Alfred King

The Divine Plan of God (Part 2)

        In last month’s article, I presented a very basic and elementary view of the Divine Plan of God. I showed that the Father’s plan was to offer eternal life to some beings and the means by which eternal life could be obtained. His plan involved a world or workshop in which men, being given free moral agency, could make the choice to believe the Gospel and find the path that leads to life eternal or reject it.

        One’s initial salvation is a major and crucial part of God’s divine plan, for it is the translation from the power (kingdom) of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Col. 1:13). The world is God’s workshop, a shop in which most will reject God’s offer of eternal life because it is not the easy path to take. The path to glory requires that men engage in a battle with three enemies. Let’s consider each of these three.

Self

        The first enemy is something found innate within every man. It is called self. It is something that is a part of them that makes them who and what they are. That something is a sin nature, a nature prone to sin, and that gravitates toward sin, lawlessness, and disobedience. It is Self. In scripture, Self is referred to as: The flesh, the carnal mind, the natural man, the old man, the sinful man, etc.

        It is claimed by many Bible theologians and ministers that the two root causes for all sin is pride or/and selfishness. These two words are very accurate when speaking of the self-nature. The Apostle Paul often writes about man’s fallen nature. Consider just a few:

        Rom. 8:7-8: “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

        Eph. 4:22: “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.”

        Rom. 8:13: For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

        While many think that Satan is man’s worst enemy, this is not true. Man’s worst enemy is himself, his self-nature. If self-nature is destroyed the other two enemies, the world and Satan, would have no power over man. Satan uses the world as a tool or bait to lure one’s fallen nature and entice him, snare him, and bring him into bondage, and, sadly, man never realizes he is a slave.

The World

        The second enemy is the world. The Apostle John wrote in his first epistle, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof …” (1 John 2:16-17a). John identifies in what ways the world is an enemy. This enemy operates by attracting and alluring man’s self-nature. Its temptation is directed toward man’s appetites; his pride and his selfishness. It is to point man’s appetites toward worldly things and away from God or God’s will for his life. It is love for the things of the world that captivate man’s heart and, in many cases, they become idols to which the human heart becomes enslaved. Men slave away to be able to obtain some particular object or objects that their hearts crave and in many cases “must have.” They strive for recognition, fame, wealth, material goods, and other things their hearts desire.

        The American “rat race” or “keeping up with the Jones” is a force that propels men down the path of worldly possessions, careers, financial security, pleasures, or other temporal goals that will all pass away in time. This does not mean that one should not provide for his needs and those of his family, but these should never be the reason for which we live. Yet, we find this is the driving force behind most people’s lives. We see, then, that the world is man’s enemy because it tends to build one’s pride with what self has obtained or is striving to obtain, operating in pride and selfishness rather than a focus on God and that eternal life that He has us here to obtain. The world’s message is focused on those things the world can give, and one can obtain them by becoming a slave to them.

        Paul’s warning to the church in Rome is pertinent for us today. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Rom. 6:16) The world wants you to be its servant. The world is man’s enemy, and yet we are placed in God’s workshop because He is using the world as a means to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity (Isa. 30:28). James Strong defines vanity as: “emptiness, something transitory and unsatisfactory.” Albert Barnes states the Hebrew word “primarily means ‘breath, light wind … passes away more or less quickly and completely'.” It seems that in writing the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, in his great wisdom, found this to be true in the latter years of his life. All that he possessed and built, along with the prestige and honor he received, was nothing in the end. The wisest man appears to have missed the purpose for which he was created even though God appeared to him. His carnal nature became his downfall, and his wisdom could not overcome his self-nature.

