Bible Study For July 12 2014
Book of Romans Chapter 11 (God's Purpose) Bible Study
[Note to Blog Readers: Expositor Notes Are in Bold Italic Font]
So many are in spiritual blindness that is caused by false doctrines that is of Satan. Churches who believes in works is doomed for hell, unless they repent and live God’s way and not by man’s way. Works is of the devil and has blinded many and will keep them out of Heaven, because works, rejects Jesus Christ, the Cross and what Jesus did at the Cross, for the sins of the world. Not everyone is going to make it in to Heaven, because of good Merit’s, (Works). It takes Faith in Jesus Christ, the Cross and Him Crucified, which means that God has already did the Works for us on the Cross at Calvary, It is Finished, He has already defeated Satan so, all we have to do is to Accept Him and what He did at the Cross and Believe and have total Faith in that finished Work, that is how we are Saved through Faith, which give us the forgiveness of and by God’s Grace. Friends, it can’t get any clearer than than that. If you are still living by doing “Works”, after reading this and the Bible study that is to follow? You then are in big trouble with God, just like how some of Israel is, because Works, produces unbelief and will be sent to hell when they die. Many of the so called Churches are no different that them in Israel that don’t properly Believe. If the Church you are attending and believing in their ways of Works, are doomed for hell. Those who practices and preaching on Works, makes the pastor a false prophet and they are no different than what TBN is. You all may reject me after telling you all the Truth, but hey, you have then rejected Jesus Christ and what He did at the Cross as well. You can’t hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and about the Cross if you are not reading the King James Bible, or listening to Sonlife Broadcasting on SBN, or attending to a Church who actually Preaches about Jesus Christ, the Cross and Him Crucified. You can’t know the Truth if your not hearing it, that's why so many has rebelled against God and still doing so. This world has gay’s and lesbians that are being dirty, all the way to hell and have no desire to change for the better, because, the Church is not stepping up to the plate in telling them what the Gospel of Jesus Christ has to say. That’s why we have so many people turning to alcohol, they are going to drink their way right to hell, because no one has taken the time to spread the Gospel to them, same thing about those who smoke all kinds of ratt poison’s, doing Works and such. By living in sin, you are rejecting Jesus Christ. You can’t be Truly Saved and still live in sin and expect to go to Heaven. God’s Word is very clear about who is going to be Saved and who isn’t. Friends, being ignorant to the Word of God is not going to get you into Heaven, you should already know this by now, if you have been paying any attention to the Word of God, that we have been sharing all this time. Many of the Churches, (which is the body that you are living in), are no better than those who are in Israel, lets get started.
1 I say then, Has God cast away His People? (This is phrased in the Greek Text so that it requires a negative answer.) God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the Tribe of Benjamin (“Israelite” is the most august title of the three names). 2 God has not cast away His People which He foreknew (refers to Israel as a Nation, and the many Promises made respecting the future of these ancient people). Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah? (I Ki. 19:10, 14) how he makes intercession to God against Israel, saying (carries the thought that the Prophet should have pleaded for Israel, not against Israel), 3 Lord, they have killed your Prophets, and dug down your Altars (the true worship of God at that time was forsaken, and in its place idols were substituted [I Ki. 12:28-33]); and I am left alone, and they seek my life (in fact, Elijah was not alone, even as we shall see). 4 But what was the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal (this tells us that True Faith always has the attachment of spiritual action).
A REMNANT
5 Even so then at this present time (Paul’s day) also there is a Remnant according to the election of Grace (definitely speaks of Predestination, but not as many think; it is the “Remnant” that is elected or predestined, not who will be in the Remnant). 6 And if by Grace (the Goodness of God, all made possible by the Cross), then is it no more of works (no one can point to their works as grounds for Salvation): otherwise Grace is no more Grace (if works are mixed with Grace, they nullify Grace). But if it be of works, then is it no more Grace (works can never produce Grace): otherwise work is no more work (for example, Water Baptism, if acted upon wrongly, nullifies its true meaning; this holds true as well for all other great Ordinances of the Lord).
REBELLION AND UNBELIEF
7 What then? (This was asked regarding Israel, but can also apply to the Church as well!) Israel has not obtained that for which he seeks (emphatically states that Salvation cannot be obtained in any manner or way other than God’s Way, which is the Cross); but the election has obtained it (refers to the Jews who did not attempt to claim Salvation by Merit, but rather by Grace), and the rest were blinded (refers to a judicial blindness). 8 (According as it is written (Isa. 29:10), God has given them the spirit of slumber (that’s what they wanted, so that’s what they got!), eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) (This refers to not being able to “see” even though the evidence is plainly visible, or to “hear” even though the words are plainly spoken.) unto this day (refers to a condition that will not correct itself, but will actually grow worse). 9 And David said (Ps. 69:22), Let their table be made a snare (refers to their prosperity), and a trap (pertains to the end result of the “snare”), and a stumblingblock (Israel stumbled over the very blessings which were intended for her betterment), and a recompence unto them (a negative end result): 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see (they didn’t want to “see,” so the Lord gave them what they wanted), and bow down their back always (refers to them coming under the burden of captivity, which is exactly what happened).
GENTILES
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? (Never to rise again?) God forbid: but rather through their fall Salvation is come unto the Gentiles (is another manner of expressing the formation or building of the Church), for to provoke them to jealousy (harks back to the Prophecy of Noah after the flood, “God shall enlarge Japheth [Gentiles], and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem,” i.e., “Israel”; Japheth will receive the blessings intended for Shem, which is exactly what has happened [Gen. 9:26-27]). 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world (the idea is that their Fall did not stop the Gospel from coming to the world; the manner of the translation makes it seem as if the world has been greatly enriched by the Fall of Israel; however, that is not the case!), and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles (the Blessings that were supposed to go to Israel came to the Gentiles, and we speak of the Church, i.e., “The True Church”); how much more their fulness? (In this one question, Paul implies Israel’s rightful place in the Kingdom of God yet to come, which will then bring everything into line, with Israel being the great Blessing that God always intended.) 13 For I speak to you Gentiles (it speaks of nations which are distinct from Israel), inasmuch as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles (speaks of Paul’s special Calling by the Lord), I magnify my office (the Office of the Apostle, which refers to the Message of Grace that would affect every Believer): 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them (Paul hoped Israel might see the Blessings of the Lord on the Gentiles, and, desiring those Blessings, accept Christ and, thereby, be saved). 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world (refers to the Act of God in setting Israel aside temporarily as a channel through which to bring the Good News of Salvation to the world, and in their place the substitution of the Church), what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? (All of this is with a view to bringing Israel back into fellowship with Himself and service in the coming Millennium. Their conversion is likened to a Resurrection.) 16 For if the Firstfruit be Holy (refers to the Patriarchs of Israel, who were Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), the lump is also Holy (does not refer to personal attributes, but simply that Israel has been Called of God, and set apart by God for a special task which will ultimately be performed): and if the root be Holy, so are the branches (this pertains to their work, their reason for being; they are even now in the beginning stages of being brought back “from the dead”). 17 And if some of the branches be broken off (not all the branches, but some; referring to the fact that Israel will ultimately be brought back), and you (refers to the Church, i.e., “the Gentiles”), being a wild olive tree (inferior), were grafted in among them (presents the inferior being grafted into the superior, which is totally against nature), and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree (means that the Church derives its life from the common Root that was originally given to Israel of long ago); 18 Boast not against the branches (the Church has not replaced Israel in the Plan of God, even though the Church is included in the Plan of God due to Israel’s rejection of Christ). But if you boast, you bear not the root, but the root you (as stated, the Church was grafted in, and is built upon the Promises originally given to Israel, which still apply to Israel and one day will be fulfilled). 19 You will say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in (the Church must ever know and understand that it was and is second choice). 20 Well; because of unbelief they (Israel) were broken off (unbelief respecting Christ and the Cross), and you stand by Faith (proclaims that the Church was brought in because of Faith and not merit, and stands in its present position by Faith and not merit). Be not highminded, but fear (the reason is given in the next Verse): 21 For if God spared not the natural branches (Israel), take heed lest He also spare not you (again refers to the Church, as is obvious). 22 Behold therefore the Goodness and Severity of God (don’t mistake the Goodness of God for license): on them which fell, severity (speaks of Judgment which came on Israel, God’s chosen People); but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His Goodness (proclaims the condition; the continuing of that “Goodness” pertains to continued Faith in Christ and the Cross): otherwise you also shall be cut off (is the modern Church on the edge of that even now? Rev. 3:15-22 tells us this is the case!). 23 And they also (Israel), if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in (Israel’s unbelief will end at the Second Coming): for God is able to graft them in again (and that He will do!). 24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature (refers to the Gentile world, and in this case the Church), and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree (the inferior into the superior): how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? (Israel failed, but the Plan did not fail. Israel will ultimately be brought back and will Evangelize the world as originally planned. This will take place in the coming Kingdom Age [Isa. 66:19].)
