Except These Bonds ^©

Jesus Christ introduced a concept, which many have found most amazing. He taught that the Creator of the vast expanse of the universe is so connected with HIS creation, that even the very hairs on His disciples’ heads were numbered. We are tempted to think of GOD as too high or too busy to have time to be bothered with the details of our lives, yet Jesus taught that just the opposite was true. He taught that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without His Father. GOD was therefore obviously quite aware of His disciples’ necessities and intimately involved in meeting their needs.

Our Lord demonstrated that each and every hour of the day is measured off by an omniscient GOD. Our world is not just spinning through space without reason, but all is ordered as part of the eternal purpose of an all-knowing, all-powerful Creator.

The Son of GOD revealed that, although hidden from the natural eye, another kingdom exists among us, visible only to the spiritual eye. When He was asked when this kingdom should come, He replied that it doesn’t come "with observation." Rather, it was already there, already "among them." He had exhorted His followers to not only "seek" that kingdom but to seek it "first" as "treasure hid in a field." Many think that one enters GOD’s kingdom when they die and go to heaven, but the truth is all the other way. HIS kingdom is already here and we only begin to live after we enter into it.

Jesus had instructed Nicodemus that the only requirement in order to see and enter GOD’s kingdom, was that he must be born again, of the spirit. The kingdom of GOD is not entered when we die and go to heaven. It is not just waiting for us somewhere in the future but rather it is here, now, in the shadows so to speak.

If we would desire to enter GOD’s kingdom, we must become "as a little child." As Jesus affirmed, "Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." A child is hungry to learn in a world full of discovery. Their thirst to understand exceeds their fear of being perceived as different by those around them. As such, a child is not so concerned with what others might think of him. GOD’s hidden kingdom is realized when the believer steps away from the crowd and diligently seeks it out; when he is not conformed to the world he sees, but as he is transformed by the thoughts he keeps.

Of course many choose to reject HIS kingdom. Many today are like those of old of whom Jesus commanded His disciples, saying, tell them, "Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you" (Luke 10:11). The kingdom of GOD passes near many today, but how few are prepared to enter its gates. The masses are driven by desires, which close their eyes to the reality of HIS kingdom.

Following the nation of Israel’s exodus from Egypt and forty years of wandering in the wilderness, upon the day that they were to enter into their "Promised Land," Moses revealed a secret unto those who had endured.

Likewise, we each have our own wilderness and if we endure, we each have our own day to perceive, to see and to hear of that other world. But that day only comes after the wilderness journey, never before. It is only the LORD who can give one a heart to perceive, eyes to see and ears to hear.

Similarly, this life we have been given is also intended to be a journey through the wilderness into HIS "Promised Land." From being born of the flesh and entering this world to being born of the spirit and entering HIS world we each travel. How we take our journey through this world has a direct relation upon how fully we understand the "riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through Jesus Christ." If we bury our talents and wander aimless in our journey, we can’t hope to ever realize HIS kingdom.

The Apostle Paul knew of this hidden kingdom. He had exhorted the believers in Corinth to look "not at the things which are seen [this world], but at the things which are not seen [HIS world]." That would require a spiritual ability, something beyond a natural ability. He also exhorted the believers to "come out from among them [the unbelievers], and be ye separate." Not so much physically but mentally. He instructed the believers at Rome to "walk not after the flesh but after the spirit" and that "to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

He continued teaching them that, "the kingdom of GOD is not meat and drink." These are the things most devote their lives to acquire, which is why they never find HIS kingdom. Rather, the kingdom of GOD is "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." These are places only the mind can take us, never the hand. "For therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed… as it is written, the just shall live [in HIS kingdom] by faith."

When the Apostle Paul stood accused before King Agrippa, he gazed upon the rich and powerful of that age. He was encircled by those who were esteemed fortunate by his generation yet he had what they knew little of, for he dwelt in a world they knew nothing of. He knew a place they had never been for he knew the secret purpose of his Creator. Though he conversed with them, his thoughts, passions and affections were in another world. And so he exclaimed,

"…such as I am, except these bonds." He was praying that they too were seeking that other kingdom. Their treasures were here. Their perceiving and seeing and hearing were all here where moth and rust corrupts. He knew of another kingdom where moth and rust does not corrupt; another kingdom, where that still small voice whispers the secret purposes of the ages; another world, wherein GOD is a living reality. He knew of a hidden place wherein are found "all the secrets of wisdom and knowledge."

Paul had previously lived in their world, walking after the flesh and understanding only those things that are seen. But then one day as he journeyed through the wilderness he changed worlds. His whole purpose changed for he found that true treasure, which was "hid in a field."

GOD by HIS grace and mercy sent Paul a light. HE implanted words of truth in Paul’s heart, which "springing up within him" transformed him into a new and better place. Paul stood before the door, which is the Word of Truth, and entering in, he crossed over into life. Living in GOD’s kingdom is the more than abundant life that our Lord came to make available.

Scripture teaches us, that "the just shall live by [out of] faith," so there must be a life that comes out of faith! Scripture continues to teach, that this "faith comes by [out of] hearing and hearing by [through] the word of Christ" (Christ is the text). If you wish to really live, you must have faith. To have faith you must have the ability to hear and the spiritual ability to "hear," comes through the word of Christ.

Our Lord taught that while "the flesh profits nothing," it is His words that are "spirit and life" and that "it is the spirit that quickens [makes alive]." Almost magical, definitely phenomenal is the effect GOD’s words have on the life of an individual who keeps them. GOD’s words will literally transform a person from wandering aimlessly in the wilderness, to finding their purpose in HIS kingdom. The Word of GOD will awaken a believer from a living death, to a life filled with more than he could ever ask or even think.

It has been claimed that knowledge is power. In a particular context that may be so, but knowledge is much more than power. Knowledge is the very essence of our existence. Practically speaking, there is no reality outside of our own being. Everything that affects our happiness and grief must somehow enter our minds. Everything in the Universe, whether real or imagined, is unknown to us until it enters our space. Our knowledge of its presence only then makes it a reality to us. Otherwise, it might just as well not exist. It’s like a book that contains all that we ever wanted to know, yet if we never opened it, it might just as well never have been written.

All we are is solely the knowledge we possess. Knowledge is freedom from our fears, but it is more than that, it is the source of our fears. Knowledge is comfort in the dark night of the soul, but it is more than that, it is the awareness of the dark night. Knowledge is hope in an hour of despair, but it is more than that, it is the cause of our despair.

All of our opinions, our desires, our judgments, and our actions stem from and are carried forth as the immediate and continued result of our unfolding knowledge. Some knowledge molds us into men and women who are complete and well rounded. Other knowledge enslaves us to our fears and insecurities.

As we begin to mature we learn that much of the knowledge that we once thought true, was later proved to be false. We now know that there is no Easter Bunny, there is no Santa Claus, there is no mystical power called "luck." These are false perceptions, which at one time most of us believed with all our heart. But we have come to learn that some knowledge is false, which results in our perception being false. Therefore, it is not simply knowledge, but true knowledge we require. Through true knowledge GOD’s people are delivered; through the lack of true knowledge, i.e., false knowledge, GOD’s people are destroyed (Hosea 4:6).

For knowledge to be judged true we must have a standard or a rule with which to measure it. To accomplish this, some choose an elder or an authority as their source for true knowledge. Most however settle for their own experiences as the best rule. Doing this usually only exchanges on false perception for another one.

As we here have chosen the Bible as our rule, let us see how it judges when knowledge is true and when it is not.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Two momentous statements are contained within this proverb. First, the beginning of knowledge is not the result of an Ivy League education. Nor is it the manifestation of prolonged and isolated meditation. Nor is it because of the vast extent of our experiences from our travels.

The beginning of knowledge is simply "the fear of the LORD." Before one even begins to think he might acquire true knowledge, he must recognize his lowly position before his Creator. We must never treat lightly the realization that GOD allows us to be in HIS presence. Our very breath is an undeserved gift from our Creator. If we have anything that is good, it is because of HIS grace, not our abilities. We are only more then dust because of HIS goodness.

All of our tomorrows are little more then a passing thought to GOD. As James, the Lord’s brother wrote, "…what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." Or as the Apostle Paul wrote, "Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?" Once we understand our relationship to our Creator, only then can we really begin to acquire true knowledge.

But not all are willing to place themselves in that subservient position. Many desire the "uppermost rooms," the praise of men and the deceitfulness of riches over the knowledge of HIS will. These are those described in the second part of this Proverb, they are fools and they despise wisdom and they despise instruction. "There is no fear of GOD before their eyes" (Romans 3:18). They are not wise in their knowledge, but rather, "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22).

Their road is the high road to an earthly kingdom. GOD’s road has always been a low road to a heavenly kingdom. Jesus Christ instructed His followers to "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart." James, the Lords brother and Peter the premier apostle of the twelve both declared that "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." If we would genuinely seek HIS kingdom, then we should look where HE points and search where HE directs us. This will of necessity separate us from the world around us.

The great Apostle Paul beseeched the believers "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ." He didn’t set himself in some lofty chair and dictate to his miserable followers. Rather he wrote, "Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."

Likewise, whenever we find GOD blessing some believer, we find them here, with men of "low estate." Those that are meek and gentle and kind are the ones HE is always lifting up. Perhaps none said it better then our Lord’s own mother, who when after receiving the word that she would bare the Savior of the world, uttered these humble words,

Luke 1:46-52

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

It is critical to recognize these two camps, the "mighty" that are to be put down and them of "low degree" who are exalted. The one is held by fools and the other is held by those who fear GOD. It is tempting to seek to divide ourselves into nations, religions or colors, or by our age or even worse by our intelligence. This is dreadfully misleading. There are two groups, those who fear GOD and those who are fools. Recognizing this can save us from much anxiety in trying to understand why some seem blessed by GOD while others seem cursed by HIM. Why some are children yet others are bastards. Why some follow HIS way while others strive for their own.

A bastard is one who has no father to love and direct him. The children with a father who chastens them may not always have an easy go of it, but at least their disciplines are ordered by one who seeks to see them grow strong and wise. Such is GOD’s relationship with HIS children. At the time of this "chastening" we may resent it, but it is always for our good, so as to drive foolishness out and away from us.

Dr. E.W. Bullinger defines "chastening" as "the bringing up of a child, esp. its training, teaching and education, hence, discipline, correction." Concerning this chastening, the Apostle wrote to the Hebrews,

Hebrews 12:5-8

…My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Better it is to be chastened and wise then to be without instruction and foolish. Yet "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The book of Proverbs is merciless in its prosecution of these fools. Although foolishness has been hidden from modern man, the fool is unmasked in this ancient book. If some of what it reveals seems harsh and hard to accept, it is because the enemy has been so successful in cloaking the fool as one who is esteemed wise in this world. That, or else he has succeeded in deceiving some into thinking that one is foolish because he has some genetic disorder or chemical imbalance in his brain. These suppositions are invented and espoused by the wise of this world and expose their inability to grasp and understand the ways of GOD.

GOD is hidden, and therefore many of HIS ways are hidden. One cannot understand GOD or HIS ways unless GOD has revealed HIMself to him. Understanding GOD and HIS ways only comes from a true knowledge of HIS Word. Without this true knowledge, one lives with a false perception of life.

This is a graphic description of GOD attempting to "chasten" but being despised in the process. HE tried to set these individuals upon HIS way but they refused HIS counsel and reproof. "They hated knowledge!" So when their calamity comes, "the fruit of their own way," what do their friends usually think? They usually feel sorry for them and wonder why GOD has been so cruel in allowing some calamity to befall them. Yet the finger of GOD has made it quite clear where the blame should fall.

After the fruit of their unbelief sets in and the road they travel leads to some great distress, only then do they seek HIS counsel and pray for HIS deliverance.

"They shall call upon me but I will not answer."

Why? "For they hated knowledge, they did not choose the fear of the LORD."

This principle is repeated all over the Bible. Time and time again Israel fears the LORD and gains HIS favor, only to then forget their covenant and subsequently loose HIS blessing. They may have thought that being dedicated in their acts of worship would suffice, but it did just the opposite. Their religion lured them into a false sense of security. Doing the ritual neglected the heart, which is the only thing that GOD looks upon. It is the heart from where our obedience must stem.

Romans 6:17

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine [teaching] which was delivered you.

As we "obey from the heart" the true knowledge of GOD, it is then that we begin to move out of the false perception of this world and into the reality of HIS hidden world. We are all slaves! GOD has simply given us the freedom to choose what we will be a slave to, either HIS will for treasures in HIS kingdom, or slaves to our own desires for treasures in this earthly kingdom.

Obeying from the heart the words of GOD that HE implants within us will radically change us inside. Being "servants of righteousness" we will seek to please HIM. Being "servants to sin" we will seek to please ourselves and impress others, therefore missing all the heavenly rewards of HIS kingdom. Jesus Christ taught this to His disciples and I think it is no less true today.

Of course we today are not instructed to do alms in the synagogues and in the streets, but whatever good deeds we do attempt, should not be to bring praise upon ourselves. "Fearing the LORD" will require us to realize all our abilities are because of HIM. We don’t deserve the praise of men, because without GOD’s graces and mercies all of our good deeds or accomplishments would remain woefully inadequate.

It is the same with our prayers. People are often impressed with an eloquent prayer, one that has been thought out, edited and rehearsed. But these are prayers to men, not to GOD. Our prayers should be from the heart unto GOD, not from the mouth unto men. And the essence of our prayers should be of praise and thanksgiving, not an effort to enlighten GOD as to what HE needs to do. GOD has been aware of our needs before we ever existed. HE doesn’t need us to instruct HIM on how to manage HIS universe.

Matthew 6:5-7

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

The way some groups orchestrate their prayer service, it makes you wonder if they ever read the Bible or just do what they think sounds religious. Prayer is a personal thing between each of us and our heavenly Father. It is not something we intend to do but it is something we are always doing. It is our constant relationship with our Father, praising HIM and offering thanksgiving for all HE has made known to us. It is not asking HIM to change HIS will to ours. Nor is it to alert HIM to a need we think HE is unaware of.

One should be cautious in what he prays for. We are often too much like impulsive children and not wise enough to know the right solution to a problem. Better it is to leave the solutions to our heavenly Father for HE knows what is needed better then we. True prayer should make "us" aware of a situation, not GOD. As we go to HIM in prayer, we should listen for HIS answers, not be forever telling HIM of our needs.

Fasting is another example of how man corrupts the will of GOD. The Fast was originally ordained by GOD in the Mosaic Law, in connection with the "Great Day of Atonement" that was celebrated once a year. Unfortunately, by the time of our Lord’s ministry, fasting had become the thing to do if you wanted others to see how pious you were. Again, this personal thing between a believer and his GOD had degenerated into something used to impress ones fellow man.

Jesus continued,

Matthew 6:16-18

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: [hidden] and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

The Father is hidden and it is from HIS hidden kingdom HE observes and rewards. Perhaps this is why so many question HIS existence, because being so totally consumed with the things of this world they are blinded to the reality of HIS world.

It is the fear of the LORD that is the beginning of true knowledge. Obeying from the heart that true knowledge is to be spiritually minded, which is "life and peace." There is as much difference between being spiritually minded and carnally minded as there is between being alive and being dead. Jesus Christ said He came that His followers might have life. This is the life He came to give. If one is a servant of sin, if he is more concerned with what others think then what GOD thinks, more concerned with what this world offers than what HIS world offers, he is missing life altogether. Being "dead while he lives" he is missing out on life itself.

