JESUS OF NAZARETH - FACT OR FABLE
CHURCH OF CHRIST - FACT OR FABLE
1. INTRODUCTION
2. CREATION
3. CHURCH
OF GOD
4. CHURCH
OF CHRIST
INTRODUCTION
In
the lesson following it is only
fair to the reader that I make it very clear that this lesson investigates not
only the heavenly bodies through a complete research of astrophysics, and that
of Earth Science, as well as Bibical comparison. Bibical comparison will either
confirm the subject, or reject it. Astrophysics begins with the physical
constitution of the heavenly bodies, what they are and how they operate for the
benefit of mankind. Astrophysics explores the heavenly bodies in a way that the
Bible confirms its use. Earth Science explores the earth and its creation, as well
as how it was created, when and why. Bibical information confirms Earth
Science, as being a comparison which in turn supports the truth of true
science. To add to that, both Astrophysics and Earth Science incorporates into
its study the constitution of the earth and the heavenly bodies as having a
Creator. A well-drawn plan to guide the Executor in such way as to create each
objects perfect.
To
show evidence of my qualifications to compose such study, I offer the
following. Working up to a doctor’s degree in religious education it was
necessary to also study Astrophysics, and Earth Science as a minor on the BS
degree, the masters, and the specialist degree. This qualified me to earn the
Doctor of religious education. Because of the nature of this degree I was
required to offer three thesis to the school, which two consisted of religious
subjects, while the third was required of actually documenting the earth and
its strata from the beginning of the topsoil down the original ocean floor.
This was accomplished by finding people who were drilling irrigation wells for
large farmers. I accomplished this by hiring myself out to this deep well
drilling company. Having to be on the site twenty-four hours daily to get
samples of the earth strata as the drill went through each strata I gathered a
special amount of each strata, until we had reached the original ocean floor at
four hundred and fifty nine feet. At this location we drilled through one
animal graveyard, which were forty-one feet through it, there were a very few
human bones at this depth, for some one hundred feet we drilled through
dolomite, and limestone. Then comes fifty five feet of nothing but trees,
which were solid
in nature, the wood samples remain to this day solid, then came the human grave
yard, and this began at three hundred and eighty feet and ended at four hundred
and thirty feet. Fifty feet of human bones deposited there during the Noah
flood. This location was between Blounstown, Florida, and Tallahassee, Florida.
A copy remains extant to this day.
From
the Bibical account in Genesis chapters one, we find God separating the waters
from the waters,1:6-8, and God called the expanse heaven. 1:9, then God said,”
let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land
appear, and it was so. The dry land constituted the earth which had been
created in the same time period as Heaven, 1:1-2, which was not counted as a
day. The first notice of day one is found in verse 5.The earth had already been
created [which we will speak of later] for the earth had been created between
these expanses of water, better we could say created under the water at first.
Therefore we find earth being created after the creation of heaven. It is
important to understand that if we look at the entire creation of all things at
the sixth day creation, then we are missing the teaching of the Bible. The
Bible does not teach that all things were created in six days, although when we
read Genesis chapter one it indicates a complete six day creation. However, we
need to read Proverbs chapter eight and verses twenty two forward to verse
thirty where Christ gives the account of creation, doing this will give us a
different idea on the creation. And how the Church of God had its beginning
ENTERING
UPON THE TEXT FOR THE STUDY OF JESUS OF NAZARETH, AND THE CHURCH OF CHRIST,
FACT OR FABLE.
It is through studies of this nature that we
can understand
more about the Heaven, which existed before the earth was created or brought up
from being void and waste 1:2, how long no one should ever attempt to assume
that they know. However, God prepared the Church of God, a spiritual
institution that in heaven the angels could give God praise, song, and worship
to Him. Further we can learn that the Church of God could offer eternal
salvation and spiritual insight into the newly created Church of God. This
Church Kingdom had rules of conduct wherein God could punish any sin, which
occurred in heaven. Rules of judgment. Rules of condemnation. Rules of order,
rules according to rank. Now someone is bound to say, O, but no where in the
Bible does it say that the Church Kingdom was established in Heaven! I kindly
ask that you turn to Matthew 25:34, “then the King will say to those on His
right, Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for
you before the foundation of the World”.
Now
if you
seek further knowledge, about the Church Kingdom being established in Heaven,
ask God for I have given you the truth.
The
rules of order of the Church of God I find in two almost hidden scriptures. I
say hidden because they are seldom even read, and to our shame it is not
understood; they are found in the New Testament, Jude verse 6, and 2 Pet.
2:4-5. Both Scriptures gives us valuable information, such as the creation of
angels, angels worshipped God as He had prescribed, certain of the angels over
time became dissatisfied with God’s plan for work, or worship, this is not
spelled out, however they did sin, for the Scripture informs us of this,
therefore, no sin could remain in Heaven; they were cast out into outer
darkness into the pits of hell to await judgment.
We
can know from scripture such as these to some degree the plan of God, and His
scheme of redemption, for when a plan is put in use in Heaven, then we can know
for sure that it will be used on earth. Why? Because the pattern is in Heaven.
In reference to government in Heaven we need to understand the N.T. However,
government in the Church is not a business to which any person or group of
people is to benefit from. Government in the Church is a government of trust it
is a duty. Yet we have a pressing need to study the Church, which was presented
to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Even then we must look closely at the
tree of life in the midst of the garden, we must know that this tree
represented the Church of God. Upon rejection by Adam and Eve, and by God
placing chief angels to guard the way to the tree of life indicated it would
become dormant for a time, but would be restored at the will of God.
There
are certain ramifications which will be found in the garden if we ask the
scriptures questions in regards to why the rejection? Why the casting out? Why the giving over
to the serpent the
power to hold departed spirits in separation from the presence of God. What is
meant by Gen. 3:15? “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and
between your seed and her seed; and He shall bruise you on the head, and you
shall bruise Him on the heel”. Was this not the first prophecy that our personal
God spoke of in regards to Christ, and the death blow that Christ would lay
against Satan, Heb. 2:14. 1 John 3:8; Rom. 16:20. John 12:31, John 16:11. Another question, Why did God say in
Heb. 4:3 that all His works were finished before the foundation of the world,
or earth? If the Church of Christ was not established until Pentecost after the
death of Christ, Why did God say that all His works were finished before the
foundation of the World? Would anyone dare say that God was in error, or could
it be that we have failed to accept truth; Rather tradition. The context of
Matt. 16:18, where Jesus said, “upon this Rock I will build my Church”. This
text cannot stand alone, in view of Heb. 4:3, therefore, we must consider other
text which will set Matt. 16:18 in its proper context and leave it with a true
meaning. I suggest that Acts 15:16-18, would be a proper place to begin to
connect the Church with Matt. 16:18,”After these things I will return, and I
will rebuild the Tabernacle of David which has fallen, and I will rebuild its
ruins, and I will restore it, in order that the rest of mankind may seek the
Lord. And all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord, who makes
these things known from of old”. The Greek word used here is “Anoikodomeo”. The
word signifies to build again. Again another Greek word “Epoikodomeo”, which
signifies to build upon, 1 Cor. 3: 8-11. The Greek word “Sunoikodomeo”, to
build together with Eph 2: 19-22, which signifies metaphorically of the Church,
as a Spiritual dwelling place for God. The Noun for the above is
"Oikodome", signifies of building up strengthening the whole Church,
the Body Of Christ. See also Acts 4:11-12. I suggest that the above offers
creditability to Matt. 16:18, and does not add reproach to Heb. 4:3. This will
place the establishment of the Lord’s Church in Heaven before the foundation of
the world, this plan would allow Christ to purchase the Church of God, Acts
20:28. Keep in mind if Christ Builds A Church on Pentecost
and then turns and purchases the Church of God with
His own Blood, it
would cause me to ask you which Church do you belong to? Which you will have
double trouble proving. You can’t have it both ways.
