:10-18), because the Christian life is warfare, a spiritual conflict. As Paul names the different parts of the Christian’s armor, he comes to the shield and emphasizes its importance by saying, “above all, taking the shield of faith.” For with the shield of faith, nothing can hurt you; you are more than conquerors through Him (Rom 8:37). 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
The importance of faith is seen in that:
You cannot be saved without faith (John 3:36). 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
You cannot live victoriously over the world without faith (1 John 5:4). 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
You cannot please God without faith (Heb. 11:6). 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
You cannot pray without faith (James 1:6). 6 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.
You cannot have peace with God without faith (Rom 5:1). 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
You cannot have joy without faith (1 Peter 1:8). 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory
You are justified by faith and not by works (Gal 2:16). 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified
You are to live by faith (Gal 2:20). 20 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.
You are made righteous by faith (Rom 10:1-4). 1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayed to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.
Christ dwells in your heart by faith (Eph. 3:17). 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
The Holy Spirit is received by faith (Gal. 3:2). 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
“Whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Rom 14:23). 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Faith is important because it honors God, and God always honors faith.
3. Little Faith. (Matt. 14:28-33). (28) And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou; bid me come unto thee on the water. (29) And he said, Come, and when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. (30) But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. (31) And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (32) And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. (33) Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, of a truth thou art the Son of God.
At this stage in the spiritual growth of Peter, he was a man of “little faith.” However, after Pentecost, he became a spiritual giant. Let us take a good look at his “little faith” and profit from it. Jesus came to His distressed disciples, walking on the water in the midst of a storm. Peter asked to come to Jesus on the water. He must have thrilled at the thought of doing the impossible. Jesus said, “COME.”
Peter did the impossible thing; he walked on the water, by faith.
Next, Peter did the conceivable thing; he saw the storm, and had a second thought, he doubted. For a moment, he lost sight of Jesus. He may have turned and started back to the boat (Luke 9:62). 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Now Peter did the natural thing; he feared destruction. Doubt always breeds fear.
Then Peter did the expected thing; he began to sink, he failed.
Now Peter did the right thing; he prayed, “Lord, save me.” Immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught him. Once more Peter made contact with Jesus by faith.
Again Peter did the impossible thing; he walked on the water with Jesus, to the boat. In this lesson, we see the success and failure of “little faith.”
Now let us recap the steps that led to failure. Peter started by faith, and walked on the water. Then he saw the storm, and had second thought that led to doubt, that produced fear, that caused him to turn back, that brought about failure.
You need a faith that is bigger than the elements that would drag you down to defeat. You can have big faith by “prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:20-21) 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
And by feeding your faith on the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God
You can have mountain-moving faith.
4. Three Kinds of Faith. (John 11:21-44). 21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. 28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. 30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. 31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. 32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! 37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? 38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which standby I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
In this chapter, we see the faith of Martha in connection with the resurrection of her brother Lazarus. Now Lazarus fell ill, and Martha and her sister Mary sent for Jesus to come and heal him. Jesus delaying His coming until Lazarus was dead and in the grave for four days. Then He came to raise him from the dead, and found the limited, fundamental faith of Martha His only obstacle.
Martha’s faith was limited. She said, “Lord, if thou had been here, my brother had not died” (verse 21). The death of Lazarus meant the end of Martha’s faith. She believed that Jesus had the power to raise her brother up from the sick bed, but not from the dead. Her limited faith restricted the power of Christ (Matt. 13:58). 58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Limited faith is controlled by circumstances, and motivated by fear of failure.
Martha’s faith was fundamental. Jesus said, “Thy brother shall rise again” (verse 23). These words were spoken to kindle hope and faith in Martha; but she said, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (verse 24). Martha declared her fundamental faith in a great truth, but that is not enough. Jesus stated, “I am the resurrection, and the life (verse 25). Jesus was saying that He had all power over life and death. Then He asked, “Believest thou this?” (Verse 26). Martha evaded the question by stating her fundamental faith in her creed (verse 27). It is not enough to believe in a creed only; faith must go beyond your creed, to the living, all powerful Christ. Her faith limited the power of Christ (Mark 10:27), 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
And “Jesus wept” (verse 35). Jesus wept when He came to raise Lazarus from the dead and found limited fundamental faith only.
At last, unlimited faith came to Martha when she consented to have the stone moved from the grave (verse 41). When Jesus first ordered the stone taken from the grave, Martha objected in unbelief (verse 39). Then Jesus, challenging her to believe, said, “Said I not unto thee, that if thou would believe thou should see the glory of God” Verse 40). Martha believed and waited to see the glory of God and she was not disappointed. We often hear that “seeing is believing,” but this is not so. You believe and then you see. Faith comes before sight. Now Martha’s faith no longer limited the power of Christ. She consented to have the stone moved from the grave, and Jesus “cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth” (verse 43), and Lazarus was raised up. Do not be satisfied with limited, fundamental faith only, when you can have unlimited faith that pleases God and reveals His glory.
5. The Hall of Faith. (Heb. 11:32-39). (32) And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: (33) who through faith and subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions. (34) Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (35) Women received their dead raised to life again; and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection. (36) And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment. (37) They were stoned, they were swan asunder, were wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented. (38) (Of whom the world was not worthy :) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (39) And these all, having obtained a good report through faith received not the promise.
In this chapter, it is often called the “Hall of Faith.” You need to come here often and linger long, that your faith may become strong in the Lord, for in this Scripture we get a view of the history of Israel and the church, as it is written by faith, in the blood of saints.
They worshiped by faith as Abel. They walked by faith as Enoch. They worked by faith as Noah. They lived by faith as Abraham. They governed by faith as Moses. They followed by faith as Israel. They fought by faith as Joshua. They conquered by faith as Gideon. They subdued by faith as David. They closed the mouths of lions by faith as Daniel. They walked through the fire by faith as the Three Hebrew Children. They suffered by faith as Paul. They died by faith as Stephen, the first Christian Martyr (Acts 7:54-60. 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
By faith they were patient in suffering, courageous in battle, made strong out of weakness, and were victorious in defeat. They were more than conquerors by faith. It is only by faith in the all-powerful Christ that you can be superior to circumstances and victorious over all the evil forces that would destroy you. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2).2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;
The faith of the saints inspires us, but we look to Jesus as our example of faith.
THE ABUNDANT LIFE
CHAPTER ELEVEN
1. ABUNDANT LIFE IS A YIELDED LIFE
2. ABUNDANT LIFE IS A SERVICE LIFE
3. ABUNDANT LIFE IS A SEPARATED LIFE
4. ABUNDANT LIFE IS A SPIRIT FILLED LIFE
5. ABUNDANT LIFE IS A MATURE LIFE
“I am come that they might have life, and they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10) 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
The only way into eternal life is through faith in Christ as personal Savior (John 3:15). 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
But do not stop here; to have eternal life is great, but there is more. Christ came that you might have life more abundantly. All believers have life, but not all have abundant life. You are living beneath your privilege if you are a believer and not enjoying the abundant life.
For life to be abundant, it must have abundant resources, and the only unlimited source of life is in the person Jesus Christ the Son of God (John 14:6). 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
To possess this fuller life, the believer must abide in Him (John 15:1-5). 1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 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.
Dynamic, abundant living is not for just a few; it is God’s norm for all believers. It is spiritual life in depth, and without it, the Christian life becomes insane and meaningless.
If you do not have abundant life within you, you will soon yield to the carnal (fleshy) life around you (1 Cor. 3:1-4). 1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
The carnal life is circumstance controlled; the abundant life is Holy Spirit controlled. The carnal Christian life leads to defeat; the abundant life leads to victory in Christ. Man seems to know everything about life except how to live it abundantly. From this moment on, determine not to be satisfied with anything less than God’s best; living life abundantly.
1. The Abundant Life is a Yielded Life. (Rom. 6:10-13). (10) For in that he died, he died unto sin once; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. (11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (12) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (13) Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
How to live the abundant life is no secret; it is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “In that he died, he died unto sin once; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God” (above verse 10). Faith that saves will identify you with Christ in His death, this is eternal life. Faith that yields identifies you with Christ in His resurrection; this is abundant life (Co. 3:1-4). Colossians 3 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory
It is one thing to have eternal life by faith. It is quite another thing to have abundant life by faith.
It is one thing for you to be “made the righteousness of God in him: (11 Cor. 5:21). 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
It is another thing for you to realize His righteous life is in you (1 John 3:7). 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
It is one thing for you to live in Christ (11 Cor. 5:17). 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
It is another thing for Christ to live His life through you (Co. 1:27). 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
In the above, (verse 13), the believer has a choice. He may yield unto God by faith and enjoy abundant live, or he may yield unto sin and endure a defeated life (Rev. 3:1). 1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art
God would have you “know the power of a yielded life; it will lift you above circumstances that circumvent abundant living. The abundant life begins when you yield to Him as Master, allowing Him to live His life through you by faith.
2. The Abundant Life is a Service Life. (Rom. 12:1-2). (1) I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
To live abundantly, you must serve the Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself became our example. He served all the way to Calvary, and there He was the obedient servant. “Obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil. 2:7-8). 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
In the above (verses 1-2), the believer is urged to take the necessary steps for abundant living.
