|
People of The Living God |
|
July 2025
IS BIBLE DOCTRINE IMPORTANT?
Alfred King
Since the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, wrangling over scriptural doctrines has often done more to divide God’s people than to unite and build up. The Christian Church today is very seriously divided, and much of that division centers around doctrinal differences. Unbelievers outside the Christian church notice this division and are skeptical of the religion so many of us treasure.
When the Charismatic Movement appeared on the world stage in the late fifties and early sixties, there was an awakening of what is called “the Ecumenical Movement.” Although ecumenism has existed since the early church fathers, it seemed to gain special attention among Charismatics a few decades back when the division over doctrine became so apparent. This movement was intent upon bringing Christians together with the focus not so much on doctrine but upon unity. Presented was the idea of cooperation of Christians worldwide to lay aside some of their doctrinal positions that have caused division and, instead, allow the love and grace of God to dominate Christianity.
While this all sounds good on the surface, what has occurred is that Biblical doctrine (truth) has become of little importance, for now Christianity is all about love, acceptance, permissiveness, and licentiousness while holiness and righteous living are old-fashioned and out of date. Christianity today has become a soft, emotional organization that accepts anyone and everyone who states they are Christian, even homosexuals, lesbians, and the rest of the alphabet. On top of that, holding to any serious standard of obedience or preaching and teaching on law is taboo. Those who hold up biblical standards are considered legalists and under the law and are considered to have fallen from grace.
It is because of this ecumenical movement that we have megachurches today that don’t preach or teach any doctrine at all; anything is okay as long as you say you believe in Jesus. There are no obligations placed upon churchgoers to become disciples and follow the teachings of Jesus. Instead, it is claimed that we are all under grace and, once we are saved, we are home free; and then some have the audacity to call this “Christian”. So many megachurches have forsaken biblical doctrine and in its place they multiply their followers through messages of prosperity, healings, and other supernatural manifestations. They tickle ears and thereby bring in more members.
A few years ago, there was a movement whose banner was, “Let the Walls Come Down”. There was even a song with that title. The idea was that all those doctrines which divide Christians should be torn down, and we should accept others who claim to be Christian at their word. At the time, I felt like a fish out of water because the whole idea of tearing down the walls seems contradictory to what I see in scripture. Israel had walls about their cities to keep the enemies out, and true doctrines given in scripture are designed to keep error from infiltrating the body of believers. Jesus stated that He did not come to send peace on the earth but a sword; to bring division: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.” (Matt. 10:34-36)
Biblical doctrine is one of the elements in the walls of Christianity that keep the enemy from bringing in “damnable heresies.” Peter expresses his great concern about false doctrines in 2 Peter 2:1-2, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” The early apostles did not promote ecumenism.
However, it was not only the Apostles and prophets that taught God’s truths; Jesus also taught and He declared His doctrine to be from the Father. In John 7:16, Jesus made this statement, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.” Jesus taught doctrine (biblical truths). That makes doctrine very important for those who desire to walk with Him and know Him.
Let me give a disclaimer here: I realize that there are doctrines that should not divide God’s people. It is apparent that God has allowed us to see certain biblical portions differently. It seems that God has allowed this so we can learn to love one another in spite of some doctrinal differences. As Christians, we need fellowship with other believers, and we realize that none of us has all truth. We can learn from one another. However, our fellowship must not extend to those who reject Godly character and those who deceive their congregants by shallow preaching and religious entertainment rather than teaching sound biblical doctrine. This is where the real issue resides.
When those who stand in the pulpit tell a sinner that he is now bound for heaven because he went to the altar and is now eternally saved because he repeated a shallow prayer while he has no deep and genuine conviction of sin, no sense of the wrath of God that rests upon him, no agony over his past sins, and no determination or commitment to follow Jesus Christ, something’s amiss. Many who merely kneel at an altar and repeat “the sinner’s prayer” are told that they have done God a favor, and members say, “I’m proud of you.” When this is the scenario, something’s wrong. This is totally unscriptural. The sinner has not done God a favor; God has dealt favorably with the sinner. This easy believism is false doctrine and must not be condoned. However, this is where the ecumenical movement has brought many church members today. How many souls will find themselves in hell because of such unbiblical doctrines?