Another
tip for the reader, the Bible versions since Wycliff in 1356 A.D. Compose of
versions translated by men of unknown character, and unknown beliefs. Some were
known as the Mormons all in all they were denominations. That is why you find
so many words changed from the original language of Greek and Aramiac, however
the Greek, and Aramiac Manuscripts are still extant and in their fullness.
Since
God states that He had finished all His works before the foundation of the
world Heb. 4:3. Can we determine by scripture what elements God used to
incorporate into the Church of God, which would establish it as a spiritual
institution? Can we use proper scripture to determine the benefits, and or
judgments, and what they are? Can we use such scripture as is found in the New
Testament to determine what the nature of worship was in the Church of God in
Heaven? Can we use the same scripture to determine the type of worship after
Adam and Eve rejected the spiritual Church of God?
After
the fall of Adam and Eve and their rejection of the spiritual, did the worship
to God remain spiritual or did it automatically revert to a physical system?
These questions are very important to the reader to ponder and find his own
answer, although I will answer all these questions further into the lesson.
Therefore,
the following document is based upon God breathed material, rather than what is
today being taught as the gospel of Christ. Namely one gospel is as good as
another, one church is as good as another, and one name is as good as another!
Acts
4:11-12 proves that the above is not truth. But the change agents in this
period of time have great influence over what is taught in the churches. Why? To begin with
they have been
planning the worship services into areas of entertainment for years,
While
the
Church set back with Elders who do not know the first thing about the real
qualifications for elders, and what they must know in regards to God and his
work. In reality they act as yes men for the preacher. That is why that in
Titus the Holy Spirit instructs the Apostle in regards to the qualifications which
Elders and Bishops must prepare themselves for. This instruction cannot be
taken lightly, and there is good reason why. The Holy Spirit was the author
Paul was the writer. There again to count these instructions as such which can
be changed by man is to Blaspheme the Holy Spirit Titus 1:5-11.
For
sure there will arise questions in regards to the Holy Spirit and His authority
in this age. However, when we look to Jesus Himself and see with our own eyes
what instructions were given to the Holy Spirit before the death of Christ,
which will solve the problem. John 16:13, “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of
truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of
himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you
things to come”. Also John 14:16-18, 14:26, 15:26, Acts 2:4. Thus it is
confirmed that the Holy Spirit was to be the author of all that all the
Apostles wrote. He dictated they wrote it’s that simple.
Now
I would like for you to read and study this material as if I was sitting in
your living room or office and we were speaking one on one.
Now
briefly we want to speak in regards to creation. No one can really know Christ,
if he knows him only as our redeemer. Faint-hearted Christians often justify
their luke-warm unbelieving attitude toward creation by saying that it is more
important merely to preach Christ the redeemer. They forget that they are
preaching another Christ. It is written in 2 Cor. 11:4” For if one comes and
preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different
spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not
accepted, you bear this beautifully!”
If
Christ is not preached as he really is, along with his complete work, we fall
short of really knowing our redeemer. The Apostle Paul wrote and outlined the
Son of God so beautiful and majestic in Col. 1:16-2O,” For in him all things
were created, both in Heaven and on Earth, visible and invisible whether
thrones, or dominions or rulers or authorities, all things have been created
for him” Verse 16. Please read verses 17-2O. There hidden in this verse is one
of the most hair-raising thoughts that man could imagine. ALL THINGS HAVE BEEN
CREATED FOR HIM. Is this beautiful?
When
I
think of all the work that God did in the creation of the scheme of redemption.
Not
to say
any thing about the plans drawn up by God, all the effort, all the heart break,
all the effort put forth to see that each thing created were perfect, the
Church of God being established in heaven, the creation of angels, the rules
and instructions which would govern the Church of God, all this for Christ. All
things have been created for him. That is what the Holy Spirit dictated to the
Apostles; they wrote. Do we understand? Have we had help to misunderstand?
Really I regret to say this again, especially twice in the introduction. Have
our Leaders in the Church of Christ really looked into the Holy Scriptures,
prepared themselves to learn something about every issue God and the Holy Spirit
placed into the scriptures? In order to be able to discuss with an open mind
issues they know nothing about, nor have they learned that every scripture is
inspired by God 2 Tim 3:16.
The
greatest scope of this four-fold work is “All things in Heaven and Earth” Jesus
Christ before he became the sustainer, or Saviour and reconciler, he was
executor of the plan and will of God. “ The blood of His Cross” is the greatest
offense against man. It is an offense against our Creator and executor. That
unjustified offense in rejecting scripture which the Creator, or executor has
deemed fulfilled.
A
simple example is, suppose for a moment you decide to build you a new home, you
first draw up the plans for this home, you purchase all the material needed,
and store it. Now you begin to build your house, you finish the house according
to plan, now its ready to live in, but woe, you have not connected the bath
rooms, days go by, weeks go by, months go by, now a year goes by, Why can you
not live in your house? It is not finished. Now consider God, is all his work
finished and completed? Yes, Heb. 4:3 informs us that he finished all his work
before the foundation of earth. Now He can live in his house it is completed
and fulfilled. If not, why not? So it is with prophecy. Prophecy was given for
a purpose, that purpose was to inform us of a time frame when all prophecy
would be fulfilled, that time frame is found in Luke 21:2O, and Luke 21:22,
informs us that “All things written may be fulfilled. And Jesus in Matthew 24:29,
begins to inform people living then as well as now of the events that would
precede his coming in the clouds, and then informs us that the generation in
which he lived would not pass away until all these things take place Matt.
24:34. I cannot change that neither will I try.
When
the above is rejected, that man or men have alienated themselves from the
Creator.
The
creation of Heaven becomes almost a lost subject, not many people are able to
make an in depth study of the creation of Heaven, how can we preach about God,
about Christ if we know nothing about their existence in Heaven, and their
creation of Heaven. How well could we discuss and prove that an opponent was
wrong?
