May 2017 – The Master's Goods

Thy Kingdom Come: Issue 1

GOD’S TIMELINE FOR MAN

(The Key to Rightly Dividing God’s Word)

While studying God’s word, I, along with so many other Believers in Christ have come to the conclusion (based upon the evidence we have through prophecy, science, etc.) that God’s word is true (John 17:17), and that there are no lies in His word (1 John 2:21). Based upon the fact that it is ‘impossible for God to lie’, many Believers take a unique approach to God’s word. While many Believers find it easier to change bibles or seek truth elsewhere when they find something in God’s word that seems contrary to their doctrine, many of us Believers take this as a sign that we need to spend more time laboring in His word and doctrine (1 Tim 5:17, 2 Tim 2:15). During this time of studying and laboring in God’s word, the Holy Spirit will reward us by revealing to us a truth, that at first sight, may have appeared to be a contradiction.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:

In this first issue of “Thy Kingdom Come”, we will construct a timeline for man from the time that God placed Adam in the garden of Eden until the final judgement of man at the Great White Throne Judgment. We will learn that there are two judgments, two resurrections, two places of torment, etc. Once we understand the order of the events that take place during this time period; we will be able to more thoroughly understand scripture, that to the unstudied Believers mind, seems to be contradictory.

Have you ever questioned why:

Scripture says that salvation is ‘NOT OF WORKS’ (Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.), yet scripture also says that we are to ‘WORK OUT OUR OWN SALVATION’ (Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.)?

Scripture says that you are ‘SAVED THROUGH FAITH’ (Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:), yet scripture also says ‘CAN FAITH SAVE YOU?’ (James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?)?

Scripture says that as a child of God, He will ‘NOT CAST YOU OUT’ (John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.), yet scripture also says that Paul feared being ‘A CASTAWAY’ (1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.)?

Once we understand God’s timeline for man, we will be able to easily answer these as well as other questions, proving that it truly is ‘impossible for God to lie’.

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

FRAMING OUR TIMELINE

Just as a house must first have a foundation and frame, so must our timeline. Once our timeline has a foundation and frame, then we will be able to build upon it. Our foundation can only be built upon one thing; and that is the fact that God has always been here, and that He will always be here. God is not bound by time, therefore He has no beginning or ending

Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

This timeline only represents one of the attributes of God. In scripture, we have a name for this attribute, and it is called ‘Eternal Life’.

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;)

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Since our timeline is dealing with the creation of man, it is at this point (The creation of Adam) that we will begin to build a frame upon our foundation.

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Let us now look at a couple of scriptures that will help us to finish the frame of our timeline.

2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

In the book of Isaiah God declares the end from the beginning. So if we want to know about “the things that are not yet done”, then we must first look at the beginning.

Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

God worked for six days and then rested on the seventh day. This is a beautiful picture of the future millennial (1000 year) rest to come.

Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

In the book of Hebrews, Paul makes it very clear that this ‘rest’ is a future event (There remaineth) which has not happened yet.

“Where is a Bible-lover who does not anticipate with great joy the hope of reigning with Christ during the thousand years? Where is the believer, with a vision of the things to come, who does not look for what Hebrews 4:9 calls “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” That word “rest” is a sabbatical rest, a sabbath rest. It is after their six thousand years of wilderness toil is over that the saints have promise of a rest that remaineth, a millennial rest, when Satan, and the antichrist, and the false prophet, will have been put out of the earth.”

IF THEY SHALL FALL AWAY (by R. E. Neighbor)

“For Paul labours to make clear that the ninety-fifth Psalm names a Rest which, since it has never yet occurred, is therefore open to us: for David, though himself enthroned and at rest (2 Sam 7:1), wrote of God’s Rest as still future; a fact which at once dissociates it both from the Divine rest after creation three thousand years earlier, and from Israel’s rest in Canaan five hundred years before David wrote. “There remaineth therefore a SABBATH-REST” -a word used nowhere else in the Bible, nor ever in classical literature, but coined by the Holy Ghost to express a toil completed – “for the people of God” (Heb 4:9). So the Rest is the Millennial Reign. For it is the sabbath rest, or seventh millennium, following on six thousand years of redemption toil; it is God’s rest in the old earth’s closing dispensation, foreshadowed by every sabbath under the Law:”

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (by D. M. Panton)

“Then the men of faith, the workers with God and the sufferers for Christ after God’s redemption-work of six thousand years is over-will rest a thousand years with Him.”

KINGDOM STUDIES (by Robert Govett)

“While the writer, as stated, is disposed to believe that the Return of the Lord is “past due”, and while he is no “time setter”, yet there is a “theory” that may throw some light on the IMMINENCY OF HIS RETURN that it might be well to examine. It is called THE GREAT WEEK OF HUMAN HISTORY, and is based on the “Seven Days” of the “Creative Week”, and the declaration of Scripture (2 Pet. 3:8), “That one day is with the Lord as a THOUSAND YEARS, and a thousand years as ONE DAY.” The Millennium in the Old Testament is described as a “Sabbath Keeping” period of rest, and is referred to as such in Heb. 4:4-11, where it is associated with the “Seventh Day” of the “Creative Week”. Now we know that the length of the Millennium is 1000 YEARS (Rev. 20:1-9), and if it corresponds with the “Seventh Day” of the “Creative Week”, why should not the remaining six days be of the same length? If so, and those days correspond with the past of human history, then from the date of the “Creative Week” up to the beginning of the Millennium should be 6000 years of human history.”

DISPENSATIONAL TRUTH (by Clarence Larkin)

Observe how the Jews believed on this subject. Bh. Newton has well stated on the thousand years of Rev. 20, “that the Jewish Church before John, and the Christian Church after him, have believed and taught that these one thousand years will be the seventh Millenary of the world. A pompous heap of quotations might be produced to this purpose, both from Jewish and Christian writers.” He then produces a few quotations from Rab. Ketina, from “the tradition of the house of Elias, who lived two hundred years or thereabouts before Christ,” etc. Mede, Burnet, Lightfoot, Russell, Brookes, Taylor, Elliott, Bush, and many others, give various extracts establishing the general view thus entertained. As impartial authority, we may give what Dr. Whitby observes on Heb. 4:9, quoting R. Eliezer as saying, “the blessed Lord created seven worlds, but one of them is all Sabbath and rest in life eternal,” and then adds: “he refers to their (the Jews) common opinion that the world should continue six thousand years, and then a perpetual Sabbath should begin, typified by God’s resting on the seventh day and blessing it.”

Barnabas commenting on the words: “ ‘And God made in six days the works of His hands and He finished them on the seventh day and He rested in it and sanctified it,” says: “Consider, children, what that signifies, He finished them in six days. This it signifies, that the Lord God will finish all things in six thousand years. For a day with Him is a thousand years; as He Himself testifieth, saying: “Behold this day shall be as a thousand years.” Therefore, children, in six days, that is in six thousand years, shall all things be consummated.

THE THEOCRATIC KINGDOM /volume 2 (by George N. H. Peters)

HIS APPEARING AND HIS KINGDOM

Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

2 Timothy 4:1 I CHARGE the therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

When Jesus Christ returns, He will have His kingdom with Him. You will now notice that the seventh millennium after Adam is referred to by several names (Seventh Day, Day of Rest, Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven); these different names will all be important in helping the Believer to properly interpret the meaning of scripture.

Building on the Frame

Now that we have a solid foundation and frame, we can begin to build upon our timeline for man. Let us begin with a man the bible calls the forerunner to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

John the Baptist arrives on our timeline for man approximately four thousand years after Adam, or what we will refer to as the end of the fourth day and the beginning of the fifth day. Jesus follows John the Baptist, and lives for approximately 33 years before He is crucified. (Cross on timeline represents the death of Jesus Christ)

Matthew 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

To get a reference point on our timeline as to when God gave Moses the law, we will use several events (Noah’s flood, Abraham’s Birth and the Birth of Moses). Noah’s flood took place approximately 1656 years after Adam, while Abraham’s birth was approximately 1948 years after Adam (see Adam to Jacob chart). We then have the birth of Isaac, then Jacob (Israel), and finally Joseph. After Joseph’s death in Egypt, their arose a king, who “knew not Joseph” (Exodus 1:8). It is during this time that Moses was born. After fleeing Egypt, God calls Moses to lead His people from bondage, and gives them the “Law of Moses”.

