Monthly Archives: February 1936

Part 3: Studies in Ephesians

Posted on by Pastor Vincent Bennett

THE PLAN AND THE WORK OF THE TRIUNE GOD. Ephesians 1:3 to 14.

After our study of the opening verses of this epistle, we are now ready to meditate upon one of the most wonderful portions of the Word of God. What a different atmosphere is here found to that in Galatians. There it is a battlefield, here it is a heart meditation. There we find the strife of controversy, here the blessedness of a heaven-born unity.

Here, in a single sentence of two hundred and sixty-four words, the greatest sentence in all the literature of the world, is woven the plan and work of the God-head. These verses (Ephesians 1:3 to 14), must be taken in their entirety, so that the completeness of the truth before us is not broken. There is no stopping place in the way, because the persons of the God-head are inseparable, both in their being and activity. The message is clear: that which was essentially ours by the will of God the Father (Ephesians 1:3 to 6), and instrumentally ours by the blood of the Son (Ephesians 1:7 to 12), is now experimentally ours by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13 and 14). This is the best answer I know of to Unitarianism; for we see here that a Unitarian God never did or could save man. Man only knows redeeming grace as it is worked out for him by the three persons of the God-head: Not to be ignored are these words, Ephesians 1:6, “To the praise of the glory of his grace”, Ephesians 1:12, “that we should be to the praise of his glory”, Ephesians 1:14, “unto the praise of his glory”. These quotations come in proper sequence following the separate mention of Father, Son and Spirit. Notice the scope of this truth: from, “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4), to the “redemption of the purchased possession” (Ephesians 1:14). Who can begin to sound the full richness of this profound word, which begins with a doxology and ends on a note sounding “the praise of his glory?” Yet is not this glorious passage much like the entire epistle, scaling heights and spanning breadths unknown? The key to the instruction and construction of this marvelous sentence is found in the word “according” which occurs five times (Ephesians 1:4, 5, 7, 9 and 11). After some glorious truth or fact has been declared, the consequences and issues are made known and the word, “according”, ties the verses together. It is the link in the chain that keeps the theme in progressive revelation till the plan of the God-head is worked out.

THE DOXOLOGY. Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”

We are going to take time to examine this verse, so please read it very carefully and study its contents, for it is a bud that gradually unfolds in succeeding revelation. Notice first that the Father, Son and Spirit are all here in anticipation of the unfolding to follow. God the Father is given as the Author and Source of all blessings. These blessings are ours “In Christ”, and they are spiritual, that is, they are bestowed by the Spirit of God. This verse is a doxology. In Ephesians 1:2, we had a ‘benediction’. A benediction comes down from the heart of God in His goodness and kindness toward us. A doxology goes up from the heart of man in praise and thankfulness toward God We are the objects of His grace, He is the object of our praise.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”. The word “blessed” from the Greek “eulogetus” literally means “well spoken of”. There is much eulogizing of men that is empty and meaningless. But as we contemplate the wonders of God’s redeeming grace, surely this exultant outburst of praise should come from overflowing hearts and be on the lips of all the redeemed, especially those who by the illumination of the Spirit of God, have come to a more intimate realization of their calling and hope. Notice next, that it is not “the God of Abraham, and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our fathers,” (Acts 3:13). There is a vast difference between truth linked up with the “God of our fathers” and the “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”, for this is not a covenant relationship such as He bears with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for Israel’s national blessing on the earth, but here the risen Saviour is given His full title and He is called “OUR” Lord Jesus Christ, and in Him, the God and, Father hath blessed “US”. Take note of these pronouns, for to know the meaning of these little words is to understand much of the interpretation of the epistle, and the “OUR” and “US” in this passage has reference to the Jew and Gentile as they are united in one body in Christ, for this is the theme of the Ephesian letter.

“Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Heavenly places.”

Oh, how distinct is our calling in Christ from that of Israel. Israel indeed has a glorious expectation, a hope that will be realized in a material way upon the earth when “the times of refreshing” shall be ushered in, when the spirit shall be poured upon all flesh, when Messiah the King shall reign in righteousness. Have not all the prophets foretold of “these days”? Israel then has material blessings related to the earth but the Church which is His body has spiritual blessings related to the heavenlies. We have no prophetic forecast such as is given to Israel, and our affections are not to be centered on the earth but in the heavenlies, where Christ is Who is our life, for this is where our hope is actually going to be realized—“in the Glory”. The term “in heavenly places”, literally “in the heavenlies”, occurs five times (Ephesians 1:3, 20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12) and has definite reference to a locality. The Father is there, the Lord Jesus came from there, the Spirit came from there, and the best of all, Christ has gone back there and my citizenship is there, for my standing by grace is “in Christ”. So already, positionally, I am “in the heavenlies in Christ”, and the same power that brought again the Lord; Jesus from the dead and carried Him through the heavens to that blest abode, will one day bring the members of “His Body” to “The Head” in the glory. When the hope of Israel is realized in the land of promise, surely the people will be able to say, blessed be God who hath blessed us with all “earthly” blessings; and when members of the Church which is His Body once realize the character and sphere of their own blessings in contrast, they will not want to go around robbing Israel of her glory.