The Devil

        Another obstacle and serious enemy of the plan of God is Satan. He is out to “steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Peter warns that the devil as a roaring lion “walking about seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). While Satan has limited power, he still possesses enough to make a believer’s life difficult. He lays many snares in our path and seems to be constantly whispering in our ears things to get us to doubt God’s word and to accept his lies instead. He has many means through which he deceives men, yet, Paul tells us that we are not ignorant of his devices (II Cor. 2:11). The devil plays upon the carnal nature and uses the world as one of his tools to capture men’s hearts. Satan does not care if one has wealth or fame or any other worldly ambitions as long as the sinner does not turn to God. Satan is God’s arch-enemy, and he hates everything God has established as the way to life eternal. He fights against men by getting them to reject God’s salvation. Once one comes to Christ by being born again or from above, Satan labors tirelessly and relentlessly to cause them to turn from the way God has set before them.

        In The Great Commission, Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. He also told them to “teach” them to observe all things that He had commanded. Yet, Satan will come against every believer with his lies and deception, attempting to distort God’s word. He has caused multitudes to accept the idea that once one goes to an altar and repeats a simple prayer he is bound for heaven and there is no way he can lose his reward of eternal life. How many, because of this one lie, will stand before God on the day of judgment and wonder why they are rejected and sent to eternal flames instead of given eternal life? The fault lies here, especially with ministers and Bible teachers who promote this false doctrine. While the scriptures state that no man can “pluck them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:29), it also states there is coming a falling away (II Thess. 2:2). There are many verses of scripture that clearly express this critical point. Scripture states, “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts  4:22).

        On the opposite side of the coin, we find Satan distorting scripture by convincing souls that they will enter by their own good works. This is called “legalism.” The basic message is that one must do enough good deeds to merit eternal life. While scripture is replete with the call to obedience and taking up one’s cross and following Jesus, it is not works that save but works that keep us saved. The works God looks for are works that are desired and spontaneous because one loves God and desires to please Him. Works are also to keep believers from “falling away.” If a believer does not keep himself “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27) he will eventually, as Esau, sell his birthright for a bowl of pottage (Gen. 25). The purpose of good works (obedience to all that Jesus commanded) is to become more like our Lord Jesus Christ. It is to possess “holiness, without which no man shall see God” (Heb. 12:14). Sounds pretty important, doesn’t it?

        Being cognizant of the methods and means our enemies work against believers is critical to fighting the good fight of faith (I Tim. 6:12). Christians are in a war. We are called to fight every day. We have three enemies and each is out to destroy our souls and to cause us to miss the eternal life the Father promised before the foundation of the world (Titus 1:2) and that Jesus died to procure for us. The writer of Hebrews gives a serious warning to every believer and I close with this warning: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him?” (Heb. 2:3)

Shelia Rankhorn

        Judges 10: 6 (KJV) “And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the Lord, and served not him.”

        I have been revisiting the entirety of the Bible, currently focusing on the Old Testament. A recurring message from the Holy Spirit emphasizes that the behaviors and practices depicted in those ancient texts still persist in our contemporary lives. While we may not worship the deities described in those scriptures, we often find ourselves absorbed by our own desires and addictions. For instance, I enjoy playing mobile games, browsing Facebook shorts, and watching various television series. However, it is crucial to recognize that these activities are distractions, consuming my time and attention, and diverting me from nurturing my relationship with the one true and living God. In today's world, Satan has introduced numerous temptations, manifesting in forms such as wealth, material possessions, food, interpersonal relationships, ideas, occupations, and various social connections.

        Romans 1:25 “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” In reading more of that chapter we find that people surrendered themselves to base desires similar to contemporary society, and the situation appears to be deteriorating rapidly. The acceptance of same-sex marriages and individuals who identify as transvestites within our churches shows a shift away from God's divine truths.

        Many individuals exhibit a form of self-adulation that extends beyond mere physical appearance. In essence, these individuals perceive themselves as the central focus of the universe, often prioritizing their own desires and ambitions above all else. Their primary concern lies in the benefits they can extract from life, leading them to pursue personal gain relentlessly. This relentless pursuit of success often takes precedence over their relationships and values, as they are willing to sacrifice faith, family, and friendships in their quest for achievement.