ADAM TO JACOB

(INCLUDING NOAH’S FLOOD)

*Translated

NAME YEAR BORN YEAR DIED YEARS LIVED

ADAM 0 (GEN 1:26) 930 930 (GEN 5:5)

SETH 130 (GEN 5:3) 1042 912 (GEN 5:8)

ENOS 235 (GEN 5:6) 1140 905 (GEN 5:11)

CAINAN 325 (GEN 5:9) 1235 910(Gen 5:14)

MAHALALEEL 395 (GEN 5:12) 1290 895 (Gen 5:17)

JARED 460 (GEN 5:15) 1422 962 (GEN 5:20)

ENOCH 622 (GEN 5:18) 987* *365 (GEN 5:23-24)

MUTHUSELAH 687 (GEN 5:21) 1656 969 (GEN 5:27)

LAMECH 874 (GEN 5:25) 1651 777 (GEN 5:31)

NOAH 1056 (GEN 5:28-29) 2006 950 (GEN 9:29)

NOAH’S FLOOD BEGAN IN 1656 (GENESIS 7:11)

SHEM 1558 (GEN 11:10) 2158 600 (GEN 11:10-11)

ARPHAXAD 1658 (GEN 11:10) 2096 438 (GEN 11:12-13)

SALAH 1693 (GEN 11:12) 2126 433 (GEN 11:14-15)

EBER 1723 (GEN 11:14) 2187 464 (GEN 11:16-17)

PELEG 1757 (GEN 11:16) 1996 239 (GEN 11:18-19)

REU 1787 (GEN 11:18) 2026 239 (GEN 11:20-21)

SERUG 1819 (GEN 11:20) 2049 230 (GEN 11:22-23)

NAHOR 1849 (GEN 11:22) 1997 148 (GEN 11:24-25)

ABRAM 1948 (GEN 11:26) 2123 175 (GEN 25:7-8)

ISAAC 2048 (GEN 21:5) 2228 180 (GEN 35:28-29)

JACOB 2108 (GEN 25:26)

Note: This chart does not indicate the actual year that a specific event takes place. It is used to determine the number of years that the specific event takes place from the time of Adam.

Exodus 24:12 And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.

Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

We can see that God used the law and the prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, etc) to communicate His word to us. But when John the Baptist came along, since that time the “kingdom” is preached. That time starts at the beginning of the fifth day and continues until the end of the sixth day. These are the last two days before Jesus Christ sets up his kingdom.

Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

Matthew 3:1-2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Why would both John and Jesus preach that the kingdom was “at hand” if it was still approximately 2000 years away? Because four days (2 Pet.3:8 . . .one day is with the Lord as a thousand years) had passed, and only two days were remaining until the (kingdom) “day of rest”. More commonly known as the “last days”, because these are the last two days before Jesus Christ returns with His kingdom.

Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE TWO JUDGMENTS AND TWO RESURRECTIONS

We now arrive at the “two judgments” and “two resurrections”. In Revelation 19 we see the second coming of Jesus Christ

Revelation 19:11-13 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Revelation 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

After Jesus Christ returns with His kingdom, we see the first judgment (The Judgment Seat of Christ / (2 Cor 5:10, Rom 14:10) and the “first resurrection”.

2 Timothy 4:1 I CHARGE the therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

Revelation 20:4-5 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

After the 1000 year kingdom, we see the second judgment (The Great White Throne) and the second resurrection.

Revelation 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired , , , ,

Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

THE EIGHTH DAY

The ‘Great White Throne’ and the ‘Second Resurrection’ begin what is called the ‘eighth day’. It is the eighth day from Adam, but it is also referred to as the day of ‘circumcision’.

Genesis 17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

This eighth day is also referred to by two other names. It is called the ‘first day’, because there are seven days in a week, and then the week begins over with the ‘first day’ of the week.

It is on this ‘first day’ of the week, after ‘the day of rest’ or ‘seventh day’, that God begins again His creative work just as He did in Genesis. We notice that immediately after the ‘Great White Throne’ judgment in Revelation 20 (the end of the seventh day), that God begins his ‘new work’.

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

The eighth day is also called the ‘last day’. It gets this name for two reasons. Firstly, the feast of tabernacles lasted seven days and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly (Lev. 23:36, Num. 29:35, 2 Chron. 7:8-9). The eighth day is therefore the last day. It also gets this name from the fact that this is the ‘last day’ spoken of in scripture as it relates to the judgement and salvation of man. It is the ‘last day’ when all things in scripture have finally been fulfilled.

Nehemiah 8:18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE TWO PLACES OF TORMENT

We will now finish our timeline with the two places of torment. One is called ‘hell’, and the other the ‘lake of fire’. Though many Believers refer to hell as the place where unbelievers will spend eternity in torment, this is not what the testimony of scripture teaches.

Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

After the 1000 year kingdom, all that are being held in the prison of hell, are delivered up to be judged. Once hell has been emptied, hell itself is cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Though hell is a place of torment (James 3:6, Luke 16:23-24), it is not the final destination of the unbeliever. Scripture teaches that hell is a place that the disobedient are held (or reserved) until the judgment.

2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Though the disobedient are cast into hell, this is not their final destination. Hell is not eternal!

Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

Revelation 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

Revelation 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

(See also Rev. 20:13 “hell delivered up the dead”)

At the Great White Throne Judgment, all unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire with the beast, false prophet and Satan. It is here, at the Great White Throne Judgment, that once you have been cast into the lake of fire, that there is no coming out.

Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Conclusion

As we close on this ‘timeline for man’, I urge all Believers to please understand the order of events for man. In issue 2 as well as future articles of “Thy Kingdom Come”, the importance of this timeline will become very evident. Questions that have both bothered and puzzled many Believers will come to light as you learn to ‘rightly divide the word’.

(Warning: All quotations from authors are only for the purpose of showing that other men throughout history have held similar beliefs. Those authors beliefs as well as the beliefs of myself should NEVER REPLACE the study of the Holy Scriptures. I encourage all men to lay the books of other men aside and to receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God….and the Spirit of Truth will guide you into ALL TRUTH)

Thy Kingdom Come: Issue 2

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S TIMELINE FOR MAN (PART 1)

(The Gospel of John)

In the last issue of ‘Thy Kingdom Come’, we presented a timeline for man, and the order in which certain events will take place. As you read this article, please use the timeline to aid in understanding the order of the events, and to help yourself in better understanding scripture. It is the hope of the author that over the next two issues, you will come to understand why verses that seem to contradict, are in reality, the same verses that harmonize God’s word. When scripture now says that a man “is not justified by works”,

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

yet it also says that a man “is justified by works”, you will be able to defend your Christian faith and God’s word. (1 Thes.5:21)

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

A MESSAGE FOR THE UNADOPTED CHILD

Have you ever been part of, or known someone involved in the adoption process? It goes something like this: the child visits homes until they find one that is suitable for them. They then do all the paperwork, and pay for all cost in the adoption process . Of course this is foolishness; we all know that the parent involved does all the work. It is the same with God (He has done all the work), and it is His gift to us. Now a gift is free; a gift is given with nothing expected in return. No amount of work can purchase a gift. It is 100% free. As a child in the adoption process, you are helpless to do anything but accept what has been done for you. What would the parent say to the child if he worried himself about paying the parent back for adopting him? He would probably say, “You are my child, and will always be my child, but I do expect you to obey the rules of my house.”

Once you have been adopted, you are a child forever, regardless of whether you are good or bad.