Doctrine is teaching. It is nothing more. It is generally connected to religion rather than most other areas of teaching in our society. The synoptic Gospels record many times in which Jesus taught the people. Scripture states that Jesus taught in the synagogues (Matt. 4:23), in villages (Matt. 9:35), on a mountain (Matt. 5:1-2), in the temple (Matt. 26:55), and just about everywhere He gained an audience. Jesus not only preached, He also taught. I have had people tell me doctrine is not important and they don’t really want to hear it. However, the apostle Paul told Timothy, a young Christian, to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15)
Jesus emphasized the importance of following His teachings. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). Pay special attention to Jesus’ words: “If ye continue in my word.” He is referring to His teachings and commands. He then states, “ye shall know the truth.” Truth is doctrine. We come to the truth by following Christ and adhering to His truth, which is revealed in His teaching. (It is true that the Holy Spirit is an absolute necessity in one coming to truth.) I have had people tell me that they don’t need the Bible anymore because they have the Holy Spirit to guide them. This is one of the greatest deceptions one can come to. Jesus informed His people that the Holy Spirit will bring His words to their remembrance (John 4:26). An important word here is ‘remembrance.’ In order to remember something, we must first have heard it. We hear it by reading and studying God’s word. One of the ways believers can test false teachers and false prophets is by examining their teachings with scripture. Scripture always trumps one’s preaching, teaching, prophecies, claims of miracles, or any other proclaimed manifestations of the Spirit.
IN THE FAITH OR IN THE CHURCH?
H. R. Miller
The fact that a person is a member of a religious organization is a great source of comfort to many people. The organization represents an establishment in the midst of a fluid society, for it gives its members a feeling of security. Mere faith seems so abstract without a concrete body with a tangible structure. Religion without visible organization is inconceivable to most people.
The woman of Samaria, when speaking to Jesus, had a great question in her mind as to where men should worship God. This question must have often troubled her, for as soon as she perceived that He was a prophet, she asked that which must have been foremost in her mind. The great church at Jerusalem proclaimed itself the one and only church: it claimed to be the true bearer of light and truth; it alone could lead men to the true God. But her own fathers had told her that their own church in Samaria was the true church, and that there God would meet with His creatures. Then Jesus told the woman a great truth – Jerusalem and Samaria are only PLACES – God is not confined to a PLACE. As a matter of fact, men shall not find God in Jerusalem nor Samaria, for God is a Spirit. They who worship God MUST worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
Millions of Hebrews had thought that God was in their church. Like many people today, they felt secure that they and God were one, for was not He in THEIR OWN CHURCH? No wonder the Pharisees loved the old institution. Why, millions reverenced even the dirt upon which it was built! Peter, proudly pointing out its great foundation stones to Jesus, must have been greatly surprised when the Lord told him that not one stone would be left on top of another, but that all should be cast down.
Many have often wondered at the power of superstition that is wielded over many present-day church members when they are threatened with excommunication. But consider the fear that bound the members of the ancient synagogue. They, too, greatly feared being “turned out” of the church. The parents of a blind beggar feared this great church weapon and refused to testify of the healing of their son because they “feared … (they) should be put out of the synagogue” (John 9:22).
Church fear not only enslaves the lay members of the organization, but also the ministers, for we read that “among the chief rulers also many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be PUT OUT of the synagogue” (John 12:42).
When we consider the history of the ancient Hebrew church, it is easy to see how men fall into bondage to the institution. Bear in mind that in that day few men had access to the writings of the prophets. There must have been many strange beliefs afloat concerning the God of creation. A great wilderness of ideas and superstitions could give little heartfelt relief to troubled souls; therefore, they looked to the great temple of the Living God. It is true that it had been destroyed a number of times, but it represented an institution that was originally called by the Spirit of God. On this particular mountain, their father Abraham had made his sacrifice to the Lord. Here, upon the holy rock, God had told men to build Him a house. Here it was that three times a year, every male in Israel had come before the presence of the Lord to worship in Jerusalem.
Through the years, different sects had sprung into being. Some sneeringly said that there were those who held to “old fogy” ideas about miracles and angels. Many of these were called Pharisees. On the other hand, there were those who were “modernists.” They didn’t believe in miracles, or even the resurrection of the dead. They were called Saducees. The Hebrew historian, Josephus, who lived in the time of the apostles, says there were over four hundred different sects all claiming the Hebrew God. However, all claimed the same church building. To be separated from the building was unthinkable; such a thing was like being separated from heaven, from salvation, from God Himself!