Those
who believe that John 1:1-3 teaches that God and Christ is one and the same
being! The truth is; they think and work alike.
In
Gen. 1:1, ”In the beginning God Created Heaven and Earth”. I will show evidence
that Heaven was created before earth, but before I do please allow me time to
give you an example, which might help to explain the creation of Heaven first.
Some forty years ago I built the home that we live in to this day. But before I
built the home I built a barn to store materials in. Later I built the home as
time permitted. I built both, but not at the same time, for I could not be in
two places at once it was with God he created the heaven and earth, but not at
the same time. We have only a brief account of the beginning, but when we with
long hours in study put together what evidence we have of the beginning, and
confirm that with reference scripture, such as I am about to point out to you
briefly. When we look at Col. 1:26, we find that all things and events were a
mystery, which had been withheld through the ages until Christ. Again in Matt.
25:34, we find Christ himself informing the Apostles that the Kingdom of God,
or Church of God was prepared for them, and all who would enter by the living
way, before the foundation of the earth. And again in Eph. 1:4, God chose us to
be in him before the foundation of the world. And again in 1 Cor. 2:7, Paul
says that we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God
predestined before ages begin.
Briefly in the introduction I mentioned that I will
use Prov. 8:22-30 as
proof that Heaven was created before earth, and further that as Christ dictates
to Solomon, Christ informs us that he is indeed a separate being from God, and
that he was with him from the beginning, and was God’s workman. Prov. 8:22-30 may tell
us more than we want
to admit!
King
David said, Lord thou hast been our refuge in all generations, and before the
earth and mountains existed and before the earth and the world were formed,
even from age to age thou art. King James Version 1816
ed. American Bible
society.
Briefly
we will study the creation of Angels, for this is a part of the main body of
material. So little is said in regards to Angels that the subject is almost
left wanting. However, enough is said that we can rest and say for sure that
God did create Angels, and did create a mighty host, and since Jude 6, informs
us that there were those who did not keep their own abode and domain, but
abandoned their proper abode, God has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for
the judgment of the great day.
Also
the Apostle Peter added to what Jude has said, 2 Peter 2:4,” for if God did not
spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to
pits of darkness, reserved for judgment”. From this statement we can learn
several things pertaining to the creation of all things. First this confirms
Heb. 4:3, where God has finished all His works before the foundation of earth,
meaning all the plans were finished, and nothing was lacking, at the proper
time when earth would be needed the plans were there, and so when the angels sinned,
the earth was needed for their abode.
The
earth as it is today came into being having been founded upon platonic plates
to hold it together, the core was there as the lake of fire, in which fire
burned continually for the purpose of heat for torment. After the six-day
creation the fire within the core of the earth became a magnet, which drew heat
upon the earth to regulate the seasons. A tip for the reader, should the lake
of fire fail to receive fuel, which constantly drops into it from earthquakes
and other sources, the earth would freeze over in less that twenty four hours.
When there is too much heat and steam within the lake of fire it erupts in the
form of volcanoes, and hot water springs, if this were not so, the earth would
burst open from severe pressure.
Without
leaving our subject of angels, we can learn more by comparing, Rev. 4:6-11,
with Ezekiel 1:10, and 10:4. We can learn that there was an established form of
spiritual worship to God in the Church of God created in Heaven. We can also
learn that within that Church there were rules, regulations, and instructions
in the plan of worship, as we have today in the Church. When those
instructions, and regulations are rejected, then we like the fallen angels are
in God’s judgment, and subjects of the lake of fire.
It
is sad to think that we must have a revival of creation teaching! For sure the
doctrine of creation is foundational to every doctrine of Christianity and its
fulfillment. If there is no fulfillment for God’s plan of Christianity, then
there can be no scheme of redemption. If no redemption, there is no Creator,
and no fulfillment. “If no redemption has occurred then John 3:8, is found to
be in error, for he says that Christ came for the purpose of destroying the
works of the devil, holding the departed spirits in Hades were one of the works
of Satan, also it would make void the scripture that according to the Holy
Spirit were inspired by God, Heb. 2:14-15, in verse 14, Jesus destroys the
power of Satan, who had power to hold death, or spirits in Hades, then the
departed spirits were released, and in verse 15 was delivered up who otherwise
would remain in slavery. Christ paid the price demanded by Satan for their
release; therefore, He redeemed them then. And many bodies of the Saints came
out of the graves after His Resurrection, Matt. 27:52-53, see also Hosea 6:1-3,
in regards to the third day.
Strange
but true. The Christian must have an awareness of creation for its significance
is vital to the full Christian life. We have had more than a hundred years of
evolutionist indoctrination in the schools, colleges, and universities. Now it
seems that from the responses that I receive constantly, that I feel a new wind
is blowing across the world. People want a revival in creation, and a more
dedicated and more educated men to fill the office of Elders. However, many in
the Lord’s Church today would try and stop that wind from blowing. There is a
real reason; it would stop large salaries. It would stop the change agents. It
would stop entertainment in the Church; it would stop the acceptance of the gay
society into fellowship. Enough said.
I recall that Jesus taught the Apostles
to pray in
this manner, Matt. 6:10,”Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” If this
were true on earth, as it is in Heaven, then we would be in complete harmony
with His will, and plan. As the Apostle wrote in Rom. 12:2, ”Prove what the
will of God is”. So how can any preacher, Elder, or Elders, deny the
truthfulness of fulfilled prophecy and bind upon the membership a denial of
studying inspired scripture, Or being prepared to discuss same in order to stop
the spread of it, if it be not scriptural. There is a reason, that Church would
lose its ability to use Satan, and world burning as scare tactics.
We
come now to the study of earth’s creation. I, therefore appeal to common sense
and methodical reason as the best way to understand scripture. I, realize this
method has not been popular among the Christian society for many years,
especially since the gospel of Christ has suffered from change by man, but it
is the way the Bereanes studied scripture Acts 17:11, and is the method which
places the highest value on Scripture being consistent with itself.
It
is an ex-egetical method, rather than an eis-egetical method. There are two
main approaches to Bible study, deduction and induction. Deductions begins with
generalization and moves to particulars. By its very nature, deduction tends to
be subjective and prejudicial. Induction is objective and impartial. It begins
with the particulars of Holy Scripture and reaches a conclusion based on those
particulars.
Special
note
Within
the main body of material, I, will at times become redundant, This is a tool of
teaching, in order that the reader may be reminded of what he reads in the
introduction, it is not a problem, I, will be aware when redundancy is made.
CREATION
OF EARTH.