2 Timothy 2:19-20 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

Though we are a child forever, this does not mean that our father will not punish us for disobedience.

Hebrews 12:5-6 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, 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.

It is here that we will begin to understand what that gift is, and how to receive that gift.

Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Now our common sense should tell us that God’s word is written to God’s people.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

But we must ask how is it that a person becomes a “child of God”? Though all scripture is written for the child of God, there is one book in the bible that places most of its emphasis on this one subject. This book is “The Gospel According To St. John”. The book of John has five main issues we want to look at:

That God put Himself into flesh (Jesus Christ, Son of God, The Word).
That God (Jesus) was sacrificed for the sins of all people (Our Savior).
That by believing (having faith) on Christ sacrifice (that he took our punishment upon Himself) we become a child of God.
That a child of God receives the gift of eternal life when they believe and will never be cast out and will never perish.
That a child of God will be raised up on the resurrection at the “last day”.

The Message of John

For many, the next few subjects will be familiar territory; but I ask your patience for those who may be reading that are unbelievers.

God became a man

The gospel of John begins like this:

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Our first question would be, who is the ‘Word’? Whoever this ‘Word’ is; they would be God. John does not take long to answer the question for us.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

It is Jesus Christ. the only begotten Son of the Father.

1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.)

If ‘The Word’ is Jesus Christ, and ‘The Word was God’, then Jesus Christ is God.

“We don’t use the words begetting or begotten much in modern English, but everyone still knows what they mean. To beget is to become the father of: to create is to make. And the difference is this. When you beget, you beget something of the same kind as yourself. A man begets human babies, a beaver begets little beavers, and a bird begets eggs which turn into little birds. But when you make, you make something of a different kind from yourself.” ………. “ If he is a clever enough carver, he may make a statue which is very like a man indeed. But, of course, it is not a real man; it only looks like one.”……. “Now that is the first thing to get clear. What God begets is God; just as what man begets is man. What God creates is not God; just as what man makes is not man.”

THE JOYFUL CHRISTIAN (by C.S. Lewis)

A) God created man (Genesis 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;)

B) Man begets man (Genesis 5:4 And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:)

C) God begets God (Hebrews 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?)

Though Isaiah tells us that there is but one God:

Isaiah 45:5 I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

scripture lets us know that this ‘one God’ consist of three distinct persons.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

OTHER VERSES PROVING THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST

Jesus claimed to be God (John 10:30, John 14:8-11)

Disciples believed Jesus was God (John 20:26-28, 1 John 1:1-2)

Jews believed Jesus was claiming to be God (John 5:18, John 10:30-33)

Jesus in the Old Testament (Isaiah 9:6, 1 Corinthians 10:9)

(For more information on this subject, please read [Seek Ye First / Issue 1]“Who Was Jesus?”)

Jesus is our Savior

It is very simple:

a) We are sinners

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

b) God has no sin

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

1 Peter 2:21-22 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

c) Sin must be punished

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death;

Colossians 3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

d) There must be a sacrifice for our sins, and Jesus Christ was that sacrifice

We need to understand that as sinners, we can neither die for others sins, or for our own sins.

John 8:24 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.

Gods nature is to punish sin, and that can only be satisfied by a sinless sacrifice. Therefore God Himself became a man to die for the sins of all men.

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The Word of God says that there is but one savior; and that ONE SAVIOR IS JESUS CHRIST!

Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.

Titus 1:3-4 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Jesus became sin for us; therefore when He was crucified, our sin debt was paid in full to God the Father. We have but one thing to do; believe.

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Becoming a Child of God

As we mentioned earlier, a child in the adoption process is helpless to do anything but accept what has been done for them. Jesus has paid the full price for our sins, and all we need to do to accept this gift is to “believe”.

John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

John 3:14-16 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Many men would ask Jesus what work was needed to be done to become a child of God. But a child does not need to do work that has already been done for them. As humans we want our life to be put upon a scale, so that God will weigh our good against our bad. No amount of our own good works can ever make us a child of God. We need only to believe upon God’s finished work on the cross.

John 6:28-29 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

(John 2:23, John 4:39-42, John 4:51-53, John 8:30, John 10:41-42, John 11:45,

John 12:10-11, John 12:42-43 )

John 20:30-31 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

As a child of God, you will never be cast out and you will never perish.

Now that you are a child of God, we must ask the question:

What is this gift I receive when I believe?

John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The gift of God is eternal life, and not only that, you will never be cast out and you will never perish….NEVER!!!

As a Child of God, you will be raised up on the resurrection at the “last day”.

Now that you are a child of God, and now that you have the security of knowing you have eternal life, the question arises: Does not my body die and perish?

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

The answer is YES; your body does die and your body does perish. So what is it that God is referring to when He says you will never perish? We know that even the body of Jesus did suffer death; but isn’t it here that we find our promise?

Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

Why did the apostles of Christ fear death while Jesus was still living, yet after his resurrection, they were willing to die for what they believed?

Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

They were afraid of death, and were in bondage to that fear because they did not know what to expect when they died. So when they saw that death had no dominion over Jesus, they understood the power of God through resurrection. If Jesus suffered the death of the body and was now alive, then no matter what man could do to their body, the fear of death (to the body) no longer kept them in bondage. So we see that our outward man does perish (for a while), but our hope is in the resurrection power of God. It is therefore at the resurrection, that we receive a body which shall never perish.

2 Corinthians 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Notice Jesus’s words to his disciples:

Luke 21:16-18 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish.

Jesus warned his disciples that many of them would be put to death. Now when a person dies, their body will perish, along with the hairs of their head; yet Jesus tells them, that though your body perish, I am able to resurrect you, and every hair that you had on your head, will be restored. So we can see that the promise of eternal life and never perishing comes at the point of resurrection and not when the body dies.

You can destroy God’s temple (Isaiah 44:28, Matt. 24:12, 2 Thes. 2:4); you can destroy God’s people (Luke 21:16-18); you can even destroy God’s word (Jeremiah 36:20-32, Exodus 34:1), but God has the power to resurrect that which man destroys. So we ask again; if our body does perish at death, then at what point in God’s timeline do we receive the promise of never perishing and never being cast out? It is of course at the time of resurrection. And when does this resurrection take place?

John 6:39-40 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

If you will look on your timeline, you will notice that at the moment you believe, that you are assured of being raised up at the resurrection on the last day, which is also the second resurrection. It is at this point in which we have the promise of never being cast out and never perishing.

John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

Martha had a certain knowledge and was sure that Lazarus would be resurrected on the “last day”. (i.e. eighth day, first day, second resurrection, Great White Throne Judgment)

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

If you as an unbeliever reject this gift of eternal life, you also will be raised up; but as an unbeliever, you will be cast into a lake of fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever.

John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

So here is our conclusion to John’s gospel. Believe that Jesus Christ is your Savior, and you will be raised up on the resurrection at the “last day” and you will never be cast out, and you will never perish. This promise should bring much joy to your life, especially knowing that all the work has been done for you. You are now an adopted child of God, and are part of the household of God. The promise of resurrection should release you from the bondage of fearing death or what man can do to you. Praise God for the mercy and grace of God through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Conclusion

As we conclude, let me give you some meat to chew on until the next issue. If you will notice on your timeline, there is period of time that is not accounted for. You may ask what I am referring to. (Please refer to timeline) If you have a promise of being raised up on the last day (The last day begins at the end of the seventh day), yet Jesus Christ comes back at the end of the sixth day (This is the beginning of the seventh day), then there is a question to “What are we to do with the seventh day?” If we are promised the second resurrection, then “What are we to do with the first resurrection?” If the Great White Throne Judgment is to determine whether you are a child of God or an unbeliever, then “What are we to do with the judgment seat of Christ?” In Issue 3, as well as future articles, we will begin to ponder all of these questions as the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.

