Let us compare the words of the Lord Jesus, in John 17:17, with the statement of the Holy Spirit by the Apostle Paul, in II Thessalonians 2:13.

“SANCTIFY THEM THROUGH THY TRUTH: THY WORD IS TRUTH.” “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.”

In the seventeenth chapter of John we read these words of the Lord Jesus concerning His disciples: “Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him.” “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Thy name; those that Thou gavest Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” John 17:2 and 12.

The Lord Jesus had given unto His disciples eternal life, and then had kept them. Now He was praying for them that they might be in the world but not of the world.

“I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine.” “I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the-world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” John 17:9 and 15.

HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM

Some time after this prayer of the Lord Jesus, after He had died and come forth in His resurrection body, He said to these same disciples: “John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.” Acts 1:5.

Note what John the Baptist said about four years before the death of Christ: “I indeed have baptized you with water; but He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:8.

Then note the statement of John 7:39—“The Holy Spirit was not yet given.” Again, “If I go not away, the Holy Spirit will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” John 16:7.

While Christ was on earth no one experienced the baptism into the Body of Christ, mentioned in I Corinthians 12:13.

We may call the Lord’s earthly ministry “the days of the Son of man.” During those days the Son of man was under the law observing with the Jews their God-given religious ceremonies, carrying on their” law” program. The Scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses’ seat. Matthew 23:1 to 3. During those days the Holy Spirit had not yet been sent down from heaven. It was during those days, months before the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost, that the apostles were baptized with water unto repentance for the remission of sins. Note the testimony concerning John the Baptist: “And I knew Him not; but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.” John 1:31. “And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” Luke 3:3.

Concerning His own death and resurrection note what the Lord Jesus told His baptized disciples about two years after they were baptized with water: “And they shall scourge Him, and put Him to death; and the third day He shall rise again.” Luke 18:33.

Then note their reaction: “And they understood none of these things; and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken,” Luke 18:34.

In Luke 12:48 to 51 the Lord Jesus referred to His approaching death as His baptism. Years later the risen Lord revealed the truth of Romans 6:3 and 4: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

The Divine baptism of Romans 6:3 and 4 is efficacious. It transforms the believer from a sinner to a saint; takes him out of Adam and puts him into Christ, a new creation, and identifies him with the Lord Jesus Christ in death, burial and resurrection.

Some Christians read two baptisms into Romans 6:3 to 6, and insist that the transformed believer should be immersed to witness to the world that he has died with Christ, been buried with Him, and raised to walk in newness of life. But this is a mere human supposition as there is not one verse of Scripture stating that water baptism is for a witness to unbelievers. In the light of plain Scriptural facts we must all admit that none of the twelve apostles received water baptism as a witness to the world that they were identified with Christ in His death and burial.

Then hear Paul’s testimony concerning his baptism: “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16. This is in accord with Peter’s message, on the day of Pentecost

“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 SPIRIT.” Acts 2:38.

Here water baptism first, then Holy Spirit baptism.

And Peter’s command in Acts 2:38 is in agreement with the “baptism” message which John the Baptist had proclaimed about four years before Peter preached to devout Jews from every nation under heaven. Acts 2:5.

The Twelve received John’s baptism many months before they received the Holy Spirit; months before they knew that Christ would receive His death baptism and be buried. Luke 12:50 to 53.

If Christian water baptism began with the resurrection of Christ, the twelve apostles did not receive that baptism. They received Holy Spirit baptism.

HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM AND SANCTIFICATION

The Scriptural facts we have thus far presented are to refute the arguments of Christians who teach that we are justified and saved when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, when we are baptized with water; but we are not sanctified until we are baptized with the Holy Spirit. Some call this a second work of grace.

They offer the experience of the twelve apostles, or that of the one hundred and twenty disciples in the upper room, on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came down from heaven, in support of their “sanctification” theory. They seem to forget that these disciples were saved in the days when the Son of man was under the law, before He died on the cross, while the Jewish priests were still offering their sacrifices on their altars with God’s approval, before the Holy Spirit was yet given.

They could not have received the Holy Spirit when they believed. Neither could the twelve men of Acts 19:1 to 7, have received the Holy Spirit when they believed. They, too, were baptized “unto John’s baptism”. Paul asked them, “Believing (pisteusantes) received ye the Holy Spirit?” Their answer was “No”. They had not believed the new message. They had not heard whether the Holy Spirit had yet been given.

Note the contrast in Ephesians 1:13 “Believing, (pisteusantes) ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit.” They received the Holy Spirit the very moment they believed the gospel. We of today were not saved before the Son of man died on the cross, but 1900 years later. We were never told to tarry in Jerusalem or in any other city to wait for the advent of the Holy Spirit. Note the question which Paul put to the foolish Galatians: “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:2 and 3. Then in verses 13 and 14 we are told that Christ died on the cross that believers might receive the Holy Spirit.

ETERNAL LIFE—THE HOLY SPIRIT—SANCTIFICATION

Note the order in I Corinthians 6:11, “washed,” “sanctified” and “justified.”

Eternal life is God’s free gift to believing sinners. Romans 6:23. So also is the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5. The believing sinner does not have to tarry for, or work for, or agonize for, or pray for, or ask for the gift of eternal life, or for the gift of the Holy Spirit in this day of grace. Neither does the believer receive eternal life or the Holy Spirit on the installment plan. The Holy Spirit is a Person. He has been sent down from heaven. I Peter 1:12. But He had not been sent down from heaven at the time the twelve apostles received John’s water baptism. Let us not be confused when we read in Acts 8:5 to 15, that the believers, in the city of Samaria received the Holy Spirit several days after they were baptized with water, and Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before he was baptized with water. Cornelius was the first Gentile to whom the Twelve preached. God gave him the Holy Spirit, so Peter would accept him and baptize him.

All of this transpired while Peter had the keys of the kingdom of heaven and the gospel of the circumcision. Galatians 7 and 8. This was before Paul declared the truth of Romans 10:12, I Timothy 2:4 and Romans 3:24.

“For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.”

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” In connection with Paul’s grace message he said, “For Christ sent me not to baptize.” I Corinthians 1:17.

GOD OPENED THE DOOR

All Scripture must be interpreted, appropriated and applied as to whether the recorded event or spiritual program, under consideration, took place before or after the important fact stated in Acts 14:27

“AND WHEN THEY WERE COME, AND HAD GATHERED THE CHURCH TOGETHER, THEY REHEARSED ALL THAT GOD HAD DONE WITH THEM, AND HOW HE HAD OPENED THE DOOR OF FAITH UNTO THE GENTILES.”

And then we must see the changes in God’s program from Acts 14:27 to Ephesians 3:1 to 4:12.

All Divine truth must be studied in the light of developments, and God’s revealed spiritual program after the words of Paul in Acts 13:46, “Lo we turn to the Gentiles.” We do greatly err when we have the door of faith opened before God opens it. So let us mark the change of Acts 14:27.

SANCTIFIED BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

Note carefully these plain statements:

“Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.” Hebrews 13:12.

“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” “For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Hebrews 10:10 and 14.

“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.” I Peter 1:2.

How are believing sinners sanctified? By the blood of Christ, as that blood is applied by the Holy Spirit.

Now note I Corinthians 1:30: “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” Here, as in all Scriptures, “sanctification” is the same word elsewhere translated “holiness”. Which comes first, “sanctification” or “redemption”? Read it—“sanctification” and “redemption”.

Read I Corinthians 6:11—“And such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” Why has the Holy Spirit here placed “sanctified” before “justified”? This is the answer to the unscriptural teaching that justification precedes sanctification.

Believers are sanctified once for all by the offering of the body of Christ on the cross. Hebrews 10:10. “Sanctified” or “holy”, both in the Hebrew and the Greek words, means “to be set apart by God or set apart for God.”

HOLY MEAT AND THINGS

Note I Timothy 4:3 and 5 begins with word “meats” in I Timothy 4:3. Here we learn that beef, mutton, or even pork can be sanctified or made holy by the Word of God and prayer. Pork could not have been holy meat for a Jew under the law. It was unholy. But we are not under the law.

Now note Revelation 11:8, that Jerusalem, the holy city, is called “the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.”

Jerusalem is called “the holy city”. “Holy” does not mean “sinless”. Meat is neither sinful nor sinless, but it is holy by prayer and the Word of God.

In Colossians 2:16, we read that members of Christ’s Body have nothing to do with holy days. Israel had sanctified days and sanctified animals. Time and again the same Levites had to be re-sanctified for service in the Lord’s sanctuary. The sanctuary was the Lord’s appointed place for the service and worship of the priest. The sanctuary was “the holy place.”

“Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of Divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.” Hebrews 9:1. “But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people.” Hebrews 9:7. “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.” Hebrews 9:24. “A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” Hebrews 8:2.

Then note Ephesians 2:6 and 1:3 “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

“BLESSED BE THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO HATH BLESSED US WITH ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST.” Ephesians 1:3.

Every member of the Body of Christ is seated in the heavenlies with Christ. And how is he blessed 9

BLESSED WITH ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN THE HEAVENLIES IN CHRIST

What folly for a member of the Body, seated in the heavenlies, complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10), blessed with ALL spiritual blessings, to look for a second blessing. Then note Ephesians 1:19 and 20.

“And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places.”

Think of such an one seeking more power!

RAISED TO WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour; for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath; Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:22 to 27.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth,” Colossians 3:1 and 2.

“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created Him. Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Seythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:10 to 14.

GOD’S WAY OF VICTORY

“LIKEWISE RECKON YE ALSO YOURSELVES TO BE DEAD INDEED UNTO SIN, BUT ALIVE UNTO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.” “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.” Romans 6:11 and 13.

“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.” Romans 12:2.

Hear this important truth—“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Acts 20:32.

God, our heavenly Father, calls His children unto “separation” and unto Christian service.

Note how the truth is stated in II Thessalonians 2:13 and I Thessalonians 1:9 and 10 “Chosen unto salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” “Turned to God from idols to serve the living and the true God and to wait for His Son from heaven.”

But what about I Thessalonians 5:23—II Corinthians 7:1 and Hebrews 12:14? “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.” “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

We have already learned that Jesus Christ is the believer’s holiness. The man who has Christ has holiness and is holy. Now note II Corinthians 1:21-22. “Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”

“Christ” is, in the Greek, “the Anointed”. When the believer receives the anointing He abides with him (I John 2:26 to 28), for he is sealed with the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30.

A Christian is a “Christ one”. He is a Christian by grace through faith; not of himself, not of works. Ephesians 2:8 What is the evidence? “The sealing of the Holy Spirit”, “the earnest of the Spirit in the heart”. Every Christian has the Holy Spirit in his heart. He receives the Holy Spirit the very moment he becomes a Christian by believing the gospel of salvation, and receiving Christ. No matter how religious, moral or sincere a person may be, he is not a Christian if he is not indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

Now note Ephesians 1:14.

“Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.”

What kind of a body does the believer have? “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” This word “perish” is literally “rot thoroughly”. The body of the believer is called “the body of humiliation”. Philippians 3:21. When Christ shall appear, the purchased possession will be redeemed; then the believer will have a glorified body. In the meantime “if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” I John 1:8.

II THESSALONIANS 2:13

“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.”

Read this—Study it—Believe it. Salvation is the result of sanctification and belief. Sanctification first, and salvation the result.

There are several physical laws that must be observed and obeyed if man would develop physically.

1—Good air.

2—Good food.

3—Good water.

4—Proper exercise.

5—Proper rest.

There are several spiritual laws that must be observed and obeyed if man would develop spiritually.

1—The worship of God.

2—Regular Bible study.

3—Regular and constant prayer.

4—Assembling with God’s people.

5—Testimony and service for the Lord.

With all of this there must be obedience to II Timothy 2:15 and 1:7—”Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

In closing, we quote Colossians 1:9 and 10 and Philippians 1:10 and 11.

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” “That ye may approve things that are excellent: that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”

There is no short cut to a spiritual separated life.

Note how these blessed doctrines are linked together in God’s Book. We quote Romans 5:10 and 11:

“FOR IF, WHEN WE WERE ENEMIES, WE WERE RECONCILED TO GOD BY THE DEATH OF HIS SON, MUCH MORE, BEING RECONCILED, WE SHALL BE SAVED BY HIS LIFE. AND NOT ONLY SO, BUT WE ALSO JOY IN GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, BY WHOM WE HAVE NOW RECEIVED THE RECONCILIATION.”

And Romans 6:3 and 4:

“KNOW YE NOT, THAT SO MANY OF US AS WERE BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST WERE BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH? THEREFORE WE ARE BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM INTO DEATH; THAT LIKE AS CHRIST WAS RAISED UP FROM THE DEAD BY THE GLORY OF THE FATHER, EVEN SO WE ALSO SHOULD WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE.”

Believers are reconciled to God by the death of Christ. They have received “reconciliation” by Christ. At the very moment they are reconciled by Christ they are baptized into His death, buried with Him and raised to walk in newness of life.

Note, concerning the believer in Romans 6:6 and 8, “our old man was crucified;” “we be dead with Christ;” “we shall also live with Christ.”

So in Romans, chapter five, Christians have reconciliation, justification and eternal life by, and through, the Lord Jesus Christ. In Roman’s chapter six, Christians are new creatures, identified with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.

Following the proclamation of reconciliation in Romans 5:10 and 11, we read, in Romans 5:12, “By Adam.” Then in Romans 5:14 to 21, we read “by Adam,” and “by Christ.” By Adam “sin,” “condemnation,” “alienation,” “death.” By Christ “righteousness,” “justification,” “grace,” “eternal life.”

We shall consider these contrasts presently. But now let us note how “reconciliation,” “the new creation” and “identification” are linked together in the fifth chapter of II Corinthians. Note in Romans 5:14, “we thus judge, that if One died for all, then all have died.” Believers have died with Christ.

Then note Romans 5:17 to 19:

“THEREFORE IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE; OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW. AND ALL THINGS ARE OF GOD, WHO HATH RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF BY JESUS CHRIST, AND HATH GIVEN TO US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION; TO WIT, THAT GOD WAS IN CHRIST, RECONCILING THE WORLD UNTO HIMSELF, NOT IMPUTING THEIR TRESPASSES UNTO THEM; AND HATH COMMITTED UNTO US THE WORD OF RECONCILIATION.”

The new creature in Christ Jesus is dead: “How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” “For He that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:2 and 7 “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3. “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances?” “Dead with Christ”—“Dead unto sin”—“Crucified unto the law”—Galatians 2:20. “Crucified unto the world.” Galatians 6:14.

Note the former condition of saints: “And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.” Colossians 2:13 “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace are ye saved).” Ephesians 2:5.

The unbeliever is dead IN sins; the believer is dead TO sins. The believer is alive unto God.

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11. “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”

Now note again Ephesians 2:5 and 6:

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath made us alive together with Christ (by grace are ye saved) and hath raised us up together in the heavenlies in Jesus Christ.”

What identification! The believer is seated with Christ in the heavenlies “far above.” Note again Ephesians 4:15 and 16: “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ: From Whom the whole Body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the Body unto the edifying of itself in love.” “ And not holding the Head, from which all the Body by joints and bands have nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:19.