The Lord of heaven sent the Romans to destroy the great citadel which had set herself up as god. For many years, thereafter, Hebrews wandered about trying to find something CONCRETE to worship. Then it was that the different SECTS began to take the place of the great TEMPLE. This movement of men to worship institutions and THINGS was not a new one, for the powers of hell have labored all down through the ages to cause men to set up gods that they could SEE. Because of the ministry of Moses, the great God of Glory made Himself known to Israel at Mount Sinai, but within forty days they had forgotten Him and forced Aaron, their high priest, to make them gods of gold that they could SEE. Solomon, the wisest of men through the gift of God, fell into the trap of worshipping THINGS. He, too, became an idolater in his later years. Many of his sons, kings in Israel, also worshipped the sun, the moon, the stars, and all manner of THINGS that could be SEEN.
In the very beginning of the early Christian church, we find this idea of worshipping something that can be seen. Man, in his struggle to fortify his faith with visible evidence, began to turn to the power of sectarianism. Church worship began taking a very definite grip upon the thoughts of many. Paul rebuked one of the most spiritual groups of Christians for their sectarian leanings. He told them that they were not spiritual, but carnal. (“To be carnally minded is death” – a very serious condition.) In I Corinthians 3:4 he says, “For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” In the first chapter, he speaks of still another group who must have taken a great liking to Cephas (1:12). In the next verse, he asks, “Is Christ divided?”
In the book of Jude, we read of a prophecy concerning “the last time,” in which he says that there will be those who “separate themselves.” He says that they are “sensual, having not the Spirit.” To be sensual is to be carnal. The fact that they “have not the Spirit” is a very serious thing, for to the Romans the apostle Paul said: “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (8:9). In our day, it is a very easy matter to become a church member. Few even study the creed, or consider the church constitution, and since most churches are feverishly trying to enlarge their membership, there is very little required of any applicant.
You are IN THE CHURCH, but, my friend, are you IN THE FAITH? This was a moot question even in Paul’s day: he asked this question of a Pentecostal church in Corinth. Mark this well; for many people think that all they need for a through ticket to heaven is to have some sort of spiritual experience. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (II Cor. 13:5).
This matter of self-examination proves that salvation is a state that can only be certified by the believer himself. Each true child of God has a witness within himself that he is in good standing with his Maker. If he has not that witness, there is something lacking in his profession and experience. Salvation without experience is unknown. Every Christian knows that he is of the kingdom of God. This knowledge should not be in the past tense, but should be ever-present. Not necessarily in an effervescent state of ecstatic joy or emotional feeling, but a deep knowledge that it is well between him and the Creator. This knowledge is the PEACE of God, that only He can give.
Look again at the Corinthian church: these were not mere formal believers, they belonged to a very spiritual group. They claimed many supernatural gifts; they had been baptized in the Holy Ghost, and many of them spoke with tongues. Yet it was probable that numbers within the church were “REPROBATES” (II Cor. 13:5). Such people were feeling secure because they were MEMBERS – they belonged. They were trusting in the thing SEEN, as though the thing SEEN could save the soul. This is what is known as CHURCH DELUSION.
God is a Spirit, His presence within you means salvation, whether you belong to a church or whether you never enter a church. To be a saved person is to be a walking temple of God: God in you, not God in a building somewhere. Now if God is not in you, then you are a “reprobate,” even though you belong to a dozen churches. For “if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Rom. 8:9).
DEATH AND LIFE ARE IN THE POWER OF THE TONGUE
Rene’ Rankhorn
Psalm 52: “Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah. The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.”
That was my scripture of the day. Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Ouch. Apparently, God is trying to tell me something… I reflect on the numerous occasions when I have allowed my words to express negativity, whether by criticizing someone's culinary skills, their attire, or their driving habits. I have often highlighted the shortcomings of others, lamented my own discomforts, and participated in criticizing others rather than redirecting the conversation towards a more positive focus on God. Indeed, managing both the tongue and the mind can prove to be quite challenging.
As followers of Christ, we are urged to exercise caution and wisdom in our speech, choosing to speak words that foster life rather than those that lead to destruction. The book of James serves as a poignant reminder of the perils associated with our tongues, emphasizing the necessity of self-control: "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (James 1:26). This theme is echoed in Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” The profound impact of our words cannot be overstated; they possess the dual capacity to uplift or to discourage.
Furthermore, Jesus cautions us in Matthew 12:36-37, "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.". In light of these teachings, Christians must be deliberate in their speech, using their words to honor God and to uplift others, thereby reflecting the love and grace that are central to our faith.
In our fight against evil, we are instructed in Ephesians 6:11-18, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
The Word of God is of utmost importance in this battle against the enemy. One scripture that I pray over my mind (sometimes continually until I gain victory) is 2 Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” We are also told in Colossians 3:2 to “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” And in Romans 12:2, “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.”