Another Proverb says, "Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessors." Understanding the truth moves us from death into life, from being blind to seeing, from the power of Satan unto GOD. The Proverb concludes, "but the instruction of fools is evil." Moment to moment we decide, are we going to fear GOD and understand truth or are we going to accept the instruction of fools for truth.

Are we going to drink from the religious cisterns that have been hewn out for us, or are we going to seek the fountain itself, and drink in life itself?

When we arrive at the juncture, the crossroads where we decide how important is the knowledge of the truth, that road we choose determines our destination. When our concept of the Word of GOD changes from being an inanimate book, to being a living, breathing, powerful gift from the lips of our Creator, then we are approaching that Holy place of reverence. We then become travelers with the few who follow the steps of the Apostle Paul into a new world. He rejected all this world would deem important and determined the loss of it as only refuse "for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus." How can there be any comparison between an eternity filled with all the riches of the GOD of all creation and a few frivolous years chasing after our own desires?

The temptation will always be to turn back and desire to hold onto what we thought we knew was true. But we must continue to be diligent in our pursuit of the truth that lies ahead of us. We must continue to press towards the mark, and reach for those things that are before, not those things that are behind. We must realize that what we thought was "all truth" yesterday, was actually just a stepping stone into further truth today. As we put on the mind of Christ, as we "serve with the mind the law of GOD" and renew our minds to think the Word, as a moth to a butterfly our transformation continues.

But to change worlds requires a change of heart. There must be a new man, a new spirit. The student may read the truth, he may even speak the truth and others might hear the truth, but it is only realized, it is only understood when GOD opens it up to him. One can memorize every verse in the Bible and still not know truth. It is the fear of the LORD that is the beginning of knowledge and that fear is what opens up the truth to us, not a mind disciplined to memory.

Indeed, Israel had as many religious people do today, "a zeal of GOD." They were very enthusiastic in their worshipping of what they thought GOD to be, but it was "not according to knowledge." Zealots can be found in all religions, yet if they lack the fear of the LORD, they "know not what they worship." It is not the energy of our conviction which brings us into harmony with GOD’s will, but rather a true knowledge of that will, which begins with "the fear of the LORD," and then obedience to that knowledge "delivered unto us."

Many religions today, like the nation of Israel of old, are not able to find GOD’s hidden kingdom. After setting aside a living relationship with GOD, they abandon their reverence for GOD and HIS words. They adhere instead to their traditions and the teachings of their elders. They simply lack a true knowledge of who GOD is and what HE requires. They refuse to take upon themselves the heart of a child and set aside their own will for HIS. Hence, they shall in no wise enter into HIS kingdom.

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The Bible was the first book ever printed. It is the one book more published then any other, yet it is probably the most controversial, having hundreds if not thousands of different versions. There must be a reason why a book so popular would also be so disagreed upon. There must be a reason why so many Bible study groups walk away from its table with so many different interpretations.

Many new readers of the Bible complain that it is a book that is hard to understand. They too easily stumble at some particular passage that just doesn’t set right with them. Then there are other people who consider the Bible to be a book filled with errors and contradictions. If you allow them, they will gladly show you how much they know about those supposed errors, but the errors are only in their own minds. They "understand not" because GOD has yet to open up to them HIS mysteries, secrets and parables. Therefore, they can’t grasp the purposes and intents of GOD’s Word.

Others are not prone to believe "all that the prophets have spoken." They pick and choose what they believe according to what they consider acceptable. They believe that GOD is love but they wrestle with the idea that HE is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). They believe GOD is kind and desire HIS goodness, but they never speak of HIS wrath and they ignore HIS judgments.

Having little true knowledge of GOD’s will, they construct their own temples of worship, and they mold GOD into a concept that pleases them. As GOD has commanded us to guard our hearts, I think HE must guard HIS also. HE is not going to reveal HIS secret purposes to those such as these. HIS eyes look for those who seek the whole truth. HIS lips whisper to those who believe all of HIS Word. GOD gives HIS understanding to those who guard in their hearts what HE has already revealed to them from HIS Word.

GOD has placed all of us on a "need to know" basis. HE only reveals to us what we need to know, not necessarily what we want to know. GOD is hidden, and HIS knowledge and will are also hidden. Man only knows what GOD chooses to reveal about HIMself. We don’t need to know everything GOD knows and therefore some are blinded and others see only in part. If GOD’s ways are hard for some to understand, may I suggest that it is because GOD intends it to be so, at least to a certain degree.

One does not understand the things of GOD simply because he says he wants to. But rather, if one understands these mysteries, secrets and parables it is because GOD has delighted to open the eyes of his understanding. They are HIS secrets and HE reveals them only to whom HE wills. An understanding of GOD’s words must of necessity emanate from GOD. If man could give it, it would be only an understanding of man’s words. GOD’s words, as well as an understanding of those words, must come from GOD.

Romans 11:33

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Unless HE chooses to reveal them, GOD’s ways are "past finding out." It is HIS Word and therefore it is HIS choice who hears and understands. It is not our mission to teach the blind to see. Nor, if we are enlightened is it so as to cause fools to understand. GOD has not been waiting for someone with "natural leadership ability" to lead into the light those sitting in darkness. It is as John wrote in his epistle,

1^st John 4:6

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Some have been prepared to receive GOD’s words, while others are on the wayside, or on the stony ground, or among thorns. It is a common belief in the Christian community that we need to teach and preach the Bible until all men agree with us. Yet our Lord taught fools and hypocrites in parables that they might not understand. We are more directed not to speak what we understand then to cast our pearls before swine, which afterward will only turn and rend us. As the Proverb says, "…fools hate knowledge."

We have a tendency to want to set others straight when we think they are Biblically wrong. We think that if they would just shut up and listen we could make them understand. But that assertion is wrong. Only when it is GOD’s pleasure to allow us to be HIS instrument in unfolding truth to others do we open our hearts. Otherwise, we are instructed to guard them, to "protect them from intrusion."

We are to pray for open doors, not so much that we can speak, but rather so that when we speak others might have ears to hear. One does not need an open door to speak. The reason we seek open doors is so that when we speak, open hearts can receive an understanding of GOD’s words. The open doors we pray for are entrances into other men’s minds so that they might understand and believe.

Proverbs tells us that, he who reproves a scorner (one who is proud) brings dishonor upon himself. It also says, "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee" (9:7). And again, "Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words" (23:9 LXX). These are repeated warnings from GOD to not speak to fools and scorners. There are many other examples like these in Proverbs but let us take time for just one more.

The Apostle Paul revealed one reason some find the Bible impossible to understand in his letter to the Corinthians. This explains why so many cannot see what to others is so clearly understood.

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

If an individual is not born of GOD’s spirit, there is no way he can understand spiritual things. Likewise, if he is a "carnal Christian" he is not likely to understand much except maybe the most basic things of the Word. They will both consider the things that the mature believer understands as foolishness, or unrealistic, or think as King Agrippa did when he told Paul, "much learning doth make thee mad."

Paul instructed his companion Titus also concerning those who are not meek to receive the things he had taught.

Titus was not to jump into the middle of an argument about the Bible to demonstrate his ability to wield his sword of the spirit. He was rather to "avoid" them. In Paul’s letter to the believers at Rome he beseeched them also to "avoid" those who cause "divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned."

It is true that in Scripture there are places where we are told to "reprove, rebuke and exhort" but usually the translation from the Greek manuscripts into our modern versions has been misleading. "Reprove, rebuke and exhort" could better be translated "expose, restrain and encourage" which does not presume a face to face standoff with an unbeliever. Rather, we should expose the unbelief, restrain its spread and encourage belief in the truth.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul explains that the new wisdom he was revealing was previously hidden in a mystery. It was concealed until finally Paul could speak of it, but not to all, only to "them that are perfect [mature]." The understanding of these parables and the revelation of these mysteries does not belong to whosoever half-heartedly seeks HIS kingdom. Neither does the unveiling of these secrets belong to him who reads only to find contradictions. It belongs to the mature, to the initiated.

Matthew wrote that his Lord taught that to some it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom, but to others it is "not given" (Matthew 13:11). Paul wrote that "the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations…now is made manifest to his saints" (Colossians 1:26). Then in the next chapter he begins, "For I want you to perceive…that their hearts may be consoled…unto a realization of the secret of the God and Father, of Christ, in Whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are concealed" (Concordant Version). So it is GOD’s will to make these mysteries known, which are presently hid and concealed, but only in HIS time and in HIS way and to whom HE will.

Every interpretation of the Bible is limited to the enlightenment of the interpreter’s own understanding of the Word of GOD. The Word of GOD itself is too big for any of us to get our arms completely around. It is too fluid to be able to grab hold off and think we have attained unto a full understanding. It is ever changing in its effect upon us. Each time we read it, our perception changes and our understanding matures. This is because GOD can utilize HIS whole creation to affect upon us the understanding HE desires us to have. What was a "burning bush" to Moses, was the "mouth of an ass" to Balaam, a "great fish" to Jonah, and a "light above the brightness of the sun" to Paul. GOD laid down HIS creation so as to be able to both hide and reveal HIMself.

The Bible was written in such a way that the unbeliever could read it and walk away with one understanding. Then the novice can read it and walk away with a different understanding. Likewise, the student, the teacher and the prophet receive their own respective understandings. Each receives an understanding according to how GOD chooses to dispense it. This is because the words of GOD are alive in regard to their effect upon one’s mind.

If GOD has elected not to reveal HIMself to some people concerning a particular portion of the truth, who are we to frustrate over that blindness? We would be better off to simply recognize a "closed door" and move on to others who have been "made ready" to understand. This is precisely what Jesus Christ taught His disciples to do when they encountered those who resisted the reality of HIS world.

They weren’t to stay and argue their point from a different angle. They were to wipe off the dust and move on!

But why would GOD give HIS Word to man and then cloak it in mysteries and secrets? One reason is because man has an enemy who endeavors to thwart GOD’s good intentions and this enemy endeavors to use some men against others to further his end. Some are deceitful workers, false apostles or prophets, and wolves in sheep’s clothing. GOD must therefore hide HIS ways and intentions to keep them from being corrupted.

It is a common teaching that GOD was hidden in the Old Testament but Jesus Christ came to make HIM known and so now HE has been revealed in the New Testament. This is only true in part. Jesus Christ did reveal many truths about GOD, but usually only to His followers, not to all the people. Those outside the fold were taught parables that they might not know, while only a few were "taken aside" and taught the meanings of the parables. Some believed a little and were thus taught more, while others refused to believe the little unless they were taught more, which usually they never were.

Another reason GOD has chosen to hide HIS ways is because of a little known principle. GOD holds us accountable for whatever truth HE has revealed to us. As "stewards of the mysteries of GOD," we are responsible for what we know; therefore GOD takes great care in how much HE reveals to us. "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." Babes are fed with milk, while the mature are fed with meat.

"For it had been better for them not to have known!" In this case, not knowing is better than knowing. This in itself is a good reason not to try to cram truth down somebody’s throat.

You wouldn’t let a child play with dynamite. This is the same kind of thing. First you would want the child to mature and show that he is responsible. Then you would give him instruction in the proper handling of the dynamite. Yet, even after all of your efforts, some students may still ignore all your instruction and bring upon themselves great harm. But at least the instructor had not been negligent in making sure he has been diligent in offering the proper instruction. Likewise, GOD is also not reckless with what HE reveals to us of HIS mysteries and secrets.

However, if ever GOD has an intention of maturing us to be able to receive some truth, it means not that HE intends for us to tell it to another. It is more likely the other way. HE may in reality desire us to keep it to ourselves. If HE desires others to know it, HE has the ability to reveal it to them just as HE did unto us.

The wisdom of the world is that you should "share your heart." GOD however, says "guard your heart!" (see Judges 16:17,18 for an example of one sharing all his heart). The way GOD works within us is different than how HE works within anyone else. The experiences HE chooses to expose us to are peculiar to us and intended for our learning. The only way our learning can be transferred to another is if GOD has chosen us to be one of their experiences. We each can be a source of learning for the other, but only as GOD opens the door.

We learn that the less we speak the better off we are. Save your words as something valuable. One’s words communicate his heart, which may possess the secret workings of his Creator.

Proverbs 10:19

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

 

Proverbs 21:23

Whoso keepeth [guards] his mouth and his tongue keepeth [guards] his soul from troubles.

 

LXX Proverbs 11:12,13

A man void of understanding sneers at his fellow citizens: but a sensible man is quiet. A double-tongued man discloses the secret counsels of an assembly: but he that is faithful in spirit conceals matters.

We each come to the table with a lifetime of experiences, which are most likely vastly different from one another. We may not even understand one another’s terminology, let alone his perception of our argument. I’ve long found it humorous to hear someone ask another if he understands his or her point. How would they know? They may think, ‘yea, I understand,’ yet not understand at all. And how does the speaker know if his point is understood? Just because the listener says he understands means nothing at all. If he says he doesn’t understand then at least you know something, but if he says he does understand, that tells you nothing. The listener may think he understands what you intend but in reality completely misunderstand your point.

GOD knows each of us and only HE can understand us and know how fully we understand HIM. HE must be the one to bring together our different experiences into a common understanding (sunesis), as two rivers flowing together. There is little profit in grouping ourselves together into tribes just to seek advantages over one another. HE only is the author of our "mutual faith." We can be "of one mind and one heart" only as HE purposes.

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We may be "pilgrims," and yet, in our pilgrimage, may visit all the cities and churches in the world and include them in our embrace; but if we are true "sojourners" we shall be "strangers" to them all; and shall be compelled, as Abraham was, to erect our own solitary altar to Jehovah in the midst of them all.

E.W. Bullinger, Great Cloud of Witnesses

Since the earliest of times, when Adam and Eve were escorted out of the Garden of Eden, GOD’s people have been sojourning in a strange land. While Cain and his were building a city to dwell in, Abraham and his were looking for a city whose builder and maker is God. While fools built greater barns to bestow their goods in this world, our Lord instructed His followers to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." We are reminded of the old gospel song, "This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through."

This world has a "course" already plotted out on which we are expected to run. The course is one big circle going nowhere and most spend up their lives going around and around and around. Getting off of that course is the beginning of our deliverance. We have been freed from their "yoke of bondage," we need no longer serve their master.

Ephesians 2:2

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

The spirit, which is the prince of the power of the air, is the one who has laid this "course" down. The children of disobedience are those who obey not the clarion call of GOD. They are the ones "choked by the cares of this world." They are the ones who receive the word with joy, but endure only for a while, for when affliction or persecution comes because of the Word, they are again snared. They are the ones blinded by the god of this world, because they believe not (2^nd Corinthians 4:4).

Paul wrote that our politeuma, our citizenship is in heaven, not here. But the god of this world is reluctant to let us go. He wants us here, paying his tribute, obeying his lusts, and walking in his darkness. Therefore he invents a myriad of pleasures and pressures, which are designed to keep our minds tethered to his world. This is the battle that is consistently being waged within us. Our flesh seeks to lead us back into captivity while the words of truth implanted within us constrain us to "stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free."