This is indeed “identification.” Note again Ephesians 5:31 and 32 and I Corinthians 12:12:

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church.” Ephesians 5:31 and 32.

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many. are one body so also is Christ.” I Corinthians 12:12.

Note again Ephesians 2:21 and 22: “In Whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto all holy temple in the Lord: In Whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Oh, what wonderful truth! And what a blessed experience most Christians have missed; that is, the doctrine and the joy of the experience of “identification.”

There have been literally thousands of arguments and controversies by religious Christians over the question of water baptism—“yes” or “no,” in the sixth chapter of Romans. But very few messages concerning the blessed doctrine and experience of “identification.”

The baptism of Romans Six produces the “identification” of Romans Six and if there is any water there, it is meritorious and efficacious.

RECONCILIATION

Note the statement in Colossians 1:20 and 21, also Ephesians 2:16 and 17.

“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. AND YOU THAT WERE SOMETIME ALIENATED AND ENEMIES IN YOUR MINI) BY WICKED WORKS, YET NOW HATH HE RECONCILED.” Colossians 1:20 and 21.

“AND THAT HE MIGHT RECONCILE BOTH UNTO GOD IN ONE BODY BY THE CROSS, HAVING SLAIN THE ENMITY THEREBY.” “AND CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHICH WERE AFAR OFF, AND TO THEM THAT WERE NIGH.” Ephesians 2:16 and 17.

ALIENATION

“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” Ephesians 4:18.

WHEN DID GENTILE RECONCILIATION BEGIN?

“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?” Romans 11:15.

Here we have the story of before” and “after.” Before—“alienated from the life of God”—“alienated by wicked works”—“afar off from God.” After—“reconciled because Christ made peace by the blood of His cross”—“reconciled unto God in one Body by the cross.”— “reconciled Gentiles when and because Israel was cast away.”

Note this last fact—“Gentiles reconciled when and because Israel was cast away. “ “For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief.” Romans 11:30.

Note Acts 13:46. Paul was preaching God’s message to the Jews, “Lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” He had said to them, in Acts 13:40 and 41: “Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.”

This had not yet happened. Then they rejected and despised and Paul said, “seeing ye put it from you. LO, WE TURN TO THE GENTILES.” Acts 13:46.

Why did God turn Paul to the Gentiles? Because Israel put it from them. Why was mercy shown the Gentiles? Because of Israel’s unbelief. Then the message of Ephesians 2:13: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” The Jews were near. The Gentiles were afar off. They were both reconciled unto God in one Body by the precious blood of Christ.

But note I Timothy 2:6 and 7: “Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”

We must not fix the Gentiles “due time of reconciliation” before the act of God described in Romans 11:1 to 15. Let us quote Romans 11:15 in this language “The casting away of the children of Abraham brought reconciliation for the other children of Adam.”

ABRAM—AND THE GENTILES

When God called Abram, about 1900 B.C., as recorded in Genesis 12:1 to 5, and gave him the covenant of circumcision, twenty-four years later, as recorded in Genesis 17:3 to 15, God cast off, or cast away, the other children of Adam. The giving up of the Gentiles was according to Romans 1:21 to 31.

Then Divine blessing was conditioned upon circumcision and associated with the children of Abraham. Some of the children of Adam, who did not descend from Abraham, became circumcised Jews by religion, or proselytes. Note that many Persian Gentiles became Jews. Esther 8:17. Read the covenant of circumcision in Genesis 17:5 to 18.

When the Lord Jesus’ ministry was recorded in-the first Book, Matthew, the Holy Spirit began, “The Book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.” Then note Luke 2:21— Luke 4:16—Romans 15:8—Luke 19:9—Luke 13:16—Acts 3:25 and 26. In these verses we learn that Jesus Christ was circumcised, that He attended the Jewish synagogue on the Jewish Sabbath, that He and His twelve apostles were ministers to the circumcision. Christ, the circumcised Son of Abraham, was the Minister to the circumcised children of Abraham. Romans 15:8.

Note the condition of the Gentiles while Jesus Christ was among the Jews: “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands.” Ephesians 2:11. And note Christ’s specific command to His twelve messengers

“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: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:5 and 6. Go to no children of Adam who are not children of Abraham.

To the children of Abraham Jesus Christ said, “Ye must be born anew.” In the ministry of reconciliation to the other children of Adam the Holy Spirit said, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision. but a new creature,” “A new creation.” “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

THE CHILDREN OF ADAM, THE CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM

We learn in Romans 1:21 to 31 that when God called Abraham He cast away the other children of Adam, or we might put it this way, when God cast away the other children of Adam, He called Abram and then cut off all the nations with the covenant of circumcision.

Then in Romans 11:15 we learn that when God cast away the children of Abraham (as a nation) He sent a message of reconciliation to the other children of Adam. Paul was the “reconciliation” apostle. We may call Matthew 28:19 and 20, “the great commission” but II Corinthians 5:18 to 21 is a greater commission, so far as members of the Body of Christ are concerned. The unmixed reign of grace did not begin until Israel was set aside. The dispensation of grace began with the ministry of reconciliation.

Before that time Gentiles were alienated from God and from the commonwealth of Israel. Ephesians 2:12—Colossians 1:21—Ephesians 4:18.

Alienated from the life of God in Adam and by Adam—“In Adam all die.” Note Romans 5:10 and 11:”

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Then note the connecting “wherefore” in Romans 5:12 – “RECONCILIATION”; “Wherefore by Adam.”

The Lord Jesus Christ on earth was the Minister of the circumcision. Adam was not circumcised. “Jesus Christ, the Son of Abraham.” Matthew 1:1. Christ made no reference to Adam. He was sent only to the children of Abraham. Matthew 15:24.

The twelve apostles were sent to the children of Abraham. Matthew 10:6. After the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the first nine chapters of Acts, the Twelve preached to the children of the covenant. Acts 3:25. They made no reference to Adam. They preached repentance and restitution, “baptism unto repentance for the remission of sins.” Acts 2:38.

But with the casting away of Israel, “reconciliation,” “the new creation,” and “Adam” are mentioned together years after the day of Pentecost. It is interesting to note that with the first mention of “Adam” and “Reconciliation,” in Paul’s ministry, there is no further record that any Gentile received water baptism. Divers baptisms were included with circumcision and carnal ordinances and meats and drinks, in Israel’s religious program. Hebrews 9:10. Israel was God’s religious nation. Israel was not cast away at the cross. That casting away was some years later. There was an overlapping of God’s religious and “sign” program until after Israel was set aside. God was through with religion when He was through with His religious nation.

With the ministry of “reconciliation” the Lord’s apostle of “reconciliation” proclaimed the “death” baptism of Romans 6:3 and Colossians 2:12, the one Divine baptism of Ephesians 4:5.

Then Paul wrote concerning “THE DISPENSATION OF THE SECRET”—“THE JOINT-BODY”—“THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S WILL”—“THE MYSTERY AMONG THE GENTILES”—“GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE”—“THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL.”—“THE ONE NEW MAN.”

All of these blessed truths reveal the hidden purpose of God concerning members of the Body of Christ, chosen in Him before the foundation of the world, seated with Him in the heavenlies and blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies.

Blessed identification with the glorified Christ far above, Head of the Church which is His Body, THE FULNESS OF HIM THAT FILLETH ALL IN ALL. Ephesians 1:19 to 23. All of this is by the one Divine baptism of Ephesians 4:5. There were several baptisms during the “Acts” period. But one baptism for members of the Church of the Mystery.”

Very frequently we hear the remark I heard this week, “It does not make any difference whether we are Catholics or Protestants, whether we are Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, or Lutherans, if we try to do right, we are all going to the same heaven.” Frequently the question is asked, “to what church do you belong?” Or, “wouldn’t you like to join our church?” There are many people who think they are Christians because they have joined some church organization. If there are as many varieties of Christians as there are sectarian churches, there are quite a number.

In the Bible we read about Christians and Churches, but we do not find one word about Catholics, Protestants, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians or Lutherans. In the Bible we read about heaven and learn how to get there. The only genuine Christian is the “Bible” Christian. The only genuine heaven is the “Bible” heaven. The only sure way to become a Christian and to get to heaven is the “Bible” way. The Bible declares, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death.” What a delusion! What a disaster! What a serious mistake! Just think of it.! A man thinks he is saved and on the way to eternal glory when he is really lost and on the. way to eternal perdition. A person can ill afford to make: Such a blunder and most assuredly he cannot correct his mistake after he has reached his eternal destiny. We can afford to make other mistakes, but not this one.

Did you ever read these words in the Bible, “Yea, let God be true, though every man a liar”? God is infallible. Man is fallible. God has provided man with an infallible Guide, His infallible Word, the Bible. In that Book we can learn of the whence and the whither of the human race: how men became sinners and how they can become righteous. The Bible records the story of death by Adam, and life by Christ.

We read in this infallible, Divine Record, of these two outstanding unique men, “Adam” and “Christ.” “The first man is of the earth, earthy; the Second Man is the Lord from heaven.” I Corinthians 15:47. “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous.” “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:19 and 21.

In Adam all men are sinners, alienated from God. But there is good news for alienated sinners in Romans 5:10: “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” And II Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Then it is interesting to compare Genesis 2:21 to 24 with Ephesians 5:31 and 32:

“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof: And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made He a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Genesis 2:21 to 24.

Note now Ephesians 5:31 and 32:

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church.”

As Eve was a part of Adam and joined to him as one flesh, so the Church is a part of Christ and joined to Him as one flesh. Then we read in I Corinthians 6:17: “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” Then note I Corinthians 12:13: “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.”

God has but one place of salvation, safety, and security for the children of Adam, that is, “in Christ”; in the Church of Christ, that-is, in the Body of Christ. There is no salvation apart from Christ, apart from the death of Christ. God demands faith in the crucified and resurrected Christ for salvation, for entrance into heaven: “For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Any and all men are eligible for salvation. Any and all rational men can exercise “God-given” faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thereby receive from God His free gift, which is eternal life.

God has but one Church into which He baptizes believing sinners, and that Church is the “Bible” Church, a non-sectarian Church, called “the Body of Christ.” A group of church officials can receive a person into some sectarian religious organization or denominational church, and that person may, or may not, be saved; but even the superficial student of the Bible knows that God does not baptize any person into any sectarian organization. Joining such a religious organization neither assures the “joiner” of salvation from sin, nor guarantees him heaven. The Bible does not say, “if any man be in the Catholic Church, or in the Protestant Church, he is a new creation,” but, “if any man be in Christ Jesus.”

For the man in Christ Jesus, God has wonderful, blessed, glorious good news. Colossians 2:10: “And ye are complete in Him, Which is the Head of all principality and power.” Ephesians 1:6, 7, and 3: “To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ.”

Stop! Consider! Meditate! Then praise the Lord! “Complete in Christ”—“Accepted in Christ”—“Redeemed and forgiven”—“Blessed with all spiritual blessings.”

Then note the blessed union and unity of all redeemed sinners:

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one Body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” Romans 12:4 and 5.

Is it any wonder then we read in I Corinthians 12:25: “That there should be no schism (division) in the Body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” In this same Epistle Paul asks this question: “Is Christ divided?” I Corinthians 1:13.

ONE CHRIST-ONE BODY

How many Christs are there? One. This is stated in Ephesians 4:5: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Christ is a Man. How many bodies does a man have? One This is stated in Ephesians 4:4: “There is One Body and One Spirit, even as ye are called in One Hope of your calling.”

Every intelligent Christian, who studies the Bible, is fully aware of these plain, positive and pertinent statements. They know that there is one, and only one, true Bible Church for this age, and that there is one, and only one, baptism for this age. But at the same time they are aware of the fact that there are more than 300 sectarian churches and more than 30 different baptisms. They grieve over this divided unity, but confess that they are .powerless to remedy the situation; so they just look on helpless and hopeless waiting till the Lord comes to clear up the confusion.

When the one Body is complete and the Lord comes for His one Body, they will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3: 3 and 4. According to Ephesians 2:15— Ephesians 1:23—and Ephesians 4:13, Christ and His Body will be One New Man, the Perfect Man, the fulness of Christ. None of the sectarian names will have any place in heaven. There will be no Catholics, Protestants, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Lutherans, as such, in heaven; only those who are new creatures in Christ Jesus: “That in the ages to come He might skew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:7.

Every gift of God to man, and for man, is for one specific, definite purpose in this age

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying (building up) of the Body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12 and 13.

GOD’S BUILDING

God is building saints (sinners saved by grace) into the Body of Christ, and then building them up in that Body; and every member of that Body is thus instructed in Ephesians 4:7: “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” This grace is given to members of the Body of Christ that they may obey Ephesians 4:3 to 6:

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one Body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling, One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Most sectarian Christians make no attempt to obey the will of God expressed in these verses. Some sectarian Christians tell us they can be loyal sectarians, still have their different denominational creeds and programs, their different baptisms, and obey Ephesians 4:3 to 6. But they have not prayerfully studied the third and fourth chapters of Ephesians. The Divine Truth in these chapters is God’s death-blow to sectarianism and sectarian baptismal ceremonies. No man can be clever enough to wrest the meaning of Ephesians Three and Four to mean many sects and several baptisms, when God says positively and plainly “One Body” and “One Baptism.”

When the Lord Jesus was on earth He prayed so earnestly for the unity of His disciples:

“That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou host sent Me.”

The Epistle to the Ephesians contains a message of union and unity. Members of the one Body are one flesh with Christ. God is making One New Man. and God is building one Temple, which is being fitly framed together, “builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21 and 22. The Body-members are to grow up into Christ in all things, which is the Head. Ephesians 4:15. The whole Body is fitly framed together, making increase of the Body unto its building up. Ephesians 4:16. Only one Head of the Bible Church. He is far above in the heavenlies. Ephesians 1:19 to 23.

Are Catholics, Protestants, Methodists, Baptists. Presbyterians and Lutherans fitly joined together, making increase of the Body unto its building up They are unfitly torn asunder and in competition making increase of their denominational membership. Note main Ephesians 4:12:

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ.”

Building up of sectarianism is in opposition to God’s will expressed in Ephesians.

In all the Bibles used by all of these denominations, the truth of Ephesians 4:12 and 13 is clearly set forth, that the Lord is not building any denominational organizations, but one spiritual organism, the Body of Christ: and this will continue, not until the Church brings in the millennium, but

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a Perfect Man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13.

Members of Christ’s Body are exhorted, in Ephesians 4:1 and 2, to walk worthy of the calling wherewith they are called. They are instructed in I Corinthians 3:10 to take heed how they build together. They are told in I Timothy 3:15 and 16, how to behave in the House of God. They are instructed in II Timothy 2:19 to 21, how to be vessels of honor in God’s Great. House. Members of the Body are told, in II Timothy 2:15, that one of the requisites to be such a vessel, is to rightly divide the Word of Truth. In fact, a member of Christ’s Body will not, and cannot, obey any of these instructions unless he rightly divides the Word of Truth. This is the division that the Lord desires instead of the sectarian divisions which are wholly contrary to the will of God.