“ALL” (EVERY) SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS

Not blessings that are conditioned and restricted, depending upon my works of righteousness or faithfulness, but blessings secured for me by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ in Whom I have all things, thank God. All the riches of glory are at my disposal, and He will supply all my needs according to those riches by Christ Jesus (Philippians 5:19). This is just a glimpse of the fulness of the grace of our God.

“IN CHRIST”. This is the sum of it all: in two words, “In Christ”, we have the explanation of all that we are in the sight of God and all that we hope to be in the ages to come; for by identification with Christ we are “accepted” by the Father and all spiritual blessings are ours. “In Christ” explains our transition by faith from death to life. We died in Him, we were buried and rose in Him, we ascended in Him, and when He appears, transformed in His likeness, we shall appear with Him in His glory.

When the tabernacle was still standing the high priest entered the Holy of Holies as the representative of the people, bearing upon his person the breast-plate with its twelve precious stones on which were engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, thus carrying them into the presence of God. “In Christ” we are not only “presented” but veritably “present”, for He has “made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ”. As we continue our study we shall find that this great teaching of our mystical union with Christ finds in this epistle its clearest enunciation.

Facts and Questions For Your Meditation and Answer

Posted on by Pastor J. C. O'Hair

I. In Philippians 1:10, students of God’s Word are instructed to “test the things that differ.” (R. V.) Even the babe in Christ knows there is a difference between the Old Covenant and New Covenant, between law and grace, between inheriting the earth and going to heaven, between Christ the Head of the Church which is His Body and Christ the King of Israel, between the Jews, the Gentiles and the Church of God. I Corinthians 10:32. Let us observe a few other things that differ. Compare Genesis 17:14 with Galatians 5:3; Galatians 6:12; Galatians 6:15 and Galatians 5:12 and observe that in 1900 B. C. those who refused circumcision were to be cut off, whereas, in 57 A.D., those who taught circumcision were to be cut off. Answer: Different dispensations. The Lord Jesus was circumcised and lived in a “circumcision” dispensation. We do not. Compare Exodus 31:12 to 17 with Colossians 2:14 to 17 and observe that God’s people, in 1495 B.C., were judged with respect to the Sabbath, even unto death; and in 66 A.D. they were not to be judged with respect to the Sabbath. Christ spent His days on the earth “under the law;” the Holy Spirit tells Christians “ye are not under the law”. Galatians 4:4. Romans 6:14. With respect to the law, how are we to follow Jesus?

II. In John 13:15 Jesus said to His disciples, “if ye love me, keep my commandments.” How many of these commandments of Jesus should we keep?

1. “Sell all that ye have and give alms.” Luke 12:32.

2. “Leave there thy gift before the altar.” Matthew 5:24

3. “Agree with thine adversary quickly.” Matthew 5:25.

4. “If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out.” Matthew 5:29.

5. “Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee and from him that would borrow of thee turn not away.”

Matthew 5:41 to 47.

6. “Be ye perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48.

7. Pray, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. If ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:12 and 15.

8. “When thou fastest anoint thine head.” Matthew 6:17.

9. “Take therefore no thought for the morrow.” Matthew 6:34.

10. “Shew thyself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded.” Matthew 8:4.

11. “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Provide no script for your journey. No gold or silver in your purse.” Matthew 10:7 to 9.

12. “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13.

13. “Take nothing for your journey . . . neither bread . . . neither two coats.” Luke 9:3.

14. “Strive (agonize) to enter in at the straight gate.” Luke 13:24.

15. “Ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” John 13:14.

16. “Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49.

17. “Wait for the promise.” Acts 1:4.

If members of the Body of Christ are not keeping these commandments, do they love the Lord Jesus? Why disregard, or disobey, these commandments and say the commandments of Matthew 28:19 and 20 and Mark 16:14 to 18 are binding upon members of the Body of Christ? Are members of the Body of Christ to observe all things which Jesus commanded His disciples and nation?

III. In Mark 16:15 to 18 we have the commission of the resurrected Christ to the “Eleven”: their message and program, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved:” miracles, signs, healings were to follow. This commission was not given to Paul. I Corinthians 1:17; Galatians 1:11 to 17. Galatians 2:7 to 9. Paul’s message of grace is our message for today; not, “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;” not miraculous signs for members of the Body of Christ.

CONCERNING THE SIGNS OF MARK 16:16 to 18

We are all aware of the fact that the grace preachers who cling to water baptism preach, “he that believeth and is saved shall be baptized.” This is not the order of Mark 16:15 and 16. Where are the signs? They are found only in the counterfeit. Explained away. 1. Uninspired. 2. Unintended. 3. Unbelief. 4. Undispensational.