You are to “present.” This is volitional surrender to the perfect will of God, even through you may not know God’s perfect will for your life; it is, on your part, an act of faith (John 7:17). 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
You are to “present your bodies.” God must control and use the whole man. “I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of Jesus Christ.” Your whole man was redeemed on the cross and sanctified (set apart for service) 1 Thess. 5:23). 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You are to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” This is exemplified in the life of the Apostle Paul: he was a “living sacrifice.” In life, he was a “servant of Jesus Christ” (Rom. 1:1). 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
In battle, he was a warrior (Eph. 6:10-18). 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
In the will of God, he was a “prisoner of Jesus Christ” (Eph. 3:1). 1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
These words were spoken from the Roman prison; he never referred to himself as a prisoner of Rome. To the Apostle, prison was a part of the perfect will of God. With this conviction, he lived abundantly (Phil. 1:12). 12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
In death, he was victorious (11 Tim. 4:7-8). 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 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.
You have been “transformed”, changed by the power of God, and no longer “conformed to this world”; but now you can be conformed to the “perfect will of God”, and live abundantly!
3. The Abundant Life is a Separated Life. (Rom. 1:1). (1) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.
Separation is both positive and negative. You are to be “separated unto the gospel of God.” This is positive (above verse). You are to come out from anything that is contrary to the perfect will of God (11 Cor. 6:17). 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
This is negative.
To be separated means to be sanctified (set apart) for salvation and service.
The Word of God has the power to separate the believer from sin (John 17:17). 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
God the Father has the power to separate the believer unto the “coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23). 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God the Son has the power to separate the believer unto righteousness, “not have spot, or wrinkle” (Eph. 5:24-27). 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
God the Holy Spirit has the power to separate the believer unto salvation and service (11 Thess. 2:13). 13 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:
Without being separated, you can have relationship with God, but you cannot have fellowship with Him. You may be united to Him in Calvary, but separated from Him in sin (Isa. 59:1-2). 1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Without separation, you can have influence without power, movement without achievement; you may try, but not trust; serve, but not succeed; war, but not win. Without separation unto God from sin, your whole Christian life will be “wood, hay, stubble.” The abundant life is made possible by the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and made a reality by being separated unto Him.
4. The Abundant Life is a Spirit-Filled Life. (Eph. 5:18-20). (18) And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. (19) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. (20) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit indwells every believer. You may be immature, weak and imperfect, but if you have been “born again” of the Spirit (John 3:3-7). 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
He dwells in you (1 Cor. 6:19). 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
It is one thing for you to have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, but does the Holy Spirit have you that He may fill you with the abundant life? The abundant life is not found in environment or circumstances, or in the things you may possess. It is found in the infilling of the Holy Spirit. “Be filled with the Spirit” (above verse 18) is a command. You may be filled many, many times (Acts 2:4). 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The Apostles that were filled in Acts Chapter 2 were filled again in Acts chapter 4. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be Spirit possessed, Spirit empowered, Spirit led and Spirit controlled (Acts 8:26-40). 26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
You are filled with the Spirit that you might have joy (above verses 19-20).
You are filled with the Spirit for service (Acts 6:3). 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
You are filled with the Spirit for power to be a witness (Acts 1:8). 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
You are filled with the Spirit for the hour of persecution (Acts 7:54-60). 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
You are filled with the Spirit, so you may “walk in the spirit” (Gal. 5:16-26). 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
You are filled with the Spirit, so you may be led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14). 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
How can you be filled with the Holy Spirit? First, you must desire Him to fill you. Second, you must ask him to fill you. Third, you must believe that He does fill you (John 4:14). 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
5.. The Abundant Life is a Mature Life. (11 Peter 3:18). (18) But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever, AMEN.
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (above verse 18). The Scriptures reveal four stages of spiritual growth in the Christian life.
The baby stage (1 Cor. 3:1-4). 1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
A baby thinks only of self, and if denied the things desired, it will raise a rumpus. It takes its own; its feelings are easily hurt and it is often jealous. A baby lives to be served, it never serves. It drinks milk, and cannot eat strong meat. It cries, but never sings. It tries to talk, but never makes sense. These infant characteristics are so prominent in the lives of many church members. They have been born into the family of God, but have failed to develop spiritually. They are spiritual babies, carnal Christians.
The little child stage (1 John 2:12). 12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
Some Christians grow to be little children spiritually, but stop there. Here are some of the characteristics of children: they are often untruthful, envious and cruel. If rebuked, they become martyrs: if crossed, they are resentful, and often make a scene. They are talebearers, repeating everything they hear (in adults it is called gossip). They are given to emotional outbursts, and are easily puffed up. They love praise, and will accept it from any source. They seek only the things that appeal to self. Are you a spiritual child?
The young man stage (1 John 2:13). 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
Spiritual growth to that of a young man is not reached by many. He is strong and virile, and is well able to overcome his enemy. He has a vision for the future and the faith and courage to tackle it. He is preparing for his productive years. You, too, can become a young man spiritually by “putting away childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11), 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. And grow.
The father stage (1 John 2:13). 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
This is the stage of spiritual development can be reached by all, but so few ever attain it. The spiritual father has peace with God (Rom. 5:1). 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
He knows the peace of God (Phil. 4:7). 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
He rejoices in his spiritual children (1 Thess. 2:19). 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
He has learned contentment under all circumstances (Phil. 4:11). 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
He knows the only source of true strength (Phil. 4:13). 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
He does not brood over the past, but looks to the future (Phil. 3:13-14). 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
He knows that all things work together in his life for his eternal good (Rom. 8:28). 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.
He enjoys abundant life now, and will enjoy it in the life to come (Eph. 2:7). 7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
REPENTANCE
CHAPTER TWELVE
1. DEFINED
2. PREACHED
3. FROM DEAD WORKS
4. AND GOD
5. IMPOSSIBLE TO RENEW UNTO
6. THE IMPORTANCE OF
7. THE EVIDENCE OF
“He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confessed and forsakes them shall have mercy” (Prov. 28:13). He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
God desires truth in the inward parts (Ps 51:6) Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part you will make me to know wisdom
And commends all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,
The sinner must repent before he can become the recipient of salvation by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9). (8) Which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, (9) having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
The saved must practice repentance if he is to enjoy unbroken fellowship with God (Job 42:1-6). Someone said, “I repented before I understood the meaning of the word, but since then as a Christian I have repented many times.”
Repentance is the gift of God (Acts 5:31); also (Acts 11:18) “the goodness of God leads thee to repentance” (Rom 2:4). The goodness of God is not merited; therefore, the results of His goodness which is repentance is a gift. This gift of repentance is an inward change produced by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit as the Word of God is proclaimed (Acts 2:37-38); also (John 16:7-11). The results, “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21) faith that Christ died for our sins, and that He was buried and that He rose from the dead (1 Cor 15:1-4).
Repentance qualifies a man for salvation, but it takes faith in Christ to acquire it. True repentance is always coupled with faith. It is impossible to have saving faith and not repent. “Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” are essential and inseparable in salvation.
Faith without repentance is the ultimate of hypocrisy, and repentance without faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is sheer folly.
1. Repentance Defined. (2 Peter 3:9). (9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
First, let us see that repentance is not:
Sorrow. “Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation” (2 Cor. 7:9-10). 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Godly sorrow is a guilty feeling that leads to repentance, but it is not repentance.
Penance. Penance is an ac t on the part of the guilty to render payment for sin. It is to make an effort in some way to atone for wrongs done against God or man. God calls all men to repentance, not to do penance.
Jesus did not say, do penance and believe the gospel. He said, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Peter did not say, do penance and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ. He said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Paul did not say, God commands all men everywhere to do penance. He said, “God commands all everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent:
If penance is repentance, then salvation is not the gift of God, and we are not saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9). 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Reformation. Reformation is a change brought about by the efforts of man for self-glory (Matt. 12:43-45). 43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
It is a turning away from known sin, or giving up a bad habit, or trying to overhaul the old nature, or, turning over a new leaf, or making restitution. Judas reformed but did not save him and neither can it save you (Matt. 27:3-5). 3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Second, let us see what repentance is:
A change. The change is always evidenced in three elements.
The intellectual element, a change of mind.
The emotional element, a change of heart.
The volitional element, a change of will.
The parable of the prodigal is a perfect illustration of repentance. He had a change of mind, a change of heart, and a change of will (Luke 15:11-32).
The intellectual element, “he came to himself.”
The emotional element, “I have sinned.”
The volitional element, “I will arise and go to my father.”
Repentance is a change, the prodigal had a change of mind, and his change of mind effected a change of will. No one is ever saved until he wills to be (Rev. 22:17). 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Repentance is a change of mind, of heart and of will.
2. Repentance Preached. (Mark 1:1-4). (1) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (2) As it is written in the prophets, behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. (3) The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (4) John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Repentance was preached in the Old Testament before the birth of Christ, and during the life and ministry of Christ. It was preached on the day of Pentecost, and in the book of Acts after Pentecost. It is taught in the Epistles and the book Revelation. It is a doctrine to be preached and practiced in all dispensations.
John the Baptist preached repentance.
He preached the baptism of repentance (Luke 3:3). 3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
He preached, “Repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mat. 3:2). 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
He was “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord” (Mat. 3:3). 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
John’s preaching of repentance exalted Christ, denounced sin, warned of judgment, and it cost him his head.
Jesus preached repentance.
He preached, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (above verse 14-15). He went about doing mighty works and calling sinners to repent and to have faith in the good news of God.