        God tells us in Exodus 20:1-6 “…I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.”

        Jesus tells us in Matthew 6: 24 “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

        We must make a conscious decision regarding whom we will serve. If we intend to serve God, we must prioritize Him above all other commitments and desires. Matthew 22: 37: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” One day I was having a terrible struggle with my carnal nature, and a voice or a thought, if you will, came to me: “Choose!” Which will I choose? To follow my own selfish desires, or to follow God? By choosing to serve and obey God, we are empowered to triumph over our struggles through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. He equips us with the strength necessary for every challenge, the wisdom required for each decision, and a peace that transcends all understanding.

        Colossians 3: 1-7: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”

        In moments of illness, extreme fatigue—worsened by my struggle with insomnia—or when faced with various challenges, I find myself in a state of vulnerability. The scripture in Romans 6:11 instructs us to don the armor of God, yet I often falter in this regard during such trying times. It is precisely during these periods that I become susceptible to the menacing attacks of Satan, who seeks to ensnare me in depression and temptations that divert my thoughts from the truth. Regrettably, I frequently yield to these assaults rather than standing firm on the promises of God. Upon recognizing my missteps, the journey back to spiritual alignment becomes increasingly difficult. I must confess that my recent recovery from total hip replacement, knowing I’m facing 2 more surgeries, the persistent illness circulating, and the bleakness of winter, have led me to succumb once more. In these vulnerable moments, Satan delights in inflicting feelings of guilt and shame. Nevertheless, we are blessed with a magnificent heavenly Father who sent His Son to atone for our sins. I must bring these burdens to the cross and relinquish them there, lifting my head high, reassured that my sins have been cleansed. The following scripture serves as a vital reminder that I must keep close to my heart, particularly when faced with the onslaught of Satan's attacks:

        Romans 8: 31-34 “What shall we then say to these things? I f God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”

        Are you finding it difficult to navigate the challenges posed by other “gods” and the condemnation or other lies from Satan? It is never too late to redirect your attention towards God. Upon making this decision, do not allow feelings of shame to overwhelm you, nor should you succumb to the deceitful whispers of the adversary. Confess those sins and leave them at the altar. Hold onto the most significant scripture: John 3:16, which states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." His love for us surpasses our understanding, and we are encouraged to bring all our burdens to Him. He went out of His way to find this lost sheep who went astray. I am so grateful to our Heavenly Father who loves us so very much, and to the Holy Spirit who guides us back to the Truth.

Harry Miller

        Almost every Christian accepts the fact that without the grace of God and the special acts of Providence, none of the elect could possibly be saved. And if the grace of God had been conserved and dispensed only to the elect, there would be many questions in the minds of multitudes of created beings on the Day of Judgment, and even the very honor of God would be brought into question. One of the two main reasons for the great “white throne” judgment is the public vindication of the character of God. It will be shown that the character of His government is completely impartial, and both animate and inanimate nature will testify to His acts of mercy and justice: “And the books were opened…the dead (the impious “called” folks and the unyielding “sinner”) were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their WORKS” (Rev. 20:12).

        No other argument gives any greater proof of the truth of the doctrine of free moral agency than do the Scriptural facts concerning the nature of the final judgment. All of God's dealings with His creatures have always been of so just and merciful nature that it would be disrespectful to Him if every entity and every created being were not informed of the supreme effort He has made to secure their salvation. The evidence presented before the heavenly court on that day will show that the grace of God was actually extended to Judas, even as it was to Peter, or to John. When the supernatural gifts were given to the twelve disciples, Judas was empowered with the authority to heal the sick and raise the dead just as the other eleven were. Judas was just as much a “called” man as Peter was. He was even vested with the honor of “carrying the bag.” The fellow was treated with such consideration and respect that none of the other eleven even suspected his duplicity: his secret devotion to greed and thievery.