1. Uninspired. Certain teachers declare that Mark 16:17 and 18, the “sign” verses, are not found in four of the original manuscripts. The fact is, that most of them include these verses. We refuse this explanation.

2. Unintended. Certain teachers declare that signs were intended for the Apostles only. But this is refuted by Acts 6:8; Acts 8:6 and I Corinthians 12:8 to 11. We refuse this explanation.

3. Unbelief. Certain Christians who are endeavoring to bring back the signs of Mark 16:17 and 18, declare they are absent because of unbelief. This is nonsense. Note the unbelief in the early Church. Acts 12:5 and 15. We refuse this explanation.

4. Undispensational. This is the intelligent Scriptural explanation of the absence of signs in the Body of Christ today. I Corinthians 13:8. I Timothy 5:23. II Timothy 4:20. The most carnal church of the days of the apostles had all of the “sign” gifts. I Corinthians 3:3; I Corinthians 6:7 and 8; I Corinthians 13:8 to 11. Whereas, the most spiritual saints today have none of these “sign” gifts. They are not for this dispensation. With the full revelation of the “mystery” after Acts 28:31, sign passed away. We accept this explanation.

IV Christ dealt with two Gentiles while on earth, a Greek woman and a Roman officer. There are two records of each. His dealings with the Gentile woman are recorded in Matthew 15:21 to 28 and Mark 7:24 to 27. His dealings with the Gentile man are recorded in Matthew 8:1 to 13 and Luke 7:1 to 10. You will find these stories very interesting. You will learn that both of these Gentiles had, “great faith”. Matthew 15:28; Matthew 8:10; Luke 7:9. To the woman, Christ said, “Let the children (Israel) first be filled.” Luke 7:27. To the man Christ said, “The children (Israel) shall be cast into outer darkness.” Matthew 8:12. As we travel with Israel through the Book of Acts, we learn that they are first being filled. Acts 3:26; Acts 13:46. And as we come to the close of the Book of Acts, we find that those who refused, to be, filled were cast into outer darkness. Acts 28:25 to 28. Then this question: If Israel was set aside in Matthew 23:33 to 40, when the Lord called them “serpents”, and if the dispensation of the mystery” began on the day of Pentecost, why did Israel have first chance during the “Acts” period?

V. Concerning water baptism, its significance is declared in John 1:31; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 2:38, unto repentance for the remission of sins to present Israel’s Messiah to Israel:” and in Mark 16:14 to 16, baptism is coupled with belief as the factors in salvation. Some Bible teachers, who may consider themselves expert exegetes, tell us that water baptism was for Israel while Christ was on earth as a minister of the circumcision. Acts 2:22. Romans 15:8; Acts 13:24. They declare that that water baptism was not “Christian” baptism but “kingdom” baptism; that “Christian” water baptism began with the resurrection of Christ, when the significance of the water ceremony was changed in the mind of the Holy Spirit. As to its changed significance, there are about as many theories as there are denominations. But we are Bereans. What saith the Scriptures? Read Acts 2:38; Acts 8:5 to 16; and Acts 19:1 to 8 and what do we learn? Do we learn, as one zealous immersionist has declared, that water baptism was the obedience and expression of the grateful hearts of Christians who had already received the Holy Spirit, who had already become members of the Body of Christ? Positively not. In each case water baptism was the prerequisite; water baptism in each case was meritorious, efficacious and obligatory preceding the receiving of the Holy Spirit. If Peter intended to tell the 3000, on the day of Pentecost, that they had already received the Holy Spirit and were already members of the Body of Christ and they should receive Christian baptism as an expression of gratitude, he made an awful botch of the job; for he told them nothing of the kind. Acts 2:38. They would have told Peter to practice for himself what he preached to them: for he received no Christian water baptism after Christ’s resurrection. The apostles were baptized several years before Christ’s death baptism on the cross.

VI. Concerning the “Acts” Church program we have several interesting and important questions to ask. First: Should our slogan and policy be “back to Jesus and His gospel program on earth” or back to Pentecost and the first Chapters of Acts” for our gospel message, for our church creed, and for our Scriptural guide for our daily ministry and practice; or should we rather say, “travel with Paul; beginning with his first revelation from Christ in heaven for Gentiles; on to his last message in II Timothy?” Perhaps we have been prejudiced by the Red lettered New Testament, placing special emphasis for Christians on the words of Jesus, many of which were spoken to Israel on earth, or by believing that the Body of Christ, of which we are members, had its birth on the day of Pentecost and that that being the first Church in all its purity and power, we should turn back to that ideal Church for our ideal program. Perhaps we have overlooked the significance of the words of Acts 14:27, telling when the door of faith was opened to the Gentiles; and Galatians 2:7 to 9 and I Corinthians 9:20 to 25. Here are two of the most important facts, altogether essential for intelligent Bible study: first, all Scripture must be studied, interpreted and applied as to whether it covered. God’s program for His people before or after Acts 14:27. Second, all of Paul’s messages must be studied, interpreted and applied as to whether they were written before, or after, God’s declaration in Acts 28:25 to 28; when Israel was set aside. Before that climax, Paul wrote Thessalonians, Galatians, Corinthians and Romans. After the “Acts” period he wrote Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon, Titus, Timothy.

