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• WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS
• THE REVELATION OF GOD'S SONS
• GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE
• THE FEAR OF THE LORD
• ROE VERSUS WADE

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August 2022

 

 

 

 

WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS

BE NOT DECEIVED

Alfred King

        How flippantly so many take the warnings of Jesus and the Apostles, carelessly believing any charlatan who comes along with the gift to gab and a winsome personality. Since the fall of Adam, deception has been around, and like a plague creeping into every crack in one’s armor to pollute truth and to lead away from God’s standards and His requirements. The threat of deception has become more prevalent and dangerous as we approach the latter days. When Jesus was asked by His disciples about signs of the days just prior to His return, His first statement was a warning of deception. “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matt.24:4). As He proceeded to inform them of signs which would surely come before His return, He returned twice again to the issue of deception that would be prevalent in the land. “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matt.24:11). And again in verse 24, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

        Warning us also was the Apostle Paul in several of his epistles. In writing to the church in Thessalonica, he warned of the grievous state in which many would find themselves departing from the faith they once owned. Paul’s heart must have been very heavy as he wrote these words to this church whom he founded and to its members whom he loved. “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first…” (IIThess.2:3a). It is obvious that throughout history men have fallen from the righteous path to which God has called them to tread. But what Paul is emphasizing is that, in the latter times, this apostasy would increase and so many would turn away from the truth, that it would be considered “a great falling away” or many departing from the faith. This falling away is also referred to as, “The Great Apostasy.”

        Living in the year 2022, it is shocking to see how quickly our world is changing. However, it is not just the world that is plummeting into an abysmal state but, also, how quickly our churches are changing, and in too many cases, not for the better. False teachings prevail and sin has gained entrance to such a degree that homosexuals and lesbians now stand in the pulpits of many churches, especially in America. These people are deceived. They have fallen into the trap of the enemy’s lies. They have turned from holiness, righteousness, and wrested and twisted the word of God to such a degree that they call sin an expression of love. The slogan and cry for many churches today is “Love!” We must love everyone. They quote IPeter4:8, “Love covers a multitude of sins,” thus justifying the embracing of evil as though it is good.

        It is true that we must love every soul. God so loved the world (every human ever born) that He sent His only begotten Son into the world that men might be saved. Peter expressed God’s desire that God was not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance. Even under the Old Covenant, God expressed His desire that the wicked not perish. “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezek.33:11)

The Messianic Deception

        One of the great deceptions that has been gaining ground over the past few decades is that of the Messianic movement. This movement is focused on returning to the Old Covenant, returning to the laws and practices of the Levitical priesthood. While they claim to be Christian and followers of Christ, they are determined to return to the old order, an order which Christ came to fulfil and do away with. All the necessary requirements of the law, which the Levitical order portrayed through physical offerings and material items, especially as they related to the temple worship and offering of sacrifices, were types revealing spiritual truths. Jesus became the Lamb of God which would take away the sins of the world. The temple was a physical picture of heavenly things. The blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins, it took the shedding of the blood of Christ to cleanse and redeem men. To go back to the Levitical order is extremely serious and a grave mistake, for it deprecates the work of Jesus Christ.

        In the book of Hebrews, a book in which the writer is expressly writing to Israelites and Jews, he exalts Jesus and glorifies Him and extols His accomplishments through His suffering and death. It seems the whole book of Hebrews is intended to warn converted Christians of returning to Judaism. The most serious warning in this book is found in chapters six and ten. Let’s take a quick look at the warning given in Hebrews six.

        In this article, we will just consider the first two verses of Hebrews 6. (The first few verses in Hebrews six have been debated, discussed, and studied for centuries, and much controversy surrounds them. Let me state as a disclaimer that this portion of scripture does have obvious truths which are very important to believers today and should be carefully understood in regard to the falling away referred to in scripture.) “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God. Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”

        The writer admonishes the Hebrews to leave certain foundational doctrines and to go on to perfection. He then lists six doctrines which needed to be laid aside. Those are: “repentance from dead works,” “faith towards God,” “doctrines of baptisms,” “laying on of hands,” resurrection of the dead,” and “eternal judgment.” Let’s examine each one separately.