In the midst of any challenges we encounter, maintaining our focus on God's Word and keeping our thoughts directed towards Him will enable us to overcome all obstacles. His power surpasses any difficulties we may confront, and through His sacrifice at Calvary, Jesus has secured our victory. This assurance extends to triumph over our thoughts and speech.
Whenever I compose material for articles, my blog, or a Bible Study, I face opposition from Satan, who seeks to hinder the spreading of God's truths. However, he is already vanquished. I need to hold fast to these scriptures, immerse myself in God's Word, and maintain my faith to extinguish the enemy's fiery darts. This struggle can be quite challenging, as our human nature often desires control, yet we can achieve victory through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of Scripture. The devil attempts to instill fear, depression, anxiety, and various other forms of attack, employing every tactic at his disposal to undermine us, but we must resist him.
I pray that God assists us all in our efforts to maintain our spiritual armor, uphold our faith, and keep our minds upon the things of God. When we do these things, it says in Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
LOSING FAITH UNDER PRESSURE
Alfred King
Being sent out by the Holy Spirit as recorded in Acts 13, the Apostles Paul and Barnabas came to Paphos and encountered Barjesus, a false prophet and sorcerer, who was set on hindering the Gospel. This all developed when Paul and Barnabas ministered to Sergius Paulus, a deputy of the area, who was listening intently to their words, of which Barjesus was opposed. We begin reading at verse eight, “But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.”
Many times when one ministers to another or presents the Gospel to one unsaved, there will be some distraction or opposition that will present itself in an attempt to hinder the word of God from bringing forth fruit. In the case of Sergius Paulus, it was a man who actually was being influenced and directed by evil forces. Elymas had long before given himself to do evil, an evil by which he was able to gain monetary wealth and a position of honor among some whom he was able to convince he could foretell the future supernaturally.
In this case, Paul was neither intimidated nor impeded in preaching the gospel. Instead Paul stepped out in faith, resisting the challenge hell placed before him and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, cast blindness upon this evil man causing his evil devices to come to naught. Not only was the evil exposed, but credence was given to the Gospel Paul and Barnabas preached. The deputy was converted and a new member was added to the family of God.
Notice in verse eight that Elymas sought to “turn away” the deputy from the faith. With these two words in mind, let us examine another case where evil came to intimidate and oppose the deliverance Jesus intended. This event is recorded in all three Gospels; however, we will read Matthew’s account. “And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. (Matt. 17:14-21)
When we read Jesus referring to His disciples as “perverse”, it seems to be a very strong and almost critical rebuke. However, the Greek word used in this verse is Strong’s 1294 “diastrefoo” and it is defined by Joseph Thayer: “to distort, turn aside”. Albert Barns gives the following: “that which is twisted or turned from the proper direction; is often used with the eyes when one or both are turned from their natural position.” In the account of Elymas, he sought to “turn away” the deputy from the faith; to get his eyes and thoughts upon something else, to cause him to close his ears to the Gospel. This same truth or fact is what Jesus was presenting to His disciples: they allowed the external events that accompanied this young man to get their eyes off God and onto the situation, which came with great commotion.
It is much like when Jesus came walking on the water during a storm. Once Jesus identified Himself, Peter boldly spoke out, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” (Mark 14:28). As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on the water. As Peter stepped out upon the water, everything was fine, but it wasn’t long before his faith was challenged. Could he keep his eyes on Jesus or would the storm and the impossibility of what he was doing overcome him and “turn away” his focus from Jesus Christ?
As the scene unfolds in Matthew 17 with the young man brought by his father to Jesus, the shocking and unexpected demonstration of the powers of hell that operated in this young man challenged everything within the disciples and those who stood around. How were they to overpower this fearful and threatening display of evil spirit power? Could their faith remain strong and unwavering when faced with such a manifestation of hell’s power? The wicked spirit that operated in this young man was able to “turn away” their faith and was able to hold on to the power he had gained over him.
We can only assume that this evil spirit showed itself similarly when the young man was taken to the disciples, as here was exhibited before Jesus. This display of evil could turn one’s eyes from the true Healer and Deliverer to the circumstances exhibited before them. In Mark’s account, we read that the devil caused the man to go into convulsions, casting himself on the ground, rolling around, and foaming at the mouth. Something of this nature can easily cause one’s faith to falter. Only those who can stay firm in the faith with their spiritual eyes set on God and His promises can defeat evil such as the disciples faced. They gain the victory through their faith that has “by reason of use” and over time grown strong and secure. The enemy will always try to put fear upon God’s servants and cause them to retreat when faced with things that seem so impossible.