Some of the things that accompany salvation in Paul’s earlier Epistles do not accompany salvation in Paul’s last Epistles. There is no change in the message of redemption clearly stated in Romans 3:24 to 28; Ephesians 2:8 to 10; Titus 3:5 to 7; II Timothy 1:9 and 10, for all emphasize salvation by pure and unadulterated grace apart from works; “without the law”, “without works”, “without a cause”, “unto good works”. Is Acts 2:38 our message for today. Is Acts 8:5 to 15 our program today?

There are about fifty religious ceremonies, signs, gifts and religious practices which were God’s order and program during the “Acts” period, but today have been dropped arbitrarily and without Scriptural explanation by virtually every Fundamentalist assembly and preacher of the grace gospel in the land. Why is there such a change in the “Acts” program and the program of the assemblies of those Fundamentalists who teach that they are members of the Body of Christ which began on the day of Pentecost? Which of them observe the order of Acts 19:1 to 10 or practice the gifts of I Corinthians 12:8 to 11?

Part 6: Gleanings From the Book of Acts

Posted on by Pastor J. C. O'Hair

WHAT GOD DETERMINED BEFORE HAND CONCERNING CHRIST AND ISRAEL:

“THE KINGS OF THE EARTH STOOD UP, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD, AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.

“FOR OF A TRUTH AGAINST THY HOLY CHILD JESUS, WHOM THOU HAST ANOINTED, BOTH HEROD, AND PONTIUS PILATE, WITH THE GENTILES, AND THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, WERE GATHERED TOGETHER, “FOR TO DO WHATSOEVER THY HAND AND THY COUNSEL DETERMINED BEFORE TO BE DONE.” Acts 4:26 to 28.

“AND WHEN THEY HAD FULFILLED ALL THAT WAS WRITTEN OF HIM, THEY TOOK HIM DOWN FROM THE TREE, AND LAID HIM IN A SEPULCHRE. “BUT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD.” Acts 13:29 and 30.

When Christ died at the wicked hands of Israel it was according to the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God: Acts 2:22 and 23. Before His death Christ said, “The Son of man goeth as it is written of Him”. Matthew 26:24. When He came to the time of His death Christ said: “for this cause came I unto this hour”. John 12:27 and 28. Christ was made to die. Hebrews 2:9 and 14 and 17 and Hebrews 9:26.

Christ said to His twelve apostles “all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished . . . they shall put Him to death, and the third day He shall rise again.” Luke 18:31 to 34.

The rejection of Jesus Christ, His death on the tree, His burial in the rich man’s grave, and His resurrection, had to be; that the Scriptures might be fulfilled. When they had fulfilled all that written of Him, they took Him the tree and laid Him in the sepulchre. But God raised Him from the dead. Christ had to die at a set time and in a manner determined beforehand.

They did whatsoever God’s hand and counsel determined before to be done. Acts 4:28.

Because of this “before-hand” determination and foreknowledge of God and because of Christ’s prayer on the cross, God was willing to fully pardon Israel’s great sin, “killing the Prince of life”, “crucifying the Lord of glory.” Perhaps these facts will help us to better understand the words of John 12:37 to 40:—“But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him; that the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.”

With these verses we should carefully study Matthew 12:15 to 21. Israel could not believe? This, of course, brings this question to our minds, “did God arbitrarily cause Israel to reject His holy Son, as King and Messiah, that He might go to the cross to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself before He should come as the Son of man in the clouds, with power and great glory, to be accepted of Israel; in fulfillment of many Scriptures?”

If Israel could not believe and rejected the Son of man who had to go, that the Scriptures might be fulfilled, did that not minimize the guilt of Israel? Were they not the foreordained human instruments of God accomplishing the foreordained purpose of God? Our first answer is, that God’s foreknowledge of Israel’s guilt, although God used their guilty and wicked deeds to provide salvation for the sins of the whole world, did not relieve Israel from their responsibility or in any way make them guiltless. There was forgiveness for them, had they repented at the preaching of Peter in Acts 3:14 to 26. Our other answer is Romans 11:33 and 34:

“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!