His preaching of repentance was an ultimatum, REPENT OR PERISH (Luke 13:1-5). Luke 13 1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Salvation by grace is for the repentant soul and judgment without mercy for those who resist.
Peter preached repentance.
At Pentecost he preached, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
In the second Epistle he preached that, the Lord “is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Every soul that goes to hell goes against the will of God.
Paul preached repentance.
He preached that God “commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent:
This message was given to Mars hill to the intelligentsia of Athens. The results were three-fold. First, some mocked; second, some procrastinated; third, some believed (Acts 17:32-34). 32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
3. Repentance from Dead Works. (Heb. 6:1). Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.
What does the writer of Hebrews mean by, “repentance from dead works”? First, we need to see the other two categories of works. They are:
Good works (Mat. 5:16). 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Only saved souls can do good works and please God. Of the lost He said, “there is none that does good, no not one” (Ps. 14:1-3). 1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
The believer is not hiding his good works, but let them be seen to the glory of the heavenly Father. Mary of Bethany anointed the head and feet of Jesus with precious ointment while He sat at the table of Simon the leper. Some of the disciples called her deed an extravagant waste. But Jesus said, “she hath brought a good work on me, She hath done what she could” (Mark 14:3-9). 3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. 6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. 7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. 8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. 9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
Like Mary we are to do all we can to the glory of God, not in order to be saved but because we are saved, having no other motive. This is the way to do good works.
Wicked works (Col. 1:20-21). 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
Wicked works are deeds done by the unregenerate, natural man (1 Cor. 2:14). 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
He walks according to this world system. He is motivated by the “prince of the power of the air” (Satan). His talk is filled with the lust of the flesh and the natural mind. He is a child of wrath and his works are wicked because he is dead in sin (Eph. 2:1-3). 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: 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: 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.
Now the third category is:
Dead works (above verse). Dead works could be called religious works. The religious for the purpose of meriting eternal life does these works. It is a legalistic effort to keep the moral and ceremonial laws of God for the purpose of winning God’s favor and be saved by works (Eph. 2:8-9). 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Paul said, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight” (Rom. 3:20). 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Dead works are performed by the religious, who are, “ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish (by dead works) their own righteousness having not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God” (Rom. 10:1-4). 1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.
Paul is a good illustration of repentance from dead works. He clearly stated that he had, “no confidence in the flesh” then he lists his works of which he had to repent (Phil. 3:1-9). 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith
When he compared this righteousness, which is by dead works of the law, with the righteousness of Christ, which is by faith, he counted the former but rubbish. He knew the meaning of “repentance from dead works.”
4. Repentance and God. (Heb. 7:21). (21) For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, the Lord sware and will not repent, thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
“God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent” (Num. 23:19). 19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Yet the Bible tells us that He does repent (Gen. 6:5-7). 5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
This is not a contradiction. It is paradoxical, but not contradictory.
God makes two covenants with man.
The first is unconditional. When he makes an unconditional covenant He never repents. He made such a covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). 1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
It will stand forever because, “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent (Ps. 110:4). 4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
He made such a covenant with Israel (Rom. 11:25-36). 25 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. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 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! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Race who refused to repent. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering to us, NOT WILLING (Rom. 11:11-36) 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 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. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 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! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.
The second is conditional. “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). 3 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.
In the days of Noah, god gave the human race a hundred and twenty years to repent. Only Noah and his family repented and “found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Gen 6:8). 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
They met God’s condition and were not judged with the rest of the humans THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE (2 Peter 3:9). 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
It is clear that God wills to save all lost souls. He is “not willing that any should perish.” To be saved the lost must meet His conditions, “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now if a man does not repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, God will repent. He will change and judge that man. In love He bestows grace, but if salvation by grace is rejected, in justice He terminates it. In this way God repents.
5. Repentance, Impossible to Renew Unto. (Heb. 6:4-6). (4) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost? (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come. (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
The key that unlocks the mystery to this difficult portion of Scriptures is the word “impossible” in verse four. The writer is saying, that the person who so sins will find it impossible to repent again.
First, let us see what the writer does not mean. He does not mean a backslidden Christian. Simon Peter backslid (Matt. 26:69-75), 69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. 70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. 71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. 74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Repented, (John 21:3-17) 3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
And was restored to fellowship with the Lord. King David sinned, (2 Sam 11:1-27), repented (Ps. 51:1-19), and was restored to fellowship with the Lord (2 Sam. 12:13). 13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
Any backslidden Christian can repent and be restored to fellowship with God.
Second, let us see what the writer does mean. (Hebrews 6:4-6) 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Is proof that being religious is not enough to save you? They professed, but did not possess eternal life. In outward appearance they would be called Christians. But Jesus said, “not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 7:21-23). 21 Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Esau so sinned against the Lord when he sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of pottage (Gen. 25:27-34). 27 And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. 28 And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: 30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Later he tried to repent, but found it impossible to do so. The scripture says, “He found no place of repentance though he sought it carefully with tears (Heb. 12:16-17). 16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
At the Great White Throne Judgment were only the wicked dead are judged (Rev. 20:11-15) 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 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. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
They too, will try to repent but will find it impossible.
6. The Importance of Repentance. (Acts 17:30). And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.
Repentance is so important that God commands “all men everywhere to repent” (above verse).
The lost are to repent. Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matt. 9:13). 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Again, He said, “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish (Luke 13:3-5). 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Backsliders are to repent. Paul said, “Now I rejoice, not they ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance” (2 Cor. 7:9). 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
There were carnal Christians in the church at Corinth; in Paul’s first letter to them he called upon the church to discipline the guilty. In his second letter he rejoices because the guilty repented.
Local churches are to repent. In the book of the Revelation (Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelations) our Lord sent seven letters to seven local churches. He called upon five of the seven to repent.
The church of Ephesus was to repent because she had left her first love.
The church of Pergamos was to repent because she permitted the doctrine of Balaam to be taught, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
The church of Thyatira was to repent because she suffered Jezebel to teach and seduce God’s servants to commit fornication.
The church of Sardis was to repent because she was a dying congregation.
The church at Laodicea was to repent because she thought she was rich and did not need anything. In her opinion, she had arrived. She did not know she was not hot or cold, but lukewarm and God was ready to spew her out of His mouth.
The Lord called upon these five local churches to repent or else He would remove their candlesticks and they would cease to be a light in darkness.
The lost are to repent or perish.
The backslider is to repent or be disciplined.
The local church is to repent or lose its effectiveness in a world lost in sin.
7. The Evidence of Repentance. (Acts 26:19-20). (19) Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. (2O) But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
The evidence of repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Christ is seen in:
The repentance of unbelieving Thomas (John 20:24-29). 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Thomas would not believe that Christ had been raised from the dead until he saw the risen Savior and was given the opportunity to touch His nail pierced hands and thrust his hand into His wounded side. Thomas repented, believed, and made his great confession of faith, “My Lord and my God.”
Three thousand changed their minds, hearts, and wills on the day of Pentecost and immediately gave evidence of repentance (Acts 2:41-47). 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Saul of Tarsus experienced repentance when he met Jesus on the Damascus road and gave evidence or repentance (Acts 9:1-18).
Cornelius, his family and friends repented when they heard the gospel preached by Simon Peter, and evidence of repentance followed (Acts 10:24-48).
The Philippian jailer and his house repented when witnessed to by Paul and Silas, the evidence of repentance followed (Acts 16:26-34).
Repentance is a change of the mind, the heart and the will. The proof of repentance is:
Turning from sin (Ezek. 18:30).
Turning to God.
Followed by good deeds (above verse).
THE NEW BIRTH
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
1. JESUS AND THE TWO BIRTHS
2. THE NEW BIRTHISSUES A NEW SINLESS NATURE
3. THE NEW BIRTH IS INCORRUPTIBLE
4. WHAT THE NEW BIRTH MEANS
5. ITS THREEFOLD PROOF
It is the utmost importance that we have a clear understanding of what Jesus meant when speaking with Nicodemus said, “Ye must be born again.” The new birth is a spiritual birth. It is as much a birth as the natural birth; it is not just a figure of speech. The first birth is of the “seed of man.” The second birth is of the “seed of God” (1 Peter 1:23). 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Therefore, you cannot become a child of God by joining the church, any more than a monkey could become a man by joining the human race. He may act like a man, dress like a man and try to live like a man, but he would still be a monkey. Now, if by some miracle, the monkey could be born again of the “seed of man,” then, and only then, could he become a man? The only way to become a child of God is to be “born from above” by the “incorruptible seed of God.” What is the new birth?
The new birth is a new creation (11 Cor. 5:17). 17 Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.
The new birth is a spiritual resurrection (Eph. 2:1-9). 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: 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: 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. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The new birth is regeneration (Titus 3:5). 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
The new birth is partaking of the divine nature of God (11 Peter 1:4). 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
The new birth is receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, by faith (John 1:12). 12 but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
The new birth is being made the “righteousness of God” (11 Cor. 5:21). 21 for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
The new birth is compulsory if you are to become a child of God: “Ye MUST be born again.”