Hebrews 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

Thy Kingdom Come: Issue 3

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S TIMELINE FOR MAN (PART 2)

(THE DOCTRINE OF REWARD)

There is a poison that has spread throughout almost every bible believing church in the world. And this poison has been caused by one single doctrine being ignored; the doctrine of reward. If a gift is given freely, then a reward or prize must come by works.

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

These scriptures do not fit into being saved by “faith alone apart from works.” They just do not line up with the doctrine of “faith alone”. If the salvation of “becoming a child of God” comes by believing and “not of works”, then it is just as true that there is a “salvation” based upon a Believers works, that they may receive a reward.

WEBSTER’S 1828

SALVATION: The act of saving; preservation from destruction, danger or great calamity.

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

If a father adopts two children, and one is obedient while the other is disobedient, then are both still his children? Of course! As the father prepares to leave for work, he hands out the daily chores. One child is to cut the grass, while the other is to clean the kitchen. If they do their chore, they will be rewarded with an allowance. But if they do not do their chore, they will be punished for their disobedience. Upon arriving home, the father discovers that the grass has been cut, while the kitchen has not been cleaned. Now let me present to you three questions:

1) Does the disobedience from the child disannul the adoption process? (In other words; when the child acts disobedient, does this mean that he is not the fathers child anymore?)

2) Should both children receive the reward (allowance)?

3) Should both children be punished?

These are the same principles that God uses with His children. When He adopts you (by faith), you are forever His child, whether you are obedient or disobedient.

2 Timothy 2:19-20 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

It is foolishness to think that we need to prove we are God’s children through our works. What would you say if a neighbor or stranger came along and told your children, “If you don’t do what your parents tell you, then they will no longer be your parents”. This is pure absurdity, yet it is preached from the pulpit in nearly every church in the world. They will take verses that are talking about the reward (which is not free, and must be worked for to receive) and will tell you that either A) This verse is referring to the works required to become a child of God, or B) If your doing this (work), it proves that you are a child of God. It’s total madness! A child does not labor so that he can become a child of God (Ephesian 2:8-9), no more than he labors to stay a child of God. He labors so that His Father will reward him and say “Well done”.

We see all throughout scripture that a Believer can choose to be obedient or disobedient (let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.). It is foolishness on our part to say that we can look at a persons works, and determine (by their works) whether they are a saved child of God or not. It is only by the finished work of Jesus Christ that we can know that we are saved.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Scripture upon scripture attest to the fact that a Believer can sin; even the most vile sins.

Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Luke 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

“No disciple is immune from peril; and Paul therefore devotes the rest of the chapter to proving how great a sin fornication is in one indwelt by the Holy Ghost. “Shall I then,”- for the sin is possible even to an apostle– “take away THE MEMBERS OF CHRIST and make them members of a harlot? (1 Cor. 6:15). If Paul has unbelievers in mind, then he warns them of a sin which they cannot commit; for to take the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot, is an act possible only to one in Christ: that is, Paul, throughout the passage, speaks solely of the members of the Body of Christ.

Thus it is certain that believers can commit such sins: it is certain that some in Corinth did:”

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (by D. M. Panton)

The child works (not to stay a child of God or prove he is a child of God) so that he may receive the reward of his inheritance.

Colossians 3:23-25 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

When you take out the doctrine of reward by works, every verse pertaining to salvation is applied to how you become a child of God. No wonder people think that so many scriptures contradict. First they tell you that you are saved by grace, and then they tell you that you’re saved by works. Scripture tells us to rightly divide the two.

Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

(*It is important to note that when interpreting scripture, that we need to look at two important factors. Firstly; who is the writer talking to? Is he talking to a saved child of God, or is he talking to an unbeliever? Descriptions such as beloved, holy brethren, brethren, fellowlabourers, etc., would not be terms that would refer to unbelievers. Some will say that there is a third class of people which are pretending to be Believers, but in reality are not. This is merely double talk! They are trying to take away the warnings for a Believers punishment, and give them to the unbeliever. If a person is pretending to be a Believer, but is not, then they are an unbeliever. Secondly; is the writer using action words that refer to physical type labor? If this is so, then the writer is referring to laboring for the reward, and not how to become a child of God.)

When we see words like contend, run, strive, seek, labor, work, endure, suffer, overcome, etc., we can know with certainty that this cannot be talking about the salvation that comes by “faith apart from works.”

“But even a casual study of the Word of God reveals that a new horizon now opens on the redeemed soul. If (eternal) life is by faith, reward is consequent on works done after faith. For Scripture regards each saved soul as a runner racing, an athlete wrestling, a warrior fighting, a farmer sowing, a mason building, a fugitive flying, a besieger storming; and all this strenuous intensity rests on a fundamental of revelation-”that God is, and that He is a Rewarder.”

JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (by D. M. Panton)

This is also true when we see words such as reward, treasure, crowns, inheritance, etc;. Now we as children, may have a right to the inheritance, but through disobedience, we can forfeit our inheritance.

Numbers 14:11-12 And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.

Hebrews 12:16-17 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

“Esau is given as an example, because he trifled with the glorious birthright that, seemingly, belonged to him. . . .Esau repented and sought to recover his loss, but he found no place of repentance with his father though he sought it carefully, with tears.”

IF THEY SHALL FALL AWAY (by R. E. Neighbour)

“The ordinary subjects of a monarch are not heirs of his kingdom. That is the right of the firstborn son: and we are warned by the case of Esau not to forfeit our rights as the firstborn.

Esau was Isaac’s legitimate son and heir: he did not lose his sonship or his life through his sin, but he lost his priority as the firstborn to inherit the rule of the clan, “

THE FIRST RESURRECTION (by G. H. Lang)

Believers assume that when they see the word “salvation” in the scripture, that it is always referring to “becoming a child of God.” (not of works). In scripture though, when you see the word “salvation”, it is more often than not talking about the possible reward or punishment of the believer. In Jude, this reward is called the “common salvation”. The word “common” lets us know right away, that there is more than one salvation. Not only is it not free; we must earnestly contend for it.

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

2 Corinthians 1:6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

So we come to the question of: “What is the reward of our inheritance? (Col. 3:24)” “What is this great prize that we are to work for?”. In issue 2, we closed with what seemed to be a problem. We as Believers have the promise of being raised up at the “second resurrection” on the “last day”. But this resurrection takes place 1000 years after Jesus Christ returns (Refer to timeline). So what then do we do with this 1000 year gap? Let us see what scripture says about this 1000 year period that is referred to as the seventh day, the day of rest and the kingdom.

THERE REMAINETH THEREFORE A REST TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD

In issue 1, we showed through scripture that this 1000 year period has several different names. One of these names is called the “Day of Rest”. We also learned that there still remains a future “rest” to the people of God.

Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

If you will notice on your timeline, this 1000 year period between the “second coming of Christ” and our resurrection on the “last day”, is called the “day of rest.” Paul in Hebrews refers to it as the “seventh day”..

Hebrews 4:4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise,

This 1000 year rest (or seventh day) is the rest that “remaineth” for the people of God (for one day is with the Lord as a thousand years).

It is here that Paul tells us, though eternal life is the gift of God and not of works, that we must labor (work) to enter into that rest.

Hebrews 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

We are clearly told here, that we will not get to enter into that rest of 1000 years if we do not labor. (Do all Believers labor?) Since we must labor, this shows that this “rest that remaineth for the people of God” is the reward of our inheritance.