In Paul’s later ministry he was chosen to preach among the Gentiles the UNSEARCHABLE riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8) and to complete the Word of God with the UNSEARCHABLE riches of Christ, the Mystery. Colossians 1:25 and 26. For his obedience to the Lord for preaching this distinctive Divine (Pauline) message, Paul landed in jail. Ephesians 6:19 and 20—Colossians 4:3 and 4—II Timothy 2:8 and 9. For preaching the UNSEARCHABLE riches of Christ to Gentiles, Paul suffered as an evil doer unto bonds. II Timothy 2:8 and 9.

The Mystery had been God’s Secret before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 3:9. This glorious Truth was not made known to, or by, any servant of the Lord until revealed to, and through, Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Romans 11:13, Romans 16:25 and 26. Therefore, the Holy Spirit called this different message “the UNSEARCHABLE (UNTRACEABLE) riches of Christ.” It was truth separate and distinct from any spiritual program concerning Christ and His people, revealed to Israel’s prophets and prophesied by any of them.

The member of the Body of Christ who does not recognize the difference between the prophesied and the unprophesied riches of Christ, and who fails to subject himself to this difference in creed and conduct., will be a workman that needeth to be ashamed. And most assuredly he will not obey Ephesians 3:9: “And to make all men see what is the dispensation of the Mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God.” Should not every Body-member obey this specific instruction? What are you doing about it?

The member of the Body of Christ who does not contend for the “ONE BODY,” the “ONE SPIRIT,” the “ONE HOPE.,” the “ONE LORD.” the “ONE FAITH,” the “ONE BAPTISM,” the “ONE GOD AND FATHER OF ALL,” of Ephesians 4:4 to 6, will certainly disobey Ephesians 4:3: “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Think of the responsibility of the spiritual leaders of God’s people! Think of those among these leaders who know this glorious Truth of the One Body and the One Baptism, but who, by their silence and compromise, for personal advantage, make no attempt to open their mouths boldly to preach the Mystery. Ephesians 6:19 and 20. They can read in their Bibles Paul’s words of Colossians 1:25 and 26. Some of them cowardly acquiesce to the attitude and action of the zealous denominationalists, or baptizers, who malign, abuse, disfellowship, ridicule, or boycott those who oppose their unscriptural sectarianism and their undispensational baptism theories.

The Unity that the Bible clearly teaches is, “there is ONE and only ONE BODY, ONE and only ONE BAPTISM.” Grace preachers are agreed that salvation is by grace, that no water ceremony is required for the believing sinner’s salvation and membership in the Body of Christ. But the persecuting baptizers, after acknowledging that a believing sinner can be joined to Christ in an inseparable and eternal union, and become a member of His Body without water, declare “you can’t join me without some kind of a water ceremony, sprinkling, pouring or immersing.” One by one they are being forced, by their own inconsistencies, to teach that the One Baptism of Ephesians 4:5, is water.

Then they are in a predicament, for if the One Baptism of Ephesians 4:5 is the act of a man, the very contest proves that the one baptism of Ephesians 4:5, makes the believer a member of the One Body of Ephesians 4:4. Therefore water baptism is required for salvation and Bodymembership; and therefore, salvation is by grace, plus a religious ceremony.

Every honest and intelligent student of the Scriptures knows that the baptism of Romans 6:3 and 4, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12, and Ephesians 4:5, is as efficacious as the baptism of I Corinthians 12:13, and transforms the sinner. Therefore every such student, who is consistent, will either join with the Campbellites and Pentecostalists in “water regeneration,” or acknowledge that religious baptism ceased when God’s religious nation, Israel, was set aside.

THE HOUSE OF GOD

God’s building a house, a Temple Divine;
Not a temple of stone, nor an earthly shrine;
Not a building of brick, with steeple and dome,
But a spiritual House, called God’s Home.

The Body of Christ this House is named,
By the Spirit of God this House is framed:
A place on earth for God to dwell;
Christ gave to Paul this Truth to tell.

God’s purpose in grace, His eternal plan;
The fulness of Christ, called “the One New Man:”
The Mystery of God for centuries sealed,
Unknown, untold; but at last revealed.

Christ told it to Paul, unto Paul alone;
Now the Secret was his, to make it known.
In the heavens above, Christ has His seat;
There to remain ‘till His Body’s complete.

A structure of men, of women, yea, all
Who hear God’s voice and obey His call;
Called out by Him from the human race,
Chosen in Christ and redeemed by grace;

By faith alone in God’s holy Son,
Because of His work on Calvary done.
In the Saviour, Christ, they are creatures new,
Dead with Christ and buried too.

Risen with Him Who is far above;
Redeemed by His blood, God’s mercy and love;
Complete in Christ, God’s risen Son,
This company of saints, with Him, are one.

One Spirit, one flesh, saved and secure;
The foundation of God is standing sure;
Joined to Christ, Head over all,
The Mystery of God revealed to Paul.

This Secret Divine, this Truth profound,
Was told by Paul, the prisoner bound.
For telling this Truth the jail was his home,
But he continued to tell it from his cell in Rome.

“Pray,” wrote Paul, “yea, God implore
For an open mouth and an open door;
That this glorious Truth all men may see
This Secret of God revealed to me.”

The unity will come, ‘tis the Father’s plan
The Stature of Christ, the perfect Man;
The capstone of Truth, to complete God’s Word;
By saints today, is seldom heard.

As builders with God, by His wisdom and might
Let us study His Word and divide it aright;
As He completes His Church, His Temple Divine,
The House of God, your home and mine.

Let us join with Paul and earnestly pray
That the Father of glory in His own way,
May reveal to many His purpose and plan
The Head and the Body, One New Man.

Make all men see what God wants shown,
Many years ago to Paul made known,
The Secret of God, to gather in One
All things in Christ, His beloved Son.

GRACE

Wonderful, marvelous, infinite grace, abounding more than sin;
When Christ at Calvary took our place, He was man; but God within.
The worldly rulers never knew God’s mystery revealed,
The Lord of glory there they slew, Him Whom God had sealed.

Rich was He in heaven above, in the form of God up there;
Bosomed in His Father’s love. He saw us in despair,
Ruined, hopeless, helpless, weak; like sheep all gone astray;
He will come the lost to seek, to put our sin away.

In tender mercy down He came; came to save the lost;
Creator here with human frame; see what sin has cost.
Not all the silver and the gold could for guilt atone;
No scheme of man that’s new or old; but Christ Himself alone.

Yes, lower than the angels made, made to suffer death;
All our sins on Him were laid, when He yielded up His breath,
Willing all our guilt to bear, to die for you and me;
“Finished” cried the Saviour there, nailed to Calvary’s tree.

Now what work must man supply beside what Christ hath done?
Our God will freely justify all who trust His Son,
This is grace, yes grace Divine, sufficient grace indeed;
Abounding grace that knows no line: for the vilest sinner’s need.

Every claim Christ satisfied to clear the human race;
Between two thieves He bled and died. O what matchless grace
Death with Him was but a spell; He took up the life He gave,
God did not leave His soul in hell, nor His body in the grave.

Death abolished, He has its key, and the key of hades too;
Such a Christ for you and me, a living Saviour true.
A risen Christ at God’s right hand, Whose love has never ceased;
All power known at His command, an interceding Priest.

In heaven, on His Father’s throne, that blessed throne of grace,
Pleading ever for His own, He’s never lost a case.
He’s never lost a single one, never failed to keep
All the Father gives the Son, that Shepherd of the sheep.

He seals them with the Holy Ghost, unto redemption day:
Saves them to the uttermost; Hear the Saviour pray,
My glory, Father, let them see; My glory let them share,
Where I am, pray, let them be; God has heard that prayer.

Grace is this, and nothing less; only grace can tell
Why a sinner God should bless, and save his soul from hell.
In Adam none will heaven reach, not a single man,
In Christ alone Who healed the breach, believing sinners can.

While with patience here below we run for Christ the race,
What a blessed fact to know, sufficient is His grace.
Here surrounded by our foes, with conflicts all around;
In the midst of all our woes He makes His grace abound.

If in fervent prayer we ask, we’ll never be denied;
For every trial, every task, grace shall be supplied.
Whatever sickness or distress, sorrow, wound, or ache.
When heavy burdens sorely press, from that supply we take.

Exceeding riches of His grace, in ages after this
When we’ve reached that heavenly place to enjoy eternal bliss.
God the Father then will show, in kindness through His Son,
There in glory we shall know, know every chosen one.

No matter what your temporal gain, if your soul you lose;
All this life will prove but vain, if Christ you do not choose.
This is still the day of grace, the door is open wide;
Faith will find for you a place, a place with Christ inside.

Answer then the Spirit, yes, as He convicts of sin,
Christ, as Saviour, then confess; and He will enter in.
Eternal life with Him above, victory here and peace;
Dwelling in eternal love, His grace shall never cease.

FAMINE THE UNFAILING ALLY OF WAR.

When the Lord Jesus Christ was on earth He presented Himself to Israel as their promised King and Messiah. But the sad story is, “He came unto His own and His own received Him not.” Pilate the heathen judge asked Israel’s rulers, “shall I crucify your King?” They answered, “we have no king but Caesar.” Jesus Christ was despised and rejected of men. He was indeed the Man of sorrows acquainted with grief. He was the Stone rejected by the builders.

When Israel rejected the Lord Jesus He called their attention to the prophecy, that the builders would reject the Stone, and that Stone would become the Head of the corner. Matthew 21:40 to 43. When Israel rejected Christ, God rejected Israel and sent Paul to the Gentiles.

In order that we may clearly understand what is generally called “The New Testament Scriptures,” we must see the two-told rejection of Christ by Israel; once in His incarnation and again in His resurrection. In rejecting Israel Christ pronounced some awful judgments upon them, in Matthew 21:11 to 46— Matthew 22:7— Matthew 23:29 to 39, and Luke 21:20 to 31.

Because of Israel’s rejection of Christ in incarnation, Divine punishment would fall on them. That punishment is also stated in the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew, in answer to the question of Christ’s apostles. “What shall be the sign of Thy coming and the end of the world (age)?” Matthew 24:3. That chapter deals with Israel’s great tribulation, prophesied by Jeremiah, Daniel and other prophets. That tribulation is described in Revelation.

Because of Israel’s rejection of Christ in resurrection, Divine judgment would fall on them, which would mean rich, spiritual blessings for the Gentiles. That punishment is told in the eleventh chapter of Romans, in answer to the question, “hath God cast away His people (Israel)?” The answer is:

“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. 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.” Romans 11:25 and 26.

Since the words of Romans Eleven Israel has been an outcast nation for nearly 1900 years, a God-forsaken people, but a remnant has been supernaturally preserved.

During Israel’s blindness and rejection the grace of God. that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, and all Gentiles who have been wise enough to be the recipients of God’s grace, and have taken advantage of the free gift, have learned something of the meaning of Romans 11:30 and 11:15. “For as ye (Gentiles) in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their (Israel’s) unbelief.” “For if the casting away of them (Israel) be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?”

Here we learn that the Gentiles have obtained mercy because of Israel’s blindness and unbelief. Here we learn that the message of reconciliation was sent to Gentiles when and because Israel was set aside.

But, of course, individual Israelites may trust in the redemptive work of Christ, and be justified “without a cause by God’s grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24. In every way we are living in “the times of the Gentiles.” In the last three chapters of II Kings, and the last three chapters of Jeremiah, we are told how and why “the times of the Gentiles” (politically) began, In the eleventh chapter of Romans we are told bow and why “the times of the Gentiles” (spiritually) began. We must mark these two radical changes in our Bibles, if we would understand God’s program and purpose during this age, past ages, and in the ages to come.

THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES

In Luke 21:20 to 33, we are told how “the times of the Gentiles” will end. This is also told in the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew. It is very interesting and instructive to observe that the times of the Gentiles began with war and famine, Note II Kings 25:3 and 4 and Jeremiah 52:6 and 7: “On the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land. And the city was broken up and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king’s garden: (now the Chaldeans were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain.” II Kings 25:3 and 4: “In the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the famine was sore in the city so that there was no bread for the people of the land. Then the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king’s garden; (now the Chaldeans were by the city round about:) and they went by the way of the plain.” Jeremiah 52:6 and 7.

And in Matthew 24:3 to 13 we learn that. the times of the Gentiles will end with war and famine: “Many shall comp in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars; see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not. yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places. Matthew 24:5 to 7.Now let us note in Revelation 6:1 to 9, concerning the anti-Christ movement. war, famine, and pestilence:

“AND I SAW WHEN THE LAMB OPENED ONE OF THE SEALS, AND I HEARD, AS IT WERE THE NOISE OF THUNDER, ONE OF THE FOUR BEASTS SAYING, COME AND SEE. AND I SAW, AND BEHOLD A WHITE HORSE; AND HE THAT SAT ON HIM HAD A BOW; AND A CROWN WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM; AND HE WENT FORTH CONQUERING, AND TO CONQUER. AND WHEN HE HAD OPENED THE SECOND SEAL, I HEARD THE SECOND BEAST SAY, COME AND SEE. AND THERE WENT OUT ANOTHER HORSE THAT WAS RED; AND POWER WAS GIVEN TO HIM THAT SAT THEREON TO TAKE PEACE FROM THE EARTH, AND THAT THEY SHOULD KILL ONE ANOTHER; AND THERE WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM A GREAT SWORD. AND WHEN HE HAD OPENED THE; THIRD SEAL, I HEARD THE THIRD BEAST SAY, COME AND SEE. AND I BEHELD, AND LO A BLACK HORSE; AND HE THAT SAT ON HIM HAD A PAIR OF BALANCES IN HIS HAND. AND I HEARD A VOICE IN THE MIDST OF THE FOUR BEASTS SAY, A MEASURE OF WHEAT FOR A PENNY, AND THREE MEASURES OF BARLEY FOR A PENNY; AND SEE THOU HURT NOT THE OIL AND THE WINE. AND WHEN HE HAD OPENED THE FOURTH SEAL, I HEARD THE VOICE OF THE FOURTH BEAST SAY, COME AND SEE. AND I LOOKED, AND BEHOLD A PALE HORSE; AND HIS NAME THAT SAT ON HIM WAS DEATH, AND HELL. FOLLOWED WITH HIM. AND POWER WAS GIVEN UNTO THEM OVER THE FOURTH PART OF THE EARTH, TO KILL WITH SWORD, AND WITH HUNGER, AND WITH DEATH, AND WITH THE BEASTS OF THE EARTH. AND WHEN HE HAD OPENED THE FIFTH SEAL, I SAW UNDER THE ALTAR THE SOULS OF THEM THAT WERE SLAIN FOR THE WORD OF GOD, AND FOR THE TESTIMONY WHICH THEY HELD.”

It is interesting to know that famine is mentioned more than ninety-eight times in the Bible. About twenty-five times sword and famine are mentioned in the same Scripture. Jeremiah 5:12—14:2, 15 and 16—21:7—24:10—27:8 and 13—29:17 and 18—32:24 and 38—34:17— 38:2—42:17 and 22—44:3 and 12—Ezekiel 6:11 and 12—7:15—12:16—14:19 and 21— 28:23—33:27—38:22—Habakkuk 3:5—Matthew 24:7—Luke 21:11.