It is the Word of GOD that is the key that enables us to unlock the door and be released from the captivity wherein we have been bound to this world’s "course." Jesus Christ taught many of these great truths that can deliver GOD’s people from this yoke of bondage. Much of it is recorded in the teaching called "the Sermon on the Mount" at which close Matthew wrote, "…the people were astonished at His doctrine."

He opened His teaching by declaring that it’s the "poor and persecuted" who enter into the kingdom of heaven, not the rich and powerful. That it’s His disciples who are the lights of this dark world, not the religious leaders. He taught that to enter the kingdom of heaven, one’s righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, suggesting that they had not entered in.

He showed them how not just murder or adultery is sin but even anger and lustful desire and that sin originates in the heart, not in the hand. He taught them that they should "turn the other cheek," to "resist not evil" and to "love your enemies." Only those passing through this world could ever attain unto these aspirations. To have this mind one must cut himself loose from those lusts of the flesh that seek only to satisfy itself.

He taught of two rewards, one received by the hypocrites who love the praise of men and the other given by His Father in heaven. He taught of two treasures, one upon the earth, which moth and rust destroy and the other in heaven. And He taught of two masters of which no one can serve both. He explicitly taught them that they should not be anxious about being fed or clothed, for "your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." But! Instead of being caught up with all the troubles the kingdoms of this world consumes them with, they should "seek first the kingdom of GOD."

He warned them not to cast their pearls before swine. That those who ask are given, those who seek find and unto those who knock it is opened unto them. That the gate unto destruction is wide but the gate unto life is narrow, and "few there be that find it." Then He warned them of false prophets who shall be known by their fruits.

He closed by declaring that there are indeed two roads, two ways. You can build your house upon a rock or you can build upon the sand. The rain always falls, the floods always come and the winds will eventually blow. Why one house falls while the other stands is because upon what it was built. "Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock." But, "every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand…and great was the fall of it" (Matthew 7:26, 27).

Many hear about the words of GOD but how few actually hear them. Many set in pews on Sunday morning, or tune in to the tele-evangelist, and many others sit in Bible study classes but how many actually hear the words of the living GOD? How many hear and obey that still small voice and enter into HIS rest? How many enter into HIS kingdom through the narrow gate? Our Lord tells us "few!" If you are running with the crowd, if you travel a well-worn path, you may want to reconsider those whom you follow.

As the nation of Israel wandered through the wilderness, looking for their "Promised Land," they "passed through" the land of the children of Esau. GOD commanded them, "Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink" (Deuteronomy 2:6), but "meddle not with them."

The nature of living required the believers to have business with the unbelievers, but they were not to become "entangled" with them. Such it is with us. We live and work amongst our neighbors, yet Scripture commands us to "meddle not" with them. Our "promised land" is elsewhere. Our world is not theirs, we are just "passing through." We may all live on one planet, but we are not all of the same world. We are not all on the same course. Ours is HIS and we must "be separate" from them.

We may have a great desire to wish they were like us, but they are not. As hard as it may be to accept they may never be, for they are of this world. Entanglements with them do not enlighten them, it only darkens us. As Paul warned the Corinthians, "Be not deceived: evil communications [intercourse] corrupt good manners [character]."

Abraham’s nephew Lot sat at the gate of Sodom, which means he was a notable citizen, perhaps even a city councilman. He immersed himself in their affairs so as to enlighten them, but the reality was that it nearly cost him his life. Their unbridled lusts exhausted him, while he failed to convert even one of them. "Not one!"

The rulers of this present world are tireless in their attempts to entangle us with the affairs of their world. Each entanglement we are overcome by, is one less opportunity for us to seek HIS kingdom. "Keep them from reaching the door!" And then, "Never allow them to enter in." And finally, "Drag them back out, whatever be the cost." This is the enemy’s anthem! This is his battle cry!

Ephesians 2:3

Among whom also we all had our conversation [conduct or behavior] 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.

"In times past" this was our world. Now we are only passing through. Nothing here is ours for when we die and are buried all possessions will remain here. The only thing that is truly ours is our knowledge. That is the only thing that goes with us, nothing else. Even our bodies are not our own. They are loaned to us by GOD to carry us through this world and will be discarded after they have served their purpose.

We may pay the mortgage, we may think the family car is finally ours, we may have been told that our financial future is becoming secure, but these are all lies. They are only concepts the enemy uses to keep us tethered to his world. We’ve all heard the familiar statement "You can’t take it with you." Why spend all our years amassing wealth that travels not with us beyond the grave? Better it is to first amass eternal treasures, which will survive the grave.

Jesus Christ taught that a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things that he possesses. One may ask then, of what does one’s life consist? Our lives consist of knowledge, that is all. Our understanding of GOD and HIS ways is the only thing that will travel with us beyond the grave. Acquiring an understanding of GOD’s ways is the only endeavor worthy of our life’s pursuit.

Our society overwhelms us with desires for more modern conveniences, financial security and a body that will grow young again. These are lies meant to entangle us in their world. There is nothing wrong with a healthy body, and being debt free is a wise pursuit but nothing should be our first pursuit except the pursuit of the Truth.

In John’s first epistle he commands to "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world." This does not mean we don’t enjoy a beautiful sunset or that it is wrong to desire a fine steak or allow ourselves the amusements this world offers.

We are passing through. We have not reached the end of our journey. Our "yellow brick road" introduces us to many new experiences and we should be of a ready heart to drink them in, always keeping as our goal the knowledge of HIS will. We are told to "seek first GOD’s kingdom" and having done that, all these other things will be added to us, not withheld from us. The caution we are to heed is that we are not to be entangled with the things that are in the world and thereby hindered from knowing Him.

GOD’s world offers life. Having obtained that, this world can then offer its amusements. John continues in his epistle, "If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." We must serve only one master. We must have only one love.

Seek ye first HIS kingdom, for it is the Truth found in that seeking that shall make you free. After one has entered into HIS rest, has peace with GOD and is free from the lusts of the flesh, then all the needs of this life fall into their proper place. Unfortunately too many strive to secure a place in this world first, thinking they will later seek HIS kingdom from the rocking chair. They end up living a life of death. They have backed away from the door, and never entered the life GOD may have intended them to know.

2 Peter 1:4-8

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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The great temptation that always proceeds sin is self-will. From Eve in the Garden of Eden to our Lord in the Wilderness of Galilee, this has always been Satan’s tool. Lucifer’s very own demise was his self-will.

And so he uses "self will" as one of his tools to cause men and women to think they have independent thought, their own imagination, their own way. Yet these are only instruments of his deceit for there are only two ways, two roads, and we are all on the wrong road until we come to the crossroad. Then we have a choice, GOD’s new way or the same old way. The purpose of the lie is to attempt to convince us that we have been going our own way, but none of us really have.

James 4:13, 14

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Until we are free from the bondage of sin, we are only pawns moved about at this world’s discretion. We may have thought we were in control of our own destinies, but we knew not even what tomorrow held. Likewise, this same self-will resulted in Adam and Eve’s fall when she "saw" and "she took" and she "gave." She was not really doing her own will; she was just obeying the subtleties of the serpent. She set aside GOD’s will for that of the serpent’s. And thus mankind continued this fall in the steps of their first parents.

Romans 5:12

Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Plainly, death is the result of sin, for "the wages of sin is death." But death is not simply the end of ones life when he is buried in the ground. Death is more accurately the absence of one’s relationship with GOD. We can still be alive and breathing, yet without the life that GOD intended us to have. This is the death that sin has brought. This is what Paul meant when he wrote that one who gives themselves to pleasure is "dead while she liveth" (1^st Timothy 5:6).

James concurred.

James 1:14,15

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Lust is simply over-desire. When that desire for a thing is so intense as to cause one to reject GOD’s will, that thought which is just "conceived in one’s heart" results in sin. This is what happened to Eve. She wanted the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil so bad that she allowed herself to be "enticed." She then set aside GOD’s will and pursued what she perceived were her own desires. She wanted knowledge, but it was a knowledge that GOD had forbidden her to taste.

She took and she ate, therefore she died. This is quite different then when our Lord commanded His disciples to "take, eat" for that was not fruit from the forbidden tree but from the bread of life. Both the "fruit" and the "bread" were knowledge; one was offered by the Serpent and the other was offered by our Lord. Taking and eating of that bread gives life while eating of her fruit brought death.

When the tempter had finished, Adam and her were his first casualties. The King James Version reads, "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:17). However, the text reads "dying, thou shalt die." They didn’t physically die for many years, but as GOD had said, "dying, thou shalt die." What died that day was their relationship with their Creator.

Eve walked by her five senses for "she saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise" and she "took of the fruit thereof, and did eat." Walking by the five senses alone inevitably ends with self-will, which results in sin, which if left unchecked eventually culminates in the death of the relationship with GOD. However, walking in the spirit does just the opposite. Setting aside one’s own will and pursuing GOD’s, builds and develops the infant believer into maturity. Living in the will of GOD is contrary to self-will. Yielding to the spirit verses yielding to the flesh.

Galatians 5:16

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Walking in the spirit is life. Walking by the flesh is death. Walking by the spirit is moment by moment and day by day making decisions based upon what GOD would have us think and do. Walking by the flesh is to make decisions based on what the world would have us think and do. These are the choices we are continually faced with making. Of course most don’t see the two choices because they are totally unaware of HIS world. They have but only one choice, and they choose it, never really discovering what life truly is.

For those of us who have heard HIS words and believed what we have heard, ours is no longer a forced march down a single path, for "sin does not have dominion over us." Now we can make the choice of which path we will take. The world cannot force us to go their way; neither does GOD compel us to go HIS. With each step we choose which we will yield to. We either yield ourselves as instruments of unrighteousness, or we yield ourselves unto GOD.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word. The Author and Finisher of faith is Jesus Christ, who was victorious over the flesh because He set aside His own will for that of the Father’s.

John 4:34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

His meat, His sustenance, that which gave Him life was "to do the will of" GOD. If we desire to enter into life, we must follow His steps.

And again;

John 5:30

…I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Jesus Christ understood this vital key in finding a life filled with all the fullness of GOD. One must set aside his own will and seek that of his heavenly Father’s. This is what Jesus repeatedly encouraged His disciples to do.

All who find and enter the door into GOD’s world know this is how it is done. Consider the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 13:14

But put ye on [as clothing] the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Peter also, to whom was given the very keys to the kingdom of heaven testified as to the importance of one’s thoughts in ceasing from sin and living "to the will of GOD."

For some specific reason, each believer has arrived at the place in his life when he consciously decided to change lords. In some fantastic way GOD was able to bring each one of us to the point of exclaiming, "no longer my will, but now yours be done." We each voluntarily gave up our own crown and yielded ourselves to be HIS servants. That in itself is astounding! At that moment we took the off-ramp. We left the course this world had kept us bound to, and entered onto a new way. Continuing to follow that way will lead us unto HIS kingdom.

Romans 6:16

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

This world would have us desire our own will because the more time and energy we spend chasing after that which they peddle the less we will know GOD’s will, that it is only "good and acceptable and perfect." With subtlety this world can entice us, it can tempt us, cause us to desire it’s fruit. That is why we must forever reject its allurements. As our Lord warned, "the thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." For no other reason does he come than to endeavor to hinder us from entering GOD’s kingdom.

But our Lord is here to give us life. The result of His sacrifice gave us a relationship with our Father. His life gave us a realization that there is another world, HIS world. Jesus Christ stood in the face of great adversity that we might have access into GOD’s kingdom, leaving behind all that this world might offer.

There is a spirit of this world, but we want nothing to do with it. Ours is a spirit from GOD. GOD’s gift is life! That life is the relationship we enjoy with HIM, which begins when one is born from above by the words of Truth. It only ends if one is separated from GOD by death, by the words of Truth being eclipsed. It only ends when one falls from grace, draws back unto perdition. There is no life in the person who has been "alienated from the life of GOD through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness greediness" (Ephesians 4:17,18). There is no life in one who has died!

Pride and haughtiness from what? Nothing other then pride from our accomplishments and accumulations. Pride from what we think we have accomplished by our determination. Pride from what we think we have accumulated from our savvy. But all this is apart from HIS will for all this is about our own will.

That old way which was resident in that "old man" has been crucified with Christ. It has passed away! We need no longer serve its lust.

For our will to be set aside for HIS, if we are to yield to GOD, we must have our hearts made ready. None of us instinctively desires HIS will. We all seek our own. That is until HE has been at work within us, causing us to both "will and to do of HIS good pleasure." While we are still of this world we hate HIS will. But once we enter HIS world and are hated by the old world, then do we understand that only HIS will is good and acceptable and perfect.

King David learned this hard lesson in a most tragic way. He had lusted after Bathsheba, the wife of one of his most valiant soldiers, Uriah. Their affair caused him to craft a scheme to have his loyal servant killed, which he later regretted. His lamentation over the whole ordeal is written in Psalm 51 where he acknowledged that GOD "desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart." GOD desires neither our labors nor our fortunes. HE seeks our hearts. But like a wild horse our hearts are rebellious and must be "tamed."

When we are young our hearts are reckless and we yield more readily unto this world. It is only after GOD has been at work within us that we are able to obtain a "wise and understanding heart." HE allows us to learn the lessons from the experiences that only HE can engineer. That is our very purpose as we go through our daily routine, to realize the futility of seeking our own will and the fulfillment that comes from seeking to know HIS. That becomes our purpose, to get to know our Father’s will.

Isaiah 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite [crushed] and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Amazing! The Creator either dwells in "high and holy" places, or "with him… of a contrite and humble spirit." And why does HE dwell with men of contrite and humble spirits? To "revive" their spirit and their heart. HE is at work within us, molding us, fashioning us, transforming us. HIS work is a perfect work. HE desires not that we be losers, but winners. We are HIS heirs, joint heirs with HIS only begotten Son. But HE will not tolerate spoiled brats. HIS intent is for HIS children to become the men and women who know the true way into life.

Most never enter HIS world because they are only seeking to make this earthly existence more comfortable, pleasurable and secure. They totally miss the whole purpose of the few years GOD gives us in this life, which is to understand and enter into HIS reality. We should not attempt to insulate ourselves from all sadness if it is HIS will for us to feel it. We should not try to protect ourselves from any lack, if it is HIS will that we know it.

While the lump of clay is fresh, the potter can easily mold it and reshape it into whatever design he wishes. However, once he has placed it in the kiln and exposed it to the fire, the piece becomes hard and its shape permanent. In this life we are being shaped. In the next life there may be no opportunity to reshape us for we will have been exposed to the fire and dried in the kiln. Let us therefore gladly yield to HIS shaping now, knowing "the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."

As the wise preacher wrote in Ecclesiastes;

"By the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better." We have been duped into believing the deceivers lie that we will be happy only when all displeasure is gone. True happiness however, comes when we realize that our experiences are ordained by an omnipotent Creator. HE engineers circumstances and events to give us the experiences we need to learn the lessons that introduce us to truth. Some lessons come from suffering great loss. We learn far more from our mistakes than we do from our successes.