Jesus gives an account of the creation of earth
as He
dictates to King Solomon in Prov. 8:22-30, notice the account closely, for in
doing so you will learn from He who were to receive all things for Himself,
that were created. For all things were created for Him. Col. 1:16-20. “The Lord
possessed me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old.” “ I was set
up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.” “ When there
were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no foundations abounding
with water.” “ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I
brought forth: While as yet He had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the
highest part of the dust of the world.” “ When He prepared the heavens, I was
there: When He set a compass upon the face of the depth:”
While
the above may look unimportant, I assure you that each line should be very
carefully considered. This gives evidence of several objections in our recent
history that has surfaced. First it proves that Christ was with God from the
beginning, and that both possessed different duties, and is not one and the
same being. And second, it shows that earth was created after the creation of
Heaven. This in itself makes void the belief and teaching that all things were
created within the six-day period. Earth Science, that is true science, says
that the earth has been created for a longer period of time than what the
six-day period shows.
With
the work that I have done in earth science, seeing the various fossil, and
stones, which could only be deposited 45O feet down into the earth, while earth
was created under the waters, and remained there until God decided on the six
day creation of the universe, and bringing the earth up out of the water, Gen.
1:6. So how can we put a date on the first creation of earth? The truth is we
have a fairly accurate account Biblically of the age of earth. Yet another very
interesting revelation from earth science is that when God created earth, He
created the melting pot, in brief the melting pot was created to burn
materials, which was designed to fall into the burning pot for fuel in order to
keep the fire burning. Above the melting pot was created the area of
metamorphism, this is commonly called the stock pile for the lake of fire, or
melting pot, on both sides of the melting pot God created the cooling uplift,
then the erosion uplift, until the upper surface was formed, the upper surface
was designed to act as a magnet to pull the heat from the sun, which in turn
created the seasons upon the whole surface of the earth. From the batholith,
which in all cases regulates the heat, and pressure which is held within the melting
pot coming upward and to the sides are the volcano dikes, which opens and
closes as the need arises. If too much heat, and steam builds in the melting
pot, then a volcanic dike opens and releases the steam, dust, and magma thus
cleaning out the melting pot in just the same way we would clean the ash, and
coals from our fireplace. The platonic plates slides back and forth for earth
and rocks to be able to fall into the fire, after the right amount has fallen
in the plates closes back, this is called an earthquake, All of the earth’s
crust and rocks is designed to rotate right to right, and left to left, this
material is burned in the fire because of its mineral content. As the vapor
from the chemicals is funneled back to the surface of the earth, as it passes
through the cooling uplift it again begins to pick up chemicals within the
earth and when it finally passes through the special prepared dikes it can come
to the surface as most any kind of metamorphic, or igneous rock.
Such information has been very shallow; I have
not gone into
the intricate details of the creation. However, I have given you enough to
understand that the earth and Sun works together in order to supply our
summers, falls, winters, and springs with the proper temperatures the proper
balance and proper oxygen supply.
It
is possible now that you may go back to proverbs chapter eight, and begin with
verse 22-30 and better understand why Christ listed each account, each event.
This was done to show the utmost importance of earth, as being created for the
habitation of mankind which when created; the environment would enhance the
growth, the existence, and welfare of organisms.
A
note important to be remembered, the carbon dating of earth’s materials is not
always correct, I noted that all things from the surface of the earth does make
a cycle back through the earth where their destination is the lake of fire,
when certain materials are found within the earth it causes chaos among some
scientist. We remember these materials whatever they may be make a cycle. That
is God’s plan. And can be found within the earth as they make their cycle. But
one must know something about God’s plan, and have a fair knowledge of earth
science before this is fully understood.
We
must now transist to the creation of the garden of paradise, and God created a
garden and in the midst thereof God placed certain trees bearing fruit, which
in turn would provide food for mankind, which would be created shortly. In the
garden God placed the trees and said of the trees you may eat, but of the tree
in the middle of the garden you shall not eat, for in the day you eat you shall
surely die. And God placed in the midst of the garden the tree of life; this
was a separate tree from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The tree
of life represented the Church of God, as does the same in Rev. 22:1-3. Adam
and Eve rejected the spiritual Church of God by disobeying His command not to
eat of the forbidden fruit. Therefore, they became physical beings and would
not enjoy the spiritual blessings that were found in the Church of God. They
had sinned; there was no sacrifice for their sin. God gave to the serpent who
was present the authority to hold their spirits upon biological death in Hades,
separated from the presence of God. However, the Son of God interposed His life
for them, and all their posterity. Christ in ages to come would be the sinless
sacrifice for their redemption. The serpent, who is called Satan, required the
blood and life of the Son of God before he would release the departed spirits
from Hades.
In
order to redeem the departed spirits, The Son of God had to be born of woman in
order to become flesh and blood before He could be offered as the price that
Satan required. Therefore, the Holy Spirit had to become the executor of God’s
will in that He planted into the womb of Mary the seed that would produce the
Christ. In God’s appointed time Christ would suffer, His blood had to be shed
upon the earth. The blood of Abel was crying out from the earth, the blood of
Christ had to be shed upon the earth; He was beaten until He lost most of His
blood upon the face of the earth. This was a sad occasion, yet it was what
Satan required. Upon the completion of the requirement, which he doubted would
happen, was forced to release all the departed spirits, both good and bad. At
this time the scriptures which speaks of the authority which Satan had been
given begins to be fulfilled, God had kept His word, now Satan must keep his.
John
said in John 12-31,” Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this
world shall be cast out”. The ruler of this world then was Satan, God had given
the earth to the fallen angels as their abode when they were cast out of
heaven, and his domain was the earth. But again John speaks in regards to Satan
in John 16:11,”And concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has
been judged”. “ Has been judged” is past tense so we cannot say that Satan is
still alive and active. 1 John 3:8,” The one who practices sin is of the devil;
for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this
purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” Heb 2:14,”Since then
the children share in flesh and blood, Christ Himself likewise also partook of
the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of
death, that is, the devil.” Romans 16:20, Paul said to the Church at Rome,” And
the God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
When
we move to the first century Church and its purchase we will speak upon the
final act of Satan.
We
have moved through the garden, and have spoken of the greater events which at
this time was the Church of God being rejected by Adam and Eve, the sin, Satan.
And now we must look back to the subject of the Church of God, and be able to
determine what happened to the spiritual Church of God.
First
we must know that the spiritual system that God designed for the garden was
rejected, this was no surprise on the part of God, no after thought. God was
able to foresee what would happen in the garden, therefore God simply allowed
His pre-prepared plan to just fall into place, and the work went on. But the
Church of God went into dormancy along with the spirituality. However, from a
careful study of Gods plan we find His plans was to restore the Church of God
through Jesus Christ. Therefore moving down through the different ages we find
various forms of worship being given to God, some were accepted some were
classified as idol worship. The Church of God lay dormant as a mystery
throughout the ages. Remember here that nothing can be restored, that has not
existed in use before. So we must look for events, and scripture, which show
God’s intention of the restoration of the Church of God. First we notice an
account of Jacobs ladder in Genesis 28:12, here God is showing Jacob that the
way to heaven will be restored, by showing him the ladder with angels going and
coming, this was a sure sign of restoration.