        “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:22,23). The people who will put up this argument will be in deadly earnest: they will be making their last and final plea before the bar of justice. All sham and make-believe will be cast aside, and the “impious” will frantically present their most desperate arguments before God in an attempt to justify themselves.

        The very indignation of heaven will rise in God's defense at the insolent impiety of certain of these “gifted” and “called” as they make this, their final stand in rebellious contempt for the Lord of mercy: “I know thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth” (Matt. 25:24,25). Justice cries “Cast ye the UNPROFITABLE SERVANT into outer darkness” (verse 30).

        The manager of any enterprise has a perfect right to expect profit from his investment and labor; is it unreasonable that “The Husbandman” of creation should also expect a fair return? “Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth” (James 5:7). It certainly would not be right for the grace of God to be poured out in vain. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered, and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:5,6). The obligation to “abide” in Christ rests with the “branch” and not with the “vine.” It is written in the Book, “IF ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples in deed” (John 8:31); IF we walk in the light…the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth” (I John 1:7); we shall know “IF we follow on to know the Lord” (Hosea 6:3); “We are made partakers of Christ, IF we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end” (Heb. 3:14).

        Human nature and the human will are the factors which will actually determine what sort of a harvest the heavenly Husbandman shall have: “Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower…This is he which received seed by the wayside…he that received the seed into stony places…He also that received seed among the thorns…He that received seed into the good ground” (Matt. 13:18-23). God's blessed Word, by grace, was poured into every heart; but only the “good ground” received it. The paralleled account found in the book of Luke throws a little more light upon the nature of the recipients of the Word: “And they which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” (The “seed” germinated, and for a little season, life was manifest: it “sprang up”). “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it (works) and bring forth fruit with patience” (Luke 8:14,15).

        We now have another description for these who are the impious “called”: they are known as those who “bring no fruit to perfection.” They are like the man who “put his hand to the plow” and then “looked back.” Jesus said such a fellow was not worthy of the kingdom. Many people accept Christ as a Saviour: but soon they discover that if they desire to keep Him as their Saviour they must also recognize Him as their LORD, and they refuse to have Him reign over them. Since they cannot deny their first experience, and they refuse to “bear fruit,” they are brought to a place of decision: deny Christ in open rebellion, or else become a hypocrite by merely making believe that they serve Him. The multitudes prefer to become hypocrites rather than surrender to the will of God. Such people inevitably fall asleep in the hazy atmosphere of “churchanity,” and before many days their lamps” have gone out.

        What is the essential difference between a wise man and a foolsih man? The Lord Jesus gave us the answer: “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and DOETH them, I will liken him unto a wise man…And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and DOETH THEM NOT, shall be likened unto a foolish man” (Matt. 7:24-26). The “wise” hear what the will of God is, and they do it; the “foolish” hear what the will of God is, and they do something else instead. Here we have still another definition of these “CALLED” who “bring no fruit to perfection” – they are also “FOOLISH VIRGINS.”

        When the great King finally tells the “foolish” virgins that He has never known them, they will for the first time become fully aware of the depths of deceit within their own hearts. Then they will clearly understand how their self-devoted hearts have deliberately seared their consciences and blinded their reason to even the rudimentary requirements of Providence: “If any man love God, the same is known of Him” (I Cor. 8:3). God will not know the foolish virgins because they failed to practice that first and great commandment: “If a man love me,he will keep my words” (John 14:23). “He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me” (John 14:21).

        Those who are “called” but “bring no fruit to perfection,” are also “foolish,” are easily recognized by their antipathy toward the commands of Christ – they flatly refuse to keep His commands. “He that saith, I know him, (the lip testimony of the foolish virgins) and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar” (I John 2:4). A most descriptive name for these “impious,” “called,” “non-fruit producing,” “unloving,” “foolish” commandment breakers. All of this kind “shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone” (Rev. 21:8).