Fear, depression and anxiety all come from thinking our destiny is left to chance or results from our own determination or lack thereof. But as we begin to realize HIS omnipotence, our fears fade. As we begin to experience HIS love, our depression lifts. As we understand HIS preparations, our anxieties vaporize. Life is to be experienced outside of the womb, not protected from within it. Infants have no compassion for others. They only have needs, which they selfishly expect all and any to satisfy. It is only after they have grown and matured that they are able to separate themselves from their own desires and obtain a desire to help others.

Can we appreciate the sunshine without the clouds? Would a warm spring day be so desired without the bitter cold of winter? Would we ever long for autumn without the blistering heat of summer? I imagine not.

Doesn’t nature itself teach us that good and evil are sisters? Can we know one without the other? So pain and suffering are kin to comfort and happiness. Neither is good, neither is bad. It is only the lessons from the experiences that GOD engineers that are of any value.

If one’s experiences lead him away from a closer relationship with GOD his march is unto the grave. But, if his experiences draw him closer to his Creator and develop a better understanding of GOD’s ways, those experiences are leading him into life itself.

We are tempted to look at this world’s injustices as if they are the result of some accident or sin. Not so is the case. GOD is omnipotent! HE has the ability to engineer every detail for our learning.

John 9:1-3

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Jesus’ disciples saw a man blind from his birth and thought "oh how tragic!" Jesus saw a man delivered from a blindness that only he could understand, unto an eternal awakening and exclaimed that "the works of GOD should be made manifest in him."

What a glorious place to be! Who wouldn’t gladly trade places with this man "blind from his birth?" Who wouldn’t gladly give up his own sight to be able to "see Him" and "talk with Him?" For it is only after that, after we have been delivered from our own blindness, after we have been able to see Him and talk with Him that we can at long last "worship HIM." Whatever is required for us to obtain that treasure, we should be thrilled to pay it. It is only he who is willing to loose his life that actually finds it. We should be more than willing to yield unto GOD, as clay in the potter’s hands.

Romans 5:3-5

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

I would much rather be in the company of one who has endured much adversity than one who has had everything handed to him on a silver platter. The rich and powerful and beautiful of this world are often very shallow people. It is more often those who have experienced persecution and great loss who have a depth of understanding about them. This is what Jesus meant when He said that it is harder for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of GOD than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.

Let us reject all this world’s enticements and yield only to HIS way.

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When we read what Paul wrote, that we are to not be conformed or fashioned to this world or the character of this age (Romans 12:2), we realize an effort by this world to fashion us. There is a subtle but relentless attempt to make us like them. If we allow it, if we give in, if we resist not, then all chance to be transformed is lost. All hope of knowing HIS good and acceptable and perfect will must then be set aside and postponed.

But as we read and obey from the heart HIS truth, only then do we begin to see beneath the vale. Then we can walk, not as others walk, but then we can walk worthy of our calling. Not continuing in the vanity of the mind but renewed in humility of mind. Then our understanding is not darkened as is theirs but enlightened as is His. Then we are not "alienated from the life of GOD" but rather we become "imitators of GOD," no longer children of wrath but now children of light.

John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep [attend to carefully] my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

His words are the door, so enter in while the door is open. Don’t tarry only to find that it has shut. Don’t sit idle while HIS words are being offered. Entering life hinges upon us keeping HIS words. After that, after we "attend to carefully" His words, then we can become HIS abode.

No one comes unto the Father but by the Word, which is Jesus Christ.

He is not a door; He is the door. GOD’s Word is the only way to enter into an understanding of GOD’s kingdom.

We are all familiar with how our Lord was tempted by their lord after His baptism and receiving of the holy spirit. As He hungered in the wilderness, at least three times Satan came to Him with enticements of perhaps a better way then Jesus had learned from the Scriptures. He could have considered Satan’s temptations, as his ancient mother Eve did centuries before, but He did what she didn’t. He kept the Word of GOD. To this Word He clung, upon this Word He stood. Obeying this Word was His meat that His disciples knew not of. This Word was His strength, quick and powerful and sharper then any two edged sword. This Word was His door of understanding unto the Father.

It was from the Scriptures that Jesus learned the truth concerning who He was. From the breath of GOD He understood that the ages were framed. He learned how Eve was deceived and man was lost. From His study of this ancient book, Jesus learned of the various men and women who throughout time endeavored to walk with GOD with their human frailties and spiritual strengths. In these believers Jesus saw Himself. He came to understand His calling, His very predestination.

Jesus Christ didn’t dawn upon His age as some supernatural being full of all kinds of powers and wisdom. He was born like all men, a helpless infant. He grew from a fool hearty child into a man of men, a King of Kings. But He grew in grace! He became the Man of GOD, the light of the world, the fulfiller of GOD’s purposes, yet all by the grace of GOD.

Luke 2:40

And the child [Jesus] grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

He learned about faithfulness from Abraham. Lowliness and meekness He learned from Moses. Wisdom He learned from Solomon in the Psalms and Proverbs. Fearlessness He learned from Elijah and strength to do GOD’s will He learned from Samson. The stewardship of a kingdom He learned from David. The folly of being ruled by the senses He learned from King Saul. Bitter envying, jealousy and its end He learned from Cain. In Jonah He saw how GOD always accomplishes HIS purposes. In Noah He realized the significance of a single man’s obedience to GOD’s words. The viciousness of the enemy He learned from Haman, and Jezebel, and those dwelling in Sodom. From the Law He learned of sin and its end and of sinlessness and its end. From the patience of Job, the Messiah understood the "end of the LORD; that the LORD is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."

Therefore, when the god of this world tempted Him, Jesus Christ simply responded to Satan’s promises with words of truth, which He had already acknowledged from the Scripture. When Satan suggested that Jesus prove who He was by changing a stone into bread to satisfy His hunger, our Lord answered from the Scripture, saying, "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of GOD." He above all men understood how vital is the Word of GOD.

Then when Satan offered to transfer to Jesus the rule of all the "kingdoms of the world," which Satan had received from Adam, Jesus might have been tempted to consider this a victory without Him needing to endure the death of the cross. Satan hoped that Jesus would consider that if He could get back what Adam had lost without suffering on the cross, perhaps He should rethink Satan’s proposition. But having His mind firmly anchored to GOD’s Word He once again quoted Scripture, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."

It is quite interesting that Satan was actually willing to give to Jesus the rulership of the kingdoms of this world. Oh how many of our brethren have been snared in this trap. They strive to make this world better. They desire to rule this kingdom, being caught up with the affairs of this life. They seek a "heaven on earth," a "chicken in every pot," a "new society," or they work for "peace on earth" in some "new-world order." But failing to first seek out the "Prince of Peace" their efforts always fail. Their intentions may be noble but lacking a true knowledge of GOD’s will, all of their works are dead.

The only thing Satan required of Jesus for all of this world’s power and glory was His worship. Jesus would later reveal that there is another kingdom, which is not of this world. Let Satan have the "kingdoms of this world." The kingdom of GOD and of Christ is where our hearts are to be. It is there where our treasures are to be kept. There is where our inheritance is. Our citizenship is there, not here! We are seated there, not here!

In his temptation of our Lord, the subtle deceiver exposes something of himself when he quotes the very word of GOD, which he so ruthlessly despises. He hates the Word, but he also knows something of Scripture, for when it meets his need, he readily uses it to his own end. Twice in His temptations Jesus has declared "It is Written." Now the god of this world also declares, "It is Written." How canny. How subtle. How evil.

Luke 4:9-11

And he [Satan] brought him [Jesus] to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

The portion of Scripture Satan quotes here is out of context. It is true enough that these words are from the Bible; they were indeed "written" by the hand of GOD, but they are not HIS words for they are taken out of the context wherein they were written. Even today this is how the deceiver leads astray many students of the Bible. "Does not the Bible say?" they ask. All is with the hidden intent of robbing the believer of a vital relationship with his heavenly Father by removing truth from its context.

The intent is to make the will of GOD just print on a page. Rather, the words of GOD are alive, they are spoken, indeed, they are inspired. The words of GOD are more than just a quote one hangs on his wall or sticks on his car bumper. It is the whispers of a still small voice implanted within the heart of the believer of Scripture. We should learn to obey what we hear, not just what we read that others heard. We must first learn about GOD from what we read, but then we must learn of GOD from what we hear. Faith comes by hearing, not just by reading!

Jesus would have none of it. "It is said" and He once again quotes Deuteronomy, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." He knew and acknowledged the Word of GOD to such perfectness that by the grace of GOD He became that Word, in the flesh. When one looked at Jesus, they could see His Father in Him. His very name means, "GOD our salvation." As GOD’s Word was light, He also became that light. As GOD’s words are the path, Jesus Christ became the way.

But it was not GOD’s purpose for Jesus, that it end there with His own perfectness. He had a mission that extended beyond His own life, beyond His own baptism, beyond His own salvation, beyond His own wholeness. He was to be the "firstborn" of every creature, yea the "firstborn from among the dead."

The Gospel of John gives us a glimpse of what it was all about.

John 17:14,20-23

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world…Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 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 hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one…

We who believe "their word" are also sons of GOD, joint heirs with Christ, fellow citizens with the saints in a new and better world. As He said in this prayer to His Father, "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." If Jesus and His disciples were not "of this world," what were they of? They were of a different world; they were of HIS world. It is in receiving GOD’s Word in our hearts that make us hated by this world, not even of this world, but now of HIS world.

Scripture teaches us that we are sanctified and cleansed and born again by the words of GOD. Jesus told His disciples at their Last Supper that "ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." It is the miracle of Scripture that by simply receiving with meekness this Word of GOD, truth springs up within us, radically changing who we are.

Peter wrote in his second epistle that they were given "exceeding great and precious promises" and that by these, "ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." One won’t obtain this divine nature from this world. No, it can only be obtained in HIS world. Only by escaping this world can we hope to find HIS. Not by death. That only kills our transformation. We can only change worlds by "renewing our mind" to HIS Word. Only by putting on the mind of Christ, by putting off the old man and putting on the new can we change worlds by the thoughts we keep.

The reality is that believers are of a different world, of His world, no longer of this world. Why? Because of being given and then believing GOD’s Word. By HIS Word HE has "delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Colossians 1:13).

Scripture’s charge to us is to "be not conformed to this world, but to be transformed." If we are not to be conformed to this world, there must be another world we are to be conformed to. That is what it means to be transformed. Our conformity is changed from this world to HIS. Not at death! We are not told to be non-conformist so at death we can be transformed into heaven. No! We are to be non-conformist to this world so as to be transformed into HIS world, now!

This is why it is expedient for us to always measure our thoughts with Scripture. This is the only way we can hope to not be sucked back into this world and all of its false values and misguided desires. If anyone could have endured this world’s temptations without the written Word of GOD then it would have been Jesus Christ. But GOD has been gracious enough to show us through the "Scripture of Truth" how that not only our Lord withstood the temptations, but also all others who hope to "withstand that evil one."

Indeed, GOD has shown us the way. As the Word instructs us, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2) for "faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). And again, in Paul’s letter to the Church at Colosse,

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…

For us, "the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth." We have but to only enter into His rest. By hearing GOD’s words and then believing those words the believer is indeed passed from death unto life. It is all the result of hearing and keeping GOD’s words.

John 5:24

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

 

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It was as though He alone were endowed with life and all about Him were putrefying corpses. An intolerable stench and gruesome sights certify to the degradation of mankind. Indeed, the world to which He came was a vast cemetery and a slow funeral procession in which all were marching to a ghastly tomb. We do our best to hide this shame. We deny death and deck it with flowers. We refuse to bow our heads or humble our hearts, even when death ends in actual disintegration and corruption.

A.E.Knoch

This is an apt description of an existence alienated from the life of GOD. "A vast cemetery and a slow funeral procession in which all were marching to a ghastly tomb." All is death in the world to which He came, both a living death as well as an eternal death. But there is a way to "escape the corruption that is in the world." There is a door through which one can enter to escape death’s grip and enter into life!

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul stated that "The last enemy is being abolished: death" (1^st Corinthians 15:26 Concordant Literal New Testament). Of course his context is the resurrection, "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1^st Corinthians 15:22). But how did death come, how did all die in Adam and how can Paul write that death is even now being abolished?

Romans 5:12

Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Death entered into the world by sin! This is not a death that comes from old age or some untimely accident. This death is from the sin of our first parents. They chose their own desires over HIS and were cast out from the presence of the tree of life. Death, in its least common denominator simply means "separation from GOD." The end of ones physical life is the ultimate separation from GOD, but the consequence of sin also results in a separation from GOD. According to the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, that death is now being abolished!

Paul repeats this revelation that death is being abolished in his epistle to Timothy. This time he makes an important distinction from his letter to the Corinthians. Now the Holy Spirit places it in a little bit different context then that of resurrection. Here Paul is careful to separate "life" from "immortality," suggesting to us that there is a difference. Life is our relationship with GOD, while immortality is our presence with HIM after resurrection.

Our Lord has abolished death and brought life. How? "Through the gospel." He did it through words. Words of truth that were spoken, written, implanted and believed.

The Holy Spirit encourages us to receive with meekness the engrafted (implanted) word, which is able to save our souls (James 1:21). It is not church attendance, or tithing, or even much prayer that is able to save our souls. It is only the Word of Truth! That Word is made up of words that are implanted within the hearts of those who choose to believe.

This is precisely what Jesus Christ taught his disciples in a parable found in the Gospels where he spoke of a sower who went out to sow his seed. Some seed fell along the wayside; other seed fell upon a rock while others fell among thorns. A few however fell on good ground and "sprang up," and bare much fruit. Later, when His disciples asked Him of the parable, He plainly revealed to them "The seed is the word of God." The seed that is sown is the word of GOD. It is only the word of GOD, which is sown in our hearts that enables us to hear, believe and bare fruit.

Another interesting correlation here is that in the Greek, the word translated "engrafted" in James 1:21 is emphutos which is a derivative of the word phuo, which is translated "sprang up" in Jesus’ parable in Luke’s gospel. Just as the good seed fell upon good ground and "sprang up" and produced much fruit, so GOD’s words, implanted in the hearts of those who receive them with meekness, spring up within them.

To be denied those words of truth is to be denied life itself. Whether it is the wayside or stony ground or even being choked by thorns, without GOD’s words we are dead. Jesus Himself affirmed this in John’s gospel, saying, "the words that I speak unto you…they are life." His words give us life, they make us alive.

Is this not exactly what Paul wrote the Colossians about, when he said, "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened [made alive] together with him"? How were they made alive? Not by a magic wand being waved over them, but rather by words of truth!

They were dead! Not literally in the ground, but in sins, separated from GOD. But then they were quickened together with Him. No longer were they separated from GOD due to sins, but now they are made alive through the gospel! This is the life our Savior brought, having already abolished death. He reconciled men and women back to GOD by making known the way into life by His words.

So also did Paul write the Ephesians.

HE "hath quickened us together with Christ." Again, "quickened together" means, "made alive together." If we were made alive, then we must not have been alive. No! We were dead in trespasses and sins. Not dead in the ground, but dead as to having a relationship with our Creator. As John wrote, "In him [it, the Word] was life; and the life was the light of men." GOD’s Word is truth, and therefore it is the life that is the light of men.