RESTORATION
25 For I would not, Brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery (what has happened to Israel), lest you should be wise in your own conceits (the Gentiles were not pulled in because of any merit or Righteousness on their part, but strictly because of the Grace of God); that blindness in part is happened to Israel (is the “mystery” of which Paul speaks), until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in (refers to the Church; in fact, the Church Age is even now coming to a close). 26 And so all Israel shall be saved (when the Church Age ends, and the Second Coming commences; then Israel will accept Christ and be saved): as it is written (Isa. 27:9; 59:20-21), There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer (Jesus Christ will be the Deliverer), and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Christ will deliver Israel from the Antichrist, and more importantly will deliver them from their sins): 27 For this is My Covenant unto them (a Promise), when I shall take away their sins (as stated, it will be done at the Second Coming [Zech. 13:1]). 28 As concerning the Gospel, they are enemies for your sakes (refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ): but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes (speaks of their Calling). 29 For the Gifts and Calling of God are without Repentance (the Gifts and Calling of God are not subject to a change of mind on God’s Part). 30 For as you in times past have not believed God (concerns the Gentile world which lived outside of the Promises of God for about 4,000 years), yet have now obtained Mercy through their unbelief (refers to the unbelief of Israel, but their unbelief did not stop Mercy being granted to the Gentiles, which God had planned all along): 31 Even so have these also now not believed (pertains once again to Israel, and the fact that even though they are now in unbelief; this will ultimately change), that through your Mercy (the Church) they also may obtain Mercy (the Mercy which was extended to the Gentiles will ultimately bring Israel back as well, with the entirety of the Plan of God now coming full circle). 32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief (both Jews and Gentiles; the Jews were loathe to accept this conclusion), that He might have Mercy upon all (proclaims God’s condition of dealing with the entirety of the human family, both Jew and Gentile).
GREATNESS OF GOD
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! (This depth is beyond our comprehension.) how unsearchable are His Judgments, and His Ways past finding out! (They cannot be found out by the intellect, only by Revelation which comes by the Spirit.) 34 For who has known the Mind of the Lord? (As stated, the only way the Mind of the Lord can be known is for it to be revealed by the Holy Spirit.) or who has been His counsellor? (It would have to be, “no one.”) 35 Or who has first given to Him (Job 41:11), and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (What we sow, we reap!) 36 For of Him (refers to Creation), and through Him (refers to His Perfect Knowledge), and to Him (His Presence is everywhere), are all things (He Alone is the First Cause): to Whom be Glory forever (He Alone deserves the Glory). Amen (Truth).
A REMNANT
5 Even so then at this present time (Paul’s day) also there is a Remnant according to the election of Grace (definitely speaks of Predestination, but not as many think; it is the “Remnant” that is elected or predestined, not who will be in the Remnant). 6 And if by Grace (the Goodness of God, all made possible by the Cross), then is it no more of works (no one can point to their works as grounds for Salvation): otherwise Grace is no more Grace (if works are mixed with Grace, they nullify Grace). But if it be of works, then is it no more Grace (works can never produce Grace): otherwise work is no more work (for example, Water Baptism, if acted upon wrongly, nullifies its true meaning; this holds true as well for all other great Ordinances of the Lord).
REBELLION AND UNBELIEF
7 What then? (This was asked regarding Israel, but can also apply to the Church as well!) Israel has not obtained that for which he seeks (emphatically states that Salvation cannot be obtained in any manner or way other than God’s Way, which is the Cross); but the election has obtained it (refers to the Jews who did not attempt to claim Salvation by Merit, but rather by Grace), and the rest were blinded (refers to a judicial blindness). 8 (According as it is written (Isa. 29:10), God has given them the spirit of slumber (that’s what they wanted, so that’s what they got!), eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) (This refers to not being able to “see” even though the evidence is plainly visible, or to “hear” even though the words are plainly spoken.) unto this day (refers to a condition that will not correct itself, but will actually grow worse). 9 And David said (Ps. 69:22), Let their table be made a snare (refers to their prosperity), and a trap (pertains to the end result of the “snare”), and a stumblingblock (Israel stumbled over the very blessings which were intended for her betterment), and a recompence unto them (a negative end result): 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see (they didn’t want to “see,” so the Lord gave them what they wanted), and bow down their back always (refers to them coming under the burden of captivity, which is exactly what happened).
GENTILES
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? (Never to rise again?) God forbid: but rather through their fall Salvation is come unto the Gentiles (is another manner of expressing the formation or building of the Church), for to provoke them to jealousy (harks back to the Prophecy of Noah after the flood, “God shall enlarge Japheth [Gentiles], and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem,” i.e., “Israel”; Japheth will receive the blessings intended for Shem, which is exactly what has happened [Gen. 9:26-27]). 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world (the idea is that their Fall did not stop the Gospel from coming to the world; the manner of the translation makes it seem as if the world has been greatly enriched by the Fall of Israel; however, that is not the case!), and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles (the Blessings that were supposed to go to Israel came to the Gentiles, and we speak of the Church, i.e., “The True Church”); how much more their fulness? (In this one question, Paul implies Israel’s rightful place in the Kingdom of God yet to come, which will then bring everything into line, with Israel being the great Blessing that God always intended.) 13 For I speak to you Gentiles (it speaks of nations which are distinct from Israel), inasmuch as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles (speaks of Paul’s special Calling by the Lord), I magnify my office (the Office of the Apostle, which refers to the Message of Grace that would affect every Believer): 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them (Paul hoped Israel might see the Blessings of the Lord on the Gentiles, and, desiring those Blessings, accept Christ and, thereby, be saved). 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world (refers to the Act of God in setting Israel aside temporarily as a channel through which to bring the Good News of Salvation to the world, and in their place the substitution of the Church), what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? (All of this is with a view to bringing Israel back into fellowship with Himself and service in the coming Millennium. Their conversion is likened to a Resurrection.) 16 For if the Firstfruit be Holy (refers to the Patriarchs of Israel, who were Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), the lump is also Holy (does not refer to personal attributes, but simply that Israel has been Called of God, and set apart by God for a special task which will ultimately be performed): and if the root be Holy, so are the branches (this pertains to their work, their reason for being; they are even now in the beginning stages of being brought back “from the dead”). 17 And if some of the branches be broken off (not all the branches, but some; referring to the fact that Israel will ultimately be brought back), and you (refers to the Church, i.e., “the Gentiles”), being a wild olive tree (inferior), were grafted in among them (presents the inferior being grafted into the superior, which is totally against nature), and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree (means that the Church derives its life from the common Root that was originally given to Israel of long ago); 18 Boast not against the branches (the Church has not replaced Israel in the Plan of God, even though the Church is included in the Plan of God due to Israel’s rejection of Christ). But if you boast, you bear not the root, but the root you (as stated, the Church was grafted in, and is built upon the Promises originally given to Israel, which still apply to Israel and one day will be fulfilled). 19 You will say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in (the Church must ever know and understand that it was and is second choice). 20 Well; because of unbelief they (Israel) were broken off (unbelief respecting Christ and the Cross), and you stand by Faith (proclaims that the Church was brought in because of Faith and not merit, and stands in its present position by Faith and not merit). Be not highminded, but fear (the reason is given in the next Verse): 21 For if God spared not the natural branches (Israel), take heed lest He also spare not you (again refers to the Church, as is obvious). 22 Behold therefore the Goodness and Severity of God (don’t mistake the Goodness of God for license): on them which fell, severity (speaks of Judgment which came on Israel, God’s chosen People); but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His Goodness (proclaims the condition; the continuing of that “Goodness” pertains to continued Faith in Christ and the Cross): otherwise you also shall be cut off (is the modern Church on the edge of that even now? Rev. 3:15-22 tells us this is the case!). 23 And they also (Israel), if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in (Israel’s unbelief will end at the Second Coming): for God is able to graft them in again (and that He will do!). 24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature (refers to the Gentile world, and in this case the Church), and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree (the inferior into the superior): how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? (Israel failed, but the Plan did not fail. Israel will ultimately be brought back and will Evangelize the world as originally planned. This will take place in the coming Kingdom Age [Isa. 66:19].)