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counselor?” This outcry of the Apostle Paul followed the Lord’s announcement of Israel’s judgment for the benefit of the uncovenanted Gentiles who were by nature the wild olive tree. As Israel had to reject their Messiah and King and do whatsoever God’s hand and God’s counsel determined beforehand to be done and with wicked hands crucify Him, some years after that crucifixion Israel must fall, that salvation be sent to Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy. Romans 11:11.

In spite of this inevitable fall of Israel, that Nation was solemnly warned; “beware lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets.” Acts 13:40. Because they killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and persecuted Christ’s apostles and pleased not God, trying to prevent the salvation of the Gentiles, but were determined to fill up their sin away, the wrath came upon them to the uttermost. I Thessalonians 2:14 and 15. Something of that “uttermost” wrath is declared in Romans 11:17 to 25, in Acts 28:25 to 28, Matthew 22:7 and Luke 21:20 to 24. The uttermost wrath of God fell when Rome destroyed Jerusalem about 69 or 70 A.D..

But again to Romans 11:19; did the Gentile tell the truth when he said, “The natural branches were broken off that I might be graffed in?” Hear the message which the Lord gave to Paul:

“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” Acts 13:46. “And when. they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads. I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.” Acts 18:6.

“Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.” Acts 28:28.

In the first chapter of Romans we are told how the Gentiles were cut off, given up by God. In Ephesians 4:18 we are told that they were alienated, from the life of God. But in Romans 11:15 we are told that the casting away of Israel meant the reconciling of the world. Hear these words of God to Gentiles:

“FOR AS YE IN TIMES PAST HAVE NOT BELIEVED GOD, YET HAVE NOW OBTAINED MERCY THROUGH THEIR UNBELIEF.” Romans 11:30. There is a most interesting and significant story recorded in Acts 13:6 to 12. We quote these verses:

“And when they had gone through the isle of Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus:

“Which was with the deputy of the country Sergius Paulus, a prudent man, who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the Word of God.

“But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

“Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, “And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? “And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

“Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.”

Paulus, the Gentile, was astonished at the Lord’s doings, and believed when he saw what was done to the Jew. Every Gentile in the world who has given serious thought to God’s dealings with the Jew should be astonished and believe. Just carefully read the twenty-eighth chapter of Deuteronomy, and then study the history of Israel to see how the judgments, the punishments, the curses of that chapter have happened to that chosen race. “The Gentile shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail.” (Deuteronomy 28:44). “These curses shall come upon thee—they shall be upon thee for a sign—because thou servedst not the Lord thy God—thou shalt serve thine enemies the Lord shall bring a nation against thee—He shall besiege thee in. all thy gates—and thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters—and ye shall be left few in number—because thou wouldst not obey the voice of the Lord thy God—and the Lord will scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other— among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the soles of thy feet have rest but the Lord shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind. (Deuteronomy 28:45 to 68). “Thou shalt become an astonishment, and a Sheniynah (shenee)-naw) among all nations whither the Lord shall lead thee.” (Deuteronomy 28:37).

God created Israel for His own glory. He sanctified that nation and that holy nation was His peculiar treasure in the earth to witness to the other nations concerning the holiness, majesty, sovereignty, righteousness, justice and goodness of the one true and living God. Exodus 19:5 and 6—Isaiah 43:1— Isaiah 41:8 and 9— Isaiah 43:7 to 10— Isaiah 43:15.

Israel was the child of Jehovah-Saviour (Barjesus); but as a nation they were a disobedient and gainsaying people, to whom God stretched forth His hands all day long. Romans 10:21. “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted: and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers?” Acts 7:51 and 52.

The miraculous supernatural preservation of Israel, scattered all over the earth down through the centuries, following that terrible judgment which fell upon them about 70 A.D. under the hand of Titus, in fulfillment of Christ’s words in Matthew 22:7 and Luke 21:20 to 24, should cause every one to be astonished at the doctrine of the Lord, believe in the inspiration and infallibility of the Word of God, and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as the Divine Saviour.

Bar-jesus, in Acts 13:6 to 12, typical of Israel, was blind for a season, not seeing the sun, because he tried to keep Sergius Paulus from hearing and believing Paul’s testimony concerning Israel’s Messiah, rejected and crucified by Israel. Because of Barjesus’ blindness, Paulus believed. The disciple Saul became the Apostle Paulus.

This is the message of the eleventh of Romans. Israel’s blindness is only for a season. Some day Israel will see the Sun; for the Sun of righteousness is to arise with healing in His wings and Israel will look upon the One they pierced. Then Israel shall be saved. Malachi 4:2—Zechariah 12:10—Romans 11:25 and 26. Because of Israel’s blindness salvation was sent to the Gentiles. Because of Israel’s unbelief the Gentiles obtained mercy. Romans 11:11 and 11:30.