The Foundational Principles Of The Doctrine Of Christ

        There are certainly foundational principles in the Gospel of Jesus Christ of which the writer speaks in chapter six of Hebrews. However, the writer appears to be alluding to a specific set of principles in this chapter, which the Hebrews were wrestling with. Leaving the old order which they had been taught all their lives was difficult to leave behind. The Levitical order, which included the temple and the accouterments which accompanied the sacrifices and worship, all pictured the coming of the One whose blood could take away sin and whose coming would issue in His kingdom. The temple worship and sacrifices prophesied and foretold, in a special way, the kingdom which Jesus came to establish. This is why, when one is born again, he is translated out of the kingdom of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Col.1:13). The Levitical order was a type and shadow of the spiritual and real order of worship which is acceptable to God.

Repentance From Dead Works

        In the book of Hebrews we are informed clearly that the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin (Heb.10:4). What, then, was the purpose of offering the blood of bulls and goats? It prefigured things to come. It foreshadowed the Lamb of God whose blood could take away sin. The message in the epistle to the Hebrews was specifically to Jews and Israelites who had received the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The writer is warning these converted Hebrews that they must not return to the Levitical order. The term the writer uses is “dead works.” Animal sacrifice could not take away sin and the warning in chapter six is clear; don’t go back into the old order but continue in the Gospel path.

Faith Toward God

        Israel put their faith in the law of Moses and trusted that their works in accordance with the Levitical order was their saving hope. Their faith rested in the order that was worldly, temporal, and was a shadow of the real. It was an earthly affair that pointed forward to the work in the spiritual realm which Jesus came and offered in the Gospel. The fact that so many in the Messianic movement are teaching and believing that God wants His people to return to the old order is proving to be a great deception in our day. The book of Hebrews is presenting a grave warning about returning to the Old Covenant. The next point, baptism, helps one understand the meaning of “faith toward God.”

Doctrines Of Baptisms

        The issue of baptisms is probably one of the easiest to see when referring to the old order. Baptism has to do with washing. Under the Levitical priesthood, washing was included in every part of the temple worship. It was very important to the Pharisees in Jesus’ day, as clearly seen in their finding fault with the disciples for not washing their hands before eating (Mark7:1-5). Jesus reproved their dead religious practices in His rebuke to them in Matthew 23. He referred to them as “whited sepulchers,” nice and clean looking outwardly, but inwardly they were full of dead men’s bones. He pointed out their hypocrisy in wanting to appear unto men as Godly. They clean up the outside of the cup and platter but within were full of extortion and excess (Matt.23:25-27). They had a lot of religion but knew nothing of saving grace or of the Gospel.

        Returning to the old order is the warning the writer to the Hebrews was addressing. Paul faced this same problem when writing to the church in Galatia. It seems Paul was puzzled that those Jews in Galatia who had been saved by the grace of God, forgiven and pardoned through the blood of Jesus, would want to go back to the weak and beggary elements of the Levitical order. Consider his words in Galatians3:1-3. “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”

        If, then, men today are saved by grace through faith, why would one desire to return to the Levitical order? Religion is a powerful force and men, in their religious pride, want to earn their way rather than accept the free gift offered by Jesus Christ.

        In his letter to the Church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul stated that Israel was baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea (ICor.10:2). Baptism is a sign of death to the old way of life and the birth of a new. When Israel was baptized unto Moses, it was a sign that they were no longer under the life they had in Egypt. The teachings and practices of Egypt were forsaken, and they now served Jehovah under the tutorship of Moses. They now followed the teachings of God as given through God’s servant Moses.

        When Jesus came preaching the Gospel, the Hebrews were called out of the teachings of Moses and were now baptized into Christ. We no longer follow the Old Testament order set up under Moses but are now followers of Christ and His teachings. The Hebrews are being warned here in Hebrews of the dangers of falling back into the old order and losing their salvation.

Laying On Of Hands

        The laying on of hands under the Mosaic order was when a goat was brought for sacrifice. The offerer would place his hand upon the goat’s head as a symbol that his sins were being transferred to the goat. The goat was then killed for the sins of the offerer. This practice is recorded in Lev.4:23-24. “Or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish: And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the Lord: it is a sin offering.”

        Followers of Jesus Christ live under the New Covenant, not that which was given to Moses. Our sins have been placed upon Jesus Christ and He paid the penalty. To revert back to lambs and goats is an abomination before the Lord and is a statement that Jesus’ sacrifice was not sufficient.