“So the Rest is the Millennial Reign. For it is the sabbath rest, or seventh millennium, following on six thousand years of redemption toil: it is God’s rest in the old earth’s closing dispensation, foreshadowed by every sabbath under the law:”

JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (by D. M. Panton)

“While then, Christian, you rest in the work of Christ already done, see that you are labouring to have part in the millennial rest to come. For not in every individual of the saved can God find complacency. Many are not working for Christ, who are yet redeemed by Him. Shall not such be excluded as “unprofitable servants” (Matt. 25)

KINGDOM STUDIES (by Robert Govett)

Beloved, this very earth is yet to have rest. Wars, and famines, and pestilence’s will cease. Mark you, “His Name shall be called the Prince of Peace.” However, this age is not the age of the Prince of Peace. Not at all. The Day of Rest, is the Rest That remaineth, the Sabbatical Rest that is contained in God’s promise. Relative to that Rest, we must fear, lest we seem to come short of it. (Heb. 4:1)

IF THEY SHALL FALL AWAY (by R. E. Neighbour)

The view also gives clear sense to the teaching that the “sabbath rest” of God must be reached by diligence and may be missed (Heb. 4);

THE FIRST RESURRECTION (by G. H. Lang)

“But all ought to be seeking by the obedience of faith for the future rest, which the apostle has set before our eyes. It is worthy our highest, our most sustained efforts. A thousand years of glory and bliss with Christ! A thousand years to be blessed and holy, the priests of God and the Christ, reigning jointly with the Son! For this Paul sought with his best vehemence, with his most assiduous endeavours.”

KINGDOM OF GOD FUTURE (by Robert Govett)

Now we know that a jury decides its case (whether it be true or false) on the evidence presented. So let us continue with building upon our case (along with the evidence we have already presented), that the 1000 years between Christ return and the second resurrection, is a reward. It is this writers belief (based upon what is overwhelming evidence in the word of God) that the 1000 year kingdom is an inheritance given to overcoming, working, merciful, obedient, etc. Believers; and that not all Believers will enter into that kingdom.

Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

BLESSED AND HOLY IS HE THAT HATH PART IN THE FIRST RESURRCTION

If you will refer to the timeline, you will notice that we have two resurrections. One before the 1000 year kingdom, and one after the 1000 year kingdom. It is the second resurrection, after the 1000 year kingdom is over, that we are assured of attaining to. Martha gives a resounding “I know” when talking about Lazarus being resurrected on the “last day”.

John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

This resurrection on the last day is known as the second resurrection. Surely if Martha knew that Lazarus would be there, then Paul was assured that he would also be raised up at the resurrection on the last day. But then a question arises in scripture. If Paul was sure of his standing at the resurrection on the last day, then why did he say:

Philippians 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Was Paul unsure of his standing as a child of God? Of course not! Paul was trying to apprehend the prize of every Believers high calling.

Philippians 3:11-14 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul was seeking (pressing toward) after the prize (not the gift). He knew that he would take part in the second resurrection (the gift), but it was his lifes sole purpose to attain unto the “first resurrection.”

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:

Paul knew that there was something better (a better resurrection), but he would have to sacrifice his life now, if he wanted to be rewarded in the world to come.

Matthew 16:24-25 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.

1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Paul suffered the loss of all things (in this world), not to become a child of God, or prove he was already a child of God, and definitely not to be seen of men! He suffered the loss of all things that he “might obtain a better resurrection” at the judgment seat of Christ.

Hebrews 11:35-37 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

If you are an unbeliever, you do not go through these things in Hebrews 11 to become a Believer. If you are a Believer, you do not go through these things in Hebrews 11 to stay a child of God, or to prove you are a child of God. You go through these things (torture, cruel mockings, scourgings, bonds and imprisonment, being stoned, sawn asunder, temptations, slain with the sword, being destitute, afflicted, tormented) that you can “obtain a better resurrection”! You go through these things so that you can, as Paul said, “press toward the mark for the prize.”

“The doctrine of such a first resurrection presents motives such as no other can, explanatory of Paul’s desire to attain unto it. The reign with Christ, and distinguishing honor and blessedness are connected with it. It gives us an explanation of the martyr spirit of the early Church, and the earnest desires expressed to experience its power.”

THE THEOCRATIC KINGDOM (by George N. H. Peters)

They have not, with Paul, counted “all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord”, and hence they do not “attain unto” that resurrection from among the dead, which Paul felt he might miss, but aimed to attain unto…”

We wish to place on record our solemn conviction that not all who are Christians, or think themselves to be such, will attain to that resurrection which St. Paul speaks in Phil.3:11, or will thus meet the Lord in the air. Unto those who by lives of consecration manifest that they are not of the world, but are looking for Him, “He will appear without sin unto salvation.”

UNION AND COMMUNION (by Hudson Taylor)

“The possibility of missing the First Resurrection, and therefore of reigning in the Kingdom, explains a staple of Paul’s ministry, that believers may be disinherited.”

THE FIRST RESURRECTION (by G. H. Lang)

“The force of the above passage is clearly this – our Lord laid hold on Paul, on purpose that He might attain the glory of the first, or select resurrection. To obtain this he counted nothing in the way of trial too great; he desired martyrdom itself, that by means of it he might reach so great a reward. Even he, Apostle as he was, great in action, great in endurance for Christ’s sake, by no means felt assurance of the certainty of his entering the kingdom.”

REWARD ACCORDING TO WORKS (by Robert Govett)

“There is no question but what Paul believed in the resurrection “of” the dead, and that he expected to rise “some time,” but in his letter to the Philippians (3:11) he expresses the hope that he might “attain unto ‘the resurrection of the dead.” Paul must therefore have had in mind some “special” Resurrection.”

DISPENSATIONAL TRUTH (by Clarence Larkin)

“The gift of God, believer, you cannot lose. But the prize you may lose. The first and blest resurrection is a reward to those “accounted worthy”

KINGDOM STUDIES (by Robert Govett).

“The First Resurrection is a reward for obedience rendered after the acceptance of salvation, and Paul knew not the standard which God had fixed in His own purpose”

H. Pember (quote taken from “THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST” by D. M. Panton)

“Oh, that the thought, the hope of millennial blessedness may animate me to perfect holiness in the fear of God, that I may be accounted worthy to escape the terrible judgments which will make way for that happy state of things, and that I may have part in the first resurrection!

Fletcher of Madeley (quote taken from “THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST” by D. M. Panton)

“There yet remains a supreme uncertainty. Here are startling words. “Brethren, I count not myself yet to have apprehended: . . .but I press on.” Not apprehended what? “If by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.” “It is most evident that Paul had some special resurrection in view, even the first: and to share in that he was straining every nerve”.

MacNeil (quote taken from “THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST” by D. M. Panton)

“Of his resurrection at the end of the world, when all without exception will surely be raised, he could have no possible doubt. What sense then can this passage have, if it represents him as labouring and suffering merely in order to attain to a resurrection, and as holding this up to view as unattainable unless he should arrive at a high degree of Christian perfection? On the other hand, let us suppose a first resurrection to be appointed as a special reward of high attainments in Christian virtue, and all seems to be plain and easy.”

JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (by D. M. Panton)

Let us move on, and submit more evidence for our claim that Believers may lose their inheritance of the 1000 year Kingdom of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things;

THE KINGDOM

I will again direct your attention to the timeline, and to the 1000 year time period between the “first resurrection” and the “second resurrection”. We now come to the name that this 1000 year time period is most commonly referred to; the kingdom.

Now using the principles we have already learned in interpreting scripture, let us examine some verses pertaining to the “kingdom”.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Right away we can recognize that this is talking about the reward. For to seek after the kingdom involves work on our part. Not only that, the context of the scripture reveals that

it is the Believer (not the unbeliever) who is being addressed.

Matthew 6:30-33 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Do unbelievers get salvation by doing the will of God? Of course not! This scripture is talking to believers. Believers who do the will of God will enter into the kingdom; and those Believers who do not do the will of God, will not enter into the kingdom.

2 Thessalonians 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

Do unbelievers suffer to become a child of God? Do Believers suffer to stay children of God? Does a Believers suffering prove they are a child of God? I say to you based upon the evidence that has been presented in scripture; a resounding NO, NO, NO!!! If you as a Believer suffer, you may be counted worthy to enter into that blessed reward called the kingdom of God. If you don’t suffer, then you will be cast out of the Kingdom. Was Paul a Believer? YES! Then why did he fear being a castaway? Because a Believer can forfeit their reward through disobedience.