In the light of judgments which Christ on earth promised Luke 21:20 to 24, Matthew 23:33 to 39, Matthew 21:43, Matthew 22:7, perhaps it seems strange that to that wicked nation, the Lord directed Peter to tenderly and affectionately address them as brethren and children, and say to the murderers of the Son of God “unto you first” Acts 3:26—Acts 3:12 to 25.

In the light of Acts 13:46; Acts 18:6; Acts 28:28, and Romans 11:11 and Romans 11:30, it is difficult to believe that the Great Commission was Paul’s Divine authority for preaching the Gospel of grace to Gentiles.

Peace On Earth — When?

Posted on by Pastor J. C. O'Hair

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14.

“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15.

This first message of peace was proclaimed by God’s angel and the heavenly host that was with him. The second message of peace was proclaimed by the Apostle Paul about sixty years later. Many significant events took place between the two proclamations.

Concerning the first proclamation of peace, it will prove interesting and instructive to observe some associated facts. These facts have to do with the birth of two sons, both “Divinely” given and both “Divinely” named: John, the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth and the other “Jesus” the Son of God and the Son of Mary. Luke 1:1 to 34. The first son, John, was born to turn many of the children of Israel to their God. Luke 1:16. The second Son, Jesus, was to reign on David’s throne, over the house of Israel forever. Luke 1:31 to 33. These two sons were sent by God in fulfillment of promises in Malachi 3:1 and Malachi 4:4 and 6.

Now let us carefully and prayerfully study God’s purpose for Israel in connection with the births of John and Jesus.

1. John—“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people” . . . “By the mouth of His holy prophets and the oath which He sware by our father Abraham.” “That we should be saved from our enemies—Delivered out of the hand of our enemies.” Luke 1:67 to 77.

2. Jesus—“The Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever: and of His kingdom there shall be no end.” “And the angel said: Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy (the gospel), which shall be to all people: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 1:31 to 33 and Luke 2:10 and 11.

In Luke 2:25 we learn of a devout Israelite, Simeon, who was waiting for the consolation of Israel. There are a multitude of devout Israelites who, in the year 1936, will be waiting for the consolation of Israel. They are by no means as close to God as was Simeon. Nor has God revealed to them that, like Simeon, they may see the Messiah and depart in peace, as he did. Luke 2:25 to 29. Most of the 17,000,000 scattered Israelites of today may be ignorant of the fact that the tribulation of Israel is to precede the consolation of Israel. But of this fact they are certain: they have not been delivered from the hands of their enemies. On the contrary, from newspaper reports, many of them have been delivered into the hands of their enemies.

According to the infallible Holy Spirit, when John and Jesus were born, Israel was to be delivered by the Messiah from the hand of their enemies; but instead of any such national deliverance, the Messiah’s three chief messengers were delivered, with many other of His disciples, into the hands of their enemies. John the Baptist was beheaded by his enemy. Peter landed in jail in Acts 12. Paul landed in jail before the close of Acts, and about 69 or 70 A.D. perhaps 2,000,000 Israelites were put to death by Rome; and the survivors were delivered into the hands of their enemies, where they have remained until this day, in the spiritual darkness pronounced upon them in Acts 28:25 to 28 and Romans 11:7 to 26.

Israel was not delivered from the hand of their enemy as the infallible Holy Spirit announced.

Concerning the Holy Child Jesus, He was honored by a guileless Israelite with the proper salutation: “Thou art the Son of God: Thou art the King of Israel.” John 1:49. But, as far as His Nation was concerned: “He came unto His own and His own received Him not.” John 1:11. “We will not have This Man to reign over us,” was their reception. Luke 19:14. “The Stone was rejected by the builders.” The rulers set themselves against the Lord’s Anointed “For to do whatsoever God’s hand and God’s counsel determined before to be done.” Acts 4:28.

The Son Jesus, born for David’s throne, did not take that throne, but instead, was crowned in a different manner for His death of disgrace, shame and sorrow. He went to the tree of Calvary instead of to the throne of David.

We have some very foolish religious people today who are teaching that Great Britain’s Prince of Wales is about ready to take David’s throne. But students of God’s Word know there is only One qualified for that throne and that that One today has now even a more glorious program in hand. Therefore, David’s throne and Israel’s kingdom must wait until God’s eternal purpose, in Christ, has been accomplished: the making of the One New Man of Ephesians 2:15.

There are likewise some very foolish religious people today, who declare that it is possible to forget David’s throne and to have universal peace while that throne is vacant, while the Prince of Peace is the Head of the Church and the devil is the prince of the world. To them we must say, “ye do greatly err, not knowing the Scriptures.” If newspaper headlines are even ten per cent true, the nations of this earth are not beating their swords and spears into pruning-hooks and plowshares; but, on the other hand, they are buying up all the available scrap iron and other metals to beat them into weapons of war far more deadly than swords and spears.