1. Jesus and the Two Births. (John 3:1-8). 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily; I say unto thee, except a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
In the above scriptures, we see Jesus and Nicodemus face to face-Jesus the Son of God, and Nicodemus the son of natural man. Nicodemus was a very religious man, but he was not a child of God. What a shock it must have been to learn that his religion was not enough! It never is. He came to Jesus addressing Him as “a teacher come from God.” Jesus knew Nicodemus, as He knows all men (above verses 24, 25), and Jesus knew that he needed more that a teacher-he needed a Savior. He needed more than religion-he needed regeneration. He needed more than law-he needed life. Jesus began by going right to the point when He said, “Ye must be born again.” Nicodemus asked, “How can a man be born when he is old?” Then Jesus pointed out the dissimilarity in the two births: “That which is born of flesh is flesh” (the flesh will never change); and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (the Spirit will never change). (Above verse 6) First, let us take a brief look at the flesh birth:
It produces and old, sinful nature (Ps 51:5). 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
It produces a corruptible nature (1 Peter 1:23). 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
It produces an old nature under the sentence of death (Rom. 6:23). 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
It produces and old nature that makes every unsaved person a child of the devil (1 John 3:10). 10 in this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Second, let us say a word about the new birth:
2. It produces a sinless nature (1 John 3:9). 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
It produces a nature that cannot sin (above verse)
It produces a righteous nature (11 Cor. 5:21). 21 for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
It produces a divine nature (11 Peter 1:4). 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Every born-again person has two natures; the old from the old birth, and the new from the new birth. By the old birth, we are children of the flesh; by the new birth, we are the children of God. This is why “Ye must be born again.”
3. The New Birth Issues a New, Sinless Nature. (1 John 3:9). 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
This is one of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible. Do not try to understand it in the light of personal experience. Keep in mind that the above verse is speaking of the new nature-not the old nature-because the old nature is not born of God. The old nature is born of fallen man, and is depraved. The new nature is born of God, and is holy.
First, let us see what this verse says about the new nature;
The new nature does not commit sin, because it is the product of the “seed (sperm) of God.”
The new nature cannot sin, because it is the divine nature of God (11 Peter 1:4), 4 whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And since God cannot sin, the new nature that issues from His holy Seed cannot sin.
Second, let us see what the Bible says about the old nature;
The old nature does sin any time you let is sin (Rom. 6:12). 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
As a child of God, you will keep under the old nature (1 Cor. 9:27), 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
By not yielding to the desire of the flesh; or the old nature will keep you under, and you will live a defeated Christian life (Rom. 6:13). 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
There is nothing good in the old nature (Rom 7:18). 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
The power to live a righteous live cannot be found in the old nature; it can be found only in the new nature (Gal 2:20). 20 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.
If you have been “born again,” you have two natures-the old and the new-and you are walking according to one of the two. Examine your Christian walk in the light of: (Rom. 8:5-6). 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
4. The New Birth is Incorruptible. (1 Peter 1:23). 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
In the above verse we have two seeds, two births and two natures.
Corruptible seed produces a corruptible nature (Rom. 1:23). 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Corruptible man can produce only corruptible seed (Matt. 7:18). 18 a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
“All have sinned” (Rom 3:23) 23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Because all are born in sin (Ps 51:5). 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
You are not a sinner because you sin-you sin because you are a sinner.
Incorruptible seed produces an incorruptible nature (11 Peter 1:4). 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
You cannot corrupt that which is incorruptible; therefore, the incorruptible seed of God issues a new nature that cannot be corrupted at any time, or in any way. The new birth produces the life of Christ, and this life is made living in man by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:8-10). 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 but ye 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. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
The seed of man in corruptible; the birth of man is natural. Therefore, the nature of man is sinful.
The seed of God is incorruptible; the new birth is spiritual. Therefore, the new nature is sinless.
5. What the New Birth Means. (John 3:14-18). 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
“Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness” (Num. 21:5-9). 5 And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. 6 And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, we have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. 9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
He lifted up the serpent for a sinful, disobedient people. When anyone was bitten by a serpent, he had a choice; he could humble himself and by a simple act of faith look and live (Isa 45:22); 22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Or he could refuse to look on the serpent of brass and die.
“Even so must the Son of man be lifted up?” Just as the serpent in the wilderness was the only means for the healing of Israel, so the death of Jesus Christ in the only means for the new birth. And the only way to appropriate the regenerating power of God is by faith in the vicarious death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4). 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
The sinner must come to Christ by faith, believing:
That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures (Zech. 13:6). 6 And one shall say unto him, what are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
And that He was buried. This is the proof of His death. He was in the sepulcher three days and nights.
And that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
This is the gospel that saves-but it is powerless to save until the
Sinner believes it (Rom 1:16). 16 for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
The means of the new birth is found in that:
“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son”-to be the only means of the new birth (above verse 16) and (Acts 4:12). 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Jesus Christ gladly came into the world to become the only means of the new birth (John 12:27). 27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
The Holy Spirit came into this world on the Day of Pentecost to convince men of their need of the new birth (John 16:7-11). 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
A personal faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only means of the new birth.
6. The New Birth-Its Threefold Proof. (1 John 5-1). 1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
Every “born again” child of God has the threefold proof of the new birth-proof that he is a child of God. This threefold proof is; first, inward proof; second, outgoing proof; and third, outward proof.
“Whosoever believeth that Jesus the Christ is born of God” (above verse 1). My faith in Christ-that He is God-is personal evidence that I am a child of God. This is inward proof of the new birth.
“Everyone that loveth is born of God” (1 John 4:7-11). 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 in this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
We are to love our fellow man with the love of God. This we are not capable of doing in the flesh; we must let God love man through us (Rom 5:5). 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
This is outgoing proof of the new birth.
“Every one that doeth righteousness is born of him” (1 John 2:29). 29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
If you are born of God, you will make a practice of doing right at all times and at all cost (11 Cor. 5:17). 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.
This is outward proof of the new birth.
If you do not have the threefold proof of the new birth, now is the time to get on your knees and accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour-by faith in His vicarious death, burial and resurrection.
GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
1. GOD LOVES YOU
2. YOU ARE A SINNER
3. YOU ARE DEAD IN SIN
4. CHRIST DIED FOR YOU
5. YOU CAN BE SAVED BY FAITH
6. YOU CAN BE SAVED AND KNOW IT
7. YOU ARE NOW A CHILD OF GOD AND YOU ARE TO OBEY HIM
There are seven facts revealed in God’s plan of salvation, and as you study them, keep in mind that this is God’s plan-not man’s-it is God’s, there is no other plan that can save your lost soul and make you a child of God (Acts 4:12). 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
All roads may lead to Rome, but all religions do not lead to God and salvation. There is only one way, and that is God’s way; and God’s way is a person, and that person is His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6). 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
God’s salvation is threefold: First, Christ appeared on this earth to save you from the penalty of sin, by putting away your sin by the sacrifice of Himself on the cross (Heb9:26). Second, He appeared in heaven, in the presence of God, after His resurrection, to save you from the power of sin (Heb 9:24). 24 for Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Third, He will appear again on this earth, the second time, as “Lord of Lords and King of Kings” to save you from the very presence of sin (Heb 9:28). 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Now come to the seven facts of salvation with an open mind and a receptive heart, that God may bring salvation to your soul.
1. It is a Fact That God Loves You. (John 3:16). 16 for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
It is an eternal fact that God loves you with an everlasting love that cannot be fathomed; it is so boundless that it can only be known by faith.
The little word “so” in the above verse is most expressive. It gives you some concept of the magnitude of God’s love. God so loved you, that He gave His only begotten Son, to be made sin for you, that you might be made the righteousness of God in Him (11 Cor. 5:21). 21 for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Jesus Christ was made that which God hates: sin-which you might be made that which God loves: righteousness. Because God so loves you, you can exchange your sins for His righteousness. Could you ask for greater evidence of love? Calvary is proof that God loves and longs to save you.
Before going to the next fact, admit to yourself that: God loves me.”
2. It is a Fact That You Are a Sinner. (Rom. 3:23). 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
What is sin?
Sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Sin is unbelief; it calls God a liar (1 John 5:10). 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
Sin is active rebellion against God (Isa 1:2). 2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
Sin is passive rebellion against God (Isa 1:2). 2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
All unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17). 17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
God, who cannot lie, said: “All have sinned.” “All” includes you. You have sinned against God by thought, word or deed. You have committed sins of commission and sins of omission. In the sight of God, you are a lost sinner.
Before turning to the next fact, admit to yourself: “I am a lost sinner, because I have sinned.”
3. It is a Fact that you are now dead in Sin. (Rom 6:23). 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
You have already confessed and admitted that you are a sinner. Now God would have you know that “the wages of sin is death.” You are dead in sin until you accept Christ as personal Saviour. The Apostle Paul said, “You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:
To be saved is to be made spiritually alive in Christ.
What is death?
Death is spiritual separation. Your sins have separated you from God; you are dead in your sins.
Death is physical separation; it separates the spirit and soul from the body.
Death is eternal separation. If you remain lost in your sins, you will stand before God at the great white throne judgment, and there your sins will separate you from the mercy of God forever; this is hell (Rev. 20:11-15). 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 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. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead who were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
You know that God loves you, and that you are a sinner-dead in sins. Before turning to the next fact, admit to yourself: “I am dead in sins.
4. It is a fact that Christ died for you. (Rom. 5:6-8). 6 for when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 but God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
He died for those who are unlike God; this includes you. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (above verse 8).
“For he (God the Father) hath made him (God the Son) to be made sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (11 Cor. 5:21). 21 for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
“For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sin, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but quickened in the spirit” (1 Peter 3:18). 18 For 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:
“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3). 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
In the light of these wonderful Scriptures, will you now thank God for His great love in sending His Son to bear your sins in His own body on the cross, and admit to yourself that: “Christ died on Calvary for me.”