We note that the “red horse” rider of Revelation has a great sword for war and that the “black horse” rider has a pair of balances in his hands to weigh food. Famine follows the war. Famine has always followed war. War has always followed a spiritual famine, a time of spiritual declension, or some anti-Christ religious movement.

SWORD AND FAMINE

We have often heard the statement “experience is a great teacher,” “we profit by experience.” And we also hear the expression “history repeats itself.” The sinful people of 1941 A.D. are very much like the sinful people of 600 B.C. “For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against Me, saith the Lord. They have belied the Lord and said, It is not He; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine.” Jeremiah 5:11 and 12. But note God’s answer: “Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that prophesy in My name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.” Jeremiah 14:15 and 16.

“And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers.” Jeremiah 24:10.

Note the awful judgment which God pronounced upon His own people because of their sins:

“And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them. Because they have not hearkened to My words, saith the Lord, which I sent unto them by My servants, the prophets, rising up early and sending them; but ye would not hear, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:18 and 19.

Now God gives this warning to the Gentiles: “For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not thee.” Romans 11:21. Why should God spare the sinful and ungodly Gentile rulers and people if He spared not His own nation, Israel?

Behold today the Germany that gave us the Reformation with the message of justification by faith, and the beginning of a new era! Think of the corruption of Rome, which boasts of being the chief city of Christendom, with the holy see. What may we expect to follow the present outrages of the blood-thirsty tyrants of Europe?

We say that famine has always been the unfailing ally of war, and if famine is not to be the ally of war in the present world conflict, this war will certainly be the exception.

Note the order

1. spiritual declension.

2. war

3. Famine

4. pestilence.

Many Christian preachers were sure that the world war, famine, and pestilence of 1914 to 1919 would cause multitudes to turn to God and the Bible. We do thank God, that, as the result of what transpired, many Christians saw the folly of Postmillennialism, and became Premillenarians. But there never has been more worldliness and apostacy among church members than there has been during the past twenty years, and God has again permitted an awful war to be waged.

Now every day the reports are coming from Europe that the inhabitants of that country are facing the spectre of famine. They very much fear that there will be a real shortage of food in most of the invaded and conquered lands. Where there is not a short harvest there is a shortage of men; men who should be out in the fields of wheat, with agricultural implements, are on the bloody battle fields with their hellish implements of war.

Now the question which is in the minds and hearts of so many of God’s people today, is whether the present European conflict has anything to do with the fulfillment of Matthew Twenty-four or Revelation Six. Has the red horse and his rider of Revelation 6:3 and 4 arrived? Will the black horse and his rider appear on the scene before this war is over?

If history is to repeat itself, most assuredly famine and pestilence will follow this awful war. And in addition to these sorrows undoubtedly there will be insurrection, rebellion and revolution. Only God knows the horrors ahead. But the intelligent, spiritual, diligent student of the Bible knows that the four horsemen of the Apocalypse will not ride while the Body of Christ is in the making. God’s definite specific purpose during this present dispensation of grace, is to complete the Body of Christ. Ephesians 4:10 to 14.

The Messianic Kingdom of Christ is to be established after this present dispensation has been brought to an end. The Kingdom is to be established when Jesus Christ comes as the Son of man and King, to deliver Israel from their great tribulation.

During this present parenthetical period, the dispensation of the mystery is to be made known. Ephesians 3:9. When the child of God knows this great truth concerning the Church of the Mystery, he will not expect the white horse rider of Revelation Six, or the white horse rider of Revelation Nineteen, until after the rapture of the Body.

THE GREAT TRIBULATION

In order that we may understand the five horsemen of Revelation, let us study the verses with some verses in the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew and the twenty-first of Luke.

REVELATION

“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer: And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and to a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse; and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held.” Revelation 6:1 to 9.

“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” Revelation 6:12 and 13.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat on him was called Faithful and True and in righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God” Revelation 19:11 to 13.“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the horse, against His army.” Revelation 19:19. The beast and the false prophet were cast into the lake of fire.

MATTHEW AND LUKE

“For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” Matthew 24:5 to 10.

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Matthew 24:21.

“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Matthew 24:30.

“And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations, and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be signs in the sun and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And He spake to them a parable; behold, the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and care of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Luke 21:24 to 34.

We can understand the meaning of the five horsemen of Revelation by carefully studying the order in the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew.

Note the order:

1. Anti-Christ.

2. Wars

3. Famine

4. Pestilence

5. Persecution of saints

6. Earthquakes

7. Signs in the heavens

8. The coming of the Son of man – the fifth Horseman. Revelation 19:11 to 19.

It would seem, from this order, that the great tribulation will begin with the appearance and doings of the first white horse rider, and that the appearance and doings of the second white horse Rider will bring an end to the great tribulation. The great tribulation was prophesied in Jeremiah 30:6 to 9. “Ask ye now and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas! for that day is great, so that. none is like it; it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out. of it. For it shall come to pass in that. day, saith the Lord of hosts, that. I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.”

Thus we learn that the great tribulation is prophesied concerning Israel; and inasmuch as God’s spiritual program concerning the Body of Christ was not prophesied by Jeremiah, or any of Israel’s prophets, the sixth chapter of Revelation and the twenty-fourth of Matthew have nothing to do with this present dispensation of grace or the Body of Christ.

Again, note Luke 21:28 to 31: “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads: for your redemption draweth nigh. And He spake to them a parable; Behold, the fig tree, and all the. trees: When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” Whose redemption will be nigh when the signs begin to come to pass? What kingdom of God will he nigh when these signs are seen? Israel’s redemption will be at hand. Israel’s prophesied Messianic kingdom will be at hand.

THIS GRACE ECONOMY

In the meantime, what is at hand? “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17. “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: In Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13 and 14. “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30.

Those who are in the kingdom of the Son of God’s love, during this dispensation of grace, are members of the JointBody of Ephesians 3:6, and they are sealed with the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption. As to this day of redemption we read, in I Corinthians 15:51, “Behold, I shew you a secret, we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” The day of redemption for members of the Body of Christ means the resurrection of their bodies. They will receive bodies of glory to appear with Christ in glory. Therefore they are looking for His glorious appearing, Philippians 3:20 and 21, Colossians 3:3 and 4—Titus 2:13. None of the signs of Luke Twenty-one, Matthew Twenty-four or Revelation Six will precede the redemption mentioned in Ephesians 4:30. But they will all precede the redemption mentioned in Luke 21:28, Israel’s redemption.

The coming of the Son of man in power and great glory will follow the great tribulation. This coming and tribulation have nothing to do with “the dispensation of the Mystery (Secret) “ mentioned in Ephesians 3:9. The Lord Jesus Christ is not the Son of man to the Joint-Body of Ephesians 3:6, of which He is the Head. This Church of the Mystery will be safe with Christ in glory before Israel and the nations are plunged into their time of sorrow.

The coming of the Fifth Horseman is not His coming for the Church, but His coming to deliver Israel at the time of Armageddon.

But this does not mean that famine and pestilence and anarchy will not follow the present wars, whether or not members of Christ’s Body leave the earth or remain here. Many who know the conditions in Europe are sure that a great famine is not far off. We read in Ezekiel 6:11 and 12: “. . . they shall fall by the sword, by the famine and by the pestilence . . . he that is near shall fall by the sword and he that remaineth . . . shall die by the famine.” So in every dispensation famine and war are allies.

So war and famine are allies and always come after a spiritual famine: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor of thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11.

The study of the number “twelve” in the Bible is a very interesting one. For some reason God ordained that there should be twelve tribes of Israel, so Jacob (Israel) had twelve sons.

Then in Matthew 10:2 to 5 we learn the names of the twelve apostles chosen by Christ. Among the twelve was Judas Iscariot.

Note these words of the Lord Jesus concerning Judas:

“BUT THERE ARE SOME OF YOU THAT BELIEVE NOT. FOR JESUS KNEW FROM THE BEGINNING WHO THEY WERE THAT BELIEVED NOT, AND WHO SHOULD BETRAY HIM.” “JESUS ANSWERED THEM, HAVE NOT I CHOSEN YOU TWELVE, AND ONE OF YOU IS A DEVIL? HE SPAKE OF JUDAS ISCARIOT THE SON OF SIMON: FOR HE IT WAS THAT SHOULD BETRAY HIM, BEING ONE OF THE TWELVE.” John 6:64, 70 and 71.

Note again in the prayer of the Lord Jesus:

“WHILE I WAS WITH THEM IN THE WORLD, I KEPT THEM IN THY NAME: THOSE THAT THOU GAVEST ME I HAVE KEPT, AND NONE OF THEM IS LOST, BUT THE SON OF PERDITION; THAT THE SCRIPTURE MIGHT BE FULFILLED.” John 17:12.

Christ said to the twelve apostles, including Judas: “Ye have not chosen Me but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.” John 15:16.

Then note Matthew 10:5 and 6: “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: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. “

The twelve apostles were sent to the twelve tribes of Israel. Then after the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus we find, in Acts 2:14, that twelve apostles stood up on Israel’s feast day, Pentecost, and addressed “all the house of Israel.” Acts 2:36.

When eleven other apostles stood up that day with Peter to address the twelve tribes of Israel, Matthias stood in the place of Judas. Judas was dead. And surely no intelligent student of the Bible will teach or believe that Judas became a saint by accepting Christ as his Saviour and then became a lost sinner by betraying Christ. Judas was the son of perdition when he was chosen and he was the son of perdition when he died.

JUDAS’ SUCCESSOR

Note the very interesting account of the selection of Judas’ successor:

“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. FOR HE WAS NUMBERED WITH US, AND HAD OBTAINED PART OF THIS MINISTRY.” “FOR IT IS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF PSALMS, LET HIS HABITATION BE DESOLATE, AND LET NO MAN DWELL THEREIN; AND HIS BISHOPRICK LET ANOTHER TAKE.” “THAT HE MAY TAKE PART OF THIS MINISTRY, AND APOSTLESHIP FROM WHICH JUDAS BY TRANSGRESSION FELL, THAT HE MIGHT GO TO HIS OWN PLACE. AND THEY GAVE FORTH THEIR LOTS; AND THE LOT FELL UPON MATTHIAS; AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH THE ELEVEN APOSTLES.” Acts 1:16, 17, 20, 25 and 26.

God’s approval was upon the selection of Matthias. Note Acts 2:1: “all with one accord,” Acts 2:46: “with one accord;” Acts 4:32: “with one heart,” There was complete unity.

Matthias was the Lord’s choice to succeed Judas. But now the question; why was a successor necessary? When the Lord Jesus gave His commission to His apostles after His death, in the so-called great commission, Judas had died and the number had been reduced from “twelve” to “eleven”. Matthew 28:16. Mark 16:14. Why did not the Lord Jesus leave the number “eleven?” Why did they again select the twelfth apostle to Israel? Twelve tribes-twelve apostles. That was the Lord’s plan and program.

So on the day of Pentecost, devout Jews from every nation under heaven were gathered in Jerusalem. Peter and the Eleven stood up. What God inaugurated on that Jewish feast-day was for Israel. Yes, it was by twelve apostles for Israel. These apostles had been instructed not to go to Gentiles. And it is very significant that when many of the Jewish Christians were driven out of Jerusalem, the twelve apostles remained there. Acts 8:1. They were told in Matthew 10:23 “the Son may come before ye have gone over the cities of Israel.”

Peter, James and John were considered the pillars of that Jewish Church at Jerusalem. Note their agreement with Paul some fifteen years after the day of Pentecost: “And when James, Peter and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen and they unto the circumcision.” Galatians 2:9.

Not one of the twelve apostles preached outside of the land of the Jews, so far as there is any record in the Book of Acts. Of the Twelve, Peter preached to the household of Cornelius, the Gentile. When Peter did leave the land of the Jews he got into serious trouble. Galatians 2:11 to 15.

Cornelius loved Israel’s God. Cornelius worshipped Israel’s God. Cornelius loved Israel and gave them money. Acts 10:1, 2 and 22. The other eleven apostles condemned Peter for preaching to Cornelius and his loved ones. Acts 11:1 to 3. This was about seven years after the day of Pentecost when the Twelve stood up together.

Note very carefully Acts 11:19: “Now they that were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the Word, to none but unto the Jews only.”

This should make very clear the fact that up to this time the Jewish disciples of the Lord Jesus had preached to no Gentile. Phillip preached to the eunuch, but the eunuch was a proselyte. The one and only case of apostolic succession is Matthias for Judas.

NO SUCCESSOR FOR JAMES

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church, And he killed James, the brother of John with the sword.” Acts 12:1 and 2.

James was the second one of the original twelve apostles to die. Judas was the first. Judas died and a successor was chosen. James died, and no successor was chosen.

And observe these most important and significant facts: Up to the death of James, in Acts 12:1 and 2, the “Acts” record is filled with the spiritual activities of Peter and the Eleven, Peter and John, the testimony of the Twelve. From Acts 13:2 to Acts 28:28, the “Acts” record is filled with the spiritual activities of another man, Saul, who became Paul. In these later chapters Paul is mentioned more than one hundred times and there is no record of the words or doings of Peter or any of the Twelve except as they had dealings with this chief human actor, Paul.

Therefore, when we learn that through the years covered by the first eleven chapters of Acts, the Lord kept the number of apostles at “Twelve,” we should. know there was a Divine purpose in it, and that God was dealing with Israel in a manner different than His dealings with that Nation after the new commission of Acts 13:2. Then the new Divine Movement was declared in Romans 11:15.

Now let us note the Lord’s promise to the twelve apostles:”

“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.” Matthew 19:28.

Meditate upon this and believe it. Get the future earthly glory of the Twelve fixed in your mind.

Now let us read carefully the description of the heavenly city in Revelation 21. We quote two verses: “And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.” “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Revelation 21:12 and 14.

No successor was chosen to take the place of James. The Lord was no longer interested in twelve apostles. Therefore the Lord’s attitude toward the twelve tribes was changing. Israel was going to be set aside and a radical change in God’s spiritual program was to begin. God required twelve apostles from the day of Pentecost to the death of James. After Acts 13:2, God no longer required twelve apostles.

A NEW COMMISSION

“As they ministered and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

Separate unto me Saul (Paul).

Note Paul’s testimony:

“But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” “Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles be. fore me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.” Galatians 1:11, 12 and 17. “But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were it maketh no matter to me; God accepted no man’s person): for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me; But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter.” Galatians 2:6 and 7.

Then this further testimony

“For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.” Romans 11:13.

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24.

“That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:16.

UNTO PETER

Unto Peter were committed “the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 16:16 to 19. Unto Peter was committed “the gospel of the circumcision.” Galatians 2:7. We must study the first eleven chapters of Acts with these facts in mind.

UNTO PAUL

What was committed to Paul?

“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation He made known unto me the Mystery (as I wrote afore in few words).” “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3:1 to 3 and 8. “Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.” II Timothy 1:9 and 11.