It is simply "words" that give us life. "In the beginning…GOD spoke." What did HE speak? Words! HE spoke this world into being, to be afterward governed by words. It is words that are implanted in ones heart. Those words are the treasure, which is either stolen by the thief or found buried by the seeker of truth. If believed, those implanted words then make one alive. "The thief cometh not but for to steal…I [Jesus] am come that they might have life." Indeed, and "If ye continue in my word…ye shall be made free." But words of another can deceive and enslave. Words not of the Prophet, but of the false prophet. Words are the Way, only if they are true words.

It is that Word of GOD that gives life. Those words that HE has given are unto us light in a dark world of death. In his gospel, Matthew quotes a prophecy of Isaiah concerning the beginning of Jesus Christ’s ministry,

Matthew 4:16,17

The people sitting in darkness perceived a great light, and to those sitting in the province and shadow of death light arises for them. From that time Jesus began to preach…

Without the light of GOD’s Word all is death and darkness. Because Jesus Christ is that Word in the flesh, He is "the way, the truth and the life." This is why, if our understanding is darkened the light is eclipsed and having no truth we are alienated from the life of GOD. We are dead to life if we have not the light of the Word. It follows then that because Jesus Christ is the Word, He therefore is the door from which one leaves death to enter life. Death is not the door into life; the Word is the door!

We are told that it is a narrow way that leadeth unto life and only a few find it. That door is GOD’s Word, spoken by a still small voice and implanted within the hearts of the believers of truth.

It is most amazing that after having spoken this astounding revelation about the gate unto destruction being wide and the one unto life only a few finding, our Lord immediately warns them of "false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing." Jesus Christ is warning those seeking life that some "will come to you" holding up this marvelous Book and speaking of its greatness, yet "inwardly they are ravening wolves." "Beware!" He wouldn’t sound that ominous warning if the wolf had not already devoured some of the sheep. Beware again! The wolf is not disguised as a monster. No, he is disguised as a prophet, one who appears to be speaking for GOD.

This Word that GOD has magnified above HIS name, HE has promised to implant in the heart of every believer who receives it with meekness. Just as surely as Lazarus was called with a loud voice to "come forth" from his tomb, so we have been called to come forth from ours. Let us also be loosed from our grave clothes so as to put on the "whole armour of GOD." Let us come out, as lovers of truth, and be separate from the lovers of this world. Let them have their world but let us enter into HIS.

Jesus Christ repeatedly encouraged His followers to leave this world and enter into the kingdom of GOD. In HIS world are heavenly treasures, crowns and rewards. In their world there is only death. No matter how you color it, no matter how you dress it up and deck it with flowers, underneath and within, it is all still death.

Luke 9:60

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

"Let the dead bury their dead!" Those who are not "keeping His word," not "continuing in His word," not "seeking first the kingdom of GOD" are dead! And they are all marching to death as one great horde. "Let the dead bury the dead!" Each day they do it. They may speak of entering heaven’s gates, of "crossing over" or "coming back," but for many of them, life ended before it ever began.

The kingdom of GOD is where life is. Death rules their kingdom while life rules HIS. We are to leave behind that kingdom of death and enter into HIS kingdom of life. This is the "newness of life" Paul encouraged the believers at Rome to walk in.

This is astounding! Just as GOD awakened our Lord from among the dead, so we also, being now awakened from among the living dead, should walk in newness of life. We should conduct our lives in the same newness that one would if he had been raised from among the dead and called forth from the tomb.

To walk in newness of life means just that. It’s a new life! Not a changed life, not an improved life but a new life. And we are to "conduct ourselves" accordingly. We who were dead are now made alive! But when one is first born he is only a child. The child must grow and become mature to realize all that is his.

Those who have entered the narrow gate into life have been born again, from above. That same Word which was implanted and believed, now is the meat which gives strength to the weak and wisdom to the simple.

One might be tempted to panic as he grows old and sees his life slip away as sands through an hourglass. No need. Only death is slipping away. We can enter life now!

Romans 8:6

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

 

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John 3:7

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

"Ye must be born again!" Why? Why did Jesus tell Nicodemus that he must be born again? Why must he be? Because GOD is in secret! GOD is hidden and one cannot see HIM, cannot understand HIM, cannot please HIM, and cannot worship HIM in this world. "Ye must be born again" ("from above" is the text).

When we are first born into this world we begin to understand this world. We are introduced to hunger, and so we desire to be fed. We are introduced to color, so we desire to grasp it. We are introduced to loneliness, so we desire companionship. These are longings impossible for us to understand within our mother’s womb. Not until birth have we any realization of them.

So it is with HIS world. It is impossible for us to comprehend the kingdom of GOD until we have been born into it.

John 3:3

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

It is intriguing to realize that GOD has set up the earthly kingdom to give us a way of understanding the heavenly, the Terrestrial to illustrate the Celestial (see 1^st Corinthians 15 for other examples). HE was the one who determined every detail of this visible world, and HE did it to encourage us to seek the invisible. He chose the concept of birth to describe entering into HIS kingdom because it is exactly that miracle that delivers us into this world. We don’t enter GOD’s kingdom at death, no more then we enter this "present world" at death. Both kingdoms, both worlds are entered by being born into them.

But how is one born again, how is one born into HIS world, into HIS kingdom? Of course the way is simple, yet it is narrow. The threshold is easily crossed, yet few seem able to find it. They will tell you of the need to be baptized with water, either immersed or sprinkled. They may tell you of faithful Church attendance, or of answering an altar call. Perhaps tithing or speaking in tongues is their way. Or perhaps confessing some particular set of words with ones mouth. But these are all works of the flesh and cannot facilitate the elusive second birth.

In his epistle to the "Twelve Tribes," the Lord’s brother James probably put it most simply when He wrote, "Of his [GOD’s] own will begat he us with the word of truth" (James 1:18). But the Apostle Peter wrote it almost as succinctly in his first epistle, writing, "Being born again…by the word of God." We are born again by the word of GOD! So likewise Paul declared in his epistle to the Galatians, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ. Faith does not come by confessing something, nor does it come by attending something, nor does faith come by tithing something, nor by witnessing. Faith comes by hearing! We are born "sons of GOD" simply by HIS Word, which after having first heard we believe.

John 1:12,13

But as many as received him [Jesus], to them gave he power [exousia, the choice] to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

This exousia, this power of choice to become sons of GOD, is given to those who receive Him. What does it mean to "receive Him?" His own received Him not but rather rejected Him. To receive Him who is the Word, is to accept that Word. We either accept it or we reject it.

What words are we suppose to hear and accept so as to be born from above, one may ask? If so, the whole point is missed. It is not what we need to hear; the answer is in what we have already heard. Our responsibility is to hear and believe what HE has already given us! Those are the words that have brought us to where we are now. As it is HIS words, it is GOD’s responsibility to sow them. Only HE knows what we need to hear to bring about our second birth and after HE has given those words, only then do we have something to hear and believe.

After we are born from above by the word of GOD, then, "as newborn babes" we are instructed to "desire the sincere milk of the word." Why? "That we may grow!" (1^st Peter 2:2). Not only does GOD’s Word deliver us into HIS kingdom but it also supplies our nourishment that we may mature and be "no longer children."

First hearing the Word of GOD and then believing what we have heard delivers us as children into the kingdom of GOD. Then continuing in His words, we mature to begin to realize the freedom that only His words can bring.

As Jesus was discussing these things with those around Him, He declared,

John 8:23,24

…Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Being from beneath is being of this world, which is to be dying. However, being from above is to not be of this world, but rather to be living. What separates the two, those from above and those from beneath, those of this world and those of HIS world, those counted as alive and those that are reckoned as dead, is simply believing the words of GOD.

A few moments later Jesus declared that if one continues in His word, then they shall know the truth and that truth shall make them free. It is only the Word of Truth that makes one free from the bondage of sin and delivers them into HIS world of life.

This freedom is not about being able to live in a free society. Nor is this about being free from ones fears or enjoying financial freedom. This is about being free from sin. If one is enslaved to sin he is the servant to that sin. Continuing in the Word frees one from being a slave to sin.

The words of GOD are only given according to the will of GOD. GOD gives HIS words only as HE wills. Until HE has given it, we can only wait for it. But it is not the printed word we are awaiting, for we have Bibles in almost every motel room in America. What we lack is an "understanding" of HIS words, both written and spoken. But one can’t squeeze GOD for truth. HE gives an understanding of HIS Word only as HE wills.

Back in John’s gospel Jesus declared to His disciples that, "Now ye are clean [katharos] through the word which I have spoken unto you." "Clean" means pure or uncontaminated. Hearing and believing the words of Truth that GOD gives us, cleans us. The words of GOD are not just words. They are alive. They are powerful! They are able to communicate spiritual concepts to our minds and thereby they are able to transform us from death unto life. The words of GOD "effectually worketh" in those who do one thing, believe what they have heard!

So did Paul write in his epistle to Titus.

Titus 1:15

Unto the pure [katharos] all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled [contaminated] and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

One might liken it to cleaning the afterbirth off of a newborn. Removing all of the old world’s muck to start out clean in HIS new world; that is what GOD’s words do to us. All things are pure unto those who are pure. But unto them who believe not the words of Truth, nothing is pure, even their mind is contaminated. Because they have chosen to believe this world’s lies, instead of the Truth, everything they do or think is tainted with that contamination.

James, in his epistle, identified this earthly wisdom and distinguished it from the wisdom that is from above.

Walking by the flesh is to be led by "earthly wisdom." Walking by the spirit, being led by the spirit, is to hear and obey the "wisdom from above." One cannot obey what he cannot hear and one cannot hear the wisdom from above until he is born from above. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Romans 8:14).

However, before one actually is born from above and becomes a son of GOD, GOD by HIS goodness can lead him to repentance. GOD can engineer circumstances so that the child of darkness can be introduced to the light. Words can be implanted in his heart to awake him that sleeps, to arouse him from the dead. "Wherefore He is saying, ‘Rouse! O drowsy one, and rise from among the dead, and Christ shall dawn upon you!’" (Ephesians 5:14 The Concordant Version). This awakening is the result of nothing else other than one hearing and believing the words of truth.

What child of light is there that did not come from the darkness? We were all in darkness yet somehow GOD managed to rescue us out of it. We were all dead yet somehow we have been made alive. We were all slaves to sin, now we are to be slaves of righteousness.

Remember how full of discovery life seemed to be when we were young? This is indeed GOD’s design for us again. Discovering the truth is an exciting adventure! GOD’s words are indeed a treasure. That treasure is concealed and hidden from those of this world. Pieces may be shown to arouse interest in HIS kingdom, but it is only fully appreciated when found buried within HIS kingdom.

A Scribe had asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment. After Jesus responded and heard the Scribe answer "discreetly," He said unto him, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God" (Mark 12:34).

Jesus wasn’t telling this man that he was "not far from" dying and going to heaven. No, but He could tell by the scribe’s answer that he was becoming aware of what others hadn’t. He was being led to repentance by the word of GOD. The pains of his labor were beginning. His birth from above was drawing near. He was close to crossing over the threshold into life.

And what Jesus was seeing was not only the Scribe’s desire to enter the kingdom, but what He was also seeing was that it was the will of His Father to deliver the scribe into the kingdom. It is GOD’s words that are heard and believed and therefore it must be GOD that sows them. As Jesus said, "no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father" (John 6:65). What is given by GOD is simply HIS words and if those words are heard and believed, they result in one being born again.

It seems clear that this is what Jesus was trying to get across to Nicodemus after He startled him by saying that one "must be born again" before he can enter the kingdom of GOD. He continued,

You can hear the wind coming and then just as suddenly, it is gone. So it is with that "still small voice." As you try to arrange certain of your thoughts, all of the sudden something begins to happen in your mind. You begin to understand that which before was hidden by a thick fog. You may have just experienced a sunesis, a "flowing together" of separate thoughts into a concept of truth.

Perhaps you’re considering some particular verse of scripture and how it relates to another, and then it happens, the two are connected. That connection conceives another and the rivers begin to flow. This is the pursuit of truth. This is having ones understanding enlightened.

"He that is of GOD, heareth GOD’s words" (John 8:47). This is what it is all about! If you are of GOD, you will hear HIS words. But without GOD’s will, you won’t have GOD’s words and without those words you won’t have faith, you won’t be born again, you won’t have life and you won’t be able to enter into HIS kingdom.

All truth that we receive begins with GOD’s will. Then, according to HIS will, HE sows HIS words. Only then can we hear, and only then can we believe. From the moment we are first conceived in our mother’s womb, we begin to receive nourishment so that over time we gain the strength to be born and then grow to maturity. Likewise, after GOD’s words are sown in our hearts, it takes time to germinate before shoots sprout forth and the tender plant begins to produce its fruit.

Physical and spiritual growth is very similar. GOD gives us parcels of HIS word to believe. As we consider and believe we are receiving nourishment to receive more. Receiving milk we are being made ready for meat.

In Paul’s first epistle to the Thessalonians he prayed to see them, that he might "perfect that which is lacking in your faith." They had faith but it was weak, it was malnourished. But by the time of his second epistle to them, he could say that their "faith groweth exceedingly." Continuing in the Word of GOD will result in the growth of our faith, for "faith comes by hearing" the Word.

But if we consider HIS Word and then choose to believe the world instead, we begin to whither. The vibrancy life once presented us with begins to diminish and vanish away. This is what it is to be choked by the cares of this world, after having received the Word. This is what it means to have no root and then whither.

This is how GOD designed the earthly because this is so much like the heavenly. As Jesus told Nicodemus; "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?" The earthly creation can point us towards the heavenly, but it is "on things above" that our affections are to be. We are to seek the heavenly, not settle for the earthly.

We are to seek those things that are above. But first we must be raised with Christ. First we must be born from above. Then having arrived there, we are not to turn and again desire the earthly. Woe unto any who turn from the light and return to the darkness.

Ephesians 4:18

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness [stubbornness] of their heart [mind]:

"Having the understanding darkened," suggests that at some previous time their understanding was enlightened. Now it is darkened. For some reason they have turned from the light. "But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire" (2^nd Peter 2:22). Then comes their end, "being alienated from the life of God."

Ephesians 4:19-21

Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness [unbridled lust], to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

Have you heard Him? Have you been taught by Him? Indeed! Faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by Christ. For what purpose?

Ephesians 4:22-24

That ye put off concerning the former conversation [conduct] 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.

We can’t be of both worlds. One is what we were and one is what we are to become. One is where the old man is while the new man is in the other. One is "corrupt according to the deceitful lusts" while the other is "created in righteousness and true holiness." One inherits from this earthly kingdom while the other inherits from GOD’s hidden kingdom.

Galatians 5:16-21

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would…of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things [the works of the flesh] shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

As sons of GOD and joint heirs with Christ we can expect an inheritance. That inheritance begins to come to us only when we are mature enough to receive it. It comes into our possession when our Lord determines we will not squander it but use it wisely. When we are faithful with that which is least, it is then that we will be given that which is much. When we are mature and of "full age," it is then that we begin to receive that which has been won for us. GOD’s desire and expectation is that we act responsibly with each new thing HE has given us.

We have been called unto HIS kingdom. The least we can do is walk worthy in that kingdom. We must demonstrate that our talents have not been buried. That we are no longer "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine." That we are "stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the LORD."

As a plant or a child, we are expected to grow and mature and produce fruit. Not fruit of material gains, but in the knowledge and realization of GOD. Growth suggests first that we are to be born and then receive nourishment so as to mature. That birth and nourishment and maturity are all in proportion to our knowledge and realization of GOD. That knowledge and realization can only come from HIS Word.