5. It is a fact that you can be saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:30-31). 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
The Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas; “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The answer was quick in response, and positive in content: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Paul and Silas preached the gospel to the jailer and those in his house; they believed and were saved.
What is the gospel that saves when believed?
First, it is; “that Christ died for our sins,”
Second; “that he was buried.”
Third; “that he rose again the third day” (1 Cor.15:3-4). 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Jesus Christ the God-man died for you, was buried for you, and rose from the dead for you; and is now at the right hand of the Father interceding for you (1 John 2:1). 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). 16 for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
The gospel is the power of God unto salvation only when you believe. Your faith in Jesus Christ releases the power of God that saves your soul.
The man born blind received physical sight by a miracle, but spiritual sight came when Jesus asked, “Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” He answered, “Lord, I believe” (John 9:35-38). 35 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? 36 He answered and said, who is he, Lord that I might believe on him? 37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
Salvation came to Thomas when he believed, and confessed, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:24-29). 24 but Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, we have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
When you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Rom 10:9-10). 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Accept Him now by faith, and pray this prayer; “Lord Jesus, I know you love me, because you died on the cross bearing my sins. Thank You, Lord, for revealing to me my lost, sinful condition. I confess that I am a sinner, dead in sin, and cannot save myself. I do now by faith, gladly accept you as my personal savior, and thank you, Lord, for eternal salvation. AMEN.”
6. It is a fact that you can be saved and know it. (1 John 5:10-13). 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
“That ye may know that ye have eternal life” (above verse 13). Upon the authority of God’s Word, you can be saved and know it. Your faith in God’s infallible Word is your assurance of salvation. “He that believeth on the Son hath (present tense) everlasting life’ (John 3:36). 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
The Bible is a book of certainties. It strengthens convictions, and establishes beliefs. God would have you know:
That you are now a child of God (1 John 3:2). 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
That you have been made the righteousness of God in Christ (11 Cor. 5:21). 21 for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
That you are now a new creature in Christ (11 Cor. 5:17). 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
That you are now a son and heir of God (Gal. 4:7). 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Could you have greater assurance than is found in God’s infallible Word? “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35). 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
7. It is a fact that you are now a child of God and you are to obey him. (Acts 5:29). 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, we ought to obey God rather than men.
“We ought to obey God rather than men” (above verse). You now belong to Jesus Christ. He is your Lord and Master, and “no man can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24). 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Determine now to obey your Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, in all things:
Unite with a New Testament church. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Follow Him in the ordinance of baptism (Acts 2:41). 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Join a Sunday school Class, and study the Word of God’s children (11 Tim. 2:15). 15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Attend the worship services of your church (Heb. 10:25). 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
You need the preaching of God’s Word and Christian fellowship.
Be a faithful steward (1 Cor. 4:2). 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.
All that you are and have belong to God. “Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). 19 What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
As a faithful steward, you will pay God His tithe (Mal. 3:10). 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
The tithe is one-tenth of your income, and it is the Lord’s (Lev. 27:30). 30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD.
Make time in your daily life to pray and read God’s Word that you may grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
HOW TO WITNESS EFFECTIVELY
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
1. THE IMPORTANCE OF
2. THE QUALIFICATIONS
3. THE APPROACH
4. FOLLOW THRU
5. SHARING GODS PLAN
6. GIVE THE INVITATION
7. FOLLOW UP
One day as Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two men, Simon, called Peter and Andrew, his brother, they were fishermen. “And He said unto them, Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19). Soul winners are made not born. Therefore to be an effective witness, you must be taught, trained and motivated by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus took three years to teach and train His disciples in the art of soul winning. After His resurrection He instructed then to stay in Jerusalem and, “wait for the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4-9). When the disciples ask Jesus if the time had come for Him to restore the kingdom of Israel, Jesus answered, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in His own power, But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me.”
On the day of Pentecost, the hundred and twenty received power to witness, and any believer who will acquire the know-how can be an effective soul winner.
He can know that he and the Holy Spirit are a witnessing team. Peter said, “We are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, WHOM GOD HATH GIVEN TO THEM THAT OBEY HIM” (Acts 5:32). (Therefore, when you witness remember that “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you” (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
When you witness trust the Holy Spirit to do three things:
Illuminate the mind of the unbeliever. All souls are in spiritual darkness (11 Cor. 4:3-4).
Stir the heart of the unbeliever. As Peter preached Christ the listeners, “Were pricked in their hearts” (Acts 2:37).
Move the will of the unbeliever. The prodigal returned home when he came to himself and said “I will arise and go to my father” (Luke 15:18).
You may be up-to-date in all modern techniques of soul winning, and able to quote the necessary scriptures without a flaw, but if you do not evangelize in the power of the Holy Spirit, your soul winning efforts will be ineffective. Approach this Chapter with an open heart and receptive mind.
1. The Importance of Witnessing. (Rom. 10:13-17). 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved” (above verse 13). Do not lift this text out of context. There are three questions in verse 14 that must be considered along with verse thirteen, they are:
First question, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?” The answer is the lost cannot call on the Lord to be saved until they believe.
“That Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures: and that He was buried.
And that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Cor. 15:1-4). 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Second question, “How shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard?” The answer is, the lost cannot believe in Him until they hear the good news of salvation.
Had to hear to believe (Acts 8:26-39). 26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, how can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing
Paul had to hear to believe (Acts 9:1-18). 1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Cornelius had to hear to believe (Acts 10:1-48).
The Philippian jailer had to hear to believe (Acts 16:25-40). 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 but Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. 35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, let those men go. 36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. 37 but Paul said unto them, they have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? Nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. 38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. 39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. 40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
Third question, “How shall they hear without a preacher (witness)? The answer is, they cannot hear the good news of salvation without a witness.
Three thousand were saved at Pentecost because the 120 witnessed.
The eunuch was saved because Philip witnessed.
Paul was saved because Stephen witnessed (Acts 7:54-60), 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
And Jesus the God-man witnessed, and Ananias witnessed
Cornelius and his house were saved because Peter witnessed.
The Philippian jailer and his house were saved because Paul and Silas witnessed.
You were saved because someone witnessed to you.
According to the Word of God, the lost cannot be saved without a witness. They must have a witness to hear, they must hear to believe, they must believe to call, and they must call to be saved. But they cannot call until they believe and they cannot believe until they hear and they cannot hear without a witness. “So then faith (saving faith) cometh by hearing” (above verse 17). We are not born with saving faith; it comes only when we hear the gospel. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that every born again child of God obey the great commission to evangelize, to GO WITH THE GOSPEL.
2. The Qualification of a Witness. (Col. 2:6-7). 6 as ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
A qualified witness is one who is:
Established in the faith. To be established in the faith is to be rooted and grounded in God’s word. Peter said, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that ask you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
These chapters have been prepared to help establish you in the faith. Study them, carry the Bible with you and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way to witness the gospel. They will give you the foundation on which to build a stronger faith (11 Tim. 3:15). 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Saved and know it. I know that I am saved because God tells me so in His word and God cannot lie.
We have the:
Witness of the Spirit (Rom. 8:16). 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
The witness of the word (1 John 5:13). 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
The witness of saving faith “He that Believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself (1 John 5:9-10). 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
Separated, Paul said that he was “separated unto the gospel of God” (Rom. 1:1-16). 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
This is positive separation and Paul analyzed it as:
A holy desire to share spiritual gifts (verse 11).
A holy purpose to bear fruit (verse 13).
A holy obligation to pay a spiritual death (verse 14).
A holy eagerness to share the gospel (verse 15).
A holy boldness to exalt the cross (verse 16).
To be separated unto the gospel is to share the good news with the lost.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, “Be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
We are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Evidence of the Spirit filled life as seen in the early Christians:
They spoke the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31). 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
They witnessed with great power (Acts 4:33). 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
They witnessed with great grace (Acts 4:33).
They shared their wealth (Acts 4:34-37). 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet.
They worshipped in unity (Acts 2:42-47). 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
They suffered persecution (Acts 8:1-4). 1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 as for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
They gloried in tribulation (Rom. 5:3). 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
They sang in prison (Acts 16:25). 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
They loved and prayed for their executioners (Acts 7:54-60). 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
They rejoiced to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:41). 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
They were accused of:
Filling Jerusalem with the gospel (Acts 5:28). 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
Turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6). 6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, these that have turned the world upside down are come hither also
The hundred and twenty Spirit filled Christians witnessed on the day of Pentecost and the people were:
Confounded, that is, they were mentally arrested (Acts 2:6). 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Amazed, that is they were mentally frustrated (Acts 2:7). 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
Marveling, that is, they stood in mental awe (Acts 2:7).
Mocking, that is, some mentally reacted (Acts 2:13). 13 Others mocking said, these men are full of new wine.
Inquiring, that is, some mentally acted (Acts 2:37). 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
The gospel when proclaimed in the power of the Holy Spirit will motivate the hearer to act or react.
On the day of Pentecost three hundred acted as evidenced by repentance and baptism, while others reacted mocking. No one, but no one, ignored the witness of those Spirit filled believers.
3. The Approach. (John 1:40-42). 40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, we have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, a stone.
There are two ways to approach (the person to whom you are witnessing).
The first is:
The direct approach. This approach can be used when witnessing to.
A relative. Andrew used the direct approach to bring his brother Simon Peter to Christ (above verses 40-42).