If we do not know the difference between Peter’s keys of the kingdom and Paul’s dispensation of the grace of God, we should be ashamed workmen. If we don’t know the difference between Peter’s gospel of the circumcision and Paul’s gospel of the uncircumcision, we have ignored II Timothy 2:15.

Note Peter’s words in Acts 3:24 and compare them with Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:8:

Peter, in Acts 3:24, referred to the prophesied “Kingdom” days of Israel. But Paul’s declaration was altogether different. “Unto me who am less than the least of all saints is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3:8.

Note Peter’s declaration:

“Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.” Acts 3:24.

All the prophets of Israel spoke of Peter’s message. Not one of them knew anything about Paul’s “unsearchable riches of Christ.” “Unsearchable” means “ unprophesied. “ Something new began with the new commission of Acts 13:2.

After that Israel committed the unpardonable sin and the truth of Romans 11:25, 26 and 15 was revealed

“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. 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.” “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.”

Israel was not set aside while there were eleven other apostles associated with Peter. In the first eleven chapters of Acts we have something of the kingdom program which the Lord will carry on after God’s purpose during this age has been accomplished.

Everything that Peter and the Eleven preached according to the first eleven chapters of Acts was in fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures, and therefore that spiritual program had nothing to do with “the dispensation of the mystery” which had been hid in God from before the foundation of the world: Ephesians 3:9.

Let us always recognize the difference between the prophesied Kingdom of heaven and the unprophesied “Body” of Christ: Ephesians 3:5 to 9 – Colossians 1:24 to 27.

First, let us carefully note two statements of the Apostle Paul: “But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter.” Galatians 2:7. “For, this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles. If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward.” Ephesians 3:2.

There are many zealous religious people, among whom are a number of splendid spiritual saints, who have formulated their creeds and adopted their religious programs on the assumption that Israel had been set aside “when the day of Pentecost was fully come” (Acts 2:1), and that. the dispensation of the grace of God, mentioned in Ephesians 3:1 to 9, began the day that Peter and the Eleven stood up in Jerusalem.

They speak much of the “Apostolic Church,” “the Pentecostal Church,” but never of the “Joint-Body” of Ephesians 3:6, “the Church of the Mystery,” “the One New Man” of Ephesians 2:15, “the Body which is the fulness of Christ,” Ephesians 1:19 to 23. They never give any Scriptural proof that the Pentecostal Church of Acts Two is identical with “the Church of the Mystery.”

In referring to the Body of Christ, and God’s spiritual program under the dispensation of grace, Paul mentions “the Mystery” in Ephesians and Colossians. It should be obvious to any intelligent student of the Scriptures that anything that. has to do with “the Pentecostal dispensation” has nothing to do with “the dispensation of the Mystery.” Believers are to “make all men see what is the dispensation of the Mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God;” but those who begin the dispensation of the “Secret” with Peter and the Pentecost of Acts Two never attempt to obey Ephesians 3:9.

“The dispensation of the Mystery” is “Gentilish,” Ephesians 3:1,2 and 8. Pentecost is Israelitish. There can be no genuine Pentecost without the Jewish priests, the Jewish temple. the Jewish city, and the Jewish people. The Gentiles in the day of grace have no Pentecost.

About twenty-five years after Peter and the Eleven, in Jerusalem, on the day of Pentecost addressed devout Jews from every nation under heaven, Paul said, “I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.” I Corinthians 16:8. In Acts 20:16 are words concerning Paul that will throw light on his statements to the Corinthians: “For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus because he would not spend the time in Asia, for he hasted, if it were possible for him to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.” Acts 20:16. Peter and the Eleven addressed the Jerusalem Jews fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter and the Eleven were in Jerusalem tarrying, after the command of Christ: “And behold, I send the promise of My father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49. Then Christ added, “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit 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 parts of earth.” Acts 1:8.

Concerning the apostles. we read “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” Acts 1:14 and 2:1. Let us keep in mind that the tarrying-place was in Jerusalem. About twenty-five years later Paul wanted to be in Jerusalem on another day of Pentecost. In Acts 2:1 Pentecost was fully come. Pentecost was observed annually, but the phenomena of Acts two was not repeated.

When Paul reached Jerusalem the last. time, about 60 A.D. (Acts 21:17), he found his people Israel conducting their Covenant ceremonies in their temple. Even after that time Paul apologized after he had spoken disrespectfully to Israel’s Jerusalem high-priest, whom he had not recognized as priest. Acts 23:3 to 8. God permitted Israel to remain in their land, and use their temple, years after Christ announced the city’s and the people’s doom in Matthew 23:30 to 39.

After the Pentecost of Acts 2, the twelve apostles had entered into the temple with their message concerning Israel’s rejection and the resurrected Messiah “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:42.

From these facts we are taught that for some reason God extended extra years of grace to Israel and Jerusalem and deferred the execution of the judgment pronounced by Christ, in Matthew 22:7 and 24:1 and 2. Undoubtedly the prayer of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross brought the amnesty and postponement of Jerusalem’s destruction. Christ prayed, “Father, forgive them. for they know not what they do.” It is true, that even before His death the Messiah said to Israel, “ Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” “Behold, your house is left unto yon desolate.” Matthew 23:33 and 38. But let us read, with this judgment, Luke 21:20: “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.” The desolation of the holy city was to take place when armies surrounded it.

Jerusalem was not compassed with armies when Peter and the Eleven preached to the rulers of Israel on the day of Pentecost. Peter’s message to them was one of tenderness and mercy. “And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it as did also your rulers.” “Ye are the children of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham. And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” Acts 3:17, 25 and 26. What a contrast between these words and the awful judgment of Matthew 23:28 and 29: “. . . within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you. scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” “Ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? . . . Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” What is the only intelligent explanation of God’s change of attitude toward Israel? God, in the Book of Acts, was giving Israel another chance. The kingdom of heaven was presented to Israel in the first chapters of Acts as much as it was while Jesus Christ was on earth.

Israel sinned against the Son of man. Luke 12:9 and 10. Now they were given the opportunity to either repent or to sin against the Holy Spirit and thus commit the unpardonable sin. Matthew 12:30 to 33. Note carefully God’s message to them “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, Whom God hath given to them that obey Him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.” Acts 5:29 to 32. They sinned against the Holy Spirit. They again sinned against the Holy Spirit when Stephen saw the Son of man standing in heaven. Acts 7:43 to 60.

The resurrected Christ was Israel’s Prince and Saviour. Where did the Gentiles come in? They didn’t come in. You may ask how about Acts 2:39. “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and TO ALL THAT ARE AFAR OFF, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” You may answer this question yourself by reading Acts 10:28 and Daniel 9:7: “And he said unto them, Ye know that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Acts 10:28. “O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto Thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, AND THAT ARE FAR OFF, through all the countries whither Thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against Thee.” Daniel 9:7.

If seven years after Christ was raised from the dead, it was not lawful for the twelve apostles to preach to Gentiles, we may be sure that the “far off” of Acts 2:39, referred to the “far off” Israelites of Daniel 9:7. Also Acts 11:18 is proof of this, with Acts 10:28.

In II Corinthians 3:9 to 16 we learn why the religious Jews were still holding on to Pentecost and other Old Testament feasts after Acts 2:1. “There was a veil over their eyes.” There is a veil over the minds of many Pentecostalists today.

TWELVE MEN (AND NO WOMEN) STOOD UP. ACTS 2:14:

In Matthew 10:5 to 8, the twelve apostles were especially instructed by Christ to stay away from Gentiles and go to Israel. Twelve men (and no women) stood up on the day of Pentecost and addressed all the house of Israel (twelve tribes). Acts 2:14 and 36. Years later they agreed with Paul that they would continue to do the same thing. Galatians 2:9. Every student of the Word of God should understand the important truth of Galatians 2:7 to 9. Read these verses very carefully. Then think of the great blunder the Roman Catholics have made because they have ever been ignorant of the difference between Peter’s keys of the kingdom and Paul’s dispensation of grace. Note Paul’s words in I Corinthians 3:10.

In Matthew 10:23 the Lord Jesus said to the Twelve, “Ye may not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.” In the Book of Acts we learn that the Twelve remained in Jerusalem. Acts 8:1. So far as there is any record in the Book of Acts, not one of the Twelve preached the gospel in places other than in the cities of Israel. Note, in Acts 7:47 to 60, that Stephen saw the Son of man standing in heaven. Then and there Israel committed the unpardonable sin. This they repeated in the Thirteenth, Eighteenth and Twenty-eighth chapters of Acts.

Now carefully consider the truth of Galatians 2:7—“But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter.” The important point here is that the gospel OF the circumcision was committed to Peter after the death and resurrection of the Son of man. Unto Paul was committed the gospel OF the uncircumcision. After Saul became Paul Israel was set aside. The ministry of reconciliation for Gentiles was committed to Paul. Romans 11:15—II Corinthians 5:18 and 19. Read II Corinthians 5:19 with Acts 20:24, Romans 15:16 and Ephesians 3:8, and you will learn the great commission under which Paul labored.

And then if you will compare “disciple all nations” with Acts 10:28 and Galatians 2:9, you will have plenty of food for thought and the realization of the need for obedience of II Timothy 2:15, “rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” If it was unlawful for the Twelve to preach to Gentiles about seven years after they received the great commission of Matthew 28:19 and 20, and then they later agreed to confine their testimony to Jews, then what meaneth “disciple all nations” in the so-called great commission? In Galatians 2:9, were the Twelve and Paul all out of the will of God, or, rather, is there not something wrong with the general teaching of the great commission and the Body of Christ?

TO VISIT THE GENTILES

Compare Acts 15:13 to l5 with Galatians 2:9—“And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name. And to this agree the words of the prophets.”

“And when James, Peter, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision.” Note, the same two men who declared that God’s will and purpose was to visit the Gentiles agreed to go to the Jews.

Now apply II Timothy 2:15. In applying the Divine principle we learn that the ministry of the twelve in the first eleven chapters of Acts, was in agreement with the words of Israel’s Old Testament prophets. This included the salvation of Cornelius and his household. To this company of Gentiles Peter and James referred in Acts 15:7 and in Acts 15:13 to 15. But Israel’s Old Testament prophets said nothing, and knew nothing, about God’s spiritual program for the Gentiles about which Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:1 to 11 and Colossians 1:24 to 28. All of this was hid in God. And therefore the Holy Spirit called it “the secret hid in God,” not made known to other ages, “the unsearchable (unprophesied) riches of Christ,” “the dispensation of the mystery.” Read Colossians 1:24 to 26 and Ephesians 3:3 to 11. In Philippians 1:10 (in the Greek) God says, “distinguish between things that differ.” Then we should know that the Divine movement of Acts 15:13 to 15, which agrees with the words of the prophets, is different from the Divine movement of Ephesians 3:8 to 11 and Colossians 1:24 to 27, which was not in agreement with the words of the prophets.

In the first eleven chapters of Acts, the Lord, by the Twelve, presented a kingdom program different from the present “Body” program. Note that twelve men stood up on the day of Pentecost of Acts 2, and presented a message to the twelve tribes of Israel. Acts 2:14 and Acts 2:36. The resurrected Christ was presented as Israel’s Prince and Saviour. Acts 5:29 to 32. How different is the message from the truth of Christ far above, Head unto His Body. Ephesians 1:19 to 23.

In Acts 3, if Israel would repent, God would send Christ back to earth to establish His Messianic earthly kingdom. Acts 3:19 to 21. Unless we know that God was carrying on a twofold program in the first chapters of Acts, we will not rightly divide the Word of Truth. God was offering salvation to individuals, Jews and proselytes, the kingdom to the nation. Christ was raised from the dead to sit on David’s throne, Acts 2:27 to 33.

Note Acts 3:24—“Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after as many as have spoken, have likewise FORETOLD OF THESE DAYS.” What a contrast with Colossians 1:24 to 26 and Ephesians 3:8 to 11.. All of Israel’s prophets knew of the days of Acts 2 and 3. None of Israel’s prophets knew of the days of Colossians and Ephesians. Do you think it is pleasing to the Lord to confuse them? Even the babe in Christ should know the difference between Peter’s keys of the kingdom of heaven and Paul’s dispensation of the grace of God. The messages that Peter preached in the first chapters of Acts were in fulfillment of the Prophecies of Moses, Samuel, David, Joel, Amos, and others. None of this had anything to do with Ephesians 3:8: “Unto me who am less than the least of all saints is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” “Unsearchable” means “untraceable” or “unprophesied.”

Do you think it is pleasing to the Lord or satisfying to the earnest spiritual student of the Word to teach or believe that the Jewish feast day (Pentecost) marked the beginning of the Divine Gentilish movement described as a “mystery”? Note again Ephesians 3:1 to 3—“For this cause I Paul the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation He made known unto me the Mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words.”

Now read II Peter 3:15 and 16—“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his Epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

Are you numbered with those who wrest Paul’s writings? You certainly are, if you are following the interpretation of the Pentecostalists, or even the (anti-Pentecostalist) Fundamentalists, who teach that this present Divine economy began on a Jewish feast day. Pentecost, Leviticus And Joel’s Prophecy

ACTS-PETER AND THE ELEVEN

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” Acts 2:1.

“And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” Acts 2:5.

“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: for these are not drunken as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; and it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on My servants and My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy; and I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:14 to 21.

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, Whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 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? 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 Spirit. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:36 to 39.

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” Acts 3:19 to 21.

“Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have like. wise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.” Acts 3:24 and 25.

“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:30 and 31.

LEVITICUS AND JOEL

“In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord’s passover.” Leviticus 23:5.

“And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the waveoffering: seven sabbaths shall be complete; Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat-offering unto the Lord.” Leviticus 23:15 and 18.

JOEL

“Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly.” Joel 2:15.

“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil.” Joel 2:13.

“Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things.” Joel 2:21, “Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God; for He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.” Joel 2:23.

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered; for in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.” Joel 2:28 to 32.

“Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.”

“So shall you know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.”

“But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.” Joel 3:12, 17 and 20.

In the twenty-third chapter of Leviticus the feasts of Jehovah are recorded. First came the feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread and Firstfruits. These pointed forward to the once-for-all death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who put away sin when He appeared ONCE in the end of the ages. Hebrews 9:26. This was accomplished by offering Himself once. Then He arose from the dead and became the firstfruits of them that slept.

One of the great blunders, the spiritual crime of the Roman Catholics is that in their eucharist they re-sacrifice the Lord Jesus Christ, keeping Him in the chalice for that purpose in their mass. The letters I.H.S. mean “Jesus the Saviour of Man.” God’s Word is clear. “There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.” Hebrews 10:26 and 10:18. The Roman priests have overlooked Hebrews 9:25 and 26—“Nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 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 Pentecostalists blunder in that they claim to perpetuate, duplicate, or re-enact the Pentecost of Acts Two. In Leviticus 23:15 and 16 we learn of the feast of Jehovah on the fiftieth day after the feasts of Passover and Firstfruits. In Acts 2:1 we learn that the feast day is called the day of Pentecost. Pentecost comes from “Pentekonta.” “Pentekonta” means “fifty.” “Pente” means “five.” As the Lord Jesus, our Passover (I Corinthians 5:7), was sacrificed for us once-forall, so the phenomena of Acts 2, in the city of Jerusalem, with the advent of the Holy Spirit, is not to be re-enacted during the dispensation of grace, outside the city of Jerusalem. Neither is there to be another Pentecost movement in the closing days of this age of grace.