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

Just as we receive the promise of eternal life through faith, we also must have faith to enter into the kingdom. But it will take more than faith to attain unto the reward of the kingdom; we must add works to our faith.

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

I have faith that God has provided a way for me to overcome sin, and enter into that kingdom. But now, as Noah did, I must add works to my faith. For what would it profit Noah to have believed (have faith) God’s word concerning the coming flood, but then not to have prepared (without works) the ark? He and his family would have perished (is dead) with the rest of the world.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house;

Do you believe that God is coming again to judge his people? If you do, you have faith. But Believer, I urge you to perfect your faith by adding works.

James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

“If one drop of your “evidence” of being saved has come from your “fruit”, you had best trust only in Christ Jesus now! (Charles Spurgeon / A few days before his death in 1892)

“But it has been generally taught that, whereas eternal life is a “free gift” (Rom. 6:23), i.e., free of conditions, as well as of purchase-price, rewards in the Kingdom may be lost and must be won. It is no more than an extension of this undeniable principle that the millennial kingdom is itself a reward and that attaining it is subject to the same rule.”

THE FIRST RESURRECTION (by G. H. Lang)

“We have made it clear that the kingdom is the time when God will reward the Christians according to their works. In the kingdom, the faithful believers will be rewarded, and the unfaithful believers will be punished. Many people think that if a Christian is unfaithful, although he may have to occupy a lower position, he will nevertheless make it into the kingdom. Many who do not understand God’s word and God’s work think that they are guaranteed an entrance into the kingdom of the heavens. They think that when the Lord Jesus comes to rule, there will merely be a distinction between higher and lower positions in the kingdom; no one will lose the kingdom of the heavens altogether. However, in the kingdom of the heavens, there is not only a distinction between higher and lower positions, but also the distinction between being allowed to enter and being kept out.”

THE GOSPEL OF GOD (by Watchman Nee)

“Why not accept God’s Word as written, observing that God is talking of the sorrow side of the judgment seat of Christ? that He is speaking of the saved suffering loss? of the burning up of their works, while they are saved as through the fire? Why not observe that God is talking about the losing of their place in the Reign of Christ on His throne? and of their place in the Millennial Kingdom?”

IF THEY SHALL FALL AWAY (by R. E. Neighbour)

“The apostles inquire of Jesus, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” There had been a strife among them which of them should be the greatest. Jesus replies, “Except ye turn and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven:” (Matt. 18:3) Is not that clear and startling? That to apostles! ‘You are inquiring which of you will get the chief place in the kingdom? I tell you, you will not enter it at all, unless you put away from you these ambitious jostlings, these bitter strifes with one another!’ Here, methinks, is the exclusion which I teach.”

REWARD ACCORDING TO WORKS (by Robert Govett)

“To those who believe on Him, but go no further, the Lord does, indeed , give eternal life; but the fruition of it will not begin until the Last Day, until the thousand years of the Millennial reign are ended. Such persons will not, therefore, be permitted to enter the Kingdom of the Heavens”

H. Pember (quote taken from THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST by D. M. Panton)

“It has become obvious that reward and glory-the coronation of the disciple-is conditional on character and service: to what extent-as the parable we have just examined seems to imply-does this principle affect a disciple’s entrance into, or exclusion from, the Millennial Age itself? That return of our Lord in person to establish a Kingdom over the whole earth was the universal faith of the Church in its purest dawn. “The assurance [of that return and reign] was carefully inculcated by men who had conversed with the immediate disciples of the apostles, and appears to have been the reigning sentiment of orthodox believers” (Gibbon). “This prevailing opinion met with no opposition previous to the time of Origen” (Mosheim): until Origen no Christian writer can be found who denied it. “No one can hesitate to consider this doctrine as universal in the Church of the first two centuries” (Giesler).THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (by D. M. Panton)

CLOSING REMARKS

In closing, I would first like to state that the the author has only touched the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to this doctrine. All future articles will add to the overwhelming evidence in scripture to the truth of this doctrine. I would like to make a plea to the reader who has rejected the doctrine we have presented. First I would say not to reject this truth until you have considered all of the evidence. Would you be so bold as to get up from a jury in a court room, and say “I’ve heard all the evidence that I need to hear” and then walk out. I am quite sure the judge would have some very harsh words for you. We as Believers have two main obligations to other Believers when it comes to truth:

The first one is to listen.

Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

The second one is that if I am in error, then you have a responsibility to show me the error of my way.

James 5:19-20 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

As a Believer with a heart that truly desires the truth of God, I have to ask my fellow Believer in Christ “Are we closer to, or farther from the truth than the first century church?”

2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Is it not possible, that we have reached the age in which, “some shall depart from the faith”, “that they will not endure sound doctrine”, “that they shall turn away their ears from the truth”, “that the love of many shall wax cold”, and that many will say “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” I must warn you that all of these verses were written to Believers. The time of Laodecia is upon us, and most Believers are asleep.

Listen to the words of Tertullian (160-240), who lived in the second century :

“We do confess that a kingdom is promised to us upon the earth. . . . .After it’s thousand years are over, within which period is completed the resurrection of the saints, who rise, sooner or later according to their deserts, there will ensue the destruction of the world. . .”

THE ANTE-NICENE FATHERS (Volume 3)

Perhaps Polycarp (69-155), who lived in the first century, is closer to the truth than we are.

“Irenaeus states that Polycarp had been instructed by apostles and conversed with many who had seen Christ . . .doubtless Tertullian is right in understanding this to mean that he had been established by St. John. . .”

A DICTIONARY OF CHRISTIAN BIOGRAPHY (Henry Wace & William C. Piercy)

Here are the words of Polycarp, who died a martyrs death, and had been instructed by the Apostle John:

“If we please Him in this present world, we shall receive also the future world, according as He has promised to us that He will raise us again from the dead, and that if we live worthily of Him, ‘we shall also reign together with Him’. . . .In like manner, let the young men also be blameless in all things, being especially careful to preserve purity, and keeping themselves in, as with a bridle, from every kind of evil. For it is well that they should be cut off from the lusts that are in the world, since ‘every lust warreth against the spirit;’ and ‘neither fornicaters, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, shall inherit the kingdom of God,’ nor those who do things inconsistent and unbecoming. . .If then we entreat the Lord to forgive us, we ought also ourselves to forgive; for we are before the eyes our our Lord and God, and ‘we must all appear at the judgment-seat of Christ, and must every one give an account of himself.’ Let us then serve Him in fear, . . .”

THE EPISTLE OF POLYCARP TO THE PHILIPPIANS

Dear Believer in Christ,

I affirm that a Believer can miss the kingdom, and you affirm that a Believer cannot. I say unto you that one of us is right, and the other is wrong. We cannot both be right on this issue, so please let the scripture be the judge of the matter.

“He who affirms must prove. You affirm, that every believer will enjoy the thousand years of glory. Well, produce the texts which say so! If this be a Scripture doctrine, the testimonies to it cannot be far to seek. ‘In the mouth of two or three witnesses let every word be established.’ This will settle the question at once. Holy Scripture was given on purpose to prove all God’s truths. If this be a truth of God there are texts which must assert it. Produce them! The same call was made by me in April and June, 1865, to the readers of the Rainbow: but the texts which prove the doctrine have yet to be presented.”

REWARD ACCORDING TO WORKS (by Robert Govett)

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. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:8-10 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 5:3-6 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Why would Paul warn the Believers at Galatia, the Believers at Corinth and the Believers at Ephesus that they were in danger of losing their inheritance and missing the kingdom if there was no possibility of missing the kingdom? His warning to them was “Let NO MAN deceive you” and “Be not deceived”. The scripture is clear to those who are seeking truth and don’t twist the words.