        As the books are opened on the Day of Judgment, many will be startled to discover that their names were once recorded there but, because of their rebellion and impiety, they were removed (blotted out) from the sacred pages. This act, alone, is positive proof of the justice and equity of the Creator: it will be indisputable evidence on that day that “He was not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9).

        The vindication of the righteousness and equity of the government of God could not possibly be revealed if He had at any time been “a respecter of persons,” or if He had ever discriminated against any of His creatures, or if at any time He had without just reason used some manner of overbearing power or influence to unduly force some to follow Him, and thus do violence to the laws of free moral being. If the Creator had even once lowered a standard or disregarded a principle for a certain portion of the human race and not offered the same considerations to the others, then in the judgment it would be impossible for Him to be vindicated in the face of such evidence. But let us examine the unchanging record: Moses called Him “the faithful God” (Deut. 7:9); James spoke of “The Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:7); and God Himself hath said, “I am the Lord, I cannot change” (Mal. 3:6).

        “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18). It is understandable, then, that God cannot make a mistake; neither does He change His mind; and in all of His acts He will always be governed by principle. From the very beginning of time the Lord has rewarded obedience. And by the same token, He has always punished disobedience. This is the basic law of retribution, founded in the very nature of all living beings: Violate any law, whether it be physical or spiritual, and the law-breaker will suffer loss; on the other hand, those who obey the laws of spiritual or physical being become beneficiaries of the goodness bestowed upon the obedient.

        “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil” (I John 3:7,8).

Randall Walton

        One of the greatest myths of the Christian faith has been derived from this portion of Scripture; its message has been twisted and contorted out of its context and has been claimed to mean something which stands in direct contradiction to other passages of divine writ.

        Few Bible teachers who delve into the mysteries of the apocalypse (Revelation) have taken the time to read the introduction to this famous Book which is found in chapter 1, verse 1. As the most profound Instructor in the universe, the Lord Himself gives ample warning to all who would venture into the depths of this Book of signs, symbols, parables, allegories: this is dark speech! All such must be interpreted by the author of the Book in order to elicit an understanding of the message. Any interpretation of this Book which contradicts the plain words of Jesus Christ and the apostles is a false interpolation of the same and should be soundly rejected by those to whom it is taught. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and SIGNIFIED it by his angel unto his servant John:” (Rev. 1:1).

        A lover of truth will proceed no farther into this Book until he has completely digested the message set forth in this single verse. The Lord alerts the reader to the fact that this is not a Book of literal statements. Its message can not be taken at face value. While the message is true, it is obscured behind the veil of analogy, symbols, likenesses, types, and metaphors, all of which means that it cannot be understood literally.

        There are two means by which it is possible to arrive at an understanding of this Book: 1) by divine revelation (ie., the direct intervention of the Holy Spirit explaining the meaning of the signs); 2) by first establishing a foundation in the PLAIN statements of Jesus and the apostles, then comparing that foundation of truth with the teachings of the Revelations. Any interpretation of Revelation which does not agree 100% with the PLAIN words of Jesus and the apostles should be cast aside as spurious.

        It is a fact that much doctrine today is based upon man’s interpretation of the Revelation; thus the PLAIN words of the Scripture are bent out of shape, twisted and contorted to fit the pre-conceived interpretation of that signified Book. That is a most dangerous method by which to attempt to arrive at truth.

        It is by means of that method that the doctrine of a future one thousand year utopia has been derived. Were it not for the existence of the 20th chapter of this book of symbols, there would be no such doctrine of a millennium today. All of the other Biblical passages which are used to “prove” said doctrine do not say one word about 1,000 years. Scores of Scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments are offered to describe the blessedness of that blissful time, yet nowhere is there any mention of a millennium, or 1,000 years. The whole issue is hypothetical and imaginary. There is absolutely no basis in the PLAIN words of Jesus and the apostles to support the idea of a millennium or a future 1,000 year reign of Jesus Christ upon this earth.