A friend. Phillip the apostle used the direct approach to bring Nathaniel to Jesus (John 1:45-46). 45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, we have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
The concerned. Jesus used the direct approach to win Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, how can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, we speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 but he that doeth truth cometh to the light that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
The seeker. Paul and Silas used the direct approach to lead the Philippian jailer to Jesus (Acts 16:19-34). 19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 but Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
The second is:
The indirect approach. This approach can be used when witnessing to:
A stranger. Jesus used the indirect approach to witness to the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26). 7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, give me to drink. 8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) 9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. 17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18 for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. 19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 but the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
The religious. Phillip the evangelist used the indirect approach to lead the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ (Acts 8:26-39). 26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, how can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
The method in either case will vary according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Whether you use the direct or the indirect approach, be sure to follow through until you have presented God’s plan of salvation and invited them to accept Christ as their personal savior.
4. The Follow Through. (Matt. 13:3-8). 3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
The parable of the sower illustrates the importance of the follow through. Only one fourth of the soil was ready for the seed, so only one fourth of the seed brought forth fruit. Jesus explains the parable in (Matt. 13:18-23). 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 but he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
The sower is the witness.
The seed is the word of God.
The soil is the heart.
We also learn that there are four types of hearts. They are:
The hard heart; this is the wayside soil, fertile but hard.
The shallow heart; this is the stony soil, fertile but depthless.
The worldly heart; this is the thorny soil, fertile but possessed.
The understanding heart; this is good soil, fertile and prepared.
The lesson here is a simple one if we expect the seed; the word of God to bear fruit, the heart must be made ready. The hard heart must be broken, the shallow heart must be given depth, and the worldly heart must be taught that the things of this world are temporal (Mark 8:36-37) 36 for what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
This requires time, work and patience.
5. How to share God’s plan of Salvation. (Acts 4:12). 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
There are seven simple steps to take in sharing God’s Plan of Salvation.
Share your personal experience of salvation. Do not give your life story. It should not take more than a few minutes to tell how the Lord saved you. As you come to the close of your testimony, bring out your Open Bible and say, may I share with you God’s plan of salvation that changed my life?
Share with him about fact number 1 of Chapter 14 on Salvation, IT IS A FACT THAT GOD LOVES YOU. Read John 3:16 to him and inform about the love of God. When you come to the close of your witnessing, say something like this. Scott, will you now admit that God loves you. Lead him to admit it if you can. This will get him involved in the plan of salvation.
Now share fact number 2 of Chapter 14 on Salvation, IT IS A FACT THAT YOU ARE A SINNER. Read Romans 3:23 to him and as you come to the close of your readings, ask him to admit that he is a lost sinner. When he admits that he is a lost sinner, you say something like this, Scott, isn’t it wonderful, God loves you even though you are a lost sinner.
Now share fact number 3 of Outline 14 on Salvation, IT IS A FACT THAT YOU ARE NOW DEAD IN SIN. Read Romans 6:23 to him and as you come to the close of your readings, ask him to admit that he is dead in sin. When he admits that he is dead in sin, say something like this. Scott, isn’t it great, even though you are a lost sinner dead in sin, God loves you.
Now share fact number 4 of Chapter 14 on Salvation, IT IS A FACT THAT CHRIST DIED FOR YOU. Read Romans 5:6-8 to him and as you come to the close of your readings, ask him to admit that Christ died on Calvary for him. Say something like this, Scott, isn’t it wonderful, isn’t it great that God loves you so much that He died on Calvary bearing your sins.
Now share fact number 5 of Chapter 14 on Salvation, IT IS A FACT THAT YOU CAN BE SAVED BY FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Read Acts 16:30-31 to him and as you come to the close of your readings, be ready to ask him to accept Christ as his personal Saviour.
Now lead him to call upon the name of the Lord in prayer, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
6. How to give the invitation. (Rev. 22-17). 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
(If you are from a denomination different from the author, some of the specifics in the following suggestions may differ. If in doubt, check with your own local pastor).
Invite the person (to whom you are witnessing) to by faith accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. As you finish reading the scriptures, say something like this: “Scott, will you kneel with me in prayer as I ask the Lord to save you, right here and now?” Do not wait for him to get on his knees. You lead the way. If he will not kneel with you, do not force it. Pray a short prayer that the Lord will convict him of sin and bring him to repentance. Get up and make an appointment to return for another witness session. If he does kneel with you, pray a brief prayer. Ask the Lord to save him now. Now ask him to pray after you the prayer of acceptance: “Lord Jesus, I know you love me, because you died on the cross bearing my sins. Thank you, Lord, for revealing to me my lost, sinful condition. I confess that I am a sinner, dead in sin, and cannot save myself. I do now by faith, gladly accept You as my personal Saviour, and thank you, Lord, for eternal salvation. Lead him through this prayer. Now when you have finished leading him through the prayer stand up and say, Scott, did you by faith accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior as you prayed, “I DO NOW BY FAITH, GLADLY ACCEPT YOU AS MY PERSONAL SAVIOR, AND THANK YOU LORD, FOR ETERNAL SALVATION.” When he answers yes, take him by the hand and say, “UPON THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD YOU ARE NOW A CHILD OF GOD.” Then read Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.”
7. How to follow up. (Acts 2:41-47). 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
When you have led a soul to Christ your responsibility does not end. You have a spiritual baby, and that baby needs help if it is to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are seven things that you can do that will help the new Christian to grow spiritually.
Give him The Open Bible if he does not already have one.
If possible, give him a copy of these CHAPTERS and show him how they work.
Now show him he can know that he is saved. Read fact number 6 of Chapter 14, IT IS A FACT THAT YOU CAN BE SAVED AND KNOW IT. As you read 1 John 5:10-13, point out that we have a “new salvation.’
Read fact number 7 of Chapter number 14, IT IS A FACT THAT YOU ARE NOW A CHILD OF GOD AND YOU ARE TO OBEY HIM. As you read Acts 5:29, start him out right, stress the fact that we are to obey the Lord in all things.
Lead him into a New Testament church. Say something like this, “Tom, I am a member of a New Testament church, and I want you to be my guest at the next service.” Take him to church, sit with him and when the invitation is give, ask him to go forward with you to make the public profession of faith in Christ (Matt. 10-32). 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Encourage him to witness, “Let the redeemed on the Lord say so.” (Ps 107:2). 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
Now help him through these chapters. When you have reached Chapter 17, he should be in the church, with a doctrinal foundation on which to continue to grow spiritually. And by now he should be involved in Evangelism. He is ready to GO WITH THE GOSPEL.
THE APOSTLES
CHAPTER 16
1. PETER
2. ANDREW
3. JAMES
4. JOHN
5. PHILIP
6. BARTHOLOMEW
7. THOMAS
8. MATTHEW
9. JAMES
10. JUDE
11. SIMON
12. JUDAS
The apostles of Christ were the foundation stones of His church. In Revelation 21:14, (14) And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
We are told that the twelve foundations of the wall of the New Jerusalem will have in them the names of the twelve apostles. It is evident, therefore, that our Lord attaches great importance to these men.
As you study these courageous first-century lives, and what apostleship meant in the time of Christ, we may expect to be aided in developing a Spirit directed twentieth-century discipleship as Christ must have meant it to be, along similar lines of vital achievement.
The information compiled herein utilizes the New Testament accounts of these men, and the most respected legends and traditions. I do not mean to infer, thereby, that legend and tradition constitute historical fact. I do feel, however, that they do have value in the study of the lives of these men who “turned the world upside down.” Matthew 10:2-8. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. 5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not; 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give.
PETER
Simon Peter, Son of Jonas, was a fisherman who lived in Bethsaida and Capernaum. He did evangelistic and missionary work among the Jews, going as far as Babylon. Tradition says he was crucified, head downward, in Rome. Some scholars ascribe 1 and 11 Peter to him. He was a member of the Inner Circle.
In every apostolic list, the name Peter is mentioned first. However, Peter had other names. At the time of Christ, the common language was Greek and the family language was Hebrew. So, his Greek name was Simon (Mark 1:16; John 1:40-41). His Hebrew name was Cephas (1 Cor. 1:12; 3:22; (:5 and Gal. 2:9). The Greek meaning of Simon is rock. The Arabic meaning of Cephas is also rock.
By trade, Peter was a fisherman. He was a married man (1 Cor. 9:5) and his home was Capernaum. Jesus probably made His headquarters there when He visited Capernaum. Peter was also a Galilean and was typical of many of the other disciples. As Josephus described the Galileans, “they were very fond of innovation and by nature disposed to change and delighted in sedition. They were ever ready to follow the leader and to begin and insurrection. They were quick in temper and given to quarreling and they were very chivalrous men.” The Talmud says this of the Galileans, “they were more anxious for honor than for gain, quick-tempered, impulsive, emotional, easily aroused by an appeal to adventure, loyal to the end.” Peter was a typical Galilean.
Among the twelve, Peter was the leader. He stands out as a spokesman for all the Apostles. It is he who asked the meaning of the difficult saying (Mat. 15:15). Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.
It is he who asked how often he must forgive. It is he who inquired about the reward for all of those who follow Jesus. It is he who first confessed Jesus and declared Him as the Son of the Living God. It is he who was at the Mount of Transfiguration. It is he who saw Jairus’ daughter raised to life. Yet, it is he who denied Christ before a maiden, He was an Apostle and a missionary who lay down his life for his Lord. It is true, Peter had many faults, but he had always the saving grace of the loving heart. No matter how many times he had fallen and failed, he always recovered his courage and integrity.