RESTORATION
25 For I would not, Brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery (what has happened to Israel), lest you should be wise in your own conceits (the Gentiles were not pulled in because of any merit or Righteousness on their part, but strictly because of the Grace of God); that blindness in part is happened to Israel (is the “mystery” of which Paul speaks), until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in (refers to the Church; in fact, the Church Age is even now coming to a close). 26 And so all Israel shall be saved (when the Church Age ends, and the Second Coming commences; then Israel will accept Christ and be saved): as it is written (Isa. 27:9; 59:20-21), There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer (Jesus Christ will be the Deliverer), and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Christ will deliver Israel from the Antichrist, and more importantly will deliver them from their sins): 27 For this is My Covenant unto them (a Promise), when I shall take away their sins (as stated, it will be done at the Second Coming [Zech. 13:1]). 28 As concerning the Gospel, they are enemies for your sakes (refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ): but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes (speaks of their Calling). 29 For the Gifts and Calling of God are without Repentance (the Gifts and Calling of God are not subject to a change of mind on God’s Part). 30 For as you in times past have not believed God (concerns the Gentile world which lived outside of the Promises of God for about 4,000 years), yet have now obtained Mercy through their unbelief (refers to the unbelief of Israel, but their unbelief did not stop Mercy being granted to the Gentiles, which God had planned all along): 31 Even so have these also now not believed (pertains once again to Israel, and the fact that even though they are now in unbelief; this will ultimately change), that through your Mercy (the Church) they also may obtain Mercy (the Mercy which was extended to the Gentiles will ultimately bring Israel back as well, with the entirety of the Plan of God now coming full circle). 32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief (both Jews and Gentiles; the Jews were loathe to accept this conclusion), that He might have Mercy upon all (proclaims God’s condition of dealing with the entirety of the human family, both Jew and Gentile).
GREATNESS OF GOD
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! (This depth is beyond our comprehension.) how unsearchable are His Judgments, and His Ways past finding out! (They cannot be found out by the intellect, only by Revelation which comes by the Spirit.) 34 For who has known the Mind of the Lord? (As stated, the only way the Mind of the Lord can be known is for it to be revealed by the Holy Spirit.) or who has been His counsellor? (It would have to be, “no one.”) 35 Or who has first given to Him (Job 41:11), and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (What we sow, we reap!) 36 For of Him (refers to Creation), and through Him (refers to His Perfect Knowledge), and to Him (His Presence is everywhere), are all things (He Alone is the First Cause): to Whom be Glory forever (He Alone deserves the Glory). Amen (Truth).
1 Kings 19:10, 14 (KJV)
10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of Hosts: for the Children of Israel have forsaken Your Covenant, thrown down Your Altars, and killed Your Prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (The angry Prophet, crouching with embittered heart in the cavern, pictured the nation. The “flesh” in him was just as hateful as the “flesh” in them. He is invited to come forth and meet God. As Israel refused, Elijah likewise refuses. He must, therefore, be compelled to come forth.)
14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of Hosts: because the Children of Israel have forsaken Your Covenant, thrown down Your Altars, and killed Your Prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (As is obvious here, Elijah’s emphasis is strictly on himself and not the Lord. When self is not properly hidden in Christ [Jn. 14:20], self always becomes king, and brings about many problems. That’s the reason that Jesus told us that we must “deny ourselves” [Lk. 9:23].)
10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of Hosts: for the Children of Israel have forsaken Your Covenant, thrown down Your Altars, and killed Your Prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (The angry Prophet, crouching with embittered heart in the cavern, pictured the nation. The “flesh” in him was just as hateful as the “flesh” in them. He is invited to come forth and meet God. As Israel refused, Elijah likewise refuses. He must, therefore, be compelled to come forth.)
14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of Hosts: because the Children of Israel have forsaken Your Covenant, thrown down Your Altars, and killed Your Prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (As is obvious here, Elijah’s emphasis is strictly on himself and not the Lord. When self is not properly hidden in Christ [Jn. 14:20], self always becomes king, and brings about many problems. That’s the reason that Jesus told us that we must “deny ourselves” [Lk. 9:23].)
John 14:20 (KJV)
20 At that day (after the Resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost) you shall know that I am in My Father (speaks of Deity; Jesus is God!), and you in Me (has to do with our Salvation by Faith), and I in you (enables us to live a victorious life [Gal.2:20]).
20 At that day (after the Resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost) you shall know that I am in My Father (speaks of Deity; Jesus is God!), and you in Me (has to do with our Salvation by Faith), and I in you (enables us to live a victorious life [Gal.2:20]).
Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
20 I am Crucified with Christ (as the Foundation of all Victory; Paul, here, takes us back to Rom. 6:3-5): nevertheless I live (have new life); yet not I (not by my own strength and ability), but Christ lives in me (by virtue of me dying with Him on the Cross, and being raised with Him in Newness of Life): and the life which I now live in the flesh (my daily walk before God) I live by the Faith of the Son of God (the Cross is ever the Object of my Faith), Who loved me, and gave Himself for me (which is the only way that I could be Saved).
20 I am Crucified with Christ (as the Foundation of all Victory; Paul, here, takes us back to Rom. 6:3-5): nevertheless I live (have new life); yet not I (not by my own strength and ability), but Christ lives in me (by virtue of me dying with Him on the Cross, and being raised with Him in Newness of Life): and the life which I now live in the flesh (my daily walk before God) I live by the Faith of the Son of God (the Cross is ever the Object of my Faith), Who loved me, and gave Himself for me (which is the only way that I could be Saved).
Romans 6:3-5 (KJV)
3 Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ (plainly says that this Baptism is into Christ and not water [I Cor.1:17; 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:11-13]) were baptized into His Death? (When Christ died on the Cross, in the Mind of God, we died with Him; in other words, He became our Substitute, and our identification with Him in His Death gives us all the benefits for which He died; the idea is that He did it all for us!) 4 Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death (not only did we die with Him, but we were buried with Him as well, which means that all the sin and transgression of the past were buried; when they put Him in the Tomb, they put all of our sins into that Tomb as well): that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the Glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (we died with Him, we were buried with Him, and His Resurrection was our Resurrection to a “Newness of Life”). 5 For if we have been planted together (with Christ) in the likeness of His Death (Paul proclaims the Cross as the instrument through which all Blessings come; consequently, the Cross must ever be the Object of our Faith, which gives the Holy Spirit latitude to work within our lives), we shall be also in the likeness of His Resurrection (we can have the “likeness of His Resurrection,” i.e., “live this Resurrection Life,” only as long as we understand the “likeness of His Death,” which refers to the Cross as the Means by which all of this is done):
3 Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ (plainly says that this Baptism is into Christ and not water [I Cor.1:17; 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:11-13]) were baptized into His Death? (When Christ died on the Cross, in the Mind of God, we died with Him; in other words, He became our Substitute, and our identification with Him in His Death gives us all the benefits for which He died; the idea is that He did it all for us!) 4 Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death (not only did we die with Him, but we were buried with Him as well, which means that all the sin and transgression of the past were buried; when they put Him in the Tomb, they put all of our sins into that Tomb as well): that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the Glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (we died with Him, we were buried with Him, and His Resurrection was our Resurrection to a “Newness of Life”). 5 For if we have been planted together (with Christ) in the likeness of His Death (Paul proclaims the Cross as the instrument through which all Blessings come; consequently, the Cross must ever be the Object of our Faith, which gives the Holy Spirit latitude to work within our lives), we shall be also in the likeness of His Resurrection (we can have the “likeness of His Resurrection,” i.e., “live this Resurrection Life,” only as long as we understand the “likeness of His Death,” which refers to the Cross as the Means by which all of this is done):
Luke 9:23 (KJV)
23 And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me (the criteria for Discipleship), let him deny himself (not asceticism as many think, but rather that one denies one’s own willpower, self-will, strength, and ability, depending totally on Christ), and take up his cross (the benefits of the Cross, looking exclusively to what Jesus did there to meet our every need) daily (this is so important, our looking to the Cross; that we must renew our Faith in what Christ has done for us, even on a daily basis, for Satan will ever try to move us away from the Cross as the Object of our Faith, which always spells disaster), and follow Me (Christ can be followed only by the Believer looking to the Cross, understanding what it accomplished, and by that means alone [Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14; 8:1-2, 11; I Cor. 1:17-18, 21, 23; 2:2; Gal. 6:14; Eph. 2:13-18; Col. 2:14-15]).