In Acts 20:16 and I Corinthians 16:8, we learn that the Jews at Jerusalem were still keeping Pentecost in that city. Why? Because “their minds were blinded; for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the Old Covenant which is done away in Christ.” II Corinthians 3:14. Like those ignorant blinded Jews, the Pentecostalists today, with the vail untaken away, have a counterfeit Pentecost.

In their interpretation, application and appropriation of the prophecy of Joel, they certainly wrest the Scriptures. They do exceedingly err in taking certain promises of that prophecy completely out of their dispensational setting and force them “undispensationally” into what little they know of “the dispensation of the grace of God” and “the dispensation of the mystery.” Ephesians 3:1 and 2 and 3:9. This present age of grace is a parenthetical period unknown to all of God’s servants until the glorified Christ revealed it to Paul.

Joel’s prophecy foretells Israel’s tribulation, the battle of Armageddon, God’s judgment upon Israel’s Gentile adversaries, and Israel’s deliverance and restoration and kingdom blessings. One key of the prophecy of Joel, that should keep any student of the Word of God from the fallacy and folly of Pentecostalism, is Joel 2:18—“Then will the. Lord be jealous for HIS LAND and pity HIS PEOPLE.” Palestine and Israel cannot mean America and the Gentiles. Note also Joel 2:21 and Joel 3:17 and 20: “Fear not, O Land; be glad and rejoice; for the Lord will do great things.” “So shall you know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain; then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.” “But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.”

What has any of this to do with the members of the Body of Christ in the United States? We are not Israel. The United States is not Israel’s land.

How absurd, when Pentecostalists claim the dreams and visions of Joel 2:28 and 29, “the former and latter rain” of Joel 2:23, but make no claim to the abundant material harvests and wealth of Joel 2:24 that are to be produced by the former and latter rain, which have nothing to do with the Holy Ghost’s work in the believer.

They interpret the former and the latter rain spiritually and claim that in the last days, before the coming of the Lord, the modern Pentecostalist movement is fulfilling prophecy. One can frequently hear the chorus in one of their unscriptural tarrying-meetings, “this is that,” repeating what Peter said on the day of Pentecost, more than 1900 years ago. “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.” Acts 2:16.

Then note the first part of the statement in Acts 2:17—“And it shall come to pass IN THE LAST DAYS.” Peter declared “this is that.” This is what? Something that was to happen in what LAST DAYS? In the LAST DAYS of the Body of Christ? Certainly not. Joel did not know one thing, or say one thing, about the last days of the Body of Christ, or about the first days, or about any other days that had anything to do with the Body of Christ. The LAST DAYS of Joel spake of Israel’s LAST DAYS, their tribulation and millennium. The truth concerning “the Body of Christ,” “the Church of the Mystery,” was not made known to them. Colossians 1:24 to 27. The LAST DAYS in fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy most assuredly were not the FIRST DAYS of the Body of Christ.

God’s message by Peter was a message to Israel. Twelve men stood up. No women. The number “twelve” is very significant in the Bible and speaks of Israel. When religious people cry “back to Pentecost” they should demand that twelve Pentecostal preachers, all men, stand up. No women. They should see to it that in the assemblies, when the Pentecostalists are speaking with tongues, the women keep silent, I Corinthians 14:34. Some one has truly said, if you take the women out of the Pentecostal tongues movement, it would stop moving.

But the Pentecostalists are not the only deluded ones, who have the last days of Israel, in Acts 2:17, mark the first day of the Body of Christ. What confusion and misunderstandings result when the endeavor is made to begin the Body of Christ with Peter’s keys of the kingdom of heaven instead of with Paul’s dispensation of grace and ministry of reconciliation, after His name was changed to Paul. How important are the messages of Acts 13:46— Acts 14:27— Acts 18:5 and 6 and Romans 11:15. Read these, and do not begin the dispensation of the grace of God and reconciliation for Gentiles or open the Gentile door of faith before God did.

The postponement of the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, the tribulation, and the Messianic kingdom, meant the beginning of the dispensation of the mystery and the Joint-Body of Ephesians 3:5 and 6. But neither the death of Christ, nor the sermon of the Twelve in Acts Two, marked that postponement. Acts 5:29 to 32 is God’s answer to the foolish statement that Israel had been set aside on the day of Pentecost. On the other hand, Romans 11:15 and II Corinthians 5:16 to 19 is the answer to the foolish statement that the Body of Christ did not have its historic beginning until after the close of the “Acts” period, after the judgment of Acts 28:25 to 28.

It does seem that God is using the rod of Pentecostal fanaticism to bring to their senses the “grace” preachers, among Fundamentalists, who teach that the dispensation of the mystery began with Peter on a Jewish feast day, instead of with Saul, after his name was changed to Paul. They will still say that there was no difference between the gospel OF the circumcision committed to Peter and the gospel OF the uncircumcision committed to Paul (Galatians 2:7). They add to the confusion by teaching that Paul perpetuated the same message and spiritual program which began with Peter and Pentecost.

The answer to Pentecostalism, Seventh Day Adventism, Anglo Israelism, and every ill and “ism” with which the Body of Jesus Christ is afflicted, is Pauline Grace Truth, the understanding of Ephesians 3:1 to 11 and 4:1 to 14.

Note one reason why these truths are written:

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Ephesians 4:14.

In I Corinthians 14:33 we read this very interesting statement:

“GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION.”

In this same Epistle, we read in verse twenty-five of chapter twelve, “that there should be no schism in the Body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” With this statement let us read Ephesians 4:4:

“THERE IS ONE BODY.” And let us also read I Corinthians 12:12 and 13.

“FOR AS THE BODY IS ONE, AND HATH MANY MEMBERS, AND ALL THE MEMBERS OF THAT ONE BODY, BEING MANY, ARE ONE BODY: SO ALSO IS CHRIST. 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.”

Then note the question, in I Corinthians 1:13—“IS CHRIST DIVIDED?” There is one Christ. There is one Body of Christ. That Body is called, “the fulness of Christ.” In Ephesians 5:31 and 32, we learn that Christ and His Body are one flesh. They are called in Ephesians 2:15, “ONE NEW MAN.” Then we read in Ephesians 4:7 to 14, that every member of the Body is given grace to help in God’s work, “for the edifying (building up) of the Body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12. All the members of that one Body, who have special gifts, are:

“FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS, FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY, FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST: TILL WE ALL COME IN THE UNITY OF THE FAITH, AND OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD, UNTO A PERFECT MAN, UNTO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULNESS OF CHRIST.” Ephesians 4: 12 and 13.

“Unto a perfect man”, “unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” God will accomplish His purpose. The Perfect Man will be a reality. The Body of Christ is the fulness of Christ. This is what God is doing during this age of grace—If you are a labourer together with God, this is what you should be doing.

Now it must be apparent to any intelligent spiritual Christian that God is not building two or three churches, to say nothing of two or three hundred churches. No; God is interested in completing His own one Building.

“In Whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In Whom ye also are building together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21 and 22.

Now remember that God is not the author of confusion. But there is plenty of confusion. God’s desire is that there should be no division in the Body. In God’s purpose and program Christ is not divided. The Body is one. So also is Christ. Just as true as there is one God the Father, God recognizes but one Church in this age; and God does not look with favor and approval upon the sectarian churches of men. There is one Body, even as there is one Christ, the Lord, one Spirit and one baptism. God is building “One New Man”, and not 300 New Men, except as every member of the One Body has put on the new man.

God’s will is, that all the members of His one Church should believe and practice the truth of Ephesians 4:1 to 7; that they should recognize the seven-fold unity mentioned in those verses and keep the unity of the Spirit.

We emphasize the fact that all saved people are members of Christ’s one Body, members one of another, all one in Christ Jesus, with Him, “one flesh” and, “One New Man.” Romans 12:4 and 5—Galatians 3:27 and 28.

By one Spirit all believers are baptized into One Body. God’s will is, that there should be no division in the Body. The members of Christ’s Body are growing up into Him in all things, which is the Head, Christ. Ephesians 4:15. How many Christians give any heed to Colossians 2:19, “holding the Head, from which all the Body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered and knit. together, increaseth with the increase of God?”

Members of Christ’s Body are labourers together with God. I Corinthians 3:9. Spiritual, intelligent. obedient believers will not create or contribute to confusion by labouring to build up a sectarian church. Sectarianism is confusion. God demands unity. God is not the author of confusion. But confusion exists. There are more than three hundred sectarian churches, with different denominational creeds and church programs. Think of the Christians who glory in “our Baptist denomination”, “our great Methodist church”, “our great Lutheran church.”

Most Christians are indifferent as to the pitiable state of affairs. Others see the malady, but they see no remedy. They say, “we are helpless”; “denominations will continue and any endeavor to better the predicament only makes it worse.” What a revolution would take place if Christians would learn and propagate the truth of Ephesians and Colossians.

Many advocate union meetings and join interdenominational organizations with the understanding that no mention be made of doctrinal differences. But God is not interested in building up a united interdenominational organization. God is more interested in breaking it up. God is building into, and building up, one Building, and that Building is the one Bible Church which is the Body of Christ, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all. That Church in Ephesians and Colossians was truly “the Church of the Mystery”, but the mystery has been disclosed and God wants all of His children to see it. Ephesians 3:9.

Church officers and sectarian leaders receive members into their church organization; but God never by the Holy Spirit baptized any individual into the Lutheran Church, or the Baptist Church, or the Methodist Church, or the Presbyterian Church, or into any other sectarian church. Not one of those churches is mentioned in the Bible. God baptizes believers into the Body of Christ, all in one Body. God wants no division in the Body. In most communities, the Lutherans and the Baptists have very little fellowship in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lutherans receive their little children by sprinkling into Lutheran Church membership. The Baptists declare such teaching and practice to be unscriptural and heretical. They declare that immersion is the only true Bible form of baptism, and the individual must first exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ before being immersed. There are other doctrinal differences. All saved Lutherans and all saved Baptists have been baptized into the death of Christ, into the Body of Christ, have been buried with Christ, raised up with Christ, and all together seated in the heavenlies in Christ. They are members one of another in God’s sight. But they do not endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit, in obedience to Ephesians 4:3, principally because they have added a sectarian water ceremony to the one baptism of Ephesians 4:5. Anyone who brings water baptism into the dispensation of the mystery attempts to make God the author of confusion.

We might also consider the Church of the Disciples and the Presbyterian Church. They have very decided differences in doctrines. But the principal reason why they do not endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit is because they have added their sectarian baptism to the one baptism of Ephesians 4:5. The Disciples teach baptismal regeneration by immersion. The Presbyterians practice sprinkling and teach that a little water on the head now takes the place of circumcision in the flesh. They sprinkle parents and children. They have overlooked the fact that girls were not circumcised. Unity is impossible because one of the conditions of the unity of Ephesians 4:3 to 6 is one baptism; and that one baptism has nothing whatever to do with any human religious ceremony. God’s one circumcision today is the Divine circumcision of Colossians 2:11, not made with hands. God’s one baptism is the very same and man has nothing to do with it except to receive it by faith.

Every intelligent member of the Body of Christ, who obeys II Timothy 2:15, knows that he is living under God’s reign of grace when sinners are saved “by grace through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8 and 9.

From any such student of the Word you will receive a dogmatic, hearty, negative answer to any of these questions:

1. Does a person have to join any organized company of believers to be saved, or to reach heaven?

2. Does a person have to be baptized with water, in any manner, to be saved ?

3. Is water baptism necessary to become a member of the one and only true Bible Church during this clay of grace?

4. Is water baptism a Scriptural requirement for Christian fellowship?

The messenger of grace will say “no” to every one of these questions. And most of them will then join some sectarian or non-sectarian church organization where some form of water baptism is required for membership in the organization, and then refuse to fellowship on the basis of the Divine baptism of Ephesians 4:5. If the “grace” preachers are not to endeavor to clear up the confusion by taking an uncompromising stand for the truth of Ephesians, who will do anything about it?

RECOVERY OF TRUTH

During one of the recent Founders’ Week Bible Conferences, in the auditorium of the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, one of the speakers who is a spiritual servant of the Lord and a “grace” preacher, gave a very interesting message on “The Recovery of Lost Truth.” He said, “the first blessed truth lost in the first century, was truth concerning the Church of the Mystery, the believer’s union and unity in the Joint Body of Ephesians 3:6; the second truth was the blessed hope, the Lord’s return; the third lost truth was justification by faith.” Then he remarked that they are being recovered in inverted order. “Martin Luther,” he said, “recovered justification by faith.” John Darby recovered the Blessed Hope and something of Church Truth. “But,” said the speaker, “God is still waiting for the recovery of the Truth of the Mystery, as revealed in Ephesians and Colossians.”

In spite of this beloved brother’s knowledge concerning the lost truth, and his apparent convictions, he continues his popular ministry among the Premillenarians with scarcely a mention of the truth that got Paul behind prison doors. It would be interesting to have his answer to the question, “why?”

PAUL’S “MY GOSPEL”

Paul was chosen by the Lord to be a pattern for believers. Then we referred to his testimony, in Philippians 3:4 to 16, that he had given up his religion for Christ. He adds this, in verse 17, “Brethren, be followers together of me,” “ye have us for an ensample.” Again we read in I Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

It is utterly impossible for any member of the Church of Jesus Christ, under the present reign of grace to intelligently interpret, appropriate and apply the Holy Scriptures unless he follows Paul as an ensample and pattern, and is guided by the writings of this man who magnified his office, the apostle to the Gentiles. Romans 11:13. Note the Holy Spirit’s instructions, by the pen of Paul in Romans 16:25 and 26:

“Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to MY gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the Mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.”

Members of the Body of Christ are not stablished unless they are stablished according to “MY” gospel of the Apostle Paul. Glorious profound truths were revealed to the Apostle Paul by the Lord Jesus Christ to give to members of His Body, for the specific purpose mentioned in Ephesians 4:14.

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

Christians who are babes tossed to and fro are not stablished. The Divine Truth, which Paul designated “MY GOSPEL,” “the revelation of the Mystery,” is the message concerning the Son of God that will keep Christians from being “tossed about babies.” Not only does Paul exhort Christians to be “followers together of me,” but he instructs them to be “builders together with me.”

“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 (together) thereupon.” I Corinthians 3:10.

Note the Greek of this word ‘‘buildeth” is “sun-oiko-domeo,” meaning literally “to build a house together.” In the glorious profound truth of Ephesians that will keep the Christian from being a “tossed baby” we learn that God’s purpose, during this present reign of grace, is to build a House. In order that this definite and specific work might be accomplished, the risen Christ gave gifts unto men: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying (House building) of the Body of Christ till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God. unto a Perfect Man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Ephesians 4:12 and 13.