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

 

 

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The more truth we learn, the more unlearning we realize is necessary. The systemizing of error so permeates our thinking we must always be of a ready mind to reconsider what we think we already know. The temptation is to hold on to the old as if we owed it some allegiance. Perhaps it’s because we feel confident with that which we know, or at least think we know. Or perhaps we think it is safer to continue believing the way we have been taught, than to consider we have been wrong and contemplate a tedious restructuring of our beliefs.

We are reminded of a suitable quote by A. E. Knoch.

"It may be painful to forsake much that we hold dear, and which may have cost us much to gain and maintain."

One major area of our failing is in not distinguishing between things that differ. The Holy Spirit chooses to use words for very specific purposes. We must be careful not to treat them as being placed haphazardly. Such is the case with "salvation." Most will talk as if being saved and being born again mean the same thing, that if one is saved he must automatically be born again and vice versa.

But if this is the case, we have many scriptures that beg to be explained. Let’s look first at a few of them and then after that see if we can arrive at a more accurate understanding of what being saved fully entails.

Jude 1:5

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

This is referring to the great Exodus where GOD sent Moses to rescue the nation of Israel from the heavy hand of the Egyptians. However, once they had escaped across the Red Sea, they rebelled against GOD and returned to their old ways. Therefore GOD "destroyed them that believed not." These were "saved" but "believed not!" Saved by GOD from the Egyptians they were later destroyed by GOD in the wilderness.

It goes without saying that their salvation had nothing whatever to do with being born again. They were simply saved from some particular bondage or destruction. Let’s consider another.

John 12:27

Now is my [Jesus’] soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Jesus was approaching the hour of His capture, torture and crucifixion. He poses a hypothetical question to the people, "What shall I say? Father, save me from this hour?" Did being "saved from this hour" have anything to do with Jesus being born again? Of course not. Again, this salvation had to do with His being saved from bondage and destruction.

Lets look at an example of the Apostle Paul’s salvation during the period of "Acts."

Acts 27:20

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

 

They were sailing across the Mediterranean Sea for Italy when they were caught in a violent storm. Every man feared for his life for if the storm overtook the ship, which it had every indication of doing, they would surely all die. Therefore, "all hope that we should be saved was taken away."

Again, like the previous passages, their being saved had nothing whatever to do with being born again. They were simply hoping to be saved from destruction. No matter how you squeeze it and twist it, you cannot make "saved" the same as "born again." Now I will concede that if one is born again, as a son of GOD, he may very well be saved from a host of destructive and enslaving situations. But that is a far cry different than the two being the same.

Here is another interesting example of salvation concerning Jesus.

Matthew 27:42

He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

They were saying, "He saved others from bondage and destruction, but He cannot save Himself from bondage or destruction." Many times Jesus did save others from some sort of bondage or destruction but we should not assume that each time He "saved" them they were simultaneously "born again." Lets look at a few.

Mark 5:22,23

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him [Jesus], he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed [sozo, saved]; and she shall live.

Sozo, the Greek word here translated "healed" is the same word translated "saved" elsewhere. This ruler of the synagogue was not asking Jesus to convert his daughter to Christianity. He simply wanted her freed from her bondage, he wanted her healed, hence he wanted her saved. As Jesus journeyed to go to the girl, another woman sought to be healed.

Mark 5:25-28

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole [sozo, saved].

She desperately sought to be healed, to be saved from her bondage. The text does not indicate to us that she desired to be born again, only that she wanted to be whole, sozo.

Mark 5:34

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole [sozo, saved]; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Is there peace in salvation? There certainly is. To be saved from some bondage or destruction is wonderful. It is always disheartening to see someone afflicted by some distress when we know "salvation" is available. But being healed, being made whole, being saved from some sort of bondage or destruction is not the same as being born again.

Here is an interesting usage of "saved" by the Apostle Peter.

1 Peter 4:18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

These "righteous" are still in need of being saved, and that salvation they are only to "scarcely" obtain. This is a substantially different concept of salvation than what we hear many teach today. They proclaim that being saved, being righteous and being born again are just different phrases describing the same thing.

Here is another interesting passage.

Romans 13:11

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

The Apostle Paul is saying that the salvation of himself and those to whom he is writing, is closer now then when they believed. What salvation is he seeing approaching?

He writes in the first chapter of Romans that "the gospel of Christ…is the power of GOD unto salvation to everyone who believes." Now he writes that his salvation is nearer than when he believed. Is this another salvation? Can we be saved twice? Can we be born again twice?

One can be saved every time there is a bondage or destruction to be saved from. At the very least when we are born again we are saved from all that the unbeliever is destined for, such as "the wrath of GOD" and "the final judgment." This does not mean that later in life we will not be in need of being saved from some other calamity that might befall us. Over the course of our lives, we could be saved many times from different situations. However, only once are we ever born again.

If you ask most "Christian" groups how one is born again, many will be able to quote from memory their particular formula to acquire "salvation." Most utilize a verse in Paul’s epistle to the Romans.

Romans 10:9

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

This is their formula, "confess Jesus as Lord and believe GOD raised Him from the dead and you are born again." But it doesn’t say "born again," it says "saved." No difference to them, for they are not reading what is written. Rather they are reading their preconceived ideas into the text. They believe saved and born again are the same, so they can take the liberty to transpose the two words whenever it suits their fancy.

Paul repeats the exhortation in quite a different way in verse 13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." There is an interesting commentary on this section of Romans by A. E. Knoch that I will give below for the student of truth to consider.

There is here an illusion to the ancient custom, still in vogue in eastern lands, of the right of sanctuary. One who is in danger of death by the hands of the blood avenger, if he cannot reach a safe place in time, may invoke the name of some great and powerful person, and thus find salvation through his name. If the avengers of blood refuse to listen to his appeal, and take his life, it devolves upon the person on whose name he has called to take swift and summary vengeance. He gathers together all his friends and allies to assist him in punishing the outrage and in defending the honor of his name. For three and one third days he executes vengeance on all who were concerned in killing the one who had invoked his name. "Whoever should be invoking the name of the Lord shall be saved." When vengeance visits the earth, the only shelter will be the name of Jehovah. Therefore it will require not only heart belief, but also the avowal of the mouth. Thus it is that Israel will be saved and all others who, in that day, will seek refuge in His name.

This analysis makes very good sense. We have already seen that salvation does not simply mean born again, so what "saving" is being promised by this confession in Romans 10? Lets take some time to explore the context in which these passages are set.

Paul begins in the first verse by declaring the desire of his heart for Israel is " that they might be saved." He is not desiring here that they be born again, but rather that they might be saved from some destruction. Saved from what destruction, we find in the remoter context as we look back at chapter nine.

Romans 9:27,29

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved…And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

This "remnant" was to be saved from a similar fate that befell Sodom and Gomorrha; they were to be saved from destruction. He goes on in chapter 10 to note Israel’s failure in obtaining their own salvation, which is that "they have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of GOD" (verse 3). Rather, because of their ignorance, they went about to establish their own righteousness. They thought they would be saved from destruction because of their own goodness.

Paul then attempts to explain to these Israelites that true righteousness is "the righteousness which is of faith," (verse 6) not of the law.

Again, the remoter context of chapter nine sets this for us by declaring "…the Gentiles, which followed not after righteous, have attained to righteousness [9:30]…But Israel, which followed the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness" (9:31).

His obvious concern here is not for the Gentiles, for they "have attained." His desire and prayer is for Israel, for it is they who "stumbled at that stumblingstone" (9:32). As Esaias had cried over Israel (9:27) so now Paul. It is their fate with which he is concerned here in this section of Romans.

"The word is nigh thee [Israel], even in thy mouth, and in thy heart" (10:8). Paul reaches back here to Deuteronomy, Israel’s book of the law, to make his argument against their ignorance. Paul is not trying to evangelize the Gentile nations here in Romans 10, rather he is bleeding his heart out for his "brethren," his "kinsmen according to the flesh," (9:3) "that they might be saved" from destruction (10:1), from the same fate that befell the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The word that is "nigh thee" is the true way of their salvation! "Nigh thee" is the word that can save them from destruction. What word is he referring to? The answer is found in the next verse.

Romans 10:9

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved [from destruction].

This was written for Israel, not us! It was written for their salvation, not ours. Sure, there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" from destruction (10:13). But here Paul is beseeching "his kinsmen according to the flesh," for the Greek was already there. It was the Jew who had stumbled. It was the Jew who had gone "about to establish their own righteousness". It is the Jew who had this word "nigh thee" (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). It was the Jew who was approaching the wrath of GOD.

Jew or Gentile, we believe it is abundantly clear that "Romans 10:9" is not the formula for becoming "born again." Only by removing this passage from its context can one arrive at that conclusion. These are not the words that the sinner must utter "aloud" from the altar of the Church so that he can go to heaven and be with Jesus.

Being saved from some bondage or destruction is an absolute gift from GOD. Although Paul wrote this section of Romans to the Jews, whether one be a Jew or a Gentile, Romans 10 gives him the assurance that "in that day" whosoever shall invoke His name, the name of the King of Kings, shall be saved from the wrath which befell Sodoma and Gomorrha.

"For by grace are you saved" Paul wrote to the Ephesians. What else could it be? If we could save ourselves from some bondage or destruction, we wouldn’t need to be saved. The reality that we are unable to save ourselves causes us to call upon HIM who is able. Whenever we are saved from some bondage or destruction, it’s always grace. Absolute grace!

When we read in Scripture of those who are "saved," we see a believer in a most dire situation. There is nothing left for them to do but to seek the Almighty’s hand. However, being born again is an entirely different matter, for in that situation we are given words of truth to believe. After having considered and believed, we enter HIS kingdom and begin a journey into a new world. Continually we will be given new truth to consider and believe. As we grow to believe more, our eyes are enlightened. Salvation on the other hand, is a brief event that saves one from some calamity. Being born again however ushers us into a new life, a new world, a new journey.

Being "born again" and being "saved" are both critical in the life of a believer, yet they are each distinct with their own purposes and results.

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In considering being born again, some may think we have forgotten the distinctness of this present dispensation from that of the former. Being born from above is a concept introduced in Scripture by our Lord in the Gospels but Paul, the Apostle of our "dispensation" never used the phrase. As we have seen, one who was born from above during Christ’s ministry became a son of GOD, so the question before us now is, can one be born again in this present age, or is there a different way for us to become sons of GOD?

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he reminds them that they were "begotten" by him, "through the gospel" (1^st Corinthians 4:15). As we know this is not their original birth by water, we suggest that this refers to their second birth, by spirit. Being born from above is by the word of GOD. We ask, what else could being "begotten by the gospel" indicate? It is the same as being born from above by the word of GOD. We see than that during the period of Acts Paul considered being born again as a concept that communicated the way one becomes a son of GOD.

But what is the truth about being born again in this present dispensation? In writing to Philemon concerning his runaway slave Onesimus, Paul repeats the same phrase that he used in his letter to the Corinthians, that "I have begotten" him (Philemon 10). Paul had come across Onesimus while he himself was in bonds. As a result of what exchanged between them, it is evident that Onesimus was born again and became a son of GOD. Let us read ourselves from this most unique and personal letter.

According to Paul’s letter, Onesimus was to be received "forever," as a "brother" and "in the Lord." It is evident that here we see the continuation into our present dispensation of the concept of being "born again."

Now let us consider what similarities there are between a born again son of GOD and the "new man" of which Paul also wrote? We have first to consider "the old man."

Whatever the old man is, we are to know that he is in our past. "Henceforth," we are to leave him there. He was crucified that "the body of sin might be destroyed." "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11).

Along with being described as a dead body of sin, the old man is also likened to a garment, which is to be "put off."

Again, the old man is of our "former behavior." It is corrupt because of deceitful desires. And where are the desires of the flesh realized but in our minds? That is why we are to be "renewed in the spirit of our mind" (Ephesians 4:23). The thoughts we dwell on is how our minds are renewed, and those thoughts come from concepts that are generated by words, words of truth. It is this "old man" that we are to "put off." As one would remove and discard a filthy garment, so we are to discard this old man and his ways, his thoughts even his desires.

What then? Are we to stand naked? No, we are to put on the new.

Colossians 3:9,10

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new [neos] man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Again, this new is renewed in knowledge. How is knowledge acquired but by words which transmit concepts? Put off the old garment with his deeds and put on the new. Receive the words of truth, then think the thoughts and finally do the deeds of the new man.

When one is born from above, it means that GOD has created life in a new son. The "new man" from above however, is the character of that son as he renews his mind to think as GOD directs. Wisdom from above is the result of that character of the son of GOD.

The only use in the Scriptures of "new man" that we have not considered is in Ephesians 2.

Ephesians 2:15

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new [kainos] man, so making peace;

What enmity has been abolished? "Even the law of commandments contained in ordinances." Why was abolished the enmity that separated the Jew and Gentile? Why were all those feasts, festivals, sacrifices and the Mosaic Law abolished? "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Romans 8:7). The carnal mind of the old man is always at enmity with the things of GOD. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the spirit is spirit.

It is the words of faith that we require, so as to be able to put off the old and put on the new, not "the law of commandments contained in ordinances." Those corrupt thoughts feed the old man and work against the new. The words that GOD sows in our hearts create in our minds, thoughts. Those thoughts from GOD we either accept or reject.

The new man is put on while the old man is put off. This is an exercise in mental discipline. Each thought, each concept must be measured against Scripture, not our already established concepts. In this way we are able to flush out the old man and become clean through GOD’s Word. Putting on the mind of Christ is a mental exercise. This is "continuing in His word." This is "keeping" His word.

We are instructed to make a conscious effort to control our minds to think along certain lines. We are to quit thinking as the "old man" did and continue thinking as the "new man" does. Those lines of thought are aptly described in Scripture. One example is in Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

"Think" on these things!

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Eternal Life

 

It is surprising how infrequent the phrase "eternal life" is found in the seven epistles that were written during the dispensation of GOD to the Gentiles (the seven being Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1^st Timothy, 2^nd Timothy, Titus and Philemon). Only twice the phrase is used in Paul’s first letter to Timothy and twice it is used in his letter to Titus.

The latter two occurrences in Titus simply refer to "eternal life" as being the hope that GOD "promised before the world began" and that "we should be made heirs according to" that hope. The first occurrence in Timothy’s letter assures "them which should hereafter believe on Him" of this eternal life. The last occurrence instructs Timothy to "lay hold on" this eternal life.

Not much about the details of "eternal life" can be gleaned from these few occurrences alone, so it behooves us to go back in Scripture to where it is more broadly defined. As Paul is the Apostle to us Gentiles, we might first search his writings, to see what we can learn about acquiring eternal life. That failing to fulfill our requirements, we shall be blessed to see what our Lord Himself said on the matter.

What greater pursuit might one have than eternal life? It would seem like all other pursuits dwarf in comparison to it. Few would argue that any misery we might experience on earth is insignificant if we are assured of a life that is eternal. Paul wrote as much to the Corinthians when he affirmed that "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." The one great hope of all men, whatever be their religion, is immortality.

The Apostle Paul’s doctrinal epistle to the church at Rome gives us four more occurrences of this phrase "eternal life." The first of the four sets for us the great contrast between those who are to "perish" and those who are to receive "eternal life."