23 And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me (the criteria for Discipleship), let him deny himself (not asceticism as many think, but rather that one denies one’s own willpower, self-will, strength, and ability, depending totally on Christ), and take up his cross (the benefits of the Cross, looking exclusively to what Jesus did there to meet our every need) daily (this is so important, our looking to the Cross; that we must renew our Faith in what Christ has done for us, even on a daily basis, for Satan will ever try to move us away from the Cross as the Object of our Faith, which always spells disaster), and follow Me (Christ can be followed only by the Believer looking to the Cross, understanding what it accomplished, and by that means alone [Rom. 6:3-5, 11, 14; 8:1-2, 11; I Cor. 1:17-18, 21, 23; 2:2; Gal. 6:14; Eph. 2:13-18; Col. 2:14-15]).
1 Kings 12:28-33 (KJV)
28 Whereupon the king took counsel (but not from God), and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 29 And he set the one in Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan. (The great Redemption given to Israel by God concerning their deliverance from Egypt was now attributed to a “golden calf.” I wonder if we are doing any differently today in the modern Church, when we attribute the help that God gives us to humanistic psychology?) 30 And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. (The expression concerning Jeroboam, “made Israel to sin,” is used twenty-three times. This “sin” was idolatry, which led to all other types of sin.) 31 And he made an house of high places, and made Priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi (the Levites had all migrated to Jerusalem; so, Jeroboam selected the base and the vile to be his priests; to be sure, this would suffice for the worship of golden calves). 32 And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the Altar. So did he in Beth-el, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Beth-el the priests of the high places which he had made (he conducted his feasts at the same time that Judah conducted the Feasts of the Lord). 33 So he offered upon the Altar which he had made in Beth-el the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the Children of Israel: and he offered upon the Altar, and burnt incense. (We may perhaps see in Jeroboam’s ministering and person not only the design to invest the new ordinance with exceptional interest and splendor, but also the idea of encouraging his new priests to enter on their unauthorized functions without fear. The history, or even the traditions, of Nadab and Abihu [Lev., Chpt. 10] and of Korah and his company [Num. 16:40] may very well have made them hesitate. And that their fears of a Divine interposition were not groundless, the sequel shows — Spence.)
28 Whereupon the king took counsel (but not from God), and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 29 And he set the one in Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan. (The great Redemption given to Israel by God concerning their deliverance from Egypt was now attributed to a “golden calf.” I wonder if we are doing any differently today in the modern Church, when we attribute the help that God gives us to humanistic psychology?) 30 And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. (The expression concerning Jeroboam, “made Israel to sin,” is used twenty-three times. This “sin” was idolatry, which led to all other types of sin.) 31 And he made an house of high places, and made Priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi (the Levites had all migrated to Jerusalem; so, Jeroboam selected the base and the vile to be his priests; to be sure, this would suffice for the worship of golden calves). 32 And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the Altar. So did he in Beth-el, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Beth-el the priests of the high places which he had made (he conducted his feasts at the same time that Judah conducted the Feasts of the Lord). 33 So he offered upon the Altar which he had made in Beth-el the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the Children of Israel: and he offered upon the Altar, and burnt incense. (We may perhaps see in Jeroboam’s ministering and person not only the design to invest the new ordinance with exceptional interest and splendor, but also the idea of encouraging his new priests to enter on their unauthorized functions without fear. The history, or even the traditions, of Nadab and Abihu [Lev., Chpt. 10] and of Korah and his company [Num. 16:40] may very well have made them hesitate. And that their fears of a Divine interposition were not groundless, the sequel shows — Spence.)
Numbers 16:40 (KJV)
40 To be a memorial unto the Children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses. (Unfortunately, under the New Covenant, many are presently committing the sin of Korah. They are substituting a government of their own making; however, they must remember, as the Cross is the means of all blessings, at the same time, it is also the means of all judgment.)
40 To be a memorial unto the Children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses. (Unfortunately, under the New Covenant, many are presently committing the sin of Korah. They are substituting a government of their own making; however, they must remember, as the Cross is the means of all blessings, at the same time, it is also the means of all judgment.)
Isaiah 29:10 (KJV)
10 For the LORD has poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes: the Prophets and your rulers, the seers has He covered. (The “deep sleep” spoken of here refers to a spiritual deadness and impassiveness — an inability to appreciate or even to understand spiritual warnings.)
10 For the LORD has poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes: the Prophets and your rulers, the seers has He covered. (The “deep sleep” spoken of here refers to a spiritual deadness and impassiveness — an inability to appreciate or even to understand spiritual warnings.)
Psalms 69:22 (KJV)
22 Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. (The “table” that is referred to here is actually that which the Lord prepares for His Own [Psalm 23]. Judas did not want the “table” that the Lord had prepared; he desired another “table.” It would become a “snare.” Along with Judas, this also speaks of the Priests who opposed Christ, and most did!)
22 Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. (The “table” that is referred to here is actually that which the Lord prepares for His Own [Psalm 23]. Judas did not want the “table” that the Lord had prepared; he desired another “table.” It would become a “snare.” Along with Judas, this also speaks of the Priests who opposed Christ, and most did!)
Psalms 23:1-6 (KJV)
1 The LORD is My Shepherd; I shall not want. (Even though this beautiful Psalm applied to David, and to all Believers as well, more than all it applied to Christ. Williams says, “Only one voice sang this Psalm in perfect tune. It was the Voice of Jesus. When walking through the dark valley of His earthly Life, Jehovah was His Shepherd. There is no suggestion of sin in the Psalm. Its great theme is not so much what Jehovah gives, or does, as what or Who He is.” And yet, at the same time, as Christ presents Himself as the Sheep, He is also presented as the Great Shepherd of His People, for He was raised from the dead in order to be such [Heb. 13:20].) 2 He makes Me to lie down in green pastures (any other voice that is followed will lead only to barren pastures): He leads Me beside the still waters. (The 23rd Psalm makes it abundantly clear that the Church is not the Saviour, neither is religious hierarchy the Saviour, neither are rules and regulations the Saviour. Only the Lord is. We can follow Him, or we can follow other things; we cannot follow both.) 3 He restores My soul (when the sheep skin their forehead foraging for grass, the shepherd would pour oil over the wounds): He leads Me in the paths of Righteousness for His Name’s sake. (At times the lamb will leave the appointed path, even doing so several times, being retrieved each time by the shepherd. But, if it leaves too many times, the shepherd, upon retrieving it from the rocky crevices, will take his staff and break one of the legs. He then carefully “sets” the leg, and then lays the lamb on his shoulder close to his heart. He carries it until the wound is healed. That is a symbol of chastisement [Heb. 12:5–11].) 4 Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil (the powers of darkness, constituting powerful attacks by Satan): for You are with Me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort Me. (The ideal position for the “lamb” is to allow the Shepherd to fight for him. In fact, the only fight we are told to fight is the “good fight of Faith” [I Tim. 6:12]. What a comfort it is to know that the “rod” and “staff” are constantly beating back the powers of darkness on our behalf.) 5 You prepare a table before Me in the presence of My enemies (and these “enemies” cannot touch this “prepared table”): You anoint My head with oil (a Type of the Holy Spirit); My cup runs over (a figure of speech that refers to abundance). 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow Me all the days of My life (“goodness” gives us green pastures and still waters; “mercy” retrieves us when we foolishly leave the “paths of righteousness”): and I will dwell in the House of the LORD for ever (as long as the Lord is our Shepherd, we can expect all of this, “all the days of our lives").