Resurrection Of The Dead

        The topic of the afterlife is one that has put fear and dread into lives since the beginning of time. Fear of death has caused men to build elaborate pyramids and tombs, in which were stored riches and treasures for the afterlife. Throughout the ages, a myriad of theories and philosophies have existed all relative to life beyond the grave. Every nation had their particular gods which they served, not only for the blessings they felt they would receive in this life, but also in the life to come. One of the oldest books in the bible is the book of Job, and in it is recorded Job’s words relative to the afterlife. “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me” (Job19:25-27).

        The Gospel has dealt with the issue of life after death for all who come to know Christ Jesus. The law of Moses did not and could not provide a way for men to be certain of their eternal destiny; that assurance came only through Jesus Christ. Today, Christians who truly know God have no fear of death, for they can rest securely in the perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. Jesus dealt with death (spiritual death) so that now men can gain life eternal and know where their eternity rests.

Eternal Judgment

        Under the Mosaic dispensation, men were judged by their works. And it is true that even under the New Covenant, men will be judged by their works. “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” (Matt16:27). (Also, consider Rev.20:12-13; Rom.2:6) While the term “judge or judgment” can mean condemning or pronouncing an adverse sentence, it also can be defined as discerning. Those in Christ will be judged (or discerned) as righteous and rewarded accordingly.

        A fundamental fact presented in scripture is that man cannot save himself by his works. He is a sinner and, therefore, his sentence is death. However, Jesus came and paid that sin-price for all who will come in faith to Jesus Christ. It is at this point that one’s sins are transferred to Jesus Christ, Who suffered for our sins, paying the price so those who believe in Him can go free and gain eternal life.

        The Mosaic order could not provide an escape from sin’s eternal judgment; only Jesus Christ was able to obtain freedom from the wrath to come.

        The Gospel is not so that believers can live any way they want, for what the Gospel provides is not only release from the penalty of sin but, included also, is the power to overcome sin in our lives. While we should be forever grateful to God for the pardon of sin and the removal of past sins from our account, we must also realize that the Gospel offers sin-cleansing power. There is power through the blood of Jesus and, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, for believers to overcome sin in their lives. Consider Paul’s words just prior to his death in Rome. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing”(IITim.4:7-8). Paul had works with his faith.

Leaving The Principle Doctrines Of Christ

        The teaching in Hebrews six is twofold. It has its application to Christians from the day it was written to the present day. However, in writing to the Hebrews, it is obvious that the writer has the Jews specifically in mind. They were encouraged by family and friends to return to the Mosaic order. They suffered persecutions because of their new-found faith. They were ostracized, criticized, rejected, and faced opposition on every front. Some turned back and fell away. This happened to many Jews in that day. Sadly, many believers are following in the footsteps of those early Jews. The writer to the Hebrews makes a very profound and important declaration: It is impossible to renew them to repentance. I fear this is where the Messianic movement is taking people. This is written as a warning specifically for those who may be involved in that movement, but it also contains a message for all believers today.

        Paul warned the church in Thessalonica that in the latter days, there would come a falling away. “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (IIThess.2:3). Jesus also mentioned a time when iniquity would abound and the love of many would grow cold (Matt.24:12).

        We are exhorted to earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints (Jude3). We are admonished to make our calling and election sure (IIPeter1:10); to press toward the mark of the high calling of God (Phil.3:14). Let us not leave our first love (Rev.2:4), and let us not go back to the weak and beggarly elements of the Mosaic order (Gal.4:9). Rather, let us go on to perfection (Heb.6:1).

 

 

 

 

THE REVELATION OF GOD'S SONS

Romans 8:19

Randall Walton

        According to Paul's testimony in Romans 8, God has a special plan for a select people who will participate in an outstanding display of divine Sonship. We use the future tense here because there is no record that there has ever been a revelation or manifestation of the Sons of God.

        Paul states that mankind waits in anticipation of this glorious event. It is fair to say that few people know much about this supernatural undertaking, but those who really know God know within themselves that there is a deep longing in their hearts for a fuller life of devotion to God, for a closer walk with Him, for a greater knowledge of Him and His holiness. There does exist an anticipation for something richer, deeper, fuller, higher, broader, greater than that which we presently enjoy.