Things that can challenge one’s faith:
• Any situation where healing is desired.
• Past experiences and failures.
• One’s belief system – Is healing for today? Is it for every situation?
• Does God want to use me in healing? Or: Is it only for the ministers?
• Has Jesus given me power for healing?
• Does God want to heal this person?
• The environment: The people who are present.
• When Jairus called upon Jesus to go to his house and heal his twelve-year-old daughter, He found, when He arrived, that the young girl had died. There were many people there wailing, crying, and making a faithless scene. Jesus put all that noise out and went in with the parents and three of His disciples. There could be no distractions that would hinder the necessary faith to see this girl raised from the dead.
There are many other situations where one’s faith will be challenged, and we face many of these every day. Keeping our eyes on Jesus and our love for Him acute is essential, especially in today’s world where there are so many distractions. These distractions are not only when faith is immediately and urgently needed, but they are all around us every day. If we can daily be distracted in little disturbances, we will certainly be distracted when strong faith is essential for a desperate and immediate need. Two of the greatest distractions today are cell phones and social media. We had enough distractions before these came along and while they can be a help in spreading the Good News, they can also captivate our time and sidetrack our minds from the things that are most important.
Recently, I asked several Christians if they ever regretted becoming a Christian and living according to God’s word. Not one has regretted it. I thought about some of the great men in scripture who suffered greatly. Did any of them regret following God’s way? Do you think that Noah was disappointed? What about Abraham, or Isaac, or Jacob? Joseph suffered a lot for his faith but in the end he told his brothers, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Gen. 50:20)
Others we can consider are Job, David, Jeremiah, and other prophets, or those great men of the New Testament. None regretted their commitment to God and the path they were called to walk, but each walked by faith and were not distracted by the events and activities in the world around them. They kept their eyes on the prize set before them.
Returning to the challenges that one faces when faith is essential for a certain situation.
Peter was so confident that he would never deny the Lord, so much so that he even refuted Jesus when Jesus told him he would deny Him three times that very night. Yet, when he was in the palace courtyard and questioned about Jesus, fear overcame him and he yielded. His faith wavered because he became more concerned about the challenge he was facing and his mind and heart was not stayed upon Jesus.
In John 15, Jesus gave a parable about a vine and its branches. He stated that He was/is the Vine and that disciples are the branches. The only way the branch can produce fruit is to stay connected to the Vine. The parable clearly informs us that except we abide in Him, we can do nothing at all. But staying connected to the Vine, God can do the miraculous through those branches. He actually goes even further by saying that if a branch does not bear good fruit, that branch will be cut off and cast into the fire and be burned. Abiding in Christ is something that every believer must train himself to do every day. If this is done, when the time comes where faith is essential, he will find in himself the faith that moves mountains and brings glory to God. May our prayer be as Jesus’ disciples, “Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).
PEACE IN OUR TIME
Randall Walton
These famous, or infamous, words were uttered in 1938 by Neville Chamberlain, Prime Minister of Great Britain, after his renowned treaty with Adolf Hitler. Within a few months, World War II broke out as the German armies overran the western European countries. The Blitzkrieg came as a great surprise to nearly everyone because peace had been declared and guaranteed.
That war followed on the heels of the war which was to “end all war”, the First World War, 1914-1917. The history of man is a history of war. No one knows how many millions of lives have been sacrificed to the ravages of conflict down through the ages as mankind has decimated the ranks of humanity. Peace has successfully eluded the noblest efforts of statesmen to achieve it.
Now, we have another segment of society promising peace to the world, howbeit with a new twist. It is interesting to read of a hoped for 1,000 year period of global tranquility during which the whole planet will be given over to the agrarian pursuits and scientific research, a time of the highest standard of living – worldwide – that man has ever dreamed possible, an era of such peace and bliss that law enforcement agents will be unnecessary, and armies will be non-existent! And this is purportedly promised in the Holy Bible. Fantastic!!
IS WORLD PEACE PROMISED?
The idea of universal world peace is the dream of materialists and materialism, but not a promise of the Scriptures. There is not one single verse in the entire Bible that says that there will ever be 1,000 years of peace on earth! Bible scholars have seized a verse here and a verse there and have combined them to form a system of theology and philosophy that is in complete contradiction to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
Amazingly, the greatest “proof” texts come from the Old Testament, where the term “one thousand years” is used only once, and that in David’s Psalm where he states that “a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night” (Psalm 90:4).