It shall be when Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, the Prince of Peace shall, sit on the throne of David that there will be peace on earth. Isaiah 9:6 and 7. Then nations shall learn war no more. Then the devil shall have been dethroned as world ruler and the government shall be upon the shoulders of Him whose right it is to reign. Then equity; justice, love and righteousness shall prevail. The knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. The pain and sorrow of the curse shall give way to the universal blessing and peace of the reign of the sinless and omnipotent King. The Kingdom of the heavens will be at hand.

Surely, if the rulers of this world should get together in a peace conference and a love feast and destroy all their implements of war and divide up the wealth of the world so that there would be no hunger, and the Lord God would intervene in behalf of suffering humanity and remove sickness and withhold death, ushering in a reign of universal peace, that would be “good news”. That is “the gospel of peace” that was proclaimed. more than 1900 years ago. That gospel of peace is the “kingdom gospel of peace”. The gospel of the kingdom had in view, and will again have in view, the earthly throne of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

PAUL’S PEACE GOSPEL

While the King is the Head of the Church, He is seated far above all principalities in the highest heavenlies, and while the king is away, David’s throne vacant, the Kingdom in abeyance, God has another gospel of peace to be proclaimed: called the gospel of the grace of God and the gospel of the glory of the blessed God. Acts 20:24; I Timothy 1:11.

While on earth, Paul called the gospel of peace “my gospel”. It was the gospel of Christ. Christ gave it to Paul. Paul passed it on to Timothy. Through his messages to Timothy and others it has been passed on to us. In the original text of II Timothy 1:12 Paul speaks of “my deposit”. In II Timothy 1:14, written to Timothy, we have it as “that good deposit”. Timothy was instructed to pass the deposit on to others. II Timothy 2:2. This is a greater commission, so far as we are concerned, than is the great commission of Matthew 10:4 to 12, or Matthew 28:19 and 20. Paul’s gospel has been passed on to us rather than the gospel of the Twelve. Galatians 2:7 to 9.

Both Paul and Timothy had sick bodies. Paul gloried in his infirmities and in the fact that his inward man was being renewed day by day in spite of the fact that his body was daily rotting thoroughly. II Corinthians 4:16; II Corinthians 12:9. He instructed Timothy to take a remedy for his oft sicknesses. I Timothy 5:23. So if, in a body of humiliation, affliction and pain, you are today proclaiming God’s gospel of peace and the God of all grace has not thought it best to give you physical healing, do not question His wisdom and will because of the folly of the confused and deluded teachers who are trying to bless your soul and spirit with Paul’s peace gospel and place your body in Israel’s kingdom peace gospel.

MATTHEW AND ROMANS COMPARED

Matthew 10:5 to 10—The facts—Go to Israel. Go not to Gentiles. Proclaim “the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. Put no money in your purse, no extra coat, nor shoes. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons”. Israel’s baptism for the remission of sins and fruits meet for repentance were included. Romans 10:12 to 15. No difference between Jew and Greek. A message for “whosoever”. Preaching the gospel of peace. In Romans 3:24 to 28 this peace gospel is stated. Declared righteous without a cause, by God’s grace, through the redemption that is in Christ, through faith in His shed blood. All by grace, all of grace, without water and fruits. Should we mix these messages today? It is needless to say that thousands of Christian workers, who have gone out on their own charges, are mixing them: with the result that they are worse than mixing their poor victims. They make no attempt to raise the dead. They make no attempt to cleanse the lepers. They beg for money. If they take no money in their purses they cannot travel on the railroads. If they take only one coat, or one pair of shoes, it is either because they have no more or because they are away only for a short period. They do not go to houses. They put on high-pressure advertising and draw the people to their meeting places. They go to Gentiles. They claim to heal about one out of every fifty of the deceived people who come to them. Some of them are sincere; but all of them are sincerely wrong; because they “wrongly divide the Word of truth” instead of “rightly dividing the Word of truth.” They mix Israel’s kingdom gospel program with Paul’s grace gospel program.

Much confusion comes from the misunderstanding of the word “gospel”. “Gospel” means “good news”. As far as the individual’s redemption from sin is concerned, the blood of Jesus Christ has been, from the days of Adam, and shall be until the time of the last sinner on earth, the sinner’s only hope. But there is some “good news” for the member of the Body of Christ, as to his hope, calling, and spiritual blessings, which has no place in the good news that God has promised concerning Israel’s future. It was that good news proclaimed in Chapters one and two of Luke’s message. Peace on earth must begin with peace in Jerusalem and therefore with Israel and Israel’s King in Jerusalem; the kingdom of glory on earth.

But for this age, the members of the Body of Christ have been delivered from the power of darkness and have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love”. “Having made peace through the “blood of His cross, by Him, to reconcile all things unto Himself”. We have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ in the heavenlies, seated with Him there, waiting for Him to call us to glory in glorified bodies. We have committed unto us the ministry of reconciliation, concerning which Jesus on earth said nothing to the Twelve or to others. The key to Luke is “on earth”. The key to Ephesians is “in the heavenlies”. The Head of the Body is in the heavenlies. The King is coming back to earth for His earthly throne and kingdom. Matthew 25:31 to 38.

