Winners and Users

There has been much said about Judas Iscariot who was one of the 12 disciples of Christ and the betrayer of the Lord who sold his whereabouts for a small sum of silver (Matthew 26:15) and just a line about Alexander the coppersmith who did "much evil" to the Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:14) but the two have something in common that I believe should be explored.

The bible commands and warns men to "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" Proverbs 4:23. Many Christians have a tendency to be very kind people, giving, sharing but there are those who would manipulate and use the Christian. Of course, maybe one would refute the idea of standing on ones own two feet with something like "turn the other cheek" etc. but it is a good idea to remember the wisdom we are instructed to use along with that gentleness. If a person is a user or a smiter of cheeks the Christian isn't instructed to allow the continued abuse. Christ did not spend a lot of time around the Pharisees and these people couldn't help their twisted tongues but to take jabs at the Lord. Christ firmly rebuked the religious fools many times and even rebuked what they wore, their mannerisms, actions and much deeper, the filth that was inside them. The Pharisees would have used Christ as one of their own if they could, of course the Lord is much greater than we can imagine and his omniscience trumps the foolishness of men.

Alexander the coppersmith forsook the gospel and laid his allegiance at the feet of the idol Diana when he was confronted for Christian teaching in Ephesus. The apostle Paul was no stranger to danger as he had been beaten, left for dead, shipwrecked, arrested but made particular mention of the apostate Alexander and backslider Demas.

So, my question is this: should the Christian keep turning the other cheek or wise up and stand up? I think the answer is pretty obvious here and we can give respect and keep balance to the instructions found in Matthew 5:41-44 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Let's try an example here, the Christian has extended grace, mercy, compassion and time to the abusive person who is in deep need of salvation or the backslider who needs repentance. How far is too far? How far should we go? Hasn't the Lord called us to live at peace?

Let's start with the gospel, confront the Pharisee and the user with the gospel. The gospel is so simple, God created you and you have offended God because of sin, Christ died on the cross and rose again and his shed blood is the saving grace you need to know God and to be saved. If a person rejects the doctrines of the bible then our instructions are clear according to Matthew 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

If a person rejects Jesus Christ or if the backslider refuses to repent then we should look at them in the light of the bible: 1 Corinthians 16:22 says this: If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

Something compelled the write here to use the Greek words Anathema and Chaldean originated word Maranatha, I could speculate as to why and think the words sound quite fitting together but lets examine their meaning.

Anathema is to be excommunicated, cursed or banned, whether it be an object or a person.

Maranatha is simply Divine Judgment the literal meaning is Our Lord Has Come.

Matthew Henry's commentary says "we sometimes need words of threatening"

Here are Matthew Henry's comments:

1. The person described, who is liable to this doom: He that loveth not the Lord Jesus Christ. A meiōsis, as some think; he who blasphemes Christ disowns his doctrine, slights and contemns his institutions, or, through pride of human knowledge and learning, despises his revelations. It stands here as a warning to the Corinthians and a rebuke of their criminal behaviour. It is an admonition to them not to be led away from the simplicity of the gospel, or those principles of it which were the great motives to purity of life, by pretenders to science, by the wisdom of the world, which would call their religion folly, and its most important doctrines absurd and ridiculous. Those men had a spite at Christ; and, if the Corinthians give ear to their seducing speeches, they were in danger of apostatizing from him. Against this he gives them here a very solemn caution. “Do not give into such conduct, if you would escape the severest vengeance.” Note, Professed Christians will, by contempt of Christ, and revolt from him, bring upon themselves the most dreadful destruction. Some understand the words as they lie, in their plain and obvious meaning, for such as are without holy and sincere affection for the Lord Jesus Christ. Many who have his name much in their mouths have no true love to him in their hearts, will not have him to rule over them (Luk_19:27), no, not though they have very towering hopes of being saved by him. And none love him in truth who do not love his laws and keep his commandments. Note, There are many Christians in name who do not love Christ Jesus the Lord in sincerity. But can any thing be more criminal or provoking? What, not love the most glorious lover in the world! Him who loved us, and gave himself for us, who shed his blood for us, to testify his love to us, and that after heinous wrong and provocation! What had we a power of loving for, if we are unmoved with such love as this, and without affection to such a Saviour? But, 2. We have here the doom of the person described: “Let him be Anathema, Maran-atha, lie under the heaviest and most dreadful curse. Let him be separated from the people of God, from the favour of God, and delivered up to his final, irrevocable, and inexorable vengeance” Maran-atha is a Syriac phrase, and signifies The Lord cometh. That very Lord whom they do not love, to whom they are inwardly and really disaffected whatever outward profession they make, is coming to execute judgment. And to be exposed to his wrath, to be divided to his left hand, to be condemned by him, how dreadful! If he will destroy, who can save? Those who fall under his condemning sentence must perish, and that for ever. Note, Those who love not the Lord Jesus Christ must perish without remedy. The wrath of God abides on every one who believes not on the Son, Joh_3:36. And true faith in Christ will evermore be productive of sincere love to him. Those who love him not cannot be believers in him.