Conjecture and assumption are the basis for forcing the major prophets to foretell of 1,000 years of peace on earth, yet Jesus promised universal peace and declared that it is available now, not world peace, but peace in the world to those who desire it!
THE JESUS PEACE
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
“And having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself;” (Colossians 1:20).
“For he is our peace, who hath made both one” (Ephesians 2:14).
“And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh” (Ephesians 2:17).
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body” (Colossians 3:15).
“These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God; The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and PEACE there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:6,7).
Here is the peace which has been promised to mankind – personal, present, everlasting, within the heart: a spiritual quality which is real and which is available NOW.
Paul stated it another way: “the kingdom of God is…righteousness, PEACE and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17).
THE KINGDOM OF GOD PEACE
Everyone who comes to God, is born of the Spirit, and is saved is a citizen of the kingdom of God (Col. 1:13). He has made peace with God (Romans 5:1) and is under the authority and rulership of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. The government rests upon His shoulders and He is the King who reigns (I Cor. 15:25). His reign is one of peace and all of His subjects live in peace – peace with God, peace with each other. They have laid down their spears and swords – their weapons of warfare. They have ceased their killing with judging, backbiting, slander, jealousy, envy, whisperings (II Cor. 12:20,21). They have surrendered themselves to the rule of their Master, Jesus, and are committed both to Him and their fellow kingdom citizens (Eph. 5:21; Phil. 2:3; I Peter 5:5); and they endeavor to “follow peace with all men” (Heb. 12:14).
Moreover, they are now enjoying the blessings of total salvation. They have learned to accept the tribulation and abuse which the world heaps upon them, for the peace of Jesus which passeth all understanding rules in their hearts and helps to create love and compassion for their persecutors and detractors.
They enjoy an abundance of blessings – not as the world esteems blessings, i.e., material possessions, wealth, affluence, carnal indulgences, leisure, pleasure, etc. Their wealth is not measured in dollars or real estate, but in heavenly treasures. Their security is not in stocks, bonds, insurance policies, nor civil government programs, for they seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and God supplies their needs.
Their care and concern is not for everyone to have his own “vine and fig tree”, but that all should come to repentance to know God, from the least to the greatest.
Their peace is so overwhelming that they rejoice and praise God while they lie incarcerated in prison, whether it be in Phillipi (as with Paul and Silas), or in one of the notorious gulags of Russia, as with many Christians who presently suffer in the dungeons of that evil empire.
This is truly the Jesus peace – the glorious, incomprehensible peace which can only be understood by those who possess it.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE THOUSAND YEARS?
One of the profoundest truths in the Bible is concerning the style or mode in which the Scriptures are written. There are two distinct types of writing both in secular and sacred literature or composition: 1) plain, ordinary, obvious, literal text; 2) symbolic, obscure, analogous, metaphoric writ.
Every student of the Word should pay close attention to this truth, for herein lies the secret of understanding the Scriptures. It is because men have refused to recognize this fundamental fact that such a doctrine as a future 1,000–year reign of peace has come into existence.
God has deliberately warned us about the style of speech in the book of Revelation: “he sent and signified it by his servant, John” (Revelation 1:1). This, the Lord said, is a book of SIGNS, or symbols, or allegories, or parables! It must be interpreted in order to be understood because the signs do not mean what they seem to indicate. The message contained here is truth, but it is in secret code and only those who know the code can understand the message.
It is also an obvious fact that whatever truths are contained here will agree with any and all portions of Scripture which are not written in symbols and signs. The truths in the book of Revelation will not – cannot – contradict those truths which were taught by Jesus and His apostles. There is total harmony throughout all the Word of God.
Therefore, we can state with all firmness that the twentieth chapter of Revelation does not portray a future literal one thousand year reign of Christ upon this earth during which the Christians will live for one thousand years, and reign with Him.
If such a hypothesis were true, it would be confirmed elsewhere in the plain words of Jesus Christ and the apostles. But it is not there! Jesus, Paul, James, and John never once mentioned 1,000 years. Peter merely stated a basic truth: “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (II Peter 3:8)
It is pure folly to use this equation as a foundation to build a doctrine upon. The very context in which Peter placed it disqualifies its use as “proof” for a one-thousand-year day. Peter was addressing the question of the coming of the Lord, (not the establishing of a kingdom) and he pointed to the fact that many people had become impatient and some had even given up hopes of His return because it had not occurred according to their expectations, in their lifetime. And in this vein of thought, he explained that God is not slack, even though it may appear to some that He is, for a day and a thousand years are all the same to Him! Time by days and years is irrelevant and unmeaningful.