2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

WREST: To distort; to turn from truth or twist from its natural meaning by violence; to pervert

Thy Kingdom Come: Issue 4

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (PART 1)

“But Let Every Man Take Heed How He Buildeth Thereupon”

“Dr. Haldeman, for many years the pastor of the First Baptist Church in New York City, and a great preacher of Truth, one day placed two chairs, side by side, on his platform.

He described the one as a careless, carnal Christian, caring but little for things spiritual, and the other as a spiritual saint going all the way with God. Then Dr. Haldeman, in his graphic way, asked, ‘Will these two Christians enter alike into the rewards of the Kingdom of our Lord?’ His reply with an emphatic voice was, ‘Not so long as there is a just God in heaven’.”

IF THEY SHALL FALL AWAY (by R. E. Neighbour)

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

In our last issue, we began to present evidence concerning a Believers conditional entrance into the millennial kingdom. I would like to continue along the same line of reasoning, by introducing the doctrine of “The Judgment Seat Of Christ”. How is it different from “The Great White Throne Judgment”? When does it take place? What works must a Believer do to attain rewards?

THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT

If you will refer to “God’s Timeline for Man”, you will notice that we have two judgments. One judgement (The Judgment Seat Of Christ) before the 1000 year kingdom that takes place at the comig of Christ, and a second judgement (The Great White Throne Judgment) after the 1000 year kingdom is over.

In issue 2, we discussed in detail the message of the book of John. The message to the unbeliever is this: “Believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, and you will receive the gift of being raised up on the resurrection at the last day, and you will never be cast out and you will never perish”. Now the judgment on the “last day” is called the “Great White Throne Judgement” (Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne); and it is at this time (Last Day, Great White Throne, The Eighth Day Circumcision, Second Resurrection) that God will separate the Believers from the unbelievers.

John 12:47-48 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

When that final “Great White Throne Judgment” takes place on the “last day”, you as a “child of God”, will not come into condemnation, but will pass into eternal life. This is the gift of God that we receive when we believe on Jesus Christ as our Savior.

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.

Have you trusted (believed) in Jesus Christ as your savior? That He alone has paid the full price for your sins! If you trust in any other thing, whether it be your works, your church, you own goodness, etc., and not in the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the cross, God’s word says that you are condemned already.

John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

It is such a tragedy that anyone would reject such a gift that is to be received through simple faith alone. All one must do to accept the gift of God is believe that Jesus Christ has taken your sin upon Himself, and paid the full price for your sins. In doing so, you will receive the gift of eternal life, and the promise of never perishing.

“How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed.”

AMAZING GRACE

“When we preach the gospel, we tell others that we receive eternal life through believing in Jesus Christ. If a person believes in Him, he will have eternal life. Everyone who understands the Word of God knows that in the church age today, as soon as a man believes, he has eternal life. This is our message.”

THE GOSPEL OF GOD (by Watchman Nee)

EIGHTH DAY CIRCUMCISION

If you will refer to our timeline once again, you will notice that this Great White Throne Judgment takes place on what is referred to as the “eighth day”. It is on the eighth day, that God commanded that “Every man child among you shall be circumcised.”

Acts 7:8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day;

“Eight is the number of new beginning and resurrection. The eighth day is the beginning of a new week. The Jewish child was circumcised the eighth day, which was its birth into covenant relations. –And the eternal order of blessedness is to begin with the eighth thousand years from Adam.”

THE APOCALYPSE (by J. A. Seiss)

Circumcision was a covenant between God and the Jewish nation; a visible mark proving that they were God’s children.

Genesis 17:10-12 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

As a Believer, we have been bought with a much more precious thing. The blood of our God and Savior!

1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

The moment that you ‘believe’ on Jesus Christ as your savior, you are spiritually circumcised into God’s household. An invisible mark (on the heart), proving you are God’s child.

Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

All who were uncircumcised on the eighth day, were cut off from God’s people.

Genesis 17:14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

On that “eighth day”; the day of the Great White Throne Judgment; if you have not been “spiritually circumcised” into God’s family “through faith”, you will be cut off from His people and cast into a lake of fire.

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

JUDGMENT BASED UPON WORKS

We now come to the main topic and purpose for which this article was written. The question of whether we are a child of God was settled at the cross; but the question of our possible reward for obedience or punishment for disobedience will come into judgment at the return of our Lord. That there is a judgment to determine reward according to works which we have done after salvation, scripture leaves absolutely no doubt.

Romans 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

2 Corinthians 5:9-11 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;

“It is here that every believer will have his life reviewed and judged. The results of that judgment will either be the receiving of a reward or the suffering of loss. Contrary to the teaching of many popular Bible teachers today, not all born again believers will rule and reign with Christ when He returns to establish His kingdom, but only those who have gained a reward.”

BEYOND THE RAPTURE (by Gary T. Whipple)

So we see that not all Believers will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Colossians 3:23-25 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Our reward from God for being obedient is the inheritance of the kingdom. Sadly though, not all of God’s children will receive the inheritance, for not all Believers will be found obedient at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

“A Christian can lose his inheritance, not his salvation, by his evil conduct.”

KINGDOM OF GOD VISUALIZED (by R. E. Baughman)

“The recompense for suffering for Christ is the heavenly inheritance, the glory and sovereignty that Christ has won and will share with His faithful followers.”

GOD’S PLAN (by G. H. Lang)

Ephesians 5:5-6 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

“Just as salvation separates the worldly people, in the same way, reward also separates God’s children. God separates His children into the obedient and disobedient.”

THE GOSPEL OF GOD (by Watchman Nee)

So when does this judgment take place? It takes place at the second coming of Jesus Christ, prior to the beginning of the 1000 year kingdom. (See timeline)

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Matthew 25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

“. . ., at what time will the reward be given out? It will be given out when Christ comes in the glory of His Father with His angels. When Christ comes in the glory of His Father with His angels, that will be the time for Him to establish His kingdom on the earth. Hence, it is only when the kingdom begins that the reward will begin.”

THE GOSPEL OF GOD (by Watchman Nee)

Dear Believer,

I come before you today, that I, as Paul also tried with the Corinthians, to persuade you (knowing the terror of the Lord) to live holy, separated lives from this world. It is my hope and prayer that you would understand that each Believer will be judged upon their works (whether good or bad). Do you understand that you need to FEAR GOD?

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 10:30-31 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Do you understand that God expects you to be holy and perfect?

1 Peter 1:15-16 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

“Thus we see conclusively that the Church is not excused from holy living, and that salvation by grace never eliminates God’s call to separation, and sanctification, and to a holy life.”

IN HEAVENLY PLACES (by R. E. Neighbour)

Do you understand that without the ‘Fear of God’ a Believer cannot perfect holiness?
2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Do you, as a Believer, still believe that you are immune from punishment?

Hebrews 10:28-29 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

Hebrews 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

“It is the resurrection of an old and (one had thought) obsolete assumption that all curses are for the Jew, and all blessings are for the Church. Such a thought assumes that more privilege means less responsibility; it assumes that Jewish disciples with far less light will, if they sin, incur far severer punishment: whereas the exact reverse is ever Paul’s warning cry – How much more, how much more! (Heb. 12:25, Rom. 11:24).”

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (by D. M. Panton)

Luke 12:47-48 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

“So it is, that greater light, and added grace, bring greater responsibilities, with greater judgments upon those who do despite to the Spirit of grace.”

IF THEY SHALL FALL AWAY (by R. E. Neighbour)

When Jesus Christ returns, every Believer will stand alone before Him. It is at this Judgment Seat that we must give account of the life we lived after we became His child.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

It is at this Judgment Seat that our eyes will meet His, and every thought, every word, every act of obedience or disobedience will be brought to light.

Revelation 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Psalms 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

WORKS TESTED BY FIRE

At the moment we believe, we have a foundation that is a Rock. It is a foundation which cannot be moved, shaken or destroyed.

Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

It is a foundation not built upon sand, but upon the Rock of Christ. No amount of wind, water, fire, etc. will be able to move it.