Peter was martyred on the cross. Peter requested that he might be crucified head downward for he was not worthy to die as his Lord had died. His apostolic symbol is a cross upside down with crossed keys. The keys represent Peter as holder of the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.
ANDREW
Andrew was the brother of Peter, and a son of Jonas. He lived in Bethsaida and Capernaum and was a fisherman before he was called by Jesus. Originally he was a disciple of John the Baptist (Mark 1:16-18). 16 Now as he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. 17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
Andrew brought his brother, Peter, to Jesus (John 1:40). 40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
He is the first to have the title of Home and Foreign Missionary. He is claimed by three countries as their Patron Saint, Russia, Scotland and Greece. Many scholars say that he preached in Scythia, Greece and Asia Minor.
Andrew introduced others to Jesus. Although circumstances placed him in a position where it would have been easy for him to have become jealous and resentful, he was optimistic and well content in second place. His main purpose in life was to bring others to the Master.
According to tradition, it was in Achaia, Greece, in the town of Patra that Andrew died a martyr. When Governor Aepeas’ wife was healed and converted to the Christian faith, and shortly after that the Governor’s brothers became a Christian. Aepeas was enraged. He arrested Andrew and condemned him to die on the cross. Andrew, feeling unworthy to be crucified on the same-shaped cross as his Master, begged that his be different. So, he was crucified on an X-shaped cross, which is still called Saint Andrew’s cross and which is one of his apostolic symbols. A symbol of two crossed fish has also been applied to Andrew, because he was formerly a fisherman.
JAMES
James, the Elder, Boanerges, son of Zebedee and Salome, brother of John the Apostle; a fisherman who lived in Bethsaida, Capernaum and Jerusalem. He preached in Jerusalem and Judea and was beheaded by Herod, A.D. 44 (Acts 12:1-2). 1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
He was a member of the Inner Circle, so called because they were accorded special privileges. The New Testament tells us very little about James. His name never appears apart from that of his brother, John. They were an inseparable pair (Mark 1:19-20), 19 And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20 And straightway he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
(Mat. 4:21), (Luke 5:1-11).
He was a man of courage and forgiveness, a man without jealousy, living in the shadow of John, a man of extraordinary faith. He was the first, of the twelve to become a martyr.
His symbol is three shells, the sign of his pilgrimage by the sea.
JOHN
John Boanerges, the son of Zebedee and Salome, brother of James, the Apostle. He was known as the Beloved Disciple. A fisherman who lived in Bethsaida, Capernaum and Jerusalem, he was a member of the Inner Circle. He wrote the Gospel of John, 1 John, 11 John, 111 John and Revelation. He preached among the churches of Asia Minor. Banished to the Isle of Patmos, he was later freed and died a natural death.
John was one of the prominent Apostles. He is mentioned in many places in the New Testament. He was a man of action; he was very ambitious; and a man with an explosive temper and an intolerant heart. His second name was Boanerges, which means son of Thunder. He and his brother, James, came from a more well-to-do family than the rest of the Apostles. Since his father had hired servants in his fishing business (Mark 1:20) 20 and straightway he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
He may have felt himself above the rest. He was close to Peter. They were acting together in the ministry. Peter, however, was always the spokesman for the band.
John mellowed with time. At the latter part of his life, he had forgotten everything, including his ambition and explosive temper, except his Lord’s command of love.
It is said that an attempt was made on his life by giving him a chalice of poison from which God spared him. He died of natural causes.
A chalice with a snake in it is his symbol.
PHILIP
Tradition says that Philip preached in Phrygia and died a martyr at Hierapolis. Philip came from Bethsaida, the town which Peter and Andrew came (John 1:44). The likelihood is that he, too, was a fisherman. Although the first three Gospels record his name, it is in the Gospel of John that Philip becomes a living personality.
Scholars disagree on Philip. In Acts 6:5, we have Philip as one of the seven ordained deacons. Some say this is a different Philip, and then his personality came much more to life because he had a successful campaign in Samaria. He led the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ (Acts 8:26). He also stayed with Paul in Caesarea (Acts 21:8) and was one of the major figures in the missionary enterprise of the early church.
The Gospel of John shows Philip as one of the first of many to whom Jesus addressed the words, “Follow Me.” When Philip met Christ, he immediately discovered Nathanael and told him that “we have found him, of whom Moses and the prophets did write.” Nathanael was skeptical. Philip did not argue with him; he simply answered, “Come and see.” This story tells us two important things about Philip. First, it shows his right approach to the skeptic and his simple faith in Christ. Second, it shows that he had a missionary instinct.
Philip was a man with a warm heart and a pessimistic head. He was one who would very much like to do something for others, but who did not see how it could be done. Yet, this simple Galilean gave all he had. In return, God used him. It is said that he died by hanging. While he was dying, he requested that his body be wrapped not in linen but in papyrus for he was not worthy that even his dead body should be treated as the body of Jesus had been treated. The symbol of Philip is a basket, because of his part in the feeding of the five thousand. It is he that stressed the cross as a sign of Christianity and victory.
BARTHOLOMEW
Bartholomew Nathanael, son of Talmai, lived in Cana of Galilee. Tradition says he was a missionary in Armenia.
A number of scholars believe that he was the only disciple who came from royal blood, or noble birth. His name means Son of Tolmai or Talmai (2 Sam. 3:3). And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
Talmai was king of Geshur whose Daughter, Maacah, was the wife of David, mother of Absalom.
Bartholomew’s name appears with every list of the disciples (Mat. 10:3), 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
(Mark 3:18), (Luke 6:14), (Acts 1:13).
This was not a first name, however; it was his second name. His first name probable was Nathanael, whom Jesus called “An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile” (John 1:47). 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
The New Testament gives us very little information about him. Nevertheless, we have clear information that he was a great searcher of the Scripture and a scholar in the Law and the Prophets. He was a man of complete sincerity, a man earnest in prayer, a man who made complete surrender to the Carpenter of Nazareth, and one of the Church’s most adventurous missionaries.
He is said to have preached with Philip in Phrygia and Hierapolis; also in Armenia. The Armenian Church claims him as its founder and martyr. However, tradition says that he preached in India, and his death seems to have taken place there. He died as a martyr of his Lord. He was flayed alive with knives.
His apostolic symbol is three parallel knives.
THOMAS
Thomas Didymus lived in Galilee. Tradition says he labored in Parthia, Persia, and India, suffering martyrdom near Madras, at Mt. St. Thomas, India.
Thomas was his Hebrew name and Didymus was his Greek name. At times he was called Judas. Matthew, Mark and Luke tell us nothing about Thomas except his name. However, John defines him more clearly in his Gospel. Thomas appeared in the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-16), in the Upper Room (John 14:1-6) where he wanted to know how to know the way where Jesus was going. In John 20:25, we see him saying unless he sees the nail prints in Jesus’ hand and the gash of the spear in His side he will not believe. That is why Thomas became known as Doubting Thomas.
Thomas became certain by doubting. By nature, he as a pessimist. He was a bewildered man. Yet, he was a man of courage. He was a man who could not believe until he had seen. He was a man of devotion and of faith. When Jesus rose, he came back and invited Thomas to put his fingers in the nail prints in his hands and in his side. Here, we see Thomas making the greatest confession of faith, “My Lord and my God.” Thomas’ doubts were transformed into faith.
Thomas was always like a little child. His first reaction was not to do what he was told to do and not to believe what he was asked to believe. The good news to him was always too good to be true. By this very fact Thomas’ faith became great, intense and convincing. It is said that he was commissioned to build a palace for the king of India, and he was killed with a spear as a martyr for his Lord. His symbol is a group of spears, stones and arrows.
MATTHEW
Matthew, or Levi, son of Alpheus, lived in Capernaum. He was a publican or tax collector. He wrote the Gospel that bears his name. He died a martyr in Ethiopia.
The call of Matthew to the apostolic band is mentioned in Mark 2:14, Mat. 9:9; and Luke 5:27-28. From these passages, we learn that Matthew also was called Levi. It was a common custom in the Middle East at the time of Christ for men to have two names. Matthew’s names mean “a gift of God.” The name Levi could have been given to him by Jesus. It is likely that James the Lesser, who was one of the twelve Apostles, was Matthew’s brother, also the son of Alpheus. Although we know little about Matthew personally, the outstanding fact about him is that he was a tax collector. The King James Version calls him a publican, which in Latin is Publicanus; meaning engaged in public service, a man who handled public money, or a tax gatherer.
Of all the nations in the world, the Jews were the most vigorous haters of tax gatherers. To the devout Jew, God was the only one to whom it was right to pay tribute in taxes. To pay it to anyone else was to infringe on the rights of God. The tax collectors were hated not on religious grounds only but because most of them were notoriously unjust.
In the minds of many honest, Jewish men, these tax collectors were regarded as criminals. In New Testament times they were classified with harlots, Gentiles and sinners (Mat. 18:17, Mat. 21:31, Mat. 9:10, Mark 2:15-16, and Luke 5:30). Tax collectors had been known to assess duty payable at impossible sums and then offer to lend the money to travelers at a high rate of interest. Such was Matthew. Yet, Jesus chose a man all men hated and made him one of His men. It took Jesus Christ to see the potential in the tax collector of Capernaum.