Romans 2:6-8

Who [GOD] will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

The passage is quite plain. To every man will be rendered that which he is due. Eternal life is offered as a reward for some deeds, while indignation and wrath will be given for other deeds. If anyone "by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality," they shall receive eternal life. However, woe to the others who are "contentious and do not obey the truth," for they shall receive "indignation and wrath."

Nevertheless, in the next chapter, Paul reveals that "there is none that doeth good, no, not one" (Romans 3:12). That "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified" (Romans 3:20), "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Eternal life is promised to those who fulfill GOD’s requirements, yet none seem able to. Our situation could not be more desperate, except that one enters who can redeem us from this curse.

Romans 5:21

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Once again we read that He is our passage from death unto life. He "was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Romans 4:25). But this justification shall be imputed only "if we believe on him [GOD] that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead" (Romans 4:24).

If we believe not, then we remain servants of sin, our only fruit then being that "unto death." But if we believe on HIM, then are we "justified by faith," and we have "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"… "by whom we have now received the atonement" (Romans 5:11).

It all hinges upon whether or not we believe that which is sown in our hearts. It turns upon that one point. All of our deeds, all of our good works, all of our prayers fall dreadfully short without faith. We must believe HIS words and having done that, then we can enter into life. HIS words are truth and can be trusted. If we are to gain access into HIS grace, it must be "by faith" alone.

"…is passed from death unto life." Without faith, one is still dead, still entombed, still wrapped in grave clothes. But when GOD begins to sow HIS words in our hearts and we begin to believe those words, then we become born from above, into a new world. Then the darkness passes away, and the true light begins to shine in our hearts.

We don’t enter HIS world when we die, for we were already dead. We enter life when we begin to believe HIS Word. Remember that HIS Word "endureth forever" and was there with GOD "from the beginning."

John and the others had heard of this life, they had seen it and their hands had handled it. They knew that this life was sown by the words of GOD, that it was nourished by the words of GOD and that it was made eternal by the words of GOD. That which is truly life was "manifested" unto them; they had seen life and they knew how different it was from death.

1 John 1:2

(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

This life that is eternal, which was with the Father in the beginning, had also been manifested unto them. If it was manifested unto them then it must have been hidden from others. "Manifest" means "to make known what has been hid or unknown." Now that it had been revealed unto them, they were endeavoring to "shew" it unto others. Why? That others also may pass from death and share in this life.

1 John 1:3

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

That life that they had seen and heard, they were now declaring unto others that they also might participate with the believers in life. "Fellowship" means "full sharing," and as they had a full sharing with the Father, they desired others to also enjoy a full sharing of this "word of life" with them.

What was the end result of this "full sharing" to be? "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full" (1^st John 1:4). When one begins to hear GOD’s words and then believes that which he hears, he is about to cross over into a world where external pleasures are meaningless when compared to the internal joys that come from a fellowship with our Creator. Without GOD’s Word, one is left to grovel for the pleasures of this world, but that which is soft to the skin may also make the heart grow hard. On the other hand, words of life implanted within our hearts, give us a joy that is truly full, which those of this world are clueless about.

Galatians 6:8

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

If we are to enter into life with those few who have gone before us, we must follow their lead. If we are to see what they have seen and hear what they declare, if we are to reap what they have reaped, then we must sow where they have sowed.

When one thinks of "eternal life," which of the two words seem to carry the phrase? I would venture to say that when most think of "eternal life" they are thinking of "eternal" more than of "life." It is not unusual to want something that is going to last forever. Yet there is "eternal fire," and "everlasting punishment." Eternity is not as important as how you are spending it. One day of "true life" is better than an eternity of anything else. If we would find that inner joy that comes from the word of life, we must cast off all that might be hindering us from hearing and obeying HIS words. Our Lord made this point in a very descriptive way.

Of course He was speaking in a figurative way, for removing a limb from our body will in no way give us an entrance into life. But the seriousness of HIS point is well received. Nothing physical, nothing earthly, has any worth when compared to us being able to enter life. If there is something that hinders us from hearing and doing HIS will, then not only are we to "cut them off" but also we are to "cast them from" us, far from us.

Matthew 19:29

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

It may seem strange that the price of inheriting eternal life could be the loss of one’s own home, or worse one’s wealth or even family. If our Lord Himself had not said it, we may think ourselves able to somehow explain it away. But the proclamation remains and clearly shows the seriousness of this business. Entering life requires more from one than simply becoming an "active member" in one’s Church. It takes a greater commitment than simply becoming faithful to the tithe.

However, to forsake something for HIS name’s sake is never a loosing proposition. In truth, unless one forsakes everything he can receive nothing. Thus we must set aside our own will for HIS. We must derail our personal goals and yield ourselves to HIS. As our Lord concluded in the above teaching, "many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first" (Matthew 19:30).

Is it no surprise to us that some are unworthy of eternal life? Those who reject GOD’s words have no idea the loss they may cause themselves.

Putting GOD’s Word from them, pushing it aside till they had a more convenient time, judged them unworthy of everlasting life. Oh how one shudders to think of the great loss incurred when GOD’s words are rejected. If the door to ones heart is not opened to receive HIS words, those poor souls have deemed themselves unworthy to enjoy the fellowship of life.

Doesn’t GOD want everybody saved? Aren’t all good people going to heaven? Would a GOD of love reject all those decent people who just don’t have the time to read the Bible but still enjoy going to Church? Perhaps they will be able to ask GOD that question someday, and perhaps HE will have an answer for them.

But Paul and Barnabas found others who were glad to hear. These desired to hear the Word when it was sown and those that believed were ordained to eternal life.

Some are unworthy of eternal life because they reject the Word, and others are ordained to eternal life and come to believe the Word. Had they not been ordained, they would not have believed that which was sown. Jesus Christ Himself gave eternal life to only as many as GOD had given Him (John 17:2). It is not our place to question GOD’s intentions. Why are some ordained while others are only blinded? "Shall the thing formed say to him that has formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?"

We all are of GOD’s making. We all are but clay in HIS hands. If it pleased the Father that some should be born only once, while others be born again, what is that to us? Has HE ever asked for our counsel? Has HE ever needed our advice? Has HE ever required our understanding?

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, the Apostle encouraged him to "fight the good fight of faith" and "lay hold on eternal life." Eternal life is not some sort of garland placed upon us, but rather it is something we enter into. It is not as though an angel comes along and touches us with a magic wand and now we have immortality. Eternal life is a life that has no beginning, nor has it an ending. It is like an endless stream that we watch gently flow by. Its rustling waters call out to us. Those who hear its call and answer, enter in and become part of its endless flow. Our calling is to leave the dry bank for its cool waters and "hold on" as it brisk us along on its journey to the sea.

What Jesus Christ gave were the words of GOD. The water that He gives, which springs up as a well of water within the believer, are the words of GOD. Those words are HIS inner workings within us.

This is a most interesting comment by Peter about eternal life. If all that was involved with eternal life was to be given it, then what is Peter talking about here? If eternal life is nothing more than immortality, then one would do what is necessary to receive that immortality, and then go about his business, knowing that someday when he dies he will go to heaven and be with Jesus.

But if our Lord has "the words" of eternal life, then there must be more to it. It must be more like a journey rather than a destination. If Timothy is instructed to lay hold on it, than it must be moving, flowing, going somewhere. And that is exactly what life is. Death is still, motionless, cold, but life is full of vibrancy. Life is exciting and challenging, ever changing, while death is dark and silent.

Luke 10:25-28

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

"This do, and thou shalt live." Love is the fulfillment of the law, but true love is only possible by those who are truly alive. Those who do not know how to love, have not yet passed from death into life.

1 John 3:14,15

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

The Greek word for murderer is anthropoktonos, and is only used one other place in Scripture, that being John 8:44. It is most interesting that the Holy Spirit has chosen to use that one other reference to note that the Devil was "a murderer from the beginning."

Who was the first to die at his evil hand? It was not Abel who was killed by his brother Cain. The first to die "from the beginning" were Adam and Eve, who were killed by the Serpent, for GOD had warned them, that "in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."

The Serpent didn’t physically kill them. Rather he killed their relationship with GOD by getting them to believe his lie. This is exactly the context where anthropoktonos is placed in John’s gospel.

And so the phrase is also found in John’s first epistle. "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer." Not physically! Hating ones brother kills no one physically. But if anyone does not love his brother, but instead hates his brother, life does not abide within him. If life is not abiding in one who hates, who then has been slain? Has not he murdered himself and all those who follow after him by extinguishing the light of life?

John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Eternal life is in the knowing. Eternal death is in not knowing. Eternal life is found in the words of truth while eternal death cloaked in words of deceit. The Devil is the father of the lie, which keeps one bound in death while GOD is the Father of truth, which gives one an entrance into life.

From the beginning of the world GOD has chosen to be hid. It is quite astounding that the GOD who is everywhere cannot be found anywhere. HE has hid HIMself, HE has hid HIS kingdom, and HE has hid HIS purposes. Scripture reveals to us that even HIS judgments and riches are unsearchable, that both HIS wisdom and HIS will are mysteries.

What GOD has hid, no mortal or spirit can find. We read that even the prophets enquired and searched diligently concerning some things GOD had hid, yet could not find an answer. And could the prince of this world have known what GOD had hid, he would never have done his evil deed. When GOD hides something it is hid until HE chooses to reveal it.

Mark 4:11

And he [Jesus] said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without [out of doors], all these things are done in parables:

Our Lord declared that the mystery of GOD’s kingdom is only given to those few within. To the many who are outside, who have not entered in through the door, HIS kingdom is hid. Howbeit, there are a few things that GOD has revealed to those who are outside, but we learn that "when they knew God, they glorified him not as God…but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened" (Romans 1:21). Therefore, to them, the mystery of GOD’s kingdom remains hidden.

The door into GOD’s invisible kingdom is HIS word. Jesus Christ, who was that word in the flesh, testified that He was the way, the truth, and the life. Unto what was He the way? He was the way unto the invisible GOD. What truth was He? He was the truth about how one enters into GOD’s invisible kingdom. And what life was He exclaiming to be? The more than abundant life, which is only found within the Father’s hidden kingdom.

Paul wrote in his letter to the Colossians that in GOD are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Once we by faith have "forsaken Egypt," as Moses did, then we too can see "him who is invisible." But we cannot see HIM in "Egypt." We must cross over the sea and journey through the wilderness to enter into HIS Promised Land. Until we have forsaken this world and its allurements, HIS treasures remain hidden.

We knew nothing of HIS kingdom before our arousing, for we were under the power of darkness, enslaved to the kingdoms of this world. We only made bricks for our taskmasters. But now in HIS goodness HE has delivered us from that world, and transported us into the kingdom of HIS dear Son. Now we can begin our journey to know and to understand, for now the mystery has been revealed. Now the mystery that was "hid from ages and from generations" can be made known to HIS saints (Colossians 1:26). Now can be known the mysteries of HIS will. Now can be opened the treasures of HIS wisdom. Now that which was invisible can be made manifest.

Our Father has "made" us adequate to fully share in the inheritance. HE has delivered us from the "power" of darkness, which had previously blinded us to the truth, the eyes of our understanding having now been enlightened. Why? That we may know what is the hope of HIS calling. HE has called us unto HIS kingdom, and we are beseeched by Paul in Ephesians to walk worthy of that calling.

Now in the light, we can begin to realize all that this new creation entails. We can know that our Lord, who is the head of the Body of believers, has been raised from among the dead and set in the heavenlies, at GOD’s own right hand. And further, that we as members of that Body, also having been raised up together with Christ and made also to sit together with Him in the heavenlies, are likewise at GOD’s right hand.

From our perspective, we are unworthy to even unloose His sandals. But from GOD’s perspective, HE has made us "acceptable." This Body of believers, "supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow" (Colossians 2:19, NIV).

We had been alienated and enemies in our mind, yet now we have been forgiven, redeemed and reconciled, so as to be presented "holy and unblameable and unreprovable in his sight" (Colossians 1:21-22). Having been dead in sins, now we are "quickened [made alive] together with him." We are "complete in Him." Because of our completeness in Him, we now have "access by one spirit unto the Father."

Christ is among us! This is the "riches of the glory of the mystery." We no longer must beg for the crumbs that fall from the master’s table. We no longer must wait for the words of GOD to first be spoken in the Synagogue of the Jews. Now in our "earthen vessels" we have this treasure.

Once we have entered with the few into GOD’s kingdom we must stand fast and be unmovable, for the ruler of this world desires to drag us back out into his darkness. Many of our brethren before us have not endured.

We should not be so foolish as was Peter when he boldly exclaimed, "Although all shall be offended, yet will not I," while before the cock would crow twice, Peter had denied the Lord three times. Let us aim for a maturity that Peter eventually found, when after the Lord asked him if he loved Him more than the others, Peter could no longer boast. He could only humbly reply, "Lord, thou knowest all things" (John 21:17). If we stand today it is only by faith. If we feel strong, let it be in HIS grace. If we feel rich, it is not in our possessions, but in our knowledge of HIS greatness.

Paul instructed the "faithful" believers at Ephesus, to "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). If we need armor to stand, it must be likely that we will fall without it.

The treasures of HIS wisdom have been opened up to us for a reason. The light of the truth has not been given us to put under a "bed" that we may lie back and take our ease. Nor is it to be put under a "bushel" that we may be content with our gain. Its purpose is to further illuminate our path, that we may continue our walk.

The wiles (methods) of the devil are known. The "snares, seducing spirits and doctrines of devils" are from his old bag of tricks, yet they are still effective in causing some to "depart from the faith." We know that any pleasure he offers is only a counterfeit of that which "cometh down from the Father of lights." And any pressure he may exert upon us we know can ultimately result in our growth, for GOD is able to make "all things work together for good" to those that love HIM.

The tempter will endeavor to use our "lofty position" against us, just as his pride and arrogance was his fall, so also he will attempt to entice us. He will suggest to us that by our own merits we are somehow better than others are. He will try to get us to forget that it is only because of GOD’s grace and mercy that we are anything. This is why GOD commands us to "remember…in time past" what and who we were.

That or else he will try to get us to perfect our flesh. He will attempt to get us to desire a look that is appealing to this world. He will get us to measure our success by some standard that this world uses. It might be by the number of our followers, or by the grandeur of our auditoriums, or worse, by the vast knowledge GOD has revealed to us. Never forget, "knowledge puffeth up" like a balloon, but love builds up like a fortified castle.

We are reminded of Paul’s question to the Galatians, "having begun in the spirit are you now made perfect by the flesh?" His answer was straight forward,

Yes, we were once "entangled." Be not again, for GOD has "made us free" by HIS word.

Our reward far surpasses the struggle of our search. HE who will someday roll the heavens together as a scroll has opened up HIS hidden treasures to us through HIS Word. As Paul wrote the Thessalonians, lets us also be counted worthy to enter into HIS hidden kingdom where Paul revealed to the Colossians that we have been "hid together with Christ," there also with GOD (Colossians 3:3).