        We may not realize in detail what it is that we wait for, but Paul called it “the manifestation of the sons of God.” He also expressed it as “the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:14). There lies within every believer the knowledge that we are not all that we can or should be; so we are constantly reaching out for more, more of God, more of His divine presence, more of His likeness.

        We sing “To Be Like Jesus” because this very simply states our heart's desires, to be a son as He was a Son, to be the “express image of his person,” or to reach “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph.4:13). We do not seek omnipotence, nor omniscience, nor the ability to perform signs, wonders and miracles. Our call is about character, the “divine nature,” the very antithesis of the carnal nature. The beauty of Jesus is not due alone to His majesty and royalty, though this is most evident in His demeanor and deportment, but His true character is revealed in what and who He is: the attributes of His nature; love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, righteousness, faithfulness, meekness, yieldedness to the Father's will. He is the very embodiment and personification of holiness. To be holy is to be like Him, or to be like Him is to be holy.

Sons Now

        Every person who comes to Jesus Christ, or who is born again, is a son of God, adopted into His family and a member of His household (Eph.2:19).

        “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called THE SONS OF GOD” (IJohn3:1). This is no idle statement. Neither was it meant as an ego builder. In fact, it should strike a chord of awe and humility within our beings to think that God would look upon us as His sons, we who were so wicked and vile that it was necessary for His pure and only begotten Son to be murdered in our place. The punishment we deserved was meted out to Him. “What manner of love” is this?

        The terms sons, children, and brethren are extant all through the New Testament writings, as is also the masculine Father. God is seldom shown as the Almighty deity capable of destroying man and beast, earth and hell. He is depicted as a loving parent, One who cares for and protects His offspring. This does not mean that He dotes on them, or gives them anything and everything they want, but He does give them whatever they need, even if it means a divine spanking: “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons” (Heb.12:7-8).

        God disciplines His sons because He loves them and wants them to develop into mature adults who are capable of carrying out His divine commission. Maturity includes dependability, reliability, trustworthiness, faithfulness, undeviating loyalty to God and His purposes, and possessing the attributes of His own glorious nature.

        “For they (fathers of the flesh) verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he FOR OUR PROFIT, that we might be partakers of his holiness” (Heb.12:10)!

Sonship

        While every true believer is a child of God, we recognize the fact that they are not all in the same stage of development or growth. Some are mere infants, spiritually speaking, while others are approaching adulthood, and some are very young adults. However, all are being subjected to the same process of growing up in God's family with the same objective in view: “partakers of his holiness.” This is the reason we were saved; this is the purpose of our walk with God. He never intended that we merely become religious, or a regular church-goer. There is a far greater goal in life for us than this.

        “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; for we shall see him as he is” (IJohn3:2).

        When He appears, the saints (or the sons) will receive immortality and incorruptibility (ICor.15:51,52). Contrary to what many teachers teach, man does not possess an immortal soul. Immortality at the present time is a possession of God alone (ITim.6:15,16). The state-of-being known as immortality is reserved only for the redeemed who will receive it at the day of resurrection, which is also the day of judgment. This is that great and final reward which will only be granted to the sons of God. The sinners are not promised eternal life, but rather eternal death. (The wages of sin is death [Rom.6:23])

        However, it is evident in the Scriptures that some sons will attain a great transformation before He appears; that is, the attaining of the divine nature, or the growing into complete spiritual maturity in their lifetime. Jesus gave an order in His Sermon on the Mount: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matt.5:48).

        The meaning of the word “perfect” is mature, full grown, complete. Or we could say, “Be all that God wants you to be, all that you can be.” Live to your full potential. Within this context, Jesus is the pattern or example for us to follow.

        This, of course, does not mean that we are to become God as Jesus was God, but that we are to become fully mature within the scope or range of possibility as God's sons (with a small “s”). This is why Jesus could rightfully say, “I am the way,” “I am the door,” “I am the light of the world.” He demonstrated how we should live and conduct ourselves. For example:

        1. He was totally dedicated to the Father's will.

        2. He only did that which the Father told Him to do.

        3. He never failed; He did not sin.

        4. He lived above the world and its cravings.

        5. He was pure and holy in word and deed.

        6. He was compassionate but not sentimental.

        7. He was meek and humble but uncompromising.

        8. His actions were motivated by love for the Father and people.

        He met all the demands of righteousness, holiness, and divine character. And His life on earth was exemplary for us, “that ye should follow his steps” (IPet.2:21). It is most evident that the sons of God have not as yet imitated the life of Jesus Christ, perhaps because it seems to be unattainable, too idealistic, or just an impossible dream. It is more practical, it seems, to settle for religiosity, or mediocrity, just sliding by with a minimum of effort and application of His commands.