        Jesus plainly taught that the resurrection of the just would take place at THE LAST DAY. How many days will there be after the last day? 365,000? He also stated that the resurrection of both the just and unjust would occur at the same time (John 6:39,40,44,54; John 5:28,29)! He also placed the time of the judgment at the last day (John 12:48)! Who are we to dispute the words of the Master?

        Furthermore, Jesus plainly claimed to have conquered satan, the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15: “it (the seed of the woman) shall bruise his head (the serpent, satan), and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

        Please read the following: Matt. 12:25-29; Luke 11:20-22; Luke 10:18,19; Matt. 28:18; Rev. 1:18; Heb. 2:14,15; I John 3:8; Col. 2:15; Eph. 4:8-10; Acts 2:29-36; Eph. 1:20-22; I Cor. 15:25,26.

The Perils Of Millennialism

        Millennialism embraces the “second chance” doctrine. There is no reference anywhere in the Scriptures that men will be blessed with another “day of salvation” when satan won’t be around to tempt and deceive. That doctrine makes perseverance and endurance at the present time unnecessary, and sadly, multitudes of people accept the lie as gospel truth.

        Millenialism denies the present kingship of Jesus Christ and postpones it to a future era. It accedes power to satan that he does not possess. When Jesus said “All power is given unto ME, in heaven and in earth,” (Matt. 28:18) He meant exactly that and nothing less.

        Millennialism views the heavenly, spiritual, “not of this world” kingdom of God as a worldly, political, physical, visible kingdom, even though Jesus stated that “the kingdom of God cometh not with observation” (Luke 17:20,21). The kingdom which “flesh and blood cannot inherit” will be populated by flesh and blood, according to the millennialists.

        The kingdom which John the Baptist, Jesus and His disciples preached was at hand won’t be “at hand” until some future period, the millennium says.

        All the promises made by Jesus and the apostles for the people of God in this era are null and void, according to millennialism, and will only be available when the millennium begins – all, that is, except for being converted, or saved.

Beheaded For Christ

        If we are to take the “one thousand years” literally, or at face value, then we must also accept at face value that only those who are “beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God” will be eligible to “live and reign with Jesus” for that literal thousand years. Not many people have been decapitated for the cause of Christ, but if only those will be living and reigning with Him during the supposed millennium, where will all the other have-been believers be, and what will they be doing?

        Based upon the above premises, those who truly believe in a future utopia upon this globe for one thousand years and expect to be a participant need to offer their lives so as to be literally beheaded, because this is an absolute requisite. Only those who are beheaded “live and reign” with Jesus.

        However, we do not believe in a literal one thousand year future reign of Christ. Neither do we believe that the act of being beheaded is physical, or literal. Every Christian is called to have the mind of Christ, to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (II Cor. 10:3,4), to deny oneself, to “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5), to “set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2); to be beheaded signifies that state of being of complete surrender to the perfect will of God, the state where a person’s very thoughts, desires, ambitions and will are in subjection to the Lord. This is a state which can be reached in this life; those persons who attain unto that degree of surrender and submission to God are eligible to live and reign with Jesus now. This is the goal which has been set before us.

        To the degree that we are “beheaded,” to the same degree we live and reign with our Lord Jesus Christ in this great “day of salvation.”

Melody Ax

        Do you have oil in your lamp? We must be wise virgins, not foolish ones. The Lord told Noah to prepare an ark (Genesis 6). Joseph was able to interpret Pharaoh's dream to tell him to store food for a seven year famine (Genesis 41), and there are many more that were warned in the Bible. We must be prepared like the wise virgins. Remember, the word states that “Jesus is the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8). If we will only ask and seek His will for our lives, He will show us how to prepare.

        There is a preparation that the Lord is showing me that is vital to have and is imperative that God's people prepare themselves. “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matt. 25:1-13).