1 The LORD is My Shepherd; I shall not want. (Even though this beautiful Psalm applied to David, and to all Believers as well, more than all it applied to Christ. Williams says, “Only one voice sang this Psalm in perfect tune. It was the Voice of Jesus. When walking through the dark valley of His earthly Life, Jehovah was His Shepherd. There is no suggestion of sin in the Psalm. Its great theme is not so much what Jehovah gives, or does, as what or Who He is.” And yet, at the same time, as Christ presents Himself as the Sheep, He is also presented as the Great Shepherd of His People, for He was raised from the dead in order to be such [Heb. 13:20].) 2 He makes Me to lie down in green pastures (any other voice that is followed will lead only to barren pastures): He leads Me beside the still waters. (The 23rd Psalm makes it abundantly clear that the Church is not the Saviour, neither is religious hierarchy the Saviour, neither are rules and regulations the Saviour. Only the Lord is. We can follow Him, or we can follow other things; we cannot follow both.) 3 He restores My soul (when the sheep skin their forehead foraging for grass, the shepherd would pour oil over the wounds): He leads Me in the paths of Righteousness for His Name’s sake. (At times the lamb will leave the appointed path, even doing so several times, being retrieved each time by the shepherd. But, if it leaves too many times, the shepherd, upon retrieving it from the rocky crevices, will take his staff and break one of the legs. He then carefully “sets” the leg, and then lays the lamb on his shoulder close to his heart. He carries it until the wound is healed. That is a symbol of chastisement [Heb. 12:5–11].) 4 Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil (the powers of darkness, constituting powerful attacks by Satan): for You are with Me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort Me. (The ideal position for the “lamb” is to allow the Shepherd to fight for him. In fact, the only fight we are told to fight is the “good fight of Faith” [I Tim. 6:12]. What a comfort it is to know that the “rod” and “staff” are constantly beating back the powers of darkness on our behalf.) 5 You prepare a table before Me in the presence of My enemies (and these “enemies” cannot touch this “prepared table”): You anoint My head with oil (a Type of the Holy Spirit); My cup runs over (a figure of speech that refers to abundance). 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow Me all the days of My life (“goodness” gives us green pastures and still waters; “mercy” retrieves us when we foolishly leave the “paths of righteousness”): and I will dwell in the House of the LORD for ever (as long as the Lord is our Shepherd, we can expect all of this, “all the days of our lives").
Hebrews 13:20 (KJV)
20 Now the God of Peace (proclaims that Peace has been made between God and fallen man, and done so through what Jesus did on the Cross on man’s behalf), that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus (presents the only mention of the Resurrection of Christ in this Epistle to the Hebrews), that Great Shepherd of the sheep (presents the One Who died for us, and Whom God raised from the dead), through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant (points to the Cross and proclaims the fact that this Covenant, being perfect, is Eternal),
20 Now the God of Peace (proclaims that Peace has been made between God and fallen man, and done so through what Jesus did on the Cross on man’s behalf), that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus (presents the only mention of the Resurrection of Christ in this Epistle to the Hebrews), that Great Shepherd of the sheep (presents the One Who died for us, and Whom God raised from the dead), through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant (points to the Cross and proclaims the fact that this Covenant, being perfect, is Eternal),
Hebrews 12:5-11 (KJV)
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children (the Apostle’s objective in introducing this here is to show that afflictions are designed, on the part of God, to produce positive effects in the lives of His People), My son, despise not you the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of Him (everything that happens to a Believer is either caused or allowed by the Lord; consequently, we should learn the lesson desired to be taught): 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens (God disciplines those He loves, not those to whom He is indifferent), and scourges every son whom He receives. (This refers to all who truly belong to Him.) 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons (chastening from the Lord guarantees the fact that one is a Child of God); for what son is he whom the father chastens not? (If an earthly father truly cares for his son, he will use whatever measures necessary to bring the boy into line. If an earthly father will do this, how much more will our Heavenly Father do the same?) 8 But if you be without chastisement, whereof all (all true Believers) are partakers, then are you bastards, and not sons. (Many claim to be Believers while continuing in sin, but the Lord never chastises them. Such shows they are illegitimate sons, meaning they are claiming faith on a basis other than the Cross. The true son, without doubt, will be chastised at times.) 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence (earthly parents): shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of Spirits, and live? (“Father of Spirits” is contrasted to “fathers of the flesh.” The latter concerns our earthly parents. Their relation to us is limited. His is universal and eternal.) 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure (the use of the word “pleasure” indicates that the chastening may or may not have been proper, as it regards our earthly parents); but He for our profit (presents the difference between human liability of error and the perfect knowledge of our Heavenly Father; He seeks our profit, and cannot err in the means He employs), that we might be partakers of His Holiness. (This presents the objective of the chastening and correction of God.) 11 Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous (presents the fact that the trials we are at times exposed to do not give joy at that moment, and are often hard indeed to bear): nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of Righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (All of this is carried out by the Holy Spirit for a specific purpose [Jn. 15:1-9].)
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children (the Apostle’s objective in introducing this here is to show that afflictions are designed, on the part of God, to produce positive effects in the lives of His People), My son, despise not you the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of Him (everything that happens to a Believer is either caused or allowed by the Lord; consequently, we should learn the lesson desired to be taught): 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens (God disciplines those He loves, not those to whom He is indifferent), and scourges every son whom He receives. (This refers to all who truly belong to Him.) 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons (chastening from the Lord guarantees the fact that one is a Child of God); for what son is he whom the father chastens not? (If an earthly father truly cares for his son, he will use whatever measures necessary to bring the boy into line. If an earthly father will do this, how much more will our Heavenly Father do the same?) 8 But if you be without chastisement, whereof all (all true Believers) are partakers, then are you bastards, and not sons. (Many claim to be Believers while continuing in sin, but the Lord never chastises them. Such shows they are illegitimate sons, meaning they are claiming faith on a basis other than the Cross. The true son, without doubt, will be chastised at times.) 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence (earthly parents): shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of Spirits, and live? (“Father of Spirits” is contrasted to “fathers of the flesh.” The latter concerns our earthly parents. Their relation to us is limited. His is universal and eternal.) 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure (the use of the word “pleasure” indicates that the chastening may or may not have been proper, as it regards our earthly parents); but He for our profit (presents the difference between human liability of error and the perfect knowledge of our Heavenly Father; He seeks our profit, and cannot err in the means He employs), that we might be partakers of His Holiness. (This presents the objective of the chastening and correction of God.) 11 Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous (presents the fact that the trials we are at times exposed to do not give joy at that moment, and are often hard indeed to bear): nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of Righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (All of this is carried out by the Holy Spirit for a specific purpose [Jn. 15:1-9].)
John 15:1-9 (KJV)
1 I A m the True Vine (the True Israel, as He is the True Church, and the True Man; more specifically, He Alone is the Source of Life), and My Father is the Husbandman (refers to God the Father not simply as the Vinedresser, but also the Owner so to speak). 2 Every branch (Believer) in Me (to have Salvation, we must be “in Christ” which refers to trusting in what He did at the Cross) that bears not fruit (the Holy Spirit Alone can bring forth fruit within our lives, and He does such through the Finished Work of Christ, which demands that the Cross ever be the Object of our Faith) He takes away (if the Believer refuses the Cross, ultimately, he will be taken out of the Body of Christ): and every branch that bears fruit (has some understanding of Christ and the Cross), He purges it (uses whatever means necessary to make the Cross the total Object of one’s Faith), that it may bring forth more fruit (only when the Cross becomes the total Object of one’s Faith can the Holy Spirit perform His Work of bringing forth proper fruit [Rom. 8:1-2, 11]). 3 Now you are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (the answer, as always, is found in the Word of God; the Story of the Bible is “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified”). 4 Abide in Me (look to Him exclusively, and what He has done for us at the Cross), and I in you (if we properly abide in Him, which we can only do by ever making the Cross the Object of our Faith, then He will abide in us without fail). As the branch (Believer) cannot bear fruit of itself (one cannot Sanctify one’s self! it is impossible!), except it abide in the Vine (abiding in Him refers to the fact that we understand that every solution we seek, for whatever the need might be, is found only in Christ and the Cross; we must never separate Christ from the Cross [I Cor. 1:23; 2:2]); no more can you, except you abide in Me. 5 I am the Vine (not the Church, not a particular Preacher, not even a particular Doctrine, but Christ Alone), you are the branches (Believers): he who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit (let us say it again; the Believer must understand that everything we receive from God comes to us exclusively through Christ and the Cross; that being the case, the Cross must ever be the Object of our Faith; then the Holy Spirit can develop fruit within our lives; it can be done no other way!): for without Me (what He did for us at the Cross) you can do nothing (the Believer should read that phrase over and over). 6 If a man abide not in Me (refuses to accept the Cross, which means he is serving “another Jesus” [II Cor. 11:4]), he is cast forth as a branch (is removed from the Source of Life), and is withered (without proper Faith in Christ and the Cross, the Believer ultimately withers); and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned (the implication is striking! if proper Faith in Christ and the Cross is not maintained, the ultimate result is eternal Hell). 7 If you abide in Me (keep your Faith anchored in Christ and the Cross), and My Words abide in you (in fact, the entirety of the Word of God is the Story of “Christ and the Cross”), you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you (proper Faith in Christ and the Cross desires only the Will of God, which Will is guaranteed now to be carried forth). 8 Herein is My Father Glorified (that Believers totally and completely place their Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross), that you bear much fruit (meaning that Jesus did not die in vain, but that His Death on the Cross will result in “much fruit”); so shall you be My Disciples (Lk. 9:23-24). 9 As the Father has loved Me (the Heavenly Father loves us accordingly, as we abide in Christ), so have I loved you (the Good Shepherd gives His Life for the sheep): continue ye in My Love (we can continue in His Love, only as we continue in our Faith, which must ever have the Cross as its Object).