Some Must Enter In

        The writer of the book of Hebrews went into great detail regarding “entering into his rest” (Heb.4:1), which he states that the seventh day Sabbath is a symbol or a picture of. He defines this rest in verse 10 as: “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” Ceased from his own works! This is exactly what Jesus, the Son of the living God, did. He never did His own will, but only the will of His Father.

        “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day” (John9:4). Every son of God is called to follow this example of the Lord Jesus, that is, cease from his own works and will, and do only the works and the will of the heavenly Father.

        Since it is stated that “some must enter therein” it appears very obvious that some of God's sons are going to reach maturity, or full sonship, and be all that God intended them to be. It also appears logical that these will be the candidates for participation in the glorious event which Paul calls the “manifestation of the sons of God.” And when will this occur?

        The answer to this question rests in the subjects themselves. There will be no manifestation of God's sons until they meet the standards or the requirements of sonship, which means they must cease from their own works and do the works of God. “That we henceforth be no more children (literally infants), tossed to and fro, and carried about by every wind of doctrine…” etc. (Eph.4:14)

        “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things” (ICor.13:11). Adulthood places certain responsibilities upon a person which are inappropriate for babyhood or childhood. God wants His people to grow up, be mature, to possess the spiritual qualities which are available to everyone who walks with Him.

        “And he that overcometh and keepeth MY works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father” (Rev.2:26,27).

        Here, then, is a vivid description of the mature sons of God and their mission.

        1. They are overcomers! They have conquered every enemy: the flesh, the world and satan. They have fought a good fight and have won the victory. No one overcomes by dereliction of duty and lack of perseverance. They have brought reality to Paul's declaration that “we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Rom.8:37). They have succeeded in putting on the whole armor of God and defeating their adversaries. They have attained unto full adulthood, or maturity, in this life. They are overcomers!

        2. They are given authority over the kingdoms of this world to command and restore order. Because they are totally surrendered to Jesus Christ and His cause, they will carry out His purposes and commands. They will demonstrate what it means to be a mature son of God. They will live and conduct their lives as Jesus lived and conducted His life. They will be instrumental in bringing down that great city Babylon, the whore of Revelation 17 and 18. This is one of the great events which will precede the return of the Lord Jesus in the clouds of glory and, as an event, it will necessarily be but for a short period of time.

        God is now calling for His children to enter into that state of sonship. Such a call is not to be considered lightly nor disrespectfully, but seriously, soberly, and in the fear of God, for this high calling of God in Christ requires total surrender to God and His will, or as Paul so ably stated it: “that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom.12:1,2).

        This is what it will take to be a participant in “the manifestation of the sons of God.”

 

 

 

 

GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE

Douglas Kilgore

        There is a belief among various church groups that this earth will be burned, cleansed, refurbished, then reinhabited by the righteous saints.

        In searching the scriptures, let us see what we find on the matter.

        In Christ's Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew5:5, Christ states: “Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.” Also, Psalm37:11 says, “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

        IIPeter3:6-13 is a prophecy among several in scripture giving proof of the earth's end by fire. IIPeter 3:6-13: “Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished; (v. 7) But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (v. 10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (v. 11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness. (v. 12) Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God; wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? (v. 13) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

        Isaiah24:1: “Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. (v. 4) The earth mourneth and fadeth away. The world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. (v. 5) The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. (v. 6) Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.”

        Also, we find in Malachi4:1: “Behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Psalm 75:3 makes reference to the earth's demise. “The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved; I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.” We also find several references in the words of Christ as to the passing of heaven and earth. Matthew5:18 (Christ's Sermon on the Mount): “For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” The Lord also repeats the same in Matthew24:35: “Heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away.”

        Two more witnesses to these words of Christ are found in Mark13:31 as well as in Luke21:33.

        Now we will see what we, as Christians, have to look forward to as prophesied in scripture.

        * Isaiah 65:17: “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. (v. 18) But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create; for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” And in Isaiah 66:22 we read: “For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain.”

        In Revelation 21:1, John writes: “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.”

        Also, we read from 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.