Moreover, Peter left no room in time for a thousand-year period after the return of the Lord. “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, the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up” (II Peter 3:10).
Here is finality: extermination, annihilation, total and complete destruction! When Jesus returns, this earth (Greek=soil), as well as the solar system of which it is a part, will be consumed with a conflagration so great as to be termed “fervent heat.” (Some theologians have been so provoked at Peter’s pronouncement that they have said he was misinformed, or he wouldn’t have made such a statement as this!) There is complete agreement of Peter’s words with those of Jesus and the other gospel writers. When the purpose of this globe is fulfilled, there will be no further need for it and it will cease to be, for we “according to his promise, look for a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” Also read: Isaiah 24:1-5: “maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down,” etc.
Isaiah 24:19-20 “The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage;…and it shall fall, and not rise again.”
Matt. 24:3,6,14 “the end…of the world” (age).
The end of this present age will be succeeded by eternity, not a 1,000–year period of time. Jesus stated most plainly that “Heaven and earth shall pass away” (Matt. 24:24). This follows His description of the events surrounding His coming in verses 29-31. His advent is integral with the display of divine power manifested even in the heavenly bodies as well as upon the earth.
The sun…darkened
Moon…no light
Stars…fall from heaven
Powers…shaken (II Peter 3:7; Rev. 21:1; Mark 13:31)
It is because of this coming total dissolution of all things that Peter warns us so graphically, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved (broken up, destroyed), what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness.” There will not be a second chance, another age for salvation, a mystical, magical time when the devil will be literally bound, thus making it very simple and easy to serve God. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (II Cor. 6:2)
THE RESURRECTION
Because Revelation 20:6 mentions the “first” resurrection, men have assumed that there will be two separate and distinct physical resurrections, separated by 1,000 years and different as to class or kind of people who are raised. But such an assumption is a misinterpretation of this book of symbols.
It is only logical that a “first” resurrection must be preceded by a “first death.” The Scriptures are most plain concerning the spiritual state of all mankind: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12).
Paul proclaims that every human being is in a condition of death, not physical death, of course, but death nevertheless. Other Scriptures verify that this is so:
“And you, being dead in your sins” (Col. 3:13).
“He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but IS PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE” (John 5:24).
“We know that we have passed from death unto life” (I John 3:14).
Separation from the source of life is the state of death, a separation which is common to everyone who has not been “born again”, or raised from this deathly state; but this resurrection is a present reality, an ongoing, real, actual, spiritual experience. Listen to the words of the Master, Himself: “The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live” (Jn. 5:25).
The first death then, is that human condition of which we are all partakers. We are brought into this world in a state of spiritual death, a state which Paul attributes to our first parents.
But, thanks be to God, who has provided a means of resurrection from the dead through Jesus Christ our Lord. “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death (physical) hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (Rev. 20:6).
Every one of these promises can be shown to be available to the people of God at the present time:
1 Blessed. Eph. 1:3
2 Holy. I Cor. 3:17; I Peter 2:9
3 Physical death has no power. Heb. 2:14,15; II Tim. 1:10; Rev. 14:13.
4 Priests. Rev. 1:6; I Peter 2:9
5 They reign. II Tim. 2:12; Rom. 8:17
This profound truth reveals that the period of time pictured as a “thousand years” is now present and has been since the days of Jesus Christ! The use of the term “thousand” is a measure of magnitude rather than exactitude. All through this day of salvation, the Holy Spirit and the holy angels have labored with mankind to teach them the mighty inheritance which they receive when they come to Jesus Christ.
Theirs is a high, holy, and heavenly calling: they are to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29), to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4), to enjoy the righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost as citizens of the Kingdom of God.
It was not the intention of God that His people would become bogged down in the mire of religious institutionalism. There is a goal, a reason, a purpose in view. While it is true that eternal life with God is the ultimate end, it is also true that there is a goal to be attained in this span of human existence, which man has spurned and neglected. But we are confident that before Jesus returns, there will be a company of people who will so attune themselves to God and His word that they will enter into the call of God (Eph. 5:25-27; Eph. 3:10; Col. 1:27).
“Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165).
HIS RETURN
The supposed millennium is said to be annunciated with the return of Jesus to this earth to set up His thousand-year kingdom (even though the archangel Gabriel told Mary that “of his kingdom there shall be no end” [Luke 1:33]). Whom do we believe, these modern would–be prophets, or the Word of God?