Restoration
brings us into the subject of fulfilled prophecy. Many subjects in the Bible
are perceived to be prophetic mysteries by most Christians. In fact the
mysterious nature of many of them have turned away from the study of fulfilled
prophecy. Many Christians today believe that some of the events have been
fulfilled, yet others honestly believe that the most important events has not
yet taken place. Since Christ and the Apostles were speaking to believers in
the first century about first century events to take place in their lifetime we
can look back and say that those events have already occurred. In addition to
that, to say that the events Christ perdicted have not yet occurred is to say
that Christ was deluded or guilty of deceiving the people to whom he spoke! God
forbid. Jesus said in Matt. 16:28,”Verily I say unto you that some of you
standing here, shall not taste of death UNTIL you see me coming in my kingdom.
We
have somewhat of a problem here! His promise was that some to whom he spoke
would not die before he returned in his kingdom. Now either we have men living
today, namely some of the apostles, that are over 2,000 years old, or the event
in which he spoke was fulfilled during the lifetime of that generation.
Now
we follow up in regards to the Church of God being restored. So we investigate
Isaiah 2:1-4, verse two,” And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the
mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains,
and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow into it”
Here
the Church of God is referred to as the Lord’s house, also the phrase “it”
refers to the Church being restored, and established again. Isaiah chapters 51,
through chapters 53 give the full account of the restored Church. Read it and
understand it.
THE
MYSTERY REVEALED.
Question
the mystery of what? The mystery of the Church of God being restored, but was
kept for ages without revelation, being kept as a mystery. That mystery being
made known and brought to light through Christ and the apostles.
Eph.
1:9,”He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind
intention which He purposed in Him. Verse 10,” With a view to an administration
suitable to the fullness of the times, that is the summing up of all things in
Christ.” Dear reader PLEASE Consider the phrase in verse 10, “the fullness of
the times”, and the summing up of all things.” When you study the Greek text,
and consult the Greek Lexicons you will find that these two phrases informs us
of something that is not taught in many Churches today. “The fullness of the
times”. The fullness of times is
compared to Matt. 24:29-34, the “times” is also mentioned in Luke 21:20-32, and
when you consider what is being said in these two scriptures and sum all the
scriptures as “signs of the times”, then we can know more about when the
“fullness of the times were. They were in the time frame of Luke 21:20” But
when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her
destruction is at hand”. So what is being said in Eph. 1:9-10, is that at this
time all things will have been completed which were spoken of by the prophets,
fulfilled. To say that fulfillment of Apostolic prophecies has not yet taken
place is to imply they were either ignorant about what they wrote or
deliberately deceived many people. The same writers made many more statements
about Jesus returning in the lifetime of some of their readers.
Paul
said in Eph. 6:19,” And pray on my behalf, that utterances may be given to me
in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.
Here and now Gods plan, which were finished before the earth was created Heb.
4:3. Is going to be revealed by Paul, O No. He asked for special utterances,
and only the Holy Spirit could open his mouth and speak through him. Therefore,
when we deny what Paul wrote, we are not committing blasphemy against Paul,
rather we are blaspheming the Holy Spirit, which there is no forgiveness Matt.
12:32.
There
are many more scriptures, which refer to the mystery that God kept secret
because from Adam to The cross of Christ any worship given to god were
physical. Therefore, the spiritual was kept as a mystery, but when Christ came,
then the mystery would begin to be revealed, and become reality by being
fulfilled. See also, Eph. 3:9. 5:32, Col. 1:26, 4:3, Romans 11:25, 16:25, Matt.
13:11,1 Cor. 2:7, 4:1, 13:2. 1 Tim. 3:9. Rev. 10:7. All these scriptures do is
to prove that the signs of the times was parallel with old testament prophecy,
and that prophecy had traveled from the mouth of God in Heaven to the time frame
when all things were to be completed, according to God’s calendar Israel were
to be destroyed, Judaism annihilated, Covenant expired Heb. 8:13. So, then this
moves us right back to Eph. 1:9, the fullness of time.
The
fullness of time is addressed in Daniel 12:6-7 “How long will it be until the
end of these wonders?” V.7 “AS soon as they finish shattering the power of the
holy people, all these events will be completed.”
Thus
far I have tried to remain attached to the outline subjects, but I find it
impossible to teach the outline subjects, without offering evidence in favor of
the subject, which in several cases have been evidence of the end results of
this document.
Therefore,
I have been Redundant, but redundancy proves to be a good tool in teaching for
me. I teach I want to be understood. The subjects in which I write requires
repeating, for not many people has heard this truth as the Bible teaches it.
Paul said to imitate him 1 Cor. 11:1. I try to imitate Paul. Paul used
redundancy to teach because of the nature of his writings, so will I. Forgive
me.
THE
CHURCH OF GOD.
NOTE,
We have referred to the Church of God through out this document, We must
understand that in the spiritual realm The Church of God, is also used in the
same sense as the Kingdom of God. To institute a kingdom or church you must
have subjects, those subjects are composed of mankind. Therefore, the original
man was the rational and moral ultimatum of the mundane system, or as he came
from God’s hand, he was the perfection of all terrestrial creations and
institutions. In the elements of his constitution he was partly celestial and
terrestrial- of an earthly material as to his body, but of spiritual
intelligence and divine life. Made to know and to enjoy his Creator, and to have
communion with all divine, spiritual, and material in the whole universe, he
was susceptible of a boundless variety of enjoyments.
Man
then was a companion of his Father and Creator, capable of admiring, adoring
and enjoying God. God having made the earth for him, God was fully glorified in
all his sublunary works when they made man happy, grateful, and thankful to
himself.
God
made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions. Adam rebelled. The
natural man became preternatural. The animal triumphed over the human elements
of his nature. Sin was born on earth. The crown fell from his head. The glory
of the Lord departed from him. He felt his guilt, and trembled, he saw his
nakedness and was ashamed. He was led to judgment. He was tried, condemned to
death, divested of his patrimonial inheritance; but respited from immediate
execution. A prisoner of death but permitted to roam abroad and at large till
God authorized his seizure and destruction. Thus Adam rejected the kingdom of
God. He would pay the penalty for his rejection.
God is a God of Creation, A God of
Regeneration, and A God of Renovation. BUT, God is not a God of annihilation.
Therefore, the Church of God created in Heaven, and offered to Adam was not
destroyed, or annihilated because Adam rejected it. God being a foreseeing God,
while in the planning stage was able to foresee what would happen to Adam, and
therefore, he adjusted his plans for such occurrences, before the foundation of
earth was laid Heb. 4:3.