        So, according to scripture and Christ's own words, the meek, faithful saints, will find inheritance in the new earth, not this old earth which is reserved unto fire, dissolved and no place found for it.

        In conclusion, we find promise in Hebrew12:22-29: “But ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (v. 23) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (v. 24) and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (v. 25) See that ye refuse not him that speaketh, for if they escape not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him who speaketh from heaven; (v. 26) whose voice then shook the earth; but now he hath promised, saying, yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. (v. 27) And this word, yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. (v. 28) Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. (v. 29) For our God is a consuming fire.”

        Let us, also, think seriously upon John's prophecy in Revelation20:7-9: “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, (v. 8) and shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. (v. 9) And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city; and fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.”

        Yes, our God is truly a consuming fire!

        * Editor’s Note:

        People of the Living God is not convinced that the saints will possess the new heavens and the new earth. While scripture is clear there will be a new heavens and a new earth, what all is involved in that creation is not so obvious. Since scripture is vague at best regarding the new heavens and new earth, we refrain from stating it as our Brother Kilgore has in this article. It seems more likely that God, Who is a Creator, will always be creating something new, but the new heavens and new earth may be another great venture of God. What is plain in scripture is that when this earth is destroyed by fire and the very works therein burned up, the saints will be forever with the Lord, and this is what is most important. How, where, and when is in God’s hands, and the crucial point here is that they will be free from all the cares of this life and will be eternally in a heavenly state. May God hasten that day.

 

 

 

 

THE FEAR OF THE LORD

James Sanderson

        “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov.9:10). In this oft-quoted proverb, Solomon stresses the fact that the foundation stone of true wisdom is the fear of the Lord. To fear the Lord is the wisest choice that one can make in this life. Throughout the Scriptures, this fundamental virtue is enjoined upon the people of God for their present benefit and, also, for the benefit of posterity. “And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them” (Jer.32:39). “And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?” (Deut.10:12-13) In Heaven's eyes, the fear of the Lord is both indispensable and of inestimable value. “And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure” (Isa.33:6).

        The early church lived and thrived under the umbrella of the outpouring of the Spirit of God and the fear of the Lord. “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied” (Acts9:31). The Apostle Peter, also, declared, ”Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts10:34-35).

What Is The Fear Of The Lord?

        “Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him” (Psalm33:8). In this one verse, the psalmist captures the true Scriptural significance of the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is not a dread that God will, at any moment, thrust one's soul into hell or suddenly shoot a lightning bolt out of the darkness into his path. Those who walk with God understand that to fear the Lord is to have a profound awe and utmost respect for Him and His position of authority. They recognize that, as Ruler of all creation, He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. They view Him as being worthy of their love, devotion, and service. Those who have the fear of the Lord in their hearts “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Heb.12:28). Vine aptly defines the fear of the Lord, “Reverential fear of God, as a controlling motive of the life, in matters spiritual and moral, not mere fear of His power and righteous retribution, but a wholesome dread of displeasing Him, a fear which banishes the terror that shrinks from His presence and which influences the disposition and attitude of one whose circumstances are guided by trust in God, through the indwelling Spirit of God” (Vine's, pg.424).

        When an individual is inducted into the armed forces, he must undergo extensive training in order to become a reliable soldier. Beyond the demanding technical and physical training associated with his position, he must also develop an unwavering respect for those in authority. No longer does the new recruit live to please himself but to “please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (IITim.2:4). Many of the often menial tasks that he must perform are designed to produce a disciplined soldier that holds his commanding officers in high regard. The fear of the Lord is that discipline and profound respect for divine authority that every child of God must embrace if he expects to deepen his relationship with God and become a reliable servant of Jesus Christ.

        One does not possess the fear of the Lord at birth. That fear must be learned and cultivated in the school of life, or it will wither and die. David said, “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord” (Psalm34:11). In order to grow in the fear of the Lord, one must develop a more intimate relationship with God Himself. As one draws closer to the Lord, he is humbled by God's awesomeness and majesty and begins to realizes how frail and wretched his own state is before the Almighty. The prophet Isaiah exclaimed when he had entered into God's presence, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isa.6:5). The Apostle Peter, looking back on that dramatic experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, declared, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (IIPeter1:16). Saul of Tarsus, when he suddenly encountered that “light from heaven” and heard a voice calling him by name, “trembling and astonished,” fell to the earth and asked, “Lord, what will thou have me to do?” (Acts9:1-6)