Philippians 4:1

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

 

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There are two worlds, two kingdoms, two households. Each has its own treasures, its own masters and its own citizens. When we are of HIS world, we find ourselves strangely out of step with the pace this world keeps. Being of HIS world we come to realize that we are "fellowcitizens with the saints and of the household of GOD." Our citizenship is no longer of this world, for we have been "raised up together," and made to "sit together in heavenly places." We are now fellowcitizens of a new and better place. We have been called in "one body" growing "unto a holy temple of the Lord."

As fellowcitizens we are also "fellowheirs" and "partakers of his promise." We together are partakers of the Apostle Paul’s grace. We are "partakers of the inheritance" and "partakers of the benefit."

As such, we are commanded to be separate from those of this world, to not be "unequally yoked together" with them, to not be partakers with them, for we were "once darkness but now light in the Lord." As Paul wrote the Corinthians, "what communion hath light with darkness?" None! With them we are told to "wrestle not" for their world is "reserved unto fire against the day of judgment."

Those of this world can’t possibly understand HIS. There is no effort we can undertake that will be successful in explaining light to him who is blind. Only seeing can cause the blind to understand. The citizens of this world are so consumed and entangled with the affairs of this life that they can’t possibly begin to understand what HIS world is all about. Try as we do, our explanations seem to always fall on deaf ears. They can’t see what GOD has hidden. They can’t know what GOD has withheld. The breadth, and length, and depth, and height of HIS kingdom transcend knowledge. Only HE can cause one to understand a four-dimensional world in a three dimensional existence.

These two worlds exist one within the other. One is a world that from above might resemble an anthill, with everyone scurrying about, each with loads too large to carry. But in HIS world there is a silent quest for understanding. There is an "endeavor with strenuous zeal" to enter with the few through the straight gate. There is the earnest desire and longing underway to know Him.

Matthew 16:24-26

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

What does it mean to "deny" oneself? It means to set aside that which this world has told us is our own will, and to instead desire HIS. In other words, "to loose sight of one’s self and one’s own interests." To "follow Him," is to seek, find, knock upon and enter through the narrow gate. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" This is a most frightful question for those who dedicate their lives to chasing this world’s carrot around the track?

The sharp contrast between them and us is seen in the following passage concerning two sisters, Martha and Mary.

Luke 10:38-42

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he [Jesus] entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

One thing is needful! "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD." That is the "needful thing." That is the "thing" Mary chose while Martha concerned herself with making sure all the physical "things" were in place.

Those of this world are like Martha, they are "careful and troubled about many things." They exert incredible amounts of time and energy building castles upon the sand. One of the driving forces in their lives is how others perceive them. The Marthas of this world find their fulfillment in the acceptance of their peers, exerting every effort to give the allusion that they are successful.

But the Marys of HIS world choose a different road. We have discovered a new and better way. We have chose to leave their camp, to be no longer entangled with their yoke of bondage. We have chose to sit at His feet, to be still and listen for that word of truth. Let the world whirl about us in disarray. We will rejoice to sit and hear HIS word.

Our journey revolves around getting to know Him, not accumulating as many possessions as we can possibly carry. They bite and devour and are consumed by one another. We instead find ourselves being consumed with "rightly dividing the word of truth."

Conversations with the citizens of this world interest us little, because we have little common ground with them. We move in a world as foreign to them as they do to us. The highlight of their world is "Monday Night Football," or "Singles Night Out" or perhaps the next church fund raiser. We have a much higher "calling" then these. We are told to be "no more children" and to us, their pursuits are juvenile. Our two worlds are as different as day and night. Ours is a world of Structures, and Numerics and Figures of Speech. We look at the stars to see HIS Word written there, while they look at the stars thinking they see "the final frontier."

We greet each day as "the day, which the Lord hath made" and are excited with what it might hold. They measure each day as it relates to the weekend; Mondays are bad, Wednesdays are the "hump day" and thank god it’s Friday.

We read from the Bible that observing days and months and times and years are "the weak and beggarly elements." They however are practically in bondage to these "holidays." Their masters have convinced them that there is something special about a particular day. Even in our present society we see them rallying around days like New Years Day, or Independence Day, Valentines Day or even X-mas. Their masters must sell their party hats, or their fireworks, or their Carnations and the host of other things they craft.

I refrain from even calling X-mas "Christmas" because it has nothing whatever to do with Christ. The day, even the month is wrong for He was not born in the winter but in early fall, probably September. Then they take advantage of His ultimate sacrifice as an opportunity to coerce consumers into buying gifts for each other. Do you think they are really concerned with "giving?" Not the system! It is concerned only with selling.

They claim this holiday is for the "children." Ha! Ask a child whom he thinks about at X-mas time and he will invariably describe a fat man, who is riding in a sleigh through the sky, which is being pulled by magical reindeer. Or ask a child what he thinks about at X-mas time and you will not hear him speak about the gift from GOD of HIS only begotten Son given to a world consumed with selfishness and greed. No, they think about what they are conditioned to think about; of all the "presents" that have seen advertised on TV., just in time for the "season." And the "reason for the season?" It’s not about Him, that’s for sure! This is all about their world, their profit margin, and their balance sheet. It is common knowledge that the X-mas season either makes or breaks many businesses each year.

Those of this world are consumed with their "portfolios" and worry most about whether or not there is enough diversity in their assets. Still others among them search for their treasure in the lottery numbers, as if some mysterious force could be wooed into making them a winner. We however, study the Word and meditate upon it and find our treasure buried therein.

Money is not the root of all evil, but the love of money is. Riches get in the way of all that GOD wishes to teach us about Truth. As our Lord testified, riches make it hard for anyone to enter through the narrow gate into HIS kingdom.

Mark 10:23-25

And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

"And the disciples were astonished at his words." If one desires to be rich, then he does not desire to enter into the kingdom of GOD. That astonishes many, for they can’t imagine that there is anyone who doesn’t desire to be rich. But wealth is only useful in their world. It has no place in HIS.

We measure our success as the result of HIS grace and mercy. They measure success in how much they have accumulated. They look to their right and see their impoverished neighbor and are happy they are better off then he. But as they look to their left and see their rich neighbor, they curse the ground and are now miserable from envy for their misfortune. To them it doesn’t really matter how much they have, but rather how much they have in relation to others.

They labor for the meat that perishes, while we abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. They consider labor to be a curse and avoid it at any cost. We find fulfillment in our labor. They think a "good job" is one that is easy, "easy money" they call it. We think there is no job either good or bad. It is for whom you labor that matters, and as we labor for the LORD, HE is more than generous with how HE rewards us. Work to us is just another activity where GOD has an opportunity to teach us the secret of HIS ways.

They do "eye service" to their employer, and when his back is turned then they think they are "getting over" by being slack. They have their reward. We, who work for the LORD, know HIS back is never turned. They find comfort in a false sense of security by trusting in their "uncertain riches." Our comfort is found in our "mutual faith." They are content to climb the corporate ladder while we press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD in Christ Jesus.

They are frantic in their attempts to preserve this "vile body" while we are promised "new bodies." They know their days are numbered and each one seems to get shorter. We however, know that "when we’ve been there ten thousand years, we’ve no less days, to sing GOD’s praise, then when we first begun."

They find pleasure in "back biting" and "bickering" and rejoice in one another’s failings. We seek rather to "cover over quietly" each other’s shortcomings and rejoice not in iniquity, but we rather rejoice in the truth. They boast about "getting even" with their enemies while we submit to our LORD who has proclaimed, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay."

In HIS kingdom, the rulers of this world have no power over us. As our Lord exclaimed to Pilate, "Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above." So it is with all that are citizens of HIS kingdom. This world’s laws and their courts are for their own citizens. We live by higher laws. Howbeit, we are instructed to obey their laws and pray for their leaders, but this is not to make their world "godly" or "Christian." Rather, it is to facilitate for us a "quiet and peaceable life." We should never become entangled with their affairs or their problems, trying to improve their world. Let us rather be content to live how and where our LORD has placed us, and seek our own transformation, not this worlds.

If we must fight for something, let it be "the good fight of faith." Leave this world to fight its own wars.

John 18:36

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

GOD over-rules all and if HE elects to allow some to have power to rule over us in some particular matter, so be it. We are then subject unto that "higher power." However, let us not be led astray to think that some earthly power is the source of our spiritual blessings. No Country or Corporate entity is GOD’s. There is only one Body, and the one Head of that Body is Jesus Christ.

Of course we appreciate the blessings of liberty we enjoy in a free society and are awed by the courage of the Founding Fathers in committing their "lives, fortunes and sacred honor" to that end. But we are quite aware that what drives this country today is the dollar, not a pursuit of the truth.

We also know that Almighty GOD is quite able to accomplish HIS good and acceptable and perfect will regardless of the political climate. HE demonstrated this very aptly in the life of Daniel and others when they were carried away as slaves into Babylon. Let the citizens of this world trust in their nation’s military might to preserve their way of life. Let us trust in the LORD to preserve ours.

We wish they saw what we do. We find it hard to understand how they can’t. We concur with Paul when he said, "I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds." But they can’t seem to hear us. Their entrapments and entertainments seem to drown out our words.

We actually have the advantage of knowing both worlds, for we came from theirs and we know it all too well. We want to believe that if only they would consider, then they would see. But they won’t. Not unless GOD elects to open their eyes. Not unless they are willing to take GOD at HIS word. Until then, a great gulf separates the two of us, they on the one side and us on the distant shore.

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In his epistle to Timothy, Paul instructed "those that be rich in this world" to "lay hold on that which is truly life" (1^st Timothy 6:19, Greek-English Interlinear). Why waste the few years we are given laying hold on that which is not truly life? Those gates are crowded. Find the "narrow gate" where few are entering in. Grab onto that life and don’t let go for anything.

"Laying hold on," is the Greek word epilambanomai. The first usage of the phrase in the New Testament is quite inspiring, for it was when our Lord had encouraged Peter to step out of the boat and walk to Him on the water. Peter actually did begin to walk on the water but as he saw the "wind boisterous," he became afraid and began to sink into the sea. "Immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him" (epilambanomai, laid hold on him).

Just as surely as the Lord called unto Peter to step out of the security of the boat, so we have been called away from the world unto His hidden kingdom. We have heard HIS whispers, we have received HIS sowing; all that remains is for us to answer the call, then to continue in HIS word, to grow strong in the faith and finally to bear the fruit of the true vine.

We have been born into a new world. Dare we now turn back to the security of the boat? Dare we be as Peter did on a later occasion, when after all that he had experienced with his Lord, proclaimed "I go a fishing" (John 21:3). He had witnessed Jesus’ ministry being offered and then rejected. He had experienced signs, miracles and wonders. He had seen the transfiguration, the empty tomb and his risen Lord. Now he thought he could go back to the way things were before. He thought he could return to his former lifestyle. It is then that the Lord charged him with this reality,

Now is the time to go forth. We can’t go back. "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and turning back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). We are responsible for the talents we have been given. Dare we bury them? Why should we wait till our bodies are old before we decide to enter life? Now we can structure our own time but when we are old, another will structure it for us. Let us in our youth develop our relationship with HIM who has ordained our purpose. Let us enjoy the treasures of HIS wisdom now. Let us "lay hold on that which is truly life" today, while it is yet being offered.

Our Lord is the way into "true life." Let us follow Him. Let us take upon us His yoke. Once we have left behind the bondage of "Egypt," and we are no longer entangled with its affairs, then we can enter life and see that the "living GOD…giveth us richly all things to enjoy" (1^st Timothy 6:17).

It is not the "pleasures" of this world that GOD warns us to avoid. It’s the entanglements. Each believer has to learn for himself just what those entanglements are.

Entering GOD’s kingdom does not forbid us from taking advantage of this world’s conveniences or from enjoying their comforts and amusements. What we are forbidden from taking unto us is their religious philosophies, their morals, their allegiances and their pursuits and purposes.

Of course there may come times in each of our lives when we will become weary of the "good fight." We can’t avoid it, for the flesh is weak. But whatever the challenge be, we are confident that our Creator knew of it long before it made its way unto us. HE has the ability to "strengthen" us so that we can overcome that which seeks our demise.

More often than not though, our strength comes in our being "made ready." It is in our daily routine that HE makes us ready for tomorrow’s challenges. That is why our daily routine must become one that cultivates our minds with the words of GOD. We are not going to be ready for anything if our daily routine does not have some structure whereby we can receive and apply HIS words.

When the time was nigh that Jesus Christ would ascend into heaven, He told His followers that He would not leave them comfortless. He promised them that the Father would send them the spirit of truth, which He assured them would "teach you all things [revelation]" and "bring all things to your remembrance [inspiration]" (John 14:26). Are not we in this present dispensation also given such an assurance when Paul wrote the believers at Phillippi the following?

GOD is at work within us! HE desires to reveal to us the true way into HIS hidden kingdom. HE that inhabits eternity seeks to lead us through the narrow gate into life. But this result is not obtained lightly. It is not just a walk in the park. We must "continue in the faith" to be presented "holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight" (Colossians 1:22,23). If we are not "grounded and settled" we are likely to be carried off as slaves by the rulers of this world. That is what being "spoiled" means in the following verse.

Each step is either a walk "after Christ" or a walk "after the rudiments of the world." There are two roads, two ways. One into slavery and the other into liberty. All men are marching to one or the other and we are each responsible for the path we choose.

Those of us being now risen with Christ are instructed to seek "those things which are above," that kingdom which is hidden. All of GOD’s creation points to that hidden world. The earthly creation points to the heavenly, the terrestrial points to the celestial. Because HE spoke this world into existence, HIS words, HIS spirit, HIS very breath can be seen in every detail. From the sprouting of a tiny seedling in the soil, to turning of the entire universe on its axis, all was set in motion by HIS words.

GOD reveals HIMself through HIS words. For those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, our Creator has hidden awesome treasures for us to unearth in HIS classroom of life. Towards this end HE has given us breath, and sustenance, and memory, and speech. HE has given us the full spectrum of emotions, from experiencing the wonder of birth to the agony of death. From sunsets to music, from the scent of a rose to the sensation of touch, HIS goodness calls out to us from all quarters. All is for the purpose of revealing HIMself to us.

If we would but look we would see. If we would but listen we would hear. HE is there. Just beyond our reach, but HE is there all the same. How does HE work within us? In our minds! HE designed our minds to be able to know HIM. The five senses are only there to give our brains stimuli, which can then paint a mental picture for us of who GOD is. Our brains are the canvas upon which GOD paints for our being who HE is.

We are told that GOD is love, but what is love? We have to be shown. GOD is spirit, but what is spirit? We have to learn. GOD is holy, but what does that mean? GOD is mighty, GOD is great, GOD is righteous, GOD is merciful. But GOD is also a consuming fire and HE is a jealous GOD. Yet HE is gracious and HE is faithful and HE is a refuge. These are words that mean nothing to an infant. The purpose of life is to teach us who this "unknown" GOD is, and this is accomplished with words, words that paint pictures.

In that quest to know HIM we find our own destiny. A great musician can bring forth a symphony from a blank piece of paper and an artist can render a beautiful painting from a blank canvas. When we are born from above, we also are blank and unmarred. Each day is a brush stroke. Each experience is a new note. Over the course of our new life, GOD is painting a masterpiece, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus…" (Ephesians 2:10).

That treasure finally being discovered, that hidden kingdom being found, that door being entered, we can then stand before any man, and with earnest exclaim, "I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds."

By Ron Byerly