In
the Kingdom, or Church system, there is but one God, one son, Jesus Christ, one
Holy Spirit, one system of nature, one universe. That universe is composed of
innumerable systems, which, in perfect concert, move forward in subornation to
one supreme God.
The
creation of the Church of God reveals the power, the wisdom, and the goodness
of God, Providence proclaims also His justice, truth and holiness, which were
the constitution of the Church of God, as, is shown in His dealing with Adam.
Redemption develops His mercy, condescension, and love, and all these are again
characterized by infinity, eternity, and immutability. Nature attests and
displays His knowledge, wisdom, power and law.
After
the fall of Adam, all flesh became physical, with no spiritual attributes such
as was present in the Church of God. The head of each household, or the father
of several households became both judge, priest and prophet. God spoke to the
heads of households. Animal sacrifice was required for several occasions, one
was offered which would roll their sins ahead for one year only, each year this
was repeated, this is sometimes called the first age. This practice continued until the great flood, wherein only
Noah and his family were saved from all the human population, along with Noah
was the animals, which God called for to be saved in the Ark. Shortly after the
flood the generations of Noah began to be extremely evil. Some of the tribes
continued to worship in the fashion of father Noah. Noah lived 350 years after
the flood, which gave him much time to continue to preach; much to his
dissatisfaction his preaching was repelled.
The
first sign that we have of the Church of God being restored has its beginning
in Genesis chapter twelve, where we are introduced to God’s faithful servant
Abram. This sign we began to read about in Gen. 22:1-18, Isaac was the type of
Christ who would come to earth as the will of His Father, Christ would be
offered as a living sacrifice, as well as the last sacrifice. This indicated a
future spiritual system, which would be restored in the restoration of the
Church of God. Then, in Gen.
28:12, we read of what is referred to as Jacobs ladder, extending from Heaven
to earth, and angels ascending, and descending up and down the ladder. Now what is the implication
of this
vision given to Jacob from God?
The
first thing is that God knew that Jacob would become the father of nations,
which is the Hebrew nations. Therefore, God began to treat Jacob with various
signs as He did also to Abraham, in this way Jacob would know that His God had
chosen him for this assignment, God continued to bless Jacob born into his
family was twelve sons, which would constitute the twelve tribes of Israel.
This was an event, which looked to the restoration of all things in the
Christian age. Yet another event, which depicts the Christian age. Gen.
32:22-30, in this event Jacob’s life was PRESERVED. For sure looking forward to
the restoration of the spiritual system, where its possible never to die again,
life will be preserved. Through the blood of Jesus Christ who gave His life to
restore life that was lost in the Garden of Eden.
We
now in our search for further evidence of the restoration, must consider Isaiah
2:1-4, The mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the Chief of
the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will
stream to it.
There
is revealed in this verse some of the most beautiful thoughts that man can
imagine. First God promises that the spiritual system that was lost in Adam
will again be established. No greater and beautiful promise could be made to
man. Notice the phrase. “IT WILL BE CHIEF”. No higher degree of authority could
be revealed. In the second place God intended that there be only one authorized
system wherein man could obtain salvation. The phrase CHIEF is the highest in
rank and respect for God, and Christ who would make this possible. This proves
that God never intended for man to form his own system of religious worship to
God and Christ. So where does this leave the 1200 or so different denominations
which exist in America today? Be honest with God and answer this question. All
denominations teach something different from that which is given within the
Gospel of the restored Church. Suppose that they all turned back to basic Bible
truths, leaving off their own interpretation, would they not be one, and only
one abiding in the one truth?
We
now observe Isaiah 51:1-23, That Isaiah here uses the word Zion to represent
the Church. This is not uncommon with the prophets, for in different periods of
time language is increased, words are used different but describes the same
object or event. In Isaiah 51:3 ”indeed, The Lord will comfort Zion; He will
comfort all her waste places, and her wilderness He will make like Eden and her
desert like the garden of the Lord.” ---- What do you suppose that God has
reference to here? ---- Well of course its very clear Biblically. That which
was lost by Adam He will restore.
Isaiah
52:1-15,” verse 8,” Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices, they shout
joyfully together; for they will see with their own eyes when the Lord RESTORES
ZION.” Isaiah 53: 1-12, informs us as who will accomplish this by fulfilling
the will and plan of God for the restoration. ---- How beautiful are the feet of
those who brought the truth. ---- The truth, which we today cannot, and for the
most part will not accept!
Remember
that God renovates, recreates, but never annihilates anything. By reading
chapters 51-53, of Isaiah you can prove this statement by God’s Word to Isaiah.
The balance of Isaiah foretells the renovations and the re-creations that God
has planned for the Church of God to be restored through Christ. ---- All these
renovations were planned and finished by the God who has foresight to see the future,
and these events were finished before the creation of the earth, Heb. 4:3.
As
we move through the Minor Prophets, we see that they foretold the awful
destruction of the nation of Israel. Israel must be taken out of the way, along
with its religion, which was of physical nature, Judaism. ---- The scepter must
be removed by Christ at His second coming, and retain it for Himself, this in
turn would give Him all authority in Heaven and on Earth, it would declare to
the whole world that He was the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. See Gen.
49:10, Zech. 14:9, Heb. 8:13. For further evidence of this calamity against
Israel, one should read Ex. 32:34, and Deut. 28:48-66.
A
NEW COVENANT.
Jeremiah
31:30- 34, And they shall not teach again, each man his own neighbor and each
man his own brother, saying, Know the Lord, for they shall all know Me, from
the least of them to the greatest of them, declares the Lord, For I will
forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more”.
This
will be the same Covenant offered to Adam with the exceptions of the
renovations, and re-creations necessary as ages rolled by, yet these were
allowed for before the foundation of the world. God at that time was able to
foresee the necessary changes if any that would be needed for Christ as the New
Administrator of Heaven and Earth. In designing His plans and being able to
foresee through eternity God was able to make any changes to His plans, which
He alone as the designer could make; they were perfected along with all His
woks before the Earth began.
Closer
and closer, we come to the time when all these matters will begin to have its
fulfillment. Without total fulfillment this Covenant could not be ratified by
Jesus Christ during the period when Christ would remove the scepter from Judah.
First Shiloh must come. Gen. 49:10, Jacob the father of Judah knew well that
Shiloh would come in order to remove the power from Judah and open the gates to
the Land of Israel for punishment of their sins, that at His “Second Coming”
Christ would stand upon the mountains and direct the slaughter, further that at
this time God would come with all the holy ones. Why have Christ coming in the
manifestation of His power in the destruction of Jerusalem, and at the same
time have God coming with all the Holy Ones? Zech. 14:1-9. First, God’s plan
was for Christ to judge the wicked nation of Israel as was foreseen by Jacob,
and foretold. In the second place, Ezekiel 37:24-28, informs us that God had
plans to move His sanctuary from Heaven to a place where He could dwell forever
in the midst of His people.