        The people of God must have the oil in their lamp. This is vital to make it! Notice, all the virgins took their lamps (they all had lamps), but the five foolish had no oil in their lamps. Why is the oil so important? First of all, without the oil, the lamps would not burn. There would be no light. “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (I John 1:5).

        The five foolish virgins' light had gone out (Matt 25:8). They had not been prepared. Let's look at why the lamps had gone out. There was not enough oil in the five foolish virgins' lamps. Why didn't they have this oil? Let's read Exodus 27:20. The Lord states, “And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light to cause the lamp to burn always.” The word beaten in the Hebrew means to crush, beat down to pieces. Are we, as children of God, to be crushed so that we can become pure and holy? as Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” In Revelation 19:7, it states: “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” The foolish virgins had not prepared themselves.

        The wise virgins kept the commandments of Jesus. They had received the truth of God's word; they had placed all on the altar and were rid of self. They were in the world but not of the world. They had walked the narrow road and were overcomers. They had been tried with the purification of fire as spoken of in Revelation 3:18: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent.”

        The five foolish came to the wise virgins and wanted some of their oil for their lamps but, as Matthew 25:9 states: “But the wise virgins answered saying, Not so, lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” This tells us that the oil cost something. There was a price to pay. There are just too many believers not wanting to pay the price. They seek the pleasures of the world instead of seeking the Kingdom of God!

        Proverbs 23:23 states: “Buy the truth and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction and understanding.” The wise virgins have God's word in their hearts, and there was no longer time for the foolish virgins to prepare; time had run out. It wasn't that the wise virgins didn't want to give them some of their oil, for it was not something they could give…it was something that had to be bought at a price. A man cannot borrow a relationship with the Lord; he must possess it. A man cannot borrow a character; he must be clothed in it.

        The bridegroom came and the five wise virgins went into the marriage and the five foolish virgins were left out. As in Noah's days the door was shut. Jesus told the foolish virgins, “I know you not,” just as in Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus said, “Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

        Let us all strive to be like the wise virgins with oil in our lamps. There is much blessed hope for the wise virgins because they will enter into the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. As Jeremiah 31:12-14 reads, “Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine and for oil and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. And I will satiate the soul of the priest with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness saith the Lord.”

        Believers, we must be prepared; we must sound the alarm; we must have the oil in our lamps! “He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches” (Rev. 3:22).

*** The King Is Coming…Amen ***

Dear People of the Living God,

        I would like to thank you for your latest issue of the Testimony of Truth. I was drugged and raped by another inmate named Corey Lillard on January 8, 2025. I was really struggling with the trauma from the rape, and whether or not I made the right decision in reporting the rape, because I'm now being retaliated against by prison officials, because they had to take me to the hospital to have the rape kit administered, and I had to request protective services, because the inmate who raped me – Corey Lillard – is a member of a domestic terrorist organization – and they made threats of retaliation towards me from reporting the rape.

        I received the Testimony of Truth and it really uplifted me, and gave me perspective. I was baptized on April 19, 2024 – and just as the pastor told me I would face trials, this has come to pass. When the rape happened I initially wanted to retaliate, however the spirit alive within me would not allow me to take another life. This ordeal has comforted me and made me a stronger Christian. I just wanted to let you know that you are making a difference and the articles in your periodical were an answer to my prayers, as I wrestled with God, and what I should do. Please keep up the work you are doing for the Lord. God Bless.

Sincerely,

Ashton J. Philip

        People of the Living God will be observing Passover as we do every year, beginning at sundown on Friday, April 11, 2025. We figure the date by determining the time of the vernal equinox, and from that date, we look for the first new moon afterward. We count fourteen days from the new moon and begin Passover celebration at sundown on the fourteenth day. We observe it for seven days in which we eat no food with leavening. We also observe the first day and the seventh day as a Sabbath in which we hold special services and times of fellowship.