Let us emphasize that. God’s will is to “build up the Body of Christ.” Christians are labourers together with God in the “House-building” business. But if they are to build intelligently and well pleasing to God, they must build together with Paul, the wise masterbuilder. Christian laborers are thus instructed in I Timothy 3:15: “how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the House of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

Every member of the Body of Christ should desire to know how to behave in the House of God, which is the Body of Christ. Every member of the Body of Christ should desire to know how to build up that House while they are preaching the grace of God to get sinners to believe and go into the House of God once for all.

Who Is Right—the Plymouth Brethren, the Baptists, the Campbellites, or the Pentecostalists?

THE TIMES OF THE SIGNS

First let us ask this question, “have you ever met a zealous, sectarian Christian who was like the noble Bereans of Acts 17:11 who were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were sot” There are very few unprejudiced Bible teachers, or Bible students, even among those who call themselves non-sectarian Christians. Perhaps all of us are agreed that more than ninety-five per cent of all Christians let their religious, denominational or spiritual leaders do most of their thinking for them. Because of this there are more than four hundred sects in Christendom. Let us ask this personal question, “have you followed the good example of the noble Bereans in reaching a decision as to what you believe and practice as a Christian?” Will you endeavor this one time to be a Berean as you read this message?

Our question is, “what about the signs of Mark 16?” Let us note every word in Mark 16: 14 to 18:

“AFTERWARD HE (CHRIST) APPEARED UNTO THE ELEVEN AS THEY SAT AT MEAT, AND UPBRAIDED THEM WITH THEIR UNBELIEF AND HARDNESS OF HEART, BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED NOT THEM WHICH HAD SEEN HIM AFTER HE WAS RISEN.” “AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE. HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED.” “AND THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE; IN MY NAME SHALL THEY CAST OUT DEVILS; THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES; THEY SHALL TAKE UP SERPENTS: AND IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, IT SHALL NOT HURT THEM; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER.”

Before we deal with these five verses in detail, let us note some words which the Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to write to Timothy more than thirty years after the resurrected Christ gave to the Eleven the commission and program of Mark 16:14 to 18. “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.” I Timothy 1:11. “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might skew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern do them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting.” I Timothy 1:16. “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities (sicknesses).” I Timothy 5:23.

Note “the glorious gospel of the blessed God”; use wine for thine oft sicknesses.

Note Timothy’s faith and Paul’s gospel “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee .” “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace; which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” II Timothy 1:5 to 9: This message of Paul was quite different from the message of Mark 16.

“Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to MY gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound.” II Timothy 2:8 and 9.

Then the Holy Spirit led Paul to thus instruct believers: “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.

Note Paul’s last words to Timothy: “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” II Timothy 4:5.

Note the fact that Timothy was a Christian of unfeigned faith and that he was instructed to take medicine for his oft sicknesses. Any one who has read these two Epistles to Timothy has learned that Timothy was a faithful courageous uncompromising soldier of Jesus Christ. And any student of these Epistles will surely know that when Paul told Timothy to do the work of an evangelist, or preach the gospel, he did not tell Timothy to lay hands on the sick and they would recover, because faithful Timothy was told to take a physical remedy for his own sickness. Had Timothy endeavored to miraculously heal others, he would have been as inconsistent as was one of our well known Chicago “healing” preachers. While he was speaking over the radio telling Christians about physical healing in the atonement, his false teeth fell out. Moreover he was wearing glasses because of weak eyes. There was also a defect in his hearing. But none of these ailments seemed to convince him, or any of his devotees, of his inconsistency and his erroneous teaching. He continued to preach Mark 16:14 to 18 as God’s program for members of the Body of Christ, telling his listeners that the lack of faith in the atoning work of Christ kept them from being made physically whole no matter what physical afflictions had caused their suffering.

Think of the confusion and the controversy among Christians because of the lack of agreement concerning Mark 16:14 to 18.

Several nights ago I heard on the radio the voice of a preacher in Del Rio, Texas. I soon learned that he was a follower of Alexander Campbell. He would call himself a member of “the Christian Church,” or say that he belonged to “the Disciples of Christ.” When we speak of “Campbellites,” it is that we might be specific and distinguish between these “Christians” and the other Christians we have mentioned in our heading. This radio preacher was pleading and urging, with sincerity, pathos, and fervor, as a loyal “Campbellite,” that his radio listeners hurry to some preacher of his denomination and be immersed in water for the remission of sins before it was too late.

There is no doubt about it, that preacher was in earnest. Moreover, he was more consistent than another zealous preacher of his denomination who, for ten nights, was conducting a revival in his church. He preached every night that it was not possible for any one to be saved without belief and baptism. He quoted Mark 16:16, “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” During the first five or six nights a number of men and women responded to his invitation. Then, on Sunday, after seven days of the evangelistic campaign, he announced that on the following Wednesday night all who had come forward in the meetings would be immersed. A friend of mine said to him, “brother, you are not consistent.” “If what you have been preaching is true, any one of these converts may die before Wednesday night and, according to what you have taught concerning water salvation or baptismal regeneration, that one would go to hell.” “Why don’t you practice what you preach?”

The Campbellites agree with the Plymouth Brethren, with most Pentecostalists and with the Premillennial Baptists, that the Christian Church began on the day of Pentecost. All of these groups believe and teach that the Church which began on the day of Pentecost is the one Body of Christ mentioned in Ephesians 4:4 and described in Ephesians 1:19 to 2:21. And they are generally agreed that the Lord gave no commission to the Apostle Paul that superseded the commission of Mark 16:14 to 18, and that in 1941, A.D., God’s servants are still working under Christ’s orders in Mark 16:15 to 18.

The Campbellites affirm that if this is true, then the salvation message for Jews and Gentiles alike, in the day of grace, is Acts 2:38 “. . . 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.” Note carefully the order. It does not read, repent, be saved and then be baptized with water after you receive the Holy Spirit.

Read carefully again Mark 16:16: “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Then compare with Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost: “repent, and be baptized for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38. If the Campbellites thus prove, by Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38, that their salvation message is scriptural, can we prove that it is unscriptural? We shall proceed to prove that, if the Lord Jesus did not give to the Apostle Paul a commission which superseded Mark 16:14 to 18, that is, if this Mark 16 commission sets forth the program for evangelists who are members of Christ’s Body, the Campbellites are far more consistent than are the Plymouth Brethren or the Baptists. Also we will show that if this is true, then the only consistent group among the four we have mentioned, is the Pentecostal group; that even the Campbellites are not.

Before we present this proof, we ask one thought-provoking question. We note in I Corinthians 11:1, that Paul wrote, “be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Now, do you know a preacher who is in good standing in any of the four groups who follows Paul in two of his statements in I Corinthians? Note the first statement: “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than ye all.” I Corinthians 14:18. Then turn to I Corinthians 1:14 to 17: “I thank God that I baptized none of you but . . .” “For Christ sent me not to baptize.” No Campbellite would thank God for either experience. They do not speak with tongues, and they baptize every one they can get their hands on. Remember we are to follow Paul. What about it?

But now to the program of Mark 16:16 to 18, which the Lord Jesus gave to the Eleven, and we would emphasize “the Eleven.” Mark 16:14. Note the pillars who represented the Eleven. “And when James, Peter and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me (Paul) they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision” Have you carefully studied Galatians 2:7 to 9 to note the difference between the ministry of the Twelve and Paul?

Here we learn that James, Peter and John represented the twelve apostles and that nearly twenty years after Christ spoke the words of Mark 16:15 to 18, Peter and his associates agreed to go to the Jews and leave with Paul the evangelization of the Gentiles. Note Galatians 2:8: “For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles.” Here we learn that even before the agreement of Galatians 2:9 that the Lord had wrought mightily in Peter. To whom? To the circumcision. Not to the Gentiles, except to the household of Cornelius.

Why does the Holy Spirit mention Peter in Galatians 2:8 and not the other eleven? Peter was the chief representative of the Twelve. Note how he was also selected according to Acts 15:7. It is strange that the most prejudiced Christians do not like to read Galatians 2:7, and if they do, under protest, they will not believe the statement after they read it. You read it now, and believe it. Why is it that most Christians will not believe this truth? Why do they insist on changing “Of the Circumcision” to “To the Circumcision ?”

Every Bible teacher in any of the four groups mentioned would have to do some adjusting, and some confessing of their erroneous teaching, if they should begin to believe and teach the truth of Galatians 2:7. Note it very carefully. “But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me (Paul) as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter.”

In this connection let us note Peter’s message of Acts 5:29 to 33 and his confession of Acts 10:28.

“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand be a Prince and a Saviour, for TO GIVE REPENTANCE TO ISRAEL and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:30 and 31.

“Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”. Acts 10:28 Here we note a turning-point about seven years after the commission given in Mark 16.

What do we learn from these Scriptures? We learn that, for several years, perhaps seven, after Christ gave the “Mark 16:14 to 18” commission to the Eleven, it was not lawful for the Twelve to preach to the Gentiles. Also Peter preached that God had raised Christ from the dead to be a Prince and Saviour, to give repentance and remission. To whom? To ISRAEL. The Lord was mighty in Peter to the apostleship of the Jews. Galatians 2:8. The Lord committed unto Peter the gospel of the circumcision.

Now, the question: “Does your denomination believe and teach this?” Yes or No? How, about you individually? Now a very pointed question: If you know that your denomination is not standing for Divine Truth as it is set forth in the Scriptures, rightly divided, will you continue laboring in that denomination and keep silent as to what you know to be Divine Truth? Just answer this to the Lord, not to me. Some preachers compromise for personal advantages. Read Galatians 1:10.

BELIEF—BAPTISM—SALVATION—SIGNS

But now to Mark 16:15 to 18: “And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: in My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

In the writings of the apostles, Paul. Peter and John, the Holy Spirit presents God’s saving message, the gospel by which the believing sinner is saved. And then he so instructs the believer that he may know that he is saved, that is, the Lord wants the believer to have the proof of his salvation. When the Lord Jesus wanted Israel to believe that He was their Messiah He came with SIGNS. Note John 5:36 and Acts 2:22: “ . . . The same works that I do bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent Me.” “. . . Jesus of Nazareth, a Man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.”

When the Lord wanted Israel to know that He had sent the Twelve, He performed miracles by the Twelve. Hebrews 2:4: “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.” The Lord also wanted Jews and Gentiles to believe that Paul was a special apostle, hence II Corinthians 12:12: “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.” We see that signs were God-given credentials to prove that the movement was Divine.

Thus we see signs accompanied or followed the apostolic claims.

In Mark 16:17 we read, “And these signs shall follow them that believe.” How were the people to be saved? “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”

Note the order: 1. Believeth, 2. Is baptized, 3. Saved,

And then what? Signs! The Campbellites and Pentecostalists preach this message as it is. They do not wrest it as do the Baptists and the Plymouth Brethren, who preach, “he that believeth and is saved shall be baptized’.” Who gave them the right to put “saved” before “baptized”? They are compelled to reverse the order there to support their denominational teachings. It is sad, but true, that prejudices, or preconceived opinions, are such hindrances that it is next to impossible to persuade most Bible teachers to be sufficiently intelligent and honest to acknowledge that in following the saving message of Mark 16:15 and 16, the Campbellites and the Pentecostalists are right and the Baptists and Plymouth Brethren are wrong. This is true also concerning Acts 2:38, Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost. But what do the Plymouth Brethren, the Baptists and the Campbellites do with the signs of Mark 16:17 and 18? These signs here seem to be the proof of salvation.

Note the proof:

1. “they shall cast out devils;

2. “they shall speak with new tongues;

3. “they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;”

4. “they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16:17 and 18.

Recently a Bible teacher in England wrote, “if the individual today must prove that he is a believer and is saved, because he practices the signs of Mark 16:17 and 18, there is not one single Christian in this generation and there has not been one since the day that the last apostle died.” Whether or not we believe this statement we do know that the accepted Bible teachers among Campbellites, Baptists and Plymouth Brethren make no attempt to prove that they are genuine Christians by performing the miracles of Mark 16:17 and 18. But the Pentecostalists do. The Campbellites, Baptists and Plymouth Brethren say belief and water baptism are linked together by the Holy Spirit in Mark 16:16 and they say, “what God hath joined together let no man put asunder.” The Pentecostalists say “Amen, but you are inconsistent, if not dishonest.” God hath joined the signs of Mark 16:17 and 18 with the belief and baptism of Mark 16:16. Let the reader be the juror, a real honest juror. Are not the Pentecostalists consistent when they attempt to carry on the “signs” program of Mark 16:17 and 18, if this is the Lord’s commission for this age of grace?

If Mark 16:14 to 18 is the Lord’s program for this age, then the Campbellites, working under Mark 16:14 to 18, are right as to Mark 16:16, but not as to Mark 16:17 and 18. The Plymouth Brethren and Baptists, who think their ministry and program is in line with the Lord’s commission and program of Mark 16:14 to 18, are much mistaken, for they neither preach “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”, nor have the signs following.

BAPTISMAL REGENERATION

Now let us consider the teaching of the Campbellites and the Pentecostalists as to “salvation by water”, with several of Paul’s statements. We quote I Corinthians 9:22: “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” Romans 9:3: “For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” Galatians 4:19: “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.”

Every spiritual, intelligent student of the Scriptures knows that the Apostle Paul ranked first as a “soul winner”. He sacrificed and suffered more than any other apostle or disciple in his desire and endeavor to bring men and women to Christ for salvation. Note his claim in I Corinthians 15:10. He agonized for them. And yet he said, “I thank God I baptized none of you except . . .” (a few). I Corinthians 1:14. Remember. this statement is in the same Epistle in which Paul wrote, “I am become all things to all men that I might win some.”

Now paraphrase Paul’s statement in I Corinthians 1:14 to 16 to harmonize with the teaching of preachers who teach water as a factor in salvation, “I thank God I performed for very few of you that ceremony that would have been a factor in your salvation.” Then he added a statement which had to do not only with the city of Corinth but with Paul’s ministry in general. He said: “Christ sent me not to baptize.” Note Paul’s testimony in I Timothy 1:12 and 16. Christ Jesus put Paul in the ministry and chose him to be a pattern for believers. Christ Jesus put Peter in the ministry and was mighty in him to the apostleship of the circumcision. Christ sent Peter to baptize. Matthew 28:19 and 20. Hear Paul’s testimony, “Christ sent me not to baptize.” In Philippians 1:10, the Holy Spirit, according to the Greek, instructs members of Christ’s Body to “test things that differ”.

SIGNS AMONG THE CORINTHIANS

Now let us note several facts concerning the saints to whom Paul wrote I Corinthians. “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 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.” I Corinthians 3:1 to 3.

“I speak to your shame.” I Corinthians 6:5.

“Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.” I Corinthians 6:8. Here we learn that these Corinthian saints were not “super-spiritual”. They were not like the very faithful saints whom Paul addressed in his Epistle to the Ephesians. The Corinthians were carnal. Paul could not teach them deep spiritual truths. They were able to take only the milk of the Word. But in I Corinthians 12:8 to 11 we learn that among those carnal Corinthians there was no lack of signs. Note first Acts 18:8: “. . . many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized.” They believed and were baptized. They became saints. Then those saints exercised their sign gifts: “to one the gifts of healing,” “to another the discerning of spirits,” “to another the working of miracles,” “to another divers kinds of tongues,” “to another the interpretation of tongues.” I Corinthians 12:9 and 10.