We
see this same God coming as the Apostle Paul describes it in 1 Thess 4:13-17,
it is all one and the same coming, it does not describe a far distant rapture,
it happened then and there. Any event which would delay the resurrection from
taking place at that time in the first century would make void the ratifying of
the New Covenant, by reason of failure.
THE
HOLY SPIRIT.
Isaiah
9:6-7, foretells the Birth of Christ, he explains His government, His duties,
His name, or names by which He will be called, he informs us that there is no
end to His government. Nor will there be an end to His Kingdom ---- Church.
Isaiah
11:1-10, again Isaiah describes the Child Jesus as a mighty one, the conditions
of Christianity is fully discussed, the provisions of peace, love and unity is
seen in this chapter, we also see that these descriptions fit those of the
Church that God will establish {bring into being} Isa, 2:1-4, and Christians
would not seek war to settle their problems, rather Christians would judge
Christians rather than the evil world.
It
has happened! We come now to the beginning of all the Old Testament prophecy
having its fulfillment. First we shall notice that Christ has transferred His
title of
executor of God’s will to the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Spirit is now the
executor of God’s will.
Matt.
1:18, ”Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had
been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with
Child by the Holy Spirit.”20, “But when he had considered this, behold an angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying Joseph, son of David, do not be
afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of
the Holy Spirit.” We can see now the beginning of the spiritual Covenant, by
the appearance of the Holy Spirit into the life of Christ.
Christ
being born in Bethlehem, which research reveals that a new star appeared at the
throne of God, at exactly 6:30 p.m. just after sunset on August 30 in 2 BC
exactly when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Prophecy being fulfilled in a perfect
manner. Matt. 3:13-17, Jesus comes to John to be baptized of him. Coming up out
of the water, behold the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God
descending as a dove, and coming upon Him. And behold, a voice out of Heaven,
saying, this is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.
There
are opponents who says that God and Christ is one and the same being, that
there is but two in the God head, The Father and the Holy Spirit, further that
it was God who came to earth. Absurd to think in such way. The evidence here in
Matthew shows a different view from the above. Notice, Jesus is on earth, both physical and spiritual, He
is being baptized by John, while another being in Heaven speaks to John and
says, “ This is My beloved Son In
whom I am well pleased”.
Jesus
the Christ gives a full account of Himself as being a different being from God,
as well as the beginning of His way. Prov. 8:22-30, verse 22, ” The Lord
possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. From
everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of
the earth.” God is the first in
speech; the “I” is the second being, or person. Therefore, this clearly shows,
first person, and second person.
John
the Baptist comes teaching that the kingdom of God is at hand. The Greek
meaning for the word “ at hand” is something, or some event in progress of
being fulfilled.
So
when did the kingdom of God commence? With the ministry of John one says: With
the ministry of Jesus says another: With the sending out of the twelve
apostles, says a third: At the Resurrection of Jesus, says a fourth: At none of
them, says another. Yet with all the confusion how are we to know?
In
my re-search I have found that to look closely at the teaching of Jesus and the
apostles, and to consider the subject matter we may find the truth. Sometimes
Jesus speaks of the administration of its affairs --- of its principles ---
principles in the heart --- of its subjects --- of its king ---- of its
territory ---- of its progress. Thus we look at the parables, the sower of
wheat ---- of the leaven ---- of the merchant seeking goodly pearls ---- of the
grain of mustard seed ---- of the marriage of the King’s Son ---- of the
nobleman going into a far country.
The
kingdom is presented to us in many different ways, forms and elements. However,
I feel that Jesus summed up all this when He told those who questioned Him, as
well as to the disciples “The kingdom is in your midst” In brief, when one does
as John told the Pharisees and Sadducees “To bring forth fruit in keeping with
your repentance”, Matt. 3:7, therefore, when one obeys all the instructions as
to how to go about obtaining salvation, then the kingdom {Church} is in your
midst. No instruction can be substituted for something lesser than what was
given in the Covenant. The Covenant is firm, and no part of it can ever be
changed, not even by God. For it was finished before the creation of no part of
it can ever be changed, not even by God. For it was finished before the
creation of earth, and it was perfect, and complete Heb. 4:3.
Here
we have an instance where we need great understanding. Thus far we have Biblically
seen where the kingdom is mentioned as the kingdom “OF” Heaven, in the Greek
text we desire you to consider the following, Greek ex translates “out of”, so
the correct reading would be the kingdom out of heaven. Meaning the place where
it originated. One example of the word “OF” is found in Matt. 21:25. The
baptism “OF” John again we look at the Greek word “ek” and “ex” meaning out of,
or from.
Thus
the baptism of John was out of Heaven, you could say, the baptism of John from
Heaven and be correct --- Now this brings us to the word use in the New
Testament, which reads in the English ---- The kingdom “OF” Heaven. The word
“of” --- here denotes the place of origin, which was Heaven in the beginning,
so then we are still looking at the fulfillment of the kingdom of God. Since
the words kingdom and the English word Church is always used interchangeable,
then we will refer to it as the Church of God. The Greek usage does not use the
word Church, that word was added by the English translators during the reign of
King James. The Bible in Greek uses the “called out’ the “Assembly of Saints”,
the Congregation of the Lord.
As I have said before, so say I again.
However what we see continuing is that the Church of God, which began in
Heaven, is continuing to be restored. Thus far we have no evidence that another
kingdom, or Church has surfaced. --- However in Matt. 16:18, Jesus said to
Peter, --- “ upon this rock I will build my Church” --- If we use the word
“build” there are two senses in the Greek in which we can arrive at the true
meaning of the word. --- Using Eph. 2:20, ”having been built upon the
foundation of the Apostles and prophets” signifies to build upon, in this case
Matt. 16:18, would be to build “upon”. It does not indicate to build another.
Eph.
2:22, “ In whom you are being built together into a dwelling “OF” God in the
spirit”. In this sense the meaning using the Greek word “sunoikodomeo”
signifying to build together, metaphorically as a spiritual dwelling place for
God. So in Matt. 16:18, Jesus is building upon that which already exists, which
is the Church of God, He by fulfillment of the scriptures is restoring the
Church of God. You cannot restore anything without some form of labor, and so
His labor is not to build another Church, but build in such way as to restore
the old, which is spiritual, and which God promised to restore through Jesus
Christ.
Question, If Christ is to build His Church,
what is really
meant by this statement? We have seen in Eph. 2:22, we are built together into
a dwelling place for God. Does God mean to rebuild the Temple? No. Does He mean
to build a building for Him to dwell in No? Well what does He mean? 1 Cor 3:16,
“Do you not know that you are a Temple of God, and that the spirit of God
dwells in you” --- You who obey His terms for salvation is the dwelling in
which He speaks.1 Cor.