It is surely one gospel to have the Prince of Peace on David’s throne and peace governmentally and nationally on earth. It is surely another gospel to say, because the Lord Jesus went to Calvary’s tree instead of David’s throne and because Israel rejected the King and Messiah, Gentiles have obtained mercy and can say, “therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” And “let the peace of God rule in your hearts”. Colossians 3:15. By prayer, supplication, thanksgiving “the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:6 and 7.

Does this mean that we shall be delivered from the hands of our enemies? On the contrary: Our enemies shall multiply, especially our religious enemies who refuse to obey II Timothy 2:15.

Now as to peace on earth, you can do very little. Jehovah causeth the wars to cease. He breaketh the swords. Some day the King of Glory will enter in. You will have to be reconciled concerning the tabernacle of David which is broken down. By and by the Prince of Peace is coming. Do not get worried and fretted about signs, trying to figure out what Mussolini, Hitler and Stalin are going to do. The devil will take care of that. How pitiable, that the great majority of our Fundamentalist preachers, who know that an evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign, are much occupied with preaching signs instead of obeying Ephesians 3:9: “make all men see the mystery”. Signs are not associated with the mystery.

What a message of peace we have for a world of sinners, for poor condemned children of Adam, trying to forget God and have a good time in this present evil age of distress, perplexity, crime and misery—with the worst to come.

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts as you proclaim the gospel of peace to lost sinners.

God’s Workmanship — God’s Workman

Posted on by Pastor J. C. O'Hair

“WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD HATH BEFORE ORDAINED THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM.” Ephesians 2:10.

“STUDY TO SHEW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD, A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH.” II Timothy 2:15.

Before any man can walk in the good works which God hath before ordained, before he can be a workman for God, he must be the workmanship of God. He must first be worked upon by God before his work will be acceptable to God. No man can work himself into God’s favor or by any labour assist in his own creation in Christ Jesus. God is the Creator. God, the Divine Workman, does the work of creating. The believing sinner is the recipient of God’s grace, and is made acceptable in Christ, the Beloved. It is God, the Father “Who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins”. Colossians 1:12 to 14. It is all the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.

Not of works; but unto good works. All believers are to learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. The Apostle Paul was directed to write much more about the believer’s spiritual walk and good works than about the sinner’s salvation without works; but he was never directed by the Lord to confuse the futile good works of an unbeliever with the fruitful good works of a believer.

In setting forth the gospel of salvation for the sinner, the Apostle Paul was directed to write that a man is declared righteous by faith “without the deeds of the law”, “without works”, even “without a cause” (freely). Romans 3:24. Boasting is excluded; not by the law of works, but by the law of faith.” Romans 3:27.

If any man be in Christ Jesus he is a new creation, he is God’s workmanship. The works of Christ were not only good works, but absolutely perfect works. Christ came to put away sin and He accomplished His task. Hebrews 9:26. Christ abolished death. Christ provided a perfect righteousness for the unrighteous. Christ suffered for sins once, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. The sinner’s first good work is to acknowledge himself the ungodly sinner for whom Christ died and accept the perfect redemption work of Christ, His death and resurrection.

Having taken this step of faith, the redeemed sinner is ready for good works. But he must look to God for God’s program of good works. God hath before ordained that he should walk in them.

As it is possible for unbelievers to think they are saved when they are not, it is possible for believers to think that they are walking in the good works, ordained by God, when they are not. Be assured that no amount of sincerity and zeal will take the place of spiritual knowledge in the matter of walking in God’s program. Zeal without knowledge means ignorant disobedience.

As members of the Body of Christ we may be walking in a path marked out in Scripture, we may be working religiously at some God-given task mentioned in the Bible, we may be enthusiastically and faithfully carrying out some specific program plainly described in the Word of God, and still not walk in the good works that God hath foreordained us. Such a workman of God is one who needs to be ashamed.

God wants a believer to be enthusiastic, zealous, sincere and faithful in constantly maintaining good works; but unless that believer studies the Word of God and rightly divides the Word of God, he may be wasting his time in dead works instead of in good works. There are many zealous, religious people much occupied with a program given to a different group of God’s people in a different dispensation, earnestly trying to carry out orders from God which were never intended for members of the Body of Christ. Here are some good definite, specific instructions to follow, that will keep us busy walking in the good works that God hath before ordained: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Timothy, Romans 12 to 16, Galatians 3 to 6, I Corinthians 13, and Titus. When we have learned our path from these chapters, there are many others. But reading these and understanding them first, it will help us to intelligently and spiritually appropriate and apply the others.