1 I A m the True Vine (the True Israel, as He is the True Church, and the True Man; more specifically, He Alone is the Source of Life), and My Father is the Husbandman (refers to God the Father not simply as the Vinedresser, but also the Owner so to speak). 2 Every branch (Believer) in Me (to have Salvation, we must be “in Christ” which refers to trusting in what He did at the Cross) that bears not fruit (the Holy Spirit Alone can bring forth fruit within our lives, and He does such through the Finished Work of Christ, which demands that the Cross ever be the Object of our Faith) He takes away (if the Believer refuses the Cross, ultimately, he will be taken out of the Body of Christ): and every branch that bears fruit (has some understanding of Christ and the Cross), He purges it (uses whatever means necessary to make the Cross the total Object of one’s Faith), that it may bring forth more fruit (only when the Cross becomes the total Object of one’s Faith can the Holy Spirit perform His Work of bringing forth proper fruit [Rom. 8:1-2, 11]). 3 Now you are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (the answer, as always, is found in the Word of God; the Story of the Bible is “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified”). 4 Abide in Me (look to Him exclusively, and what He has done for us at the Cross), and I in you (if we properly abide in Him, which we can only do by ever making the Cross the Object of our Faith, then He will abide in us without fail). As the branch (Believer) cannot bear fruit of itself (one cannot Sanctify one’s self! it is impossible!), except it abide in the Vine (abiding in Him refers to the fact that we understand that every solution we seek, for whatever the need might be, is found only in Christ and the Cross; we must never separate Christ from the Cross [I Cor. 1:23; 2:2]); no more can you, except you abide in Me. 5 I am the Vine (not the Church, not a particular Preacher, not even a particular Doctrine, but Christ Alone), you are the branches (Believers): he who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit (let us say it again; the Believer must understand that everything we receive from God comes to us exclusively through Christ and the Cross; that being the case, the Cross must ever be the Object of our Faith; then the Holy Spirit can develop fruit within our lives; it can be done no other way!): for without Me (what He did for us at the Cross) you can do nothing (the Believer should read that phrase over and over). 6 If a man abide not in Me (refuses to accept the Cross, which means he is serving “another Jesus” [II Cor. 11:4]), he is cast forth as a branch (is removed from the Source of Life), and is withered (without proper Faith in Christ and the Cross, the Believer ultimately withers); and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned (the implication is striking! if proper Faith in Christ and the Cross is not maintained, the ultimate result is eternal Hell). 7 If you abide in Me (keep your Faith anchored in Christ and the Cross), and My Words abide in you (in fact, the entirety of the Word of God is the Story of “Christ and the Cross”), you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you (proper Faith in Christ and the Cross desires only the Will of God, which Will is guaranteed now to be carried forth). 8 Herein is My Father Glorified (that Believers totally and completely place their Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross), that you bear much fruit (meaning that Jesus did not die in vain, but that His Death on the Cross will result in “much fruit”); so shall you be My Disciples (Lk. 9:23-24). 9 As the Father has loved Me (the Heavenly Father loves us accordingly, as we abide in Christ), so have I loved you (the Good Shepherd gives His Life for the sheep): continue ye in My Love (we can continue in His Love, only as we continue in our Faith, which must ever have the Cross as its Object).
1 Timothy 6:12 (KJV)
12 Fight the good fight of Faith (in essence, the only fight we’re called upon to engage; every attack by Satan against the Believer, irrespective of its form, is to destroy or seriously weaken our Faith; he wants to push our Faith from the Cross to other things), lay hold on Eternal Life (we do such by understanding that all Life comes from Christ, and the means is the Cross), whereunto you are also Called (Called to follow Christ), and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. (This does not refer to a particular occasion, but to the entirety of his life for Christ.)
12 Fight the good fight of Faith (in essence, the only fight we’re called upon to engage; every attack by Satan against the Believer, irrespective of its form, is to destroy or seriously weaken our Faith; he wants to push our Faith from the Cross to other things), lay hold on Eternal Life (we do such by understanding that all Life comes from Christ, and the means is the Cross), whereunto you are also Called (Called to follow Christ), and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. (This does not refer to a particular occasion, but to the entirety of his life for Christ.)
Genesis 9:26-27 (KJV)
26 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem (through Shem would come the Jewish people, who would give the world the Word of God and, as well, would bring forth the Messiah, the Saviour of the world); and Canaan shall be his servant (the Canaanites in Israel were defeated by David, and became the servants of Israel). 27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem (Israel, the descendants of Shem, would reject Christ, while the descendants of Japheth would accept Him, which means that the Blessing intended for Shem, i.e., Israel, would instead go to the descendants of Japheth, i.e., the Gentiles); and Canaan shall be his servant. (The descendants of Canaan continue unto this hour [2003], in a sense, to be the servants of Japheth. For instance, the descendants of Canaan, wherever they might be, in a sense, answer to the United States, which part of the population are descendants of Japheth.)
26 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem (through Shem would come the Jewish people, who would give the world the Word of God and, as well, would bring forth the Messiah, the Saviour of the world); and Canaan shall be his servant (the Canaanites in Israel were defeated by David, and became the servants of Israel). 27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem (Israel, the descendants of Shem, would reject Christ, while the descendants of Japheth would accept Him, which means that the Blessing intended for Shem, i.e., Israel, would instead go to the descendants of Japheth, i.e., the Gentiles); and Canaan shall be his servant. (The descendants of Canaan continue unto this hour [2003], in a sense, to be the servants of Japheth. For instance, the descendants of Canaan, wherever they might be, in a sense, answer to the United States, which part of the population are descendants of Japheth.)
Revelation 3:15-22 (KJV)
15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot (characterizes that which is prevalent at this present time): I would you were cold or hot (half measures won’t do). 16 So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot (if a person is lukewarm towards something, it means he hasn’t rejected it, but at the same time he has by no means accepted it; in the Mind of God, a tepid response is equal to a negative response), I will spue you out of My mouth. (There is no prospect of Repentance here on the part of this Church, or Restoration. In fact, there is Divine rejection.) 17 Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing (they equated the increase in material goods with spiritual Blessings, which they were not); and knowest not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked (the tragedy lay in the fact that while this Church gloated over material wealth, she was unconscious of her spiritual poverty; again indicative of the modern Church!): 18 I counsel you to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich (what they needed to “buy” could not be purchased with money, but only with the precious Blood of Christ, which price has already been paid; but the modern Church is not interested!); and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear (refers to Righteousness which is exclusively of Christ, and is gained only by Faith in Christ and the Cross; this tells us that the Laodicean Church is extremely self-righteous; not having the Righteousness of Christ, they are “naked” to the Judgment of God); and anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see. (The modern Church is also spiritually blind.) 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten (implies a remnant): be zealous therefore, and repent. (The modern Church desperately needs to repent for its rebellion against God’s Divine Order [Christ and the Cross] and for following cunningly devised fables [II Pet. 1:16].) 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock (presents Christ outside the Church): if any man hear My voice (so much religious racket is going on that it is difficult to “hear His Voice”), and open the door (Christ is the True Door, which means the Church has erected another door), I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. (Having been rejected by the Church, our Lord now appeals to individuals, and He is still doing so presently.) 21 To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne (the overcomer will gain the prize of the Throne, which can only be done by one ever making the Cross the Object of his Faith), even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne. (This presents Christ as our Substitute, going before us, and doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.) 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the Churches. (In plain language, the Holy Spirit is saying, “come back to Christ and the Cross!")