The Value Of The Fear Of The Lord

        “And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not” (Ex.20:20). Although some would downplay the need of the fear of the Lord, God considers godly fear an essential element in the Christian life. The fear of the Lord serves a divine purpose in the life of the believer. This portion of Scripture reveals the primary purpose of the fear of the Lord: “that ye sin not.” The fear of the Lord is a marvelous deterrent to sin. “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil” (Prov.16:6). Job, likewise, declared that the man who has the fear of the Lord understands how “to depart from evil” (Job28:28). The fear of the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit helps to keep in check one's own carnal nature.

        The Word of God also declares, ”The fear of the Lord is to hate evil” (Prov.8:13). Those who fear God love what God loves and hate what God hates. It was said of Jesus that He “loved righteousness and hated iniquity” (Heb. 1:9).

        God honors those who walk carefully and humbly before Him in the fear of God. “Blessed is everyone that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways” (Psalm128:1). “Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments” (Psalm112:1). “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant” (Psalm25:14). No greater compliment can one receive than to be deemed a God-fearing man or woman.

A Nation Devoid Of Godly Fear

        America, much like Ancient Israel, is a nation whose spiritual foundation was laid on the bedrock of the Bible, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord. Those who first set sail to these distant shores came with the primary desire to practice their faith openly, unhampered by a culture intent on their demise. While on board their sailing vessel, the Mayflower, on November 11, 1620, they composed the “first document to establish self-government in the New World” (History.com, September 15, 2020). This document became known as the Mayflower Compact. This agreement stated that they were establishing a new colony “for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith.” This sentiment was maintained throughout the era of Colonial America and the early history of the United States. Whether public or private, “North America's first schools were established to enable everyone to read the Bible. They saw faith as the foundation of education and the main goal of it” (David Feddes, Aug. 13, 2002, “Christianity and Education,” Banner of Truth). The fear of the Lord played a huge role in the hearts and lives of many in early America.

        Unfortunately, like Israel of old, as the years went by, America turned its back on that early vision. What one observes today is a culture that openly disregards Biblical standards of right and wrong, brazenly flaunts its own pride and arrogance, and demeans those who stand for righteousness and truth. Present-day America sports a cavalier attitude toward sin. Politicians and citizens alike wring their hands wondering why mass shootings multiply, violent crime fills the streets of our cities, and immorality and every lust known to man proliferates.

        The Apostle Paul vividly describes such a society, “Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known” (Rom.3:13-17). What reason does the Apostle give for these ungodly conditions? “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom.3:18). Without the fear of the Lord, there is no restraint of sin. A free and functioning society cannot long endure without the fear of God. Such a society would implode under the weight of unbridled evil. John Adams famously stated, “This Constitution was made for a moral and religious people, it is wholly unsuited to the governance of any other.”

        In an attempt to deal with the present condition, governments often apply “band-aid” therapy or pass “feel-good” legislation, not realizing that the problem that this country faces is a spiritual problem that has been gnawing away at society for many years. The only real answer is repentance and a return to what made America great in the first place, the inculcation of Biblical standards of righteousness and the fear of the Lord. The message for this hour is found in the book of Revelation, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters” (Rev.14:7).

God's Book Of Remembrance

        It is quite encouraging that God has recorded a book of remembrance and issued a promise, especially for those who walk with Him in the fear of God. “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him” (Mal.3:16-17). The margin in my Bible states that the word jewels in this passage means a special treasure. Let us, therefore, continue steadfastly to fear the Lord and think upon His name.

 

 

 

 

ROE VERSUS WADE

Alfred King

        For we who value life and consider it a gift from God, the recent ruling by the Supreme Court seems to be the only logical conclusion when interpreting the United States Constitution. The Constitution grants freedom to all United States citizens. However, freedom can only truly exist in a nation where morality is honored, respected, and adhered to, as was so succinctly stated by John Adams, one of the framers of the United States Constitution. “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

        In light of John Adam’s statement, the United States Constitution is basically a moral set of standards which was written and designed with morality in view, under which the United States of America would be governed. The adverse and outrageous response by so many in our nation to the recent SCOTUS ruling is, in some ways, shocking and astounding, and yet not actually unexpected. It was not unexpected because morality is no longer a foundational pillar of America, nor is America a beacon of light to other nations of the world as it once was. Rather sin has come in like a flood and has washed morality and decency away from so many areas of our lives.