1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Regardless of whether we are an obedient or disobedient Believer, our foundation will always be Jesus Christ. We will never have to look upon what is built upon the foundation (our works) to see if we are saved. As a Believer, we need only to look upon the (finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross) foundation.

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

We as Believers have a sure foundation; a foundation that has already been through the trials of fire. A foundation that has been tested and will stand up against all judgment.

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

“According to this passage of scripture, every Christian will have this same foundation at the judgment seat, which is, Christ (verse 11). This speaks of the finished work of Christ on the cross and reveals that everyone there will be saved.”

BEYOND THE RAPTURE (by Gary T. Whipple)

There is but one foundation that God will accept! It is not Satan, the Pope, Buddha, Mohammed, Mary, Joseph Smith, the watchtower,ourselves, etc., it is only Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

When we appear before the judgment seat of Christ, our foundation will surely stand, for it has already been “tried”. Paul though, gives us a warning:

1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

We are warned by Paul, that after the foundation has been laid, that we need to be careful how we build upon the foundation. In other words, we are to be careful what kind of works we have after we have become a child of God. We are to “take heed” how we build upon our foundation of Jesus Christ. We can either build with gold, silver and precious stones (good works), or wood, hay and stubble (bad works).

1 Corinthians 3:12-13 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

“An exposure of the disciple’s work follows at the Judgment Seat.” — The foundation is not tested; it is , as Isaiah says, already a tried Stone: it is the superstructure which the fire searches. No believer will be put on trial for his standing, but for his walk; not for his faith, but for his works; not for his life, but for his living; not for his foundation, but for his superstructure.”

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (by D. M. Panton)

At the judgment seat of Christ, our works will be tested through fire. If our works are those of gold, silver and precious stones (works that stand up to the fire), then we will receive the reward.

1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

“Here it says that if his work remains, he will be rewarded. It does not say that if his faith remains he will be rewarded. The matter of reward depends on one’s work.”

THE GOSPEL OF GOD (by Watchman Nee)

But if we build upon the foundation wood, hay or stubble (works that will be burned up), then we shall suffer loss of reward. But even with loss of reward, the tried foundation will stand against the fire, and we as Believers shall still be saved.

1 Corinthians 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

“The results of this firey test will be a just recompense of reward, which means, every man will receive exactly what he deserves!”

“Please notice that after their baptism of fire they will be saved (verse 15). This will be because of the foundation of Christ’s finished work on the cross. Therefore, that which is described as suffering loss cannot be their salvation, but rather their rewards.”

BEYOND THE RAPTURE (by Gary T. Whipple)

“While a genuine Christian who becomes a backslider will not be judicially condemned for ever, there will be a very serious measure of personal, practical condemnation when such an one stands before the judgment seat of Christ, to be dealt with according to works since conversion.”

Dr. Griffith Thomas (quote taken from “The Judgment Seat of Chris” by D. M. Panton)

“. . ., God will never save a person because he has merits, and He will never reward one who has no merit.”

THE GOSPEL OF GOD (by Watchman Nee)

“If we please Him in this present Age, we shall also receive the Age to Come; and if we walk worthy of Him, we shall also reign together with Him.”

Polycarp (quote taken from “The Judgment Seat of Christ” by D. M. Panton)

CONCLUSION

As we close, let us make mention of those Believers who “feel” like it is not right to work for reward. That somehow, it is more honorable to work because we “love” our Lord, or that works are our way to “pay Him back” for what He has done for us. Scripture very clearly teaches that when we do not work for reward, we are being disobedient.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

And God has commanded us to work for rewards. (Matt. 6:33, 1 Cor. 3:8, 1Cor. 15:58,

1 Tim. 5:18, Heb. 6:10, Rev. 2:3)!

Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

And why does God want us to lay up treasures for ourselves “in heaven”?

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Where is your heart Believer? Is it in this world with the “stuff” you treasure? Or is it in heaven “where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt“? Scripture tells us that when Christ is revealed at His coming that we are to “Remember Lot’s wife”.

Luke 17:30-32 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot’s wife.

Scripture also teaches that he that cometh to God must believe “that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” A child of God must believe (have faith) that God is a rewarder. If you come to God without this truth, then you are working for the wrong reason. Without faith, scripture teaches that “it is impossible to please him”. Are we better than Moses, who had “respect unto the recompense of the reward.”

Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

“For reward is merely the tangible expression of the approval of God, and we may no more deny Him the pleasure of expressing that approval than we need abjure it for ourselves. He who despises a throne despises Him Who confers the throne. It was one of our Lord’s rebukes of the Pharisees (John 5:44),”

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (by D. M. Panton)

Why are you working Believer? Are you working to get saved? Then you should place your faith in Jesus Christ alone and what He did for you on the cross. Are you working to pay God back? You can never pay God back (for all of your righteousness is as filthy rags). Everything that you have in this life is already His, and was given to you from Him. Are you working out of duty to God? Then it is “impossible to please Him”, for “He that cometh to God, MUST believe that “He is a rewarder” of those that diligently seek Him. Will you not seek the reward from Him that seeth in secret, and will reward you openly at the Judgment Seat? Will you not seek the honor that comes from God only?

John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

Why is it then, that a Believer will not receive this truth of the kingdom? Scripture leaves no doubt to this truth of kingdom exclusion. Why do they cry out with all the excuses that “All Believers sin” and “no one can be holy”. Is that so? What about Paul, Enoch, Steven, Joshua, Caleb, and at least 144,000 Jews in the future? Are not these Holy before the eyes of God?

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Revelation 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

“Perhaps you, dear friends, sitting before me, feel that God has failed in His purpose; at least, so far as you are concerned; that you are not holy and without blame. Now, you understand that we all believe in holiness, and we believe that a Christian can live a life free from self-condemnation. The Apostle Paul said: ‘herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men’.”

IN HEAVENLY PLACES (by R. E. Neighbour)

“It is urgent that we be found at last to be among them that have ‘loved His appearing”

(2 Tim. 4:8), and therefore have purified themselves, even as He is pure (1 John 3:3).

THE RAPTURES AND THE TRIBULATION (by G. H. Lang)

Could it be that these faithful Believers, along with so many others, feared God? And that you my friend do not fear God?

Romans 3:18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

So many times have I heard a Believer say to an unbeliever: “Well if your right, then neither of us have anything to worry about, but if I’m right . . .” Well my fellow Believer in Christ; I say unto you that if you are right, then we will both enter into the kingdom. But if you are wrong my friend, then we had both better repent and fall on our faces in fear before God, and ask for mercy before the prescence of the Almighty.

Psalms 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

“The discussion on the subject of Entrance into the Millennial Kingdom, lately begun in ‘The Voice upon the Mountains,’ is to cease. The editor found, that a continuance of the topic would endanger the very existence of his periodical. Hundreds withdrew, when the discussion began; and others threatened to follow their example. How is this? Why will not Christians listen to an argument on this point wholly drawn from Scripture? Because they do not like it. They wish to assume, without proof from the New Testament, the doctrine – that every believer will without fail enter the millennial bliss. In this I behold the commencing fulfillment of 2 Tim. 4:3,4.”REWARD ACCORDING TO WORKS (by Robert Govett)

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

“The notion that the future Kingdom is a kind of classless society where all are equal and rewarded equally has contributed in no small way to the laxness witnessed in the lives of many in the twentieth century church.”THE REIGN OF THE SERVANT KINGS (by Joseph C. Dillow)

We have entered that time in history that 2 Timothy so declared almost 2000 years ago. A time the Book of Revelation refers to as “The Church of Laodicea”.

“Its name designates it as the Church of mob rule, the democratic Church, in which everything is swayed and decided by popular opinion, clamour and voting; and hence a self-righteous and self-sufficient Church. It is described as thinking itself the perfection of Churches. It said in its heart, ‘I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need in nothing;’ but never was a body of people so woefully self-deluded.”THE APOCALYPSE (by J. A. Seiss)

2Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.