15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot (characterizes that which is prevalent at this present time): I would you were cold or hot (half measures won’t do). 16 So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot (if a person is lukewarm towards something, it means he hasn’t rejected it, but at the same time he has by no means accepted it; in the Mind of God, a tepid response is equal to a negative response), I will spue you out of My mouth. (There is no prospect of Repentance here on the part of this Church, or Restoration. In fact, there is Divine rejection.) 17 Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing (they equated the increase in material goods with spiritual Blessings, which they were not); and knowest not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked (the tragedy lay in the fact that while this Church gloated over material wealth, she was unconscious of her spiritual poverty; again indicative of the modern Church!): 18 I counsel you to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich (what they needed to “buy” could not be purchased with money, but only with the precious Blood of Christ, which price has already been paid; but the modern Church is not interested!); and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear (refers to Righteousness which is exclusively of Christ, and is gained only by Faith in Christ and the Cross; this tells us that the Laodicean Church is extremely self-righteous; not having the Righteousness of Christ, they are “naked” to the Judgment of God); and anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see. (The modern Church is also spiritually blind.) 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten (implies a remnant): be zealous therefore, and repent. (The modern Church desperately needs to repent for its rebellion against God’s Divine Order [Christ and the Cross] and for following cunningly devised fables [II Pet. 1:16].) 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock (presents Christ outside the Church): if any man hear My voice (so much religious racket is going on that it is difficult to “hear His Voice”), and open the door (Christ is the True Door, which means the Church has erected another door), I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. (Having been rejected by the Church, our Lord now appeals to individuals, and He is still doing so presently.) 21 To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne (the overcomer will gain the prize of the Throne, which can only be done by one ever making the Cross the Object of his Faith), even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne. (This presents Christ as our Substitute, going before us, and doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.) 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the Churches. (In plain language, the Holy Spirit is saying, “come back to Christ and the Cross!")
2 Peter 1:16 (KJV)
16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables (refers to “heresies” taught by “false teachers”; in other words, anything that leads one away from Christ and the Cross), when we made known unto you the Power and Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (what Christ could do in one’s life, which the Cross made possible), but were eyewitnesses of His Majesty. (This pertains to the Transfiguration, which was an actual demonstration of Christ coming in His Glory to Earth to set up His Kingdom [Mat. 16:27-28; 17:1-8; 24:29-31; 25:31-46; Rev. 19:11-21].)
16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables (refers to “heresies” taught by “false teachers”; in other words, anything that leads one away from Christ and the Cross), when we made known unto you the Power and Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (what Christ could do in one’s life, which the Cross made possible), but were eyewitnesses of His Majesty. (This pertains to the Transfiguration, which was an actual demonstration of Christ coming in His Glory to Earth to set up His Kingdom [Mat. 16:27-28; 17:1-8; 24:29-31; 25:31-46; Rev. 19:11-21].)
Matthew 16:27-28 (KJV)
27 For the Son of Man shall come in the Glory of His Father with His Angels (while the Son must suffer, nevertheless, Glory will follow; He speaks here of the Second Coming); and then He shall reward every man according to his works (“every man” refers first of all to the Saints and the Judgment Seat of Christ, where rewards will be handed out, and to the unredeemed at the Great White Throne Judgment, where eternal damnation will be meted out [Rev. 20:11-15]). 28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom (refers to the Transfiguration of Christ, which would take place in a few hours, and would be observed by Peter, James, and John).
27 For the Son of Man shall come in the Glory of His Father with His Angels (while the Son must suffer, nevertheless, Glory will follow; He speaks here of the Second Coming); and then He shall reward every man according to his works (“every man” refers first of all to the Saints and the Judgment Seat of Christ, where rewards will be handed out, and to the unredeemed at the Great White Throne Judgment, where eternal damnation will be meted out [Rev. 20:11-15]). 28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom (refers to the Transfiguration of Christ, which would take place in a few hours, and would be observed by Peter, James, and John).
Matthew 17:1-8 (KJV)
1 And after six days (is exclusive, meaning, that all the days and time are not included; Luke said, “about eight days,” but is inclusive, meaning that everything is included) Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into an high mountain apart (does not tell us which mountain; “apart” from the other Disciples), 2 And was transfigured before them (means that the Glory did not shine upon Jesus, but instead, shone out from Him through His raiment): and His Face did shine as the sun (Rev. 1:16), and His Raiment was white as the light (the light made it white). 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with Him (Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets, the dead, and raptured Saints; they spoke with Him of His Atoning Death [Lk. 9:31]; this doctrine is the great theme of Heaven [Rev. 1:5; 5:6, 9; 7:14]). 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if you will, let us make here three Tabernacles; one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah (God will not have even the greatest Saints associated with His Beloved Son in worship or teaching). 5 While He yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them (this was a demonstration of the Shechinah, a token of the presence of the Most High, which had appeared over the Tabernacle in the wilderness): and behold a Voice out of the cloud (the “cloud” overshadowing them was a fore-view of the Work of the Holy Spirit after the Day of Pentecost in glorifying Christ [Jn.16:14]), which said, This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased (we have here the Trinity, the Voice out of the cloud, which was the Father, Jesus, standing in a radiant light, and the Holy Spirit present with the overshadowing cloud); hear ye Him (Hear Him Alone; everything comes through Christ, and what Christ did at the Cross; the Holy Spirit works accordingly [Rom. 8:2]). 6 And when the Disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid (the words, “sore afraid,” meant that they were fearful that they would die). 7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid (ever the Voice of the Saviour to those who are truly sincere, but yet wrong). 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes (proclaims them earnestly surveying the locality), they saw no man, save Jesus only (everything hinges on Jesus, and what He did at the Cross).
1 And after six days (is exclusive, meaning, that all the days and time are not included; Luke said, “about eight days,” but is inclusive, meaning that everything is included) Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into an high mountain apart (does not tell us which mountain; “apart” from the other Disciples), 2 And was transfigured before them (means that the Glory did not shine upon Jesus, but instead, shone out from Him through His raiment): and His Face did shine as the sun (Rev. 1:16), and His Raiment was white as the light (the light made it white). 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with Him (Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets, the dead, and raptured Saints; they spoke with Him of His Atoning Death [Lk. 9:31]; this doctrine is the great theme of Heaven [Rev. 1:5; 5:6, 9; 7:14]). 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if you will, let us make here three Tabernacles; one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah (God will not have even the greatest Saints associated with His Beloved Son in worship or teaching). 5 While He yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them (this was a demonstration of the Shechinah, a token of the presence of the Most High, which had appeared over the Tabernacle in the wilderness): and behold a Voice out of the cloud (the “cloud” overshadowing them was a fore-view of the Work of the Holy Spirit after the Day of Pentecost in glorifying Christ [Jn.16:14]), which said, This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased (we have here the Trinity, the Voice out of the cloud, which was the Father, Jesus, standing in a radiant light, and the Holy Spirit present with the overshadowing cloud); hear ye Him (Hear Him Alone; everything comes through Christ, and what Christ did at the Cross; the Holy Spirit works accordingly [Rom. 8:2]). 6 And when the Disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid (the words, “sore afraid,” meant that they were fearful that they would die). 7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid (ever the Voice of the Saviour to those who are truly sincere, but yet wrong). 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes (proclaims them earnestly surveying the locality), they saw no man, save Jesus only (everything hinges on Jesus, and what He did at the Cross).
Matthew 24:29-31 (KJV)
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days (speaks of the time immediately preceding the Second Coming) shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light (the light of these orbs will be dim by comparison to the light of the Son of God), and the stars shall fall from Heaven (a display of Heavenly fireworks at the Second Coming), and the powers of the Heavens shall be shaken (will work with the Son of God against the Antichrist, at the Second Coming): 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven (pertains to the Second Coming, which will take place in the midst of these Earth and Heaven shaking events): and then shall all the tribes of the Earth mourn (concerns all the nations of the world which possibly will see this phenomenon by Television), and they shall see the Son of Man (denotes Christ and His human, Glorified Body) coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory (lends credence to the thought that much of the world will see Him by Television as He makes His descent). 31 And He shall send His Angels (they will be visible) with a great sound of a trumpet (announcing the gathering of Israel), and they shall gather together His elect (Israel) from the four winds, from one end of Heaven to the other (Jews will be gathered from all over the world, and brought to Israel).
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days (speaks of the time immediately preceding the Second Coming) shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light (the light of these orbs will be dim by comparison to the light of the Son of God), and the stars shall fall from Heaven (a display of Heavenly fireworks at the Second Coming), and the powers of the Heavens shall be shaken (will work with the Son of God against the Antichrist, at the Second Coming): 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven (pertains to the Second Coming, which will take place in the midst of these Earth and Heaven shaking events): and then shall all the tribes of the Earth mourn (concerns all the nations of the world which possibly will see this phenomenon by Television), and they shall see the Son of Man (denotes Christ and His human, Glorified Body) coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory (lends credence to the thought that much of the world will see Him by Television as He makes His descent). 31 And He shall send His Angels (they will be visible) with a great sound of a trumpet (announcing the gathering of Israel), and they shall gather together His elect (Israel) from the four winds, from one end of Heaven to the other (Jews will be gathered from all over the world, and brought to Israel).