It is a fact that at the present time Jesus is seated at the right hand of the heavenly Father (Mark 16:19; Luke 22:69; Acts 2:33; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3; Heb. 8:1; Heb. 10:12; Heb. 12:2; I Peter 3:22).
It is also a fact that He will remain there until His enemies have become His footstool. He is not coming back to set up a kingdom. He will not return until His enemies (of which there are many) are totally disempowered. David foretold this in Psalm 110:1,2; it was quoted by Jesus (Matt. 22:44; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:43), by Peter (Acts 2:35), and by the writer of Hebrews (1:13; 10:13).
It is a fact that His enemies are presently under His feet (Eph. 1:22; I Cor. 15:27; I Peter. 3:22); through His death on the cross, He conquered the devil and his angels (Heb. 2:14,15; Col. 2:15), and made His followers “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37). However, these enemies are not yet His footstool; they are not inert, motionless, nor speechless. Even though they are under the feet of Jesus, they can do certain things to harass and trouble mankind. But the time will come when these enemies can no longer function in any capacity. They will be as motionless as a footstool. “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (I Cor. 15:26). Then, and only then, will Jesus return as He has promised.
These facts also do away with the idea that Jesus will return to rapture away the saints prior to the great tribulation. He will not leave His present position until His enemies are made His footstool!
His return will in no way be associated with the inauguration of a physical, material, visible kingdom. His advent will be for the judgment of both mankind, and the devil and his followers, i.e., for the awarding of immortality and incorruptibility to His saints, and the destruction and banishment of the wicked (Matt. 16:27; Matt. 25:46; Acts 17:31; John 5:28,29; I Cor. 15:50-52; II Thess. 1:7-10).
And in the meantime? We have a job to do: we are ordered by our reigning king to teach people everywhere to obey the commands which He gave to His subjects while He was with them for a few short years. He declared His right to enforce His commands by announcing that “all power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18). What, then, will you do about Jesus?
ONE
J. Grant Swank, Jr.
Numbers are all important to world-think. Holiness is all-important to God-think.
In the media write-ups of Promise Keepers rally in Washington, DC, paragraph upon paragraph was given over to whether this number or that number was present. Some statistics’ researchers estimated a particular figure; yet police covering the event came up with another figure.
Then there were comparisons with other mega-events: the black men’s rally, the Pope’s audiences, Graham rallies, etc.
So it goes … especially in the church worldwide. Episcopalians have this number. Lutherans have that number. United Methodist gain/lose. Presbyterians stand at this count. The Assembly of God stretched to this statistic; the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana, is at this mark.
When denominations site out their possible mergers, statistics weigh in with major importance, especially so as to see who has the greater leverage for policy making.
When it comes to world religions’ comparisons, it is the same numbers game: Christians equal thus-and-thus, “Muslims” stand at this count, Buddhists take up this much of the numbers’ pie slice, and on and on.
World-think is enamored by statistics. HOWEVER, God-think takes count of holiness.
How interesting it would be if all religion numbers were quickly dumped into the same hole that sucked down the Titanic. Revelation! What is it that we see coming to the fore? Whoa! Can we take this revelation? It is that the world has nothing left by which to measure religion but its holiness quotient – plus or minus.
With that spiritual (rather than numerical) baseline, one still must reckon with God-mind’s high regard for ONE.
You came into the world as ONE. You will leave the world as ONE. You will stand at the judgment seat of Christ as ONE. In the meantime, most of your planetary journey is wound around ONE.
Preachers delight in informing their congregations that Jesus would have died upon the cross if it meant ONE could have had the opportunity to take advantage of His sinless sacrifice.
In the small church, ONE counts very much. When she is absent on a Sabbath morning, what a difference it makes for the other sixteen.
When God was about to obliterate the globe due to a generation’s gross evil, He relented. Why? Because he could count eight ONES who were still holy. So, for the sake of those few ONES, he kept the planet spinning upon its axis.
When Godman was strung up between heaven and earth, the count at the cross base numbered only a few holy ONES. Thank heaven, at least they were there! It was no doubt due to those few ONES that Jesus’ cry into death was cushioned immeasurably.
“He could have called ten thousands angels” But, no, a few human ONES sufficed.
I wonder sometimes if the church could move ahead in holiness if it wiped out its bookkeeping. Really. Why are headcounts taken at a worship, assembly, or any gathering of the religious?
God is looking down. And what does God see? He spies out the holy and the unholy. It is THAT criteria that makes heaven sad or glad.
Yet the church meets for something or other. If the stadium is stacked, we broadcast success! Oh, really?
Now, where did we ever come up with that fiction?