Matthew was unlike most of the other Apostles, who were all fisherman. He could use a pen, and by his pen he became the first man to present to the world, in the Hebrew language, an account of the teachings of Jesus. It is clearly impossible to estimate the debt that Christianity owes to this despised tax gatherer. The average man would have thought it impossible to reform Matthew, but to God all things are possible. Matthew became the first man to write down the teachings of Jesus. He was a missionary of the Gospel, who laid down his life for the faith of his Master. The apostolic symbol of Matthew is three money bags which remind us that he was a tax collector before Jesus called him.
JAMES
James, the Lesser or Younger, Son of Alpheus, or Cleophas, and Mary, lived in Galilee. He was the brother of the Apostle Jude.
According to tradition he wrote the Epistle of James, preached in Palestine and Egypt and was crucified in Egypt. James was one of the little-known disciples. Some scholars believe he was the brother of Matthew, the tax collector. James was a man of strong character and one of the fieriest types. Tradition tells us that he also died as a martyr and his body was sawed in pieces. The saw became his apostolic symbol.
JUDE
Jude, Thaddeus, or Lebbeus, Son of Alpheus or Cleophas and Mary. He was a brother of James the Younger. He was one of the very little-known Apostles and lived in Galilee. Tradition says he preached in Assyria and Persia and died a martyr in Persia.
Jerome called Jude “Trinomious” which means “a man with three names.” In Mark 3:18 he is called Thaddeus. In Matthew 10:3 he is called Lebbeus. His surname was Thaddeus. In Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13 he is called Judas the brother of James. Judas Thaddeus was also called Judas the Zealot.
By character he was an intense and violent Nationalist with the dream of world power and domination by the Chosen People. In the New Testament records (John 14:22-23) 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man loves me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
He asked Jesus at the Last Supper, “Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifesting thyself unto us, and not unto the world?” Judas Thaddeus was interested in making Christ known to the world. Not as a suffering Saviour, however, but al ruling King. We can see plainly from the answer Jesus gave him, that the way of power can never be substituted from the way of love.
It is said that Jude went to preach the gospel in Edessa near the Euphrates River. There he healed many and many believed in the name of the Master. Jude went from there to preach the Gospel in other places. He was killed with arrows at Ararat. The chosen symbol for him is the ship because he was a missionary thought to be a fisherman.
SIMON
Simon, the Zealot, one of the little-known followers called the Canaanite or Zelotes, lived in Galilee. Tradition says he was crucified.
In two places in the King James Version he is called a Canaanite (Mat. 10:4; Mark 3:18). However in the other two places, he is called Simon Zelotes (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13).
The New Testament gives us practically nothing on him personally except that it says he was a Zealot. The Zealots were fanatical Jewish Nationalists who had heroic disregard for the suffering involved and the struggle for what they regarded as the purity of their faith. The Zealots were crazed with hatred for the Romans. It was this hate for Rome that destroyed the city of Jerusalem. Josephus says the Zealots were reckless persons zealous in good practices and extravagant and reckless in the worst actions.
From this background, we see that Simon was a fanatical Nationalist, a man devoted to the Law, a man with bitter hatred for anyone who dared to compromise with Rome. Yet, Simon clearly emerged as a man of faith. He abandoned all his hatred for the faith that he showed toward his Master and the love that he was willing to share with the rest of the disciples and especially Matthew, the Roman tax collector.
Simon the Zealot, the man who once would have killed in loyalty to Israel, became the man who says that God will have no forced service. Tradition says he died a martyr. His apostolic symbol is a fish lying on the Bible, which indicates he was a former fisherman who became a fisher of men through preaching.
JUDAS
Judas Iscariot, the traitor, was the son of Simon who lived in Kerioth of Judah. He betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and afterwards hanged himself (Matt. 26:14-16). 14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver hem unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
Judas, the man who became the traitor, is the supreme enigma of the New Testament because it is so hard to see how anyone who was so close to Jesus, who saw so many miracles and heard so much of the Master’s teaching could ever betray him into the hands of his enemies.
His name appears in three lists of the 12 Apostles (Matt 10:4), (Mark 3:19), (Luke 6:19). It is said that Judas came from Judah near Jericho. He was a Judean and the rest of the disciples were Galileans. He was the treasurer of the band and among the outspoken leaders.
It is said that Judas was a violent Jewish Nationalist who had followed Jesus in hope that through Him his nationalistic flame and dreams might be realized. No one can deny that Judas was a covetous man and at times he may have used his position as treasurer of the band to pilfer from the common purse.
There is no certain reason as to why Judas betrayed his master; but it is not his betrayal that put Jesus on the cross, it was our sins.
His apostolic symbol is a hangman’s noose or a money purse with pieces of silver falling from it.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
CHAPTER 17
Ten Commandments or Decalogue, designation for the precepts that, according to the Old Testament, was given by Yahweh to Moses on Mount Sinai. According to Exodus 31:18, 18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
They were inscribed on two stone tablets by God himself. Moses is said to have destroyed the tablets in anger over his people's abandonment of their faith. He was then commanded by God to hew and inscribe new tablets; these were deposited in the Ark of the Covenant. Because the Decalogue was revealed before the other parts of the Covenant between Yahweh and the Hebrews, it enjoyed a unique status in the religion of ancient Israel. The Ten Commandments formed the basis of all Israelite legislation, and they are frequently alluded to in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:3-4, 11-13; Psalm 15:2-5, 24:4; Jeremiah 7:9; Hosea 4:2).
Two different versions of the commandments are given in Exodus 20:1-17, 1 And God spake all these words, saying, 2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow thyself down to them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 and showing mercy to thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; 10 but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gate; 11 for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 12 Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, 13 Thou shalt not kill. 14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. 15 Thou shalt not steal. 16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s.
Deuteronomy 5:6-21 6 I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me. 8Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth; 9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve then; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. 10 And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments. 11 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 12 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee. 13 Six days thou shalt labor, and do all thy work; 14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. 15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm; therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day. 16 Honor thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 17 Thou shalt not kill. 18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery. 19 Neither shalt thou steal. 20 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbor. 21 Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbor’s wife, neither shalt thou covet the neighbor’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbor’s.
But the substance is the same in both of them. The Exodus version differs from that in Deuteronomy in giving a religious motive, instead of a humanitarian one, for observing the Sabbath; also, in prohibiting covetousness, it classifies a man’s wife with the rest of his possessions, instead of separately. Traditionally, the commandments have been enumerated in three ways. In Jewish tradition, the commandments are organized as follows; (1) the prologue; (2) prohibition of the worship of any deity but Yahweh, and prohibition of idolatry; (3) prohibition of the use of the name of God for vain purposes; (4) observance of the Sabbath; (5) honoring of one’s father and mother; (6) prohibition of murder; (7) Prohibition of adultery; (8) prohibition of stealing; (9) prohibition of giving false testimony; and (10) prohibition of coveting the property of wife or one’s neighbor. Most Protestants and Orthodox Christians combine the prologue and the prohibition of the worship of any deity but Yahweh as the first commandment, treat the prohibition idolatry as the second commandment, and follow the traditional Jewish enumeration of the remaining commandments. Roman Catholics and Lutherans follow the division used by 4th-century theologian Saint Augustine. The prologue and first two prohibitions are combining, and the last is divided into two that prohibit, individually, the coveting of a neighbor’s wife and of his property. Thus, the enumeration of the other commandments differs by one.
Medieval Scholastic philosophers and theologians, such as Saint Thomas Aquinas and Saint Bonaventure, held that all the commandments are a part of the natural law and are therefore knowable to all thinking people. They maintained that God revealed the commandments to Moses to remind humankind of its obligations, easily forgotten because of original sin. Actually, the scholars were echoing a similar idea expressed to early Fathers of the Church, such as Tertullian and Augustine, that the commandments had already been engraved on the human heart before they were written on the tablets of stone.
Parallels to the Decalogue are found in the laws of other ancient peoples. In Egyptian religion, for example, the observance of certain precepts (prohibitions against theft, murder, and injustice) was necessary for entrance into the shrine of Osiris, god and judge of the dead. Biblical scholars feel, however, that the ten Commandments differ from the moral codes of other ancient religious systems in their explicit monotheism, their doctrine of God’s awesome majesty and boundless goodness, and their extension of moral obligation to the most intimate and hidden desires of the human heart. In the New Testaments, all the commandments are mentioned but never in a list of ten.
Sinai, Mount, or Jabal Mosa in theological tradition, sacred mountain on which, according to the Old Testament, The Hebrew prophet and lawgiver Moses received from Yahweh the tables of the Ten Commandments, or the Decalogue. In other passages of the Bible, it is sometimes called Horeb. Authorities are not in complete agreement over the identification of the biblical Sinai, but most believe that the mountain referred to in the Old Testament in the peak now called Jabal Mosa (Arabic for “Mountain of Moses”). The peak is part of a rocky mass that almost fills the Sinai Peninsula of Northeastern Egypt, between the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. Adjacent to Mount Sinai is Mount Catherine, the highest mountain on the Sinai Peninsula. Mount Sinai was regarded as a sacred mountain from ancient times (Deut. 33:2) 2 And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: (Judges 5:5) 5 The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel.
It became an early center of Christian monasticism when Emperor Justinian I established the Monastery of Saint Catherine at the foot of the mountain in the 6th century; Saint Catherine’s was a site of Christian pilgrimage for hundreds of years and remains a functioning monastery.