Perhaps the Corinthian saints were not given these sign gifts in fulfillment of Mark 16:17 and 18; but the fact is, that these different signs were found among them. These sign gifts are not found among Christians today, except in the counterfeit. Then, of course, comes the question, why? Why were those supernatural demonstrations found among those carnal saints in Corinth when not one of these sign gifts is exercised by the most gifted, spiritual Bible teacher of this generation?

Any absolute proof that the sign gifts have been found among any group of God’s people since the death of the apostles is lacking. We may not agree with the belief of Dr. C. I. Scofield but he seems to agree with the Bible. He believed “the sign gifts of I Corinthians 12 were operative only during the “Acts” period”. Any student of Paul’s Epistles, written after the period covered by the Book of Acts, will learn that there is no reference to “tongues”, “signs” and “miracles” in those Epistles. We note in Acts 19:11 and 12, that Paul himself accomplished miraculous physical healings, whereas, in I Timothy 5:23, he instructed Timothy, a faithful saint, to use a physical remedy for his sickness. Moreover, Paul wrote in II Timothy 4:20. “Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick”. Why? Why didn’t he heal Trophimus? Why didn’t someone heal Paul? God’s Divine healing for today is set forth in Philippians 2:27.

Philip preached to the eunuch. Acts 8:30.

Peter preached to Cornelius. Acts 10:25.

Paul preached to Paulus. Acts 13:7.

What kind of a Gentile was the eunuch? What kind of a Gentile was Cornelius? What kind of a Gentile was Sergius Paulus?

Before we answer these questions it is interesting to note that during the years of the earthly ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, as recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we find mentioned only one Gentile man to whom the Lord Jesus ministered. He was the Roman official, mentioned in Matthew 8:1 to 12 and in Luke 7:1 to 10. That centurion asked the Jews to ask the Saviour for the healing of his loved one. Luke 7:3. Note what the Jews told Jesus concerning that Roman official. “For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.” Luke 7:5.

CORNELIUS

Then note that Cornelius was a Roman official that loved the Jews. “And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nations of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.” Acts 10:22.

“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band. A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.” Acts 10:1 and 2.

SERGIUS PAULUS

Then note that Sergius Paulus was a Roman official.

“Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man.” Acts 13:7.

THE EUNUCH

Then note concerning the eunuch.

“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.” Acts 8:27.

All of these men were servants of kings and queens.

During the years that Jesus of Nazareth was preaching on earth, and at the time Philip preached to the eunuch, and Peter preached to Cornelius, what was the status of the Gentiles with God?

1. “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye 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.” Ephesians 2:11 and 12. “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” Ephesians 4:18. “And came and preached peace to you which were afar off:” Ephesians 2:17.

2. “No people”—a “foolish nation.” Romans 10:19.

3. “A wild olive tree:” Romans 11:17.

4. “But He answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread and cast it to dogs:” Matthew 15: 26.

THE STATUS OF GENTILES WITH JEWS

Note what happened when Jesus of Nazareth, in the synagogue of the Jews, told how God had blessed two Gentiles “But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath. And rose up, and thrust Him out of the city, and led Him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast Him down headlong.” Luke 4:26 to 29.

Although these Jews were assembled in their synagogue to worship God, murder was in their heart because One Who claimed to be their Messiah told that the Lord had blessed two Gentiles.

Then more than thirty years later Paul was in the Jewish temple at Jerusalem, and the worshipping Jews rushed upon him because they held him responsible for the presence of a Gentile in their temple. “Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. (For they had seen before with him in the city, Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)” Acts 21:28 and 29.

In the year 60 A. D., more than 25 years after the death of Christ on the cross, a Gentile in the Jerusalem temple meant that their religious temple was polluted. “And they went about to kill him (Paul).” What a great sin for a Jew to be responsible for the presence of a Gentile in the Jerusalem temple.

But note Paul’s defense, and the new outbreak against him.

“And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance.” Acts 22:17 “And He said unto me, Depart; for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. And they gave him audience unto his word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth; for it is not fit that he should live.” Acts 22:21 and 22.

“And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.” Acts 23:14.

What a guilty criminal was Paul in their estimation! Why? Because he declared that Jesus, their Messiah, appeared to him in their holy temple to send him to the despised Gentiles. He was not fit to live. He must be murdered.

This shows us something of the attitude of the non-Christian Jews against the Gentiles. Now let us consider the attitude of the Jewish disciples of Christ against the Gentiles.

“And. He said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Acts 10:28.

“Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the Word to none but unto the Jews only.” Acts 11:19.

“But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us:” Matthew 15:23.

“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: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:5 and 6.

“But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 15:24.

“Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” Acts 3:25 and 26.

“And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision, contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.” Acts 11:1 to 3.

“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.

“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.” Galatians 2:11 to 13.

“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.” Romans 11:11.

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:19.

Surely we shall learn from all that we have said that Jesus Christ was not preaching the gospel of the grace of God to Jews and Gentiles while He was on earth. In this connection compare Paul’s two statements

“NOW I SAY THAT JESUS CHRIST WAS A MINISTER OF THE CIRCUMCISION FOR THE TRUTH OF GOD, TO CONFIRM THE PROMISES MADE UNTO THE FATHERS.” Romans 15:8.

“THAT I SHOULD BE THE MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE GENTILES, MINISTERING THE GOSPEL OF GOD, THAT THE OFFERING UP OF THE GENTILES MIGHT BE ACCEPTABLE, BEING SANCTIFIED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.” Romans 15:16.

What a difference! Now remember that the first, if not the only Gentile man to whom Jesus of Nazareth ministered, while on earth, was a Roman official who built a synagogue for the Jews.

The next Gentile man was a centurion at the cross of Jesus Christi who said, “Truly this was the Son of God.” Matthew 27:54.

The next Gentiles who received the Lord’s message are called proselytes, in Acts 2:10. But the “proselyte” Gentiles are called “Jews” in Acts 2:5. The word “Jew”, as used in Acts and the Epistles, refers to the religion of the people rather than the race or nationality. Note in Esther 8:17: “Many people (Persians) became Jews.”

But note carefully Genesis 17:14—“And the uncircumcised man-child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken My covenant.”

THE EUNUCH—A PROSELYTE

Now let us think of this command of God when we ask what kind of a Gentile was the eunuch? Where had he been? To Jerusalem to worship. Then what? He was circumcised. Therefore he was a proselyte. Consider the eunuch in the light of Acts 11:19—Acts 10:28 and Acts 11:1 to 3.

“Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the Word to none but unto the Jews only.”

“And He said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”

“And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision, contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.”

CORNELIUS FEARED GOD-LOVED THE JEWS

Now note carefully a statement of the apostles, some months after Philip preached to the eunuch: “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” Acts 11:18.

Let us remember what kind of a Gentile Cornelius was. Acts 10:2 and 22.

What must we decide? We must decide that Cornelius was the first uncircumcised Gentile, in the “Acts” period, to receive salvation, so far as there is any record in Acts. Note what Peter preached to Cornelius. “In every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness.” Acts 10:34 to 36.

Then note the agreement of Paul and Peter concerning their different ministries:

“But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles;) And when James, Peter, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” Galatians 2:7 to 9.

Then note Paul’s testimony: “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.” Romans 11:13.

“Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.” I Timothy 2:7.

“Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.” II Timothy 1:11.

PETER FEARED THE CIRCUMCISION

Then note again Peter’s attitude toward saved Gentiles: “For before that certain (Peter) came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself fearing them which were of the circumcision.” Galatians 2:12.

Peter was the only one of the Twelve who preached to Gentiles, so far as there is any record in Acts. And do we suppose that the Lord would have kept Peter in that ministry with such an attitude toward the Gentiles, no fellowship with Christian Gentiles, because he was afraid of Christian Jews? The answer is Galatians 2:9—“And when James, Peter, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.”

But later on they all learned the blessed truth of Ephesians 2:13 to 18 and Colossians 3:11.

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, Who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain One New Man, so making peace; And that He might reconcile both unto God in one Body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby; And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.”

But let us, as Gentiles, see what we were by nature. “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; 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,” Ephesians 2:2 and 3.

Let us see what we received because of the Jews’ unbelief: “For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief.” Romans 11:30.

Let us note Paul’s message to Gentiles, “To him that worketh not (righteousness) but believeth.” Romans 4:5.

And now God’s desire for us is recorded in Ephesians 4:17 and 18: “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.”

Then let us learn of the great turning-point in God’s program, when Saul became Paulus, when he preached to Paulus the Gentile: “Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.” Acts 13:12.

Something happened to a Jew—blindness. Something happened to a Gentile—salvation. That is the story of the great dispensational chapter, the eleventh of Romans, and Acts 28:25 to 28. It’s a great story. More of the blind Jew in another lesson.

Samson was a blind Jew. The Gentiles put out his eyes. Judges 16:21. “But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.”

Zedekiah was a blind Jew. The Gentiles put out his eyes. Jeremiah 52:11.

“Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.”

Both Samson and Zedekiah were captives of the Gentiles until they died. They disgraced and dishonored the name of the Lord.

With the blindness of Zedekiah, “the times of the Gentiles” (politically) began—about 600 B.C. Note what the Lord Jesus declared concerning “the times of the Gentiles”. “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Luke 21:24. “The times of the Gentiles” began with Zedekiah’s blindness and Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Jerusalem.

What happened?

A Jew blinded. God turned governmental and political affairs over to the Gentiles. From 600 B.C. down to the present time, the Jews have been prisoners, servants or subjects of the Gentile governments.

ANOTHER BLIND JEW

Note what God said by the mouth of a Jew, who had been blinded by God for three days (Acts 9:9), to another Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus. Acts 13:6.

“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.” Acts 13:10 and 11.

“O full of all subtilty.” This word “subtilty” is the same Greek word translated “guile”, in John 1:47. “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith unto Him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!”

Nathanael was without guile. Bar-jesus was full of guile. A great difference. Each of these Jews had significant names “Nathanael”, the “gift of God.”

Note Romans 11:29—“The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” If you will read carefully Romans 11:25 to 29, you will learn that Israel is blind; but Israel is going to be saved because the gifts of God are without repentance. God declares—“For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” Romans 11:27.

Note how Israel’s blindness is to be taken away. “But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.” Malachi 4:2. Jesus, Israel’s Messiah, is coming as “the Sun of righteousness.” Until then a blindness has come upon Israel. They will not see the Sun for a season.

Now note Paul’s words to Bar-jesus:

“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.” Acts 13:11.

“Bar-jesus” had a splendid name. But he was “the child of the devil.” “Barjesus” means, “the son of Jehovah the Saviour”. The nation Israel was Jehovah’s “Bar-jesus.” Isaiah 64:8— Isaiah 43:1.

“The son of Jehovah the Saviour” was the child of the devil. Bar-jesus was a Jew, but a false-prophet. He sought to turn the Gentile away from the faith. Israel was chosen to be God’s witness to the Gentiles. Isaiah 43:12. They were to turn the Gentiles to the faith. Bar-jesus should have helped Paul turn Paulus to Israel’s Messiah, but he did all that he could to keep the Gentile from believing, in spite of his good name (Bar-jesus).

GENTILE SALVATION

Why did Paul turn from the Jews to the Gentiles?

“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.

When and why did God send salvation to the Gentiles?

“For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief.” Romans 11:30.

“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.” Romans 11:11.

“According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear; unto this day.” Romans 11:8

Who sent blindness upon the Jews? God. Who has miraculously preserved the Jews scattered among all the nations of the earth? God. What is going to happen when the fulness of the Gentiles comes in? Israel will be saved. Of course not Israelites who reject the gospel during the age of grace.

Note how Bar-jesus’ blindness and unbelief brought faith and salvation to Sergius Paulus.

“Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.” Acts 13:12.

God’s past and present dealings with the Jews is enough to cause all Gentiles, as well as all Jews, to be astonished at the doctrine of the Lord; to believe and be saved.

Most assuredly the Jews are now where the Lord Jesus said they would be, in Luke 21:24. So also is Jerusalem. “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations; and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Luke 21:24

“The times of the Gentiles,” which began with blind Zedekiah will be fulfilled when the Sun of righteousness arises with healing in His wings to take away Israel’s blindness. “Then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27.

The Sun of righteousness is coming as the Son of man to save the Jews in the great tribulation. Luke 21:27 to 32.

Blind Samson at the end of his life took the Gentiles with him to destruction. (Judges 16:30.) So will Jacob’s time of trouble engulf the unbelieving Gentiles. Remember that Samson’s hair grew a little before this destruction. Judges 16:22.

In connection with these three blind Jews there is a message concerning, and to, the Gentiles.

THE GENTILES’ OBLIGATION TO THE JEWS

Notice how the obligation has been reversed

“For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief; Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.” Romans 11:30 and 31.

NATHANAEL AND BAR-JESUS

Nathanael, “the gift of God”, was under the “fig tree”. John 1:48. The “fig” tree in the Bible, speaks of Israel. Christ said, “behold an Israelite in whom is no guile.” What did Nathanael say? “Nathanael answered and saith unto Him, Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel.” John 1:49.

By carefully reading Ezekiel 36 and 37, we will learn that the Lord is going to take all guile out of Israel, and they will then say to Jesus Christ, Whom they rejected and killed, “Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel.”

But until the Son of man comes to redeem and purify His nation, Israel will continue to be as Bar-Jesus. “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?” Acts 13:10.

But what about the Gentiles? “Well; because of unbelief they (Israel) were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear; For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not thee.” Romans 11:20 and 21.

When and because God sent blindness to Israel, God sent His messenger of reconciliation to the Gentiles.

“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?” Romans 11:15. Dispensationally this is one of the most important verses in the Bible. It brought the message of II Corinthians 5:16 to 21.

Since that time we have been living in “the times of the Gentiles” spiritually. We are also in “the times of the Gentiles”, politically.

Read the morning papers to see what the Gentile rulers are doing to and for humanity. What a mess! We need a change. We need the Prince of Peace. Politically we are in an awful predicament.

Well, is the spiritual or religious condition any better? Take an inventory. God recognizes one and only one true Bible Church during this age. And His desire for the members of this one true Church is, that they walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called, and obey Ephesians 4:3 to 6:

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one Body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism; One God and Father of all, Who, is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Where is this unity? Divided unity is a sad paradox.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11 to 14

How we should praise God for His reign of grace for the human race. Jews and Gentiles should be so eager and ready to receive God’s grace, trust in the shed blood of the Son of God and be saved by grace, without religion or good deeds. But alas! the human heart is desperately wicked and deceitful. Many are incurably religious and self-righteous. Not believing God’s Word, “he that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.”

Then, of course, the devil is very, very busy.

“If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; in whom the god of this age hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, Who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” II Corinthians 4:3 and 4.

To some church members the Lord has written this message

“Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou are wretched, and miserable and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17.