        The response to this ruling by liberals is to become violent. Violence is becoming more and more prevalent when people don’t like what authorities have determined. While we may not like what many of our leaders are doing and the decisions they make, violence is not the answer. Violence has placed our nation in a very precarious and weak position, and nations that are hostile to the United States are relishing it. In fact, they encourage it on many social media sites. It all works in their favor. But, blindly, Americans continue this divisive conduct and resort to violence when they don’t like the rule of law.

        The Supreme Court did not outlaw abortions (although morality does). They merely transferred that decision to the states. The ruling removed the abortion law as a federal issue and gave it to each state. Some states will continue to allow abortions, and others will not. The issue of abortion is not a federal matter other than it being a moral issue. Why then all the uproar? Because many Americans are no longer a moral people. The argument of when life begins is truly an unknown as far as science is concerned, although the Bible clearly teaches that life begins at conception. Americans, sadly, as a whole, are no longer a Christian people. But all this aside: Why do women get pregnant to begin with? Have we not had enough teaching in our schools and understand basic biology that we know how women get pregnant?

        Whatever happened to reason and common sense? I read an article this week of a woman who was at a bar during the early morning hours. (First question: Why was she there in the middle of the night? Second question: Why does a woman go to a bar to begin with?) A man whom she did not know came over and they started talking. He, then, suggested that they go outside where they could talk. She goes outside with the man alone. (Third question: Why would she do that?) He gets her around the side of the building and then attempts to rape her. She does escape and the police are called. (Fourth question: Why could she not see the danger here?) Everything this woman did was foolish, and she wonders why all this happened to her.

        Why do women get pregnant if they do not want to? Sin is the real issue here. But no one wants to talk about sin. The word sin involves religion, and we can’t have religion because we are a free people and scripture places demands upon people.

        What about common sense in regard to the ruling of the Supreme Court? Men and women want to fornicate with no consequences. Another question: While we certainly don’t condone fornication of any type, yet: What about contraceptives???? Contraceptives can keep one from getting pregnant and at the same time help prevent diseases. With all the “safeties” that are offered today for those who want to transgress and fornicate, women (and girls) still get pregnant. The reasoning for abortion by those who are demanding the right to kill the unborn is much the same as the woman referred to above. Instead of using common sense they get pregnant and then, to cover their sin and foolishness, they kill the unborn.

        The slogan, “It’s my body,” “It’s my health,” It’s my right,” and all the other such statements serve only to show how sin has captivated our society. One sin leads to another and to another and to another until we come to the place where we have to sin to cover our sins. This is a vicious cycle and only gets worse and worse. However, there is an answer and there is a solution. It is found in Jesus Christ.

        Throughout the centuries, there have been many who have committed very gross sins: murder, thefts, abuses, violence, adultery, fornication, acts of hatred, slavery, and the list goes on. But God is a God of mercy and One who forgives. God has changed the lives of many who have committed some of the grossest sins. God saved Saul of Tarsus, a man who was persecuting Christians and who condoned the stoning of Stephen, a devoted servant of God (Acts7 & 8). In spite of all Saul’s sins, God in great mercy stopped Saul at the very time he was heading to Damascus to take Christians captive and take them to Jerusalem to be imprisoned for their faith in Jesus Christ. God forgave Saul, changed him into a different person, and made him an apostle to the Gentiles.

        God forgave John Newton, a very debauched and sinful man who was a slave trader. He was so evil that when he was bringing slaves to America to sell, if one got sick onboard the ship, he would throw him overboard in order to keep the sickness from spreading. His motive was not to protect the other slaves but to protect his investment. Yet God convicted this man, saved him, and transformed his life. This is the same John Newton who penned the all American favorite song, “Amazing Grace.”

        The Bible says that God has no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked. He expresses this in Ezek.33:11, “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” The New Testament supports this view of God in IIPet.3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

        No matter where you are today, God is willing to forgive you and change you into a different person. There is no sin that is so great that God cannot forgive. Jesus died to procure salvation for all who would call upon Him. Jesus has saved the worst of sinners and He stands today ready to save. May God save America and turn this nation around before the day of judgment falls upon her. The salvation of America begins with you and me.