Isaiah 66:19 (KJV)
19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those who escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, who have not heard My fame, neither have seen My Glory; and they shall declare My Glory among the Gentiles. (“And I will set a sign among them,” actually pertains to Christ. He will be the sign! “And I will send those who escape of them unto the nations,” refers to the two-thirds who will be killed during the latter half of the Great Tribulation and the Battle of Armageddon, who did not want or desire Christ. The one-third of Israel remaining [Zech. 13:8-9] will then be sent as missionaries to the nations of the world to proclaim Messiah’s Glory. They will do so with such success that entire nations will be converted even in “one day” [Vs. 8]. Then Israel will finally fulfill her intended purpose to serve as a light to the world.)
19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those who escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, who have not heard My fame, neither have seen My Glory; and they shall declare My Glory among the Gentiles. (“And I will set a sign among them,” actually pertains to Christ. He will be the sign! “And I will send those who escape of them unto the nations,” refers to the two-thirds who will be killed during the latter half of the Great Tribulation and the Battle of Armageddon, who did not want or desire Christ. The one-third of Israel remaining [Zech. 13:8-9] will then be sent as missionaries to the nations of the world to proclaim Messiah’s Glory. They will do so with such success that entire nations will be converted even in “one day” [Vs. 8]. Then Israel will finally fulfill her intended purpose to serve as a light to the world.)
Isaiah 27:9 (KJV)
9 By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he makes all the stones of the Altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up. (The cleansing effect of this purging of the Vine is declared. In this Verse, the word “fruit” means “results.” The result of chastening is that iniquity is purged and sin taken away. This is not necessarily the expiation of guilt by the Atonement of Christ, for that has already been done, but it is the purging of a branch already in the True Vine [Zech. 13:1; Jn., Chpt. 15].)
9 By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he makes all the stones of the Altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up. (The cleansing effect of this purging of the Vine is declared. In this Verse, the word “fruit” means “results.” The result of chastening is that iniquity is purged and sin taken away. This is not necessarily the expiation of guilt by the Atonement of Christ, for that has already been done, but it is the purging of a branch already in the True Vine [Zech. 13:1; Jn., Chpt. 15].)
Isaiah 59:20-21 (KJV)
20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them who turn from transgression in Jacob, says the LORD. (The “Redeemer” is Christ, and He shall “come to Zion.” Paul quoted this in Rom. 11:26. All the “transgressions” mentioned in Verse 12 and corresponding Scriptures will now, and finally, be brought to the Redeemer. Then “Jacob” will finally become “Israel, the Prince with God.”) 21 As for Me, this is My Covenant with them, says the LORD; My Spirit that is upon you, and My Words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the mouth of your seed, nor out of the mouth of your seed’s seed, says the LORD, from henceforth and forever. (The words, “As for Me,” refer to Jehovah speaking, and not Isaiah. This Scripture proclaims the Divine Trinity:
20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them who turn from transgression in Jacob, says the LORD. (The “Redeemer” is Christ, and He shall “come to Zion.” Paul quoted this in Rom. 11:26. All the “transgressions” mentioned in Verse 12 and corresponding Scriptures will now, and finally, be brought to the Redeemer. Then “Jacob” will finally become “Israel, the Prince with God.”) 21 As for Me, this is My Covenant with them, says the LORD; My Spirit that is upon you, and My Words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the mouth of your seed, nor out of the mouth of your seed’s seed, says the LORD, from henceforth and forever. (The words, “As for Me,” refer to Jehovah speaking, and not Isaiah. This Scripture proclaims the Divine Trinity:
1. The One speaking is Jehovah;
2. The Redeemer is the Messiah; and,
3. My Spirit, i.e., the Holy Spirit, Who is sent by Jehovah, is still yet another Person [Jn. 14:16, 26]. The words, “My Covenant,” refer to the New Testament, i.e., New Covenant, which Israel would not accept the first time, but will now accept! "My Words” refer to the entirety of the Bible. Israel, even though used by God to bring it into the world, still, never really did abide by it. Now they shall, and it “shall not depart out of your mouth.” As well, the Holy Spirit declares that all succeeding generations will continue to follow the Lord, as referred to by “Your seed’s seed.” This will all take place during the coming Kingdom Age.)
Zechariah 13:1 (KJV)
1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the House of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. (“In that day,” occurs eighteen times from 9:16 through 14:21. This shows how precious “that day” is to the Messiah’s Heart. In that day, His Victory over the enemies of His People will be great, but greater will be His Moral Victory over His People themselves. The Christian’s true triumphs are God’s Triumphs over him, and God’s Triumphs over His People are their only victories. Such was Jacob of old, who represented Israel in that coming Glad Day. The conversion of the Apostle Paul illustrates the future conversion of Israel. He hated Jesus, but on the Damascus Road, he looked upon Him Whom he had pierced, mourned, and wept. The phrase, “In that day there shall be a fountain opened,” does not mean that it is first opened there, but that Israel will only begin to partake of it “in that day,” i.e., the beginning of the Kingdom Age. This fountain was historically opened at Calvary, but will be consciously opened to repentant Jews in the future day of her Repentance. For the fact and function of that fountain only becomes conscious to the awakened sinner. A true sense of sin and guilt in relationship to God awakens the sense of the need of cleansing, and so the shed and cleansing Blood of the Lamb of God becomes precious to convicted conscience. As well, the ever-living efficacy of Christ’s Atoning Work, with its power to cleanse the conscience and the life, is justly comparable to a fountain and not to a font. The sense of the Hebrew Text is that this Fountain shall be opened and shall remain open. “To the House of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness,” portrays the possibility that, of all sinners, the Jerusalem sinners may be accounted the greatest. It was Jerusalem that stoned the Prophets and crucified the Messiah; therefore, great sinners may hope for pardon and cleansing in this Fountain opened for the House of David. The entrance of Christ judges sin, unmasks its true character, and arouses a moral consciousness which approves that judgment. That entrance dominates, adjusts, disciplines, instructs, and cleanses man’s affections, relationships, and desires. All of this must be cleansed, not only in Israel of a future day, but also in any and all of who come to Christ. That Fountain is open to all!)
1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the House of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. (“In that day,” occurs eighteen times from 9:16 through 14:21. This shows how precious “that day” is to the Messiah’s Heart. In that day, His Victory over the enemies of His People will be great, but greater will be His Moral Victory over His People themselves. The Christian’s true triumphs are God’s Triumphs over him, and God’s Triumphs over His People are their only victories. Such was Jacob of old, who represented Israel in that coming Glad Day. The conversion of the Apostle Paul illustrates the future conversion of Israel. He hated Jesus, but on the Damascus Road, he looked upon Him Whom he had pierced, mourned, and wept. The phrase, “In that day there shall be a fountain opened,” does not mean that it is first opened there, but that Israel will only begin to partake of it “in that day,” i.e., the beginning of the Kingdom Age. This fountain was historically opened at Calvary, but will be consciously opened to repentant Jews in the future day of her Repentance. For the fact and function of that fountain only becomes conscious to the awakened sinner. A true sense of sin and guilt in relationship to God awakens the sense of the need of cleansing, and so the shed and cleansing Blood of the Lamb of God becomes precious to convicted conscience. As well, the ever-living efficacy of Christ’s Atoning Work, with its power to cleanse the conscience and the life, is justly comparable to a fountain and not to a font. The sense of the Hebrew Text is that this Fountain shall be opened and shall remain open. “To the House of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness,” portrays the possibility that, of all sinners, the Jerusalem sinners may be accounted the greatest. It was Jerusalem that stoned the Prophets and crucified the Messiah; therefore, great sinners may hope for pardon and cleansing in this Fountain opened for the House of David. The entrance of Christ judges sin, unmasks its true character, and arouses a moral consciousness which approves that judgment. That entrance dominates, adjusts, disciplines, instructs, and cleanses man’s affections, relationships, and desires. All of this must be cleansed, not only in Israel of a future day, but also in any and all of who come to Christ. That Fountain is open to all!)
Job 41:11 (KJV)
11 Who has prevented Me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole Heaven is Mine (all things belong to God; one day, the Lord will make an end of Satan; the Bible tells us so [Rev. 20:1–3]).
11 Who has prevented Me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole Heaven is Mine (all things belong to God; one day, the Lord will make an end of Satan; the Bible tells us so [Rev. 20:1–3]).
God’s Purpose, we are to live for God, we are to Glorify, Edify and Praise God and that is it.
We are to live for God’s Purpose and not for our purpose. We are to live in God’s way, our way leads to hell.
Lets close in prayer.