6:19, “Or
do you not know that your body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,
whom you have from God, and that you are not your own” --- Again we prove the
original Church --- Kingdom being restored with all its spirituality, the
kingdom is within those who accept God’s Word without change, these
instructions comes from the Kingdom --- Church which first began in Heaven.
This was God’s plan before the creation of earth.
Christ
shed His blood, gave His life to accomplish the spiritual, He did not fail. His
shed blood, His life purchased the Church of God Acts 20:28, “Be on guard for
yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you
overseers, to shepherd the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
You notice that the word Church here is in the singular sense, so how many
churches did Christ purchase?
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
Do
we really have evidence that this Church belongs to Christ? Heb. 12:22-24, ”But
you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly
Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, {23} To the general assembly and Church of
the first born who are enrolled in Heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to
the spirits of righteous men made perfect, {24} And to Jesus, the mediator of a
new Covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of
Abel.”
Col. 1:18,”He is also head of the body,
the Church; and He
is the beginning, the first born from the dead; so that He, Himself might come
to have first place in everything. ”--- Eph. 4:4-5,” There is one body and one
spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling. {5} One Lord,
one faith, one baptism.”
The
Apostle Paul addressed the Church at Rome in regards to the Church, which he as
a minister preached Rom. 16:16, “The Churches of Christ salute you.” In my
re-search I have not found where God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit authorized
more than one Congregation of the called out. --- BUT, all the writers of the
new Testament warns us that false prophets, false teachers will delude the
truth and teach another gospel, We have an example of that in Gal. 1:6-8, “I am
amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of
Christ, for a different gospel.”
Rev.
1:1, ”The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond
servants, the things which must shortly take place.” Verse 3, “Blessed is he
who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things
which are written in it, for the time is at hand.” Then John states Rev. 1:9,”I
John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom.” John
confesses that he was in the kingdom --- Church, he was indeed one of the
called out, one of the assembly of Christ.
Description
of the Church of Christ.
A
just description of the Church it is a particular congregation of believers in
Christ and His gospel, united together in the order of the gospel. If I have
thus far been correct, then all who are united upon any other principle than as
believers in Christ, cannot have any right to be called the Church of Christ.
This I presume no man will deny. --- To be a believer in Christ is to receive
implicit confidence in the testimony Christ has given us all of Himself, and to
yield our souls to Him. --- No man can say that he be in Christ who refuses to
enter into the reign of Christ. --- The ancient teaching was to make the gospel
the rule of our conduct and bond of our union. --- The Christian religion and
the true Church have always been oppressed. That true Christianity should be
liable to such abuses, can afford no objection to its high pretensions. Because
there is no gift of the creator, which is not liable to similar abuses, and if
any thing were bestowed on man, which he could not abuse, it would be of no
moral value to him, for what he cannot use, he cannot abuse. Where there can be
no vice, there can be no virture. --- So today as in all ages the Church has
suffered at the hands of gospel changers, change agents, it has been since time
began and will continue so long as man exists upon the earth.
However,
understand that no power in Heaven, or on Earth can stay the hand of the Lord.
He is, the I Am, the creator, the designer of all His plans to offer man
salvation through spiritual means, through the Church of God restored, by
Christ ratifying the new covenant, taking His bride the Church of Christ ----
Rev. 19:7 --- Where God speaks from His throne saying, “ IT IS DONE”. Rev.
21:6.
CONCLUSIONS.
(1) Jesus was to have appeared, and did appear
in the end of
the world Heb. 9:26, or last days of the Jewish age, in the conclusion of the
age He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. The world to
come was one of the names of the gospel age. He has not subjected “the world to
come” to angels, rather to the Holy Spirit. He appeared then. Not in the
beginning of the gospel age, but in the end of the Jewish age A.D. 70. --- (2)
The Temple was the house of God to the very close of the life of Jesus. For it
was not till the Jewish ministry conspired to kill him that he deserted it. At
the last festival of his life, and immediately before he fell into their hands,
on walking out of the Temple, he said, behold your house is deserted, for you
shall not see me henceforth till you shall, blesses be he that comes in the
name of the Lord. It was His Fathers house, the house of God, till that moment.
Then, indeed, the Glory of the Father departed, as He did in Ezekiel chapters
9-11. --- (3) When the glory departed, the old covenant became obsolete and was
near to passing away Heb. 8:13. A forty-year period of transition from 30.A.D.
till 70 A.D. was given the Jewish element to prepare them for the final
acceptance of Christ; this followed the pattern of the wilderness, and the
period between the death of Christ and the Pentecost. This period of time
brought us to the second time Christ would return for the final chapter in the
history of Israel.
Ezekiel
14:1-9, Christ would return and direct the forces against Israel till their
destruction was completed according to the instructions of Daniel 12:6,7, The
scepter was removed from Judah and received unto himself in order at this time
that fulfillment of the restoration of the Church of God would be complete. In
which the Church of God would now become the Church of His Christ. It is now
that Christ can take his Bride the Church, and now the Church becomes the Bride
of Christ in just the same way that Israel became the Bride of God.
Now,
it becomes evident that the Church of Christ did not just begin at Pentecost,
nor did it begin with Alexander Campbell! But rather had its beginning in
Heaven, before the earth was created Heb. 4:3, The Church bears a heavenly name
given by God, therefore, and henceforth, we shall confirm that God has
furnished salvation in no other name than that name give by God. Again I repeat.
Colossians 1:16,”
All things have been created through Him and for Him”. Colossians 1:18, “He is
also head of the body, the Church; and He is the beginning, the first born from
the dead”. Therefore, when He decreed in Matthew 25:34, that the kingdom or
Church was prepared before the foundation of the earth, simply put is to say
that God prepared all things in His plan while Heaven alone existed. Further,
God’s works were finished and completed before the foundation of the earth, or
before earth was created having finished His works; they were sealed and could
not be changed. This is proven by Matt. 3:17, " And behold a voice out of
Heaven, saying, this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”. And again
when the Apostle Peter said to Jesus,” Lord it is good for us to be here; if
you wish, I will make three tabernacles here one for you, and one for Moses, and
one for Elijah.” We all know that the word Tabernacle represents the same thing
as the Church, or Kingdom, or Assembly. But what happened? While he was still
speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice out of
the cloud, saying, this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; hear
him”. So
Christ and the Church have God’s approval, God had the last word.
No
longer
must the called out be referred to as cambellites, or just another
denomination; they are God’s called out, God’s chosen. This has been proven;
there can be no doubt, especially when God has set His seal of approval upon
it. If the Church of His Christ becomes contaminated in any period of history,
it is not to be blamed upon God, but rather mankind, the Church was created
perfect, people were not.
I
praise God that He has given unto man a perfect plan for the redemption of man
from eternal torment. " But few there be that enter in”. Matt 7:14. This I
presume no man can deny.
Jessie
E. Mills, Ph.D
1729
Hwy 79 north
Bonifay,
Fl 32425