Loving the purity and profundity of the puritans it's easy to take warning of those who would despitefully use another person. Christians are attractive targets if living for the Lord, physically contain blessings and provision potentially in excess of need and spiritually polished armor is like a mirror that Satan wants to smudge and corrode. Nothing slows a runner down more than weights or mud, to the like maybe nothing slows a Christian down than the weight of one of these users.

Here are a few ideas for the winners to avoid being used: Avoid unexpected giving by planning carefully what you will give and where you will delegate those resources into proven places. Watch out for fables, sob stories, backbiters and the subtleties of Satan. Always run on the high road while still being ready to condescend to anyone with the love of Christ. Allow God to be the provider, nobody exists without the Lords allowance and nobody exists outside of His knowledge so let the Lord provide for others as He sees fit, don't squander your blessings on beggars, con artists, transients, pan handlers etc. There is a balance, and this is my personal opinion, When I hand out tracts to pan handlers I sometimes put a dollar in the tract especially if they are missing a limb or look especially needy and unable. If a person has a red face or too many wrinkles or a pitted face then there is a strong chance they will just spend the money on drugs or alcohol and it isn't really for food. Also, I've never met a transient who really liked to work, just the opposite, I have listened and talked with a few and they almost always talk about avoiding work, getting free money from the government etc. An alternative is to hand them a tract and a dollar burger from McD's (healthy lifestyles come in second place when comes to staying alive).

I would love to write a great conclusion to this but I will leave that up to the readers mind. For every hardline true honest person in the world, I am guessing that 99 would steal something from you even just something small. One time I bought a new toilet for my house, brought it home, installed it and found out that it was much less of a winner than I had thought. I removed the toilet after a few days, installed a much better one and posted the loser toilet on craigslist for 1/4 of the original price. Quickly someone wanted to buy it. I talked to the person on the phone and they agreed to come pick it up for the price of 25 dollars. That day I was somewhat busy so I decided to put the toilet outside for them with an envelope, on the front of the envelope I wrote $25.00 and nothing else, placed the envelope on the toilet and went to work. After the person picked up the toilet she called and left me a message that my money was in the envelope on my front door. A very short time later I got the envelope and it was short 5 dollars. Either that woman took a 5 dollar discount (stole) from me or some passer by took the 5 dollars. Whatever the case someone decided that being mostly honest and a little dishonest was okay. This represents a very low moral standard yet some moral standard. A statement that is 20% false and 80% true is actually 100% false. Lies mixed with truth are just garbage. I could make a lot of jokes about the person who 5 dollars over a toilet but I think the point makes the case. Keep your guard up yet remain tender to the Lord. Don't trust just anyone but give people the benefit of the doubt once and learn your lesson.

Personal Declension and Revival of Religion in the Soul (book report)

Introduction:

The author has spent countless hours contemplating the declension and revival of religion in the soul and has in my opinion opened the reader to much self realization and self examination. From the potential dangers, the acts of faith and love to the authority gained in prayer, the charge to accuracy in Gods word and more self examination in the orders of being a fruitful Christian and not failing to mention His wonderful restoration and keeping and staying power the Lord unfolds a good work in these pages that have opened my mind to a deeper thought of God and deeper thought of His Words.

Incipient Declension:

In spite of all of God's goodness and all of his mercies that he has given to us, the believer still has a strong and continual tendency towards backsliding. The tendencies of backsliding have great potential and are constantly working against the believer, even to the point where one will “deify the graces of the Spirit” (p.10) This is a great danger. Of course the grace given to the Christian is sustained by God himself and indestructible. Nothing can cause God's grace to fail. Yet, in some fashion because of sin these gifts of grace may decay in the soul. The author encourages the examination of another doctrine “The life of God in the Soul of Man”. Christ dwelling in many by faith and giving man the new life, new birth etc. Christ living in man giving the zeal to endure all as in the life of the apostle Paul. This new life of God in the Soul of Man is all in all given by Christ and upheld by his great permanence. In this new life the believer is hidden in Christ and very secure in Christ Yet, the incipient declension is an internal decay of those initial graces and God's inward power anew and afresh. The declension is thus hidden, subtle and unsuspected. Sin wears on the believer in such a subtle manner as Delilah's nagging found Samson to awaken without the presence of the Lord. Not that God's divine grace was eroded but the health of grace in the soul. It's “vigour and exercise” (p.14). Not that God's grace is eroded but rather that sin has grown like weeds causing decay. Maybe no standards of holiness have been compromised yet the deep worship of God is not present. That the deep desires for Christ have been overshadowed by formal religion. Christian service may remain the same or even incline however the truth, love and power are seemingly ignored and self examination neglected. Thus, joy is gone along with the heartfelt worship that should encompass each believers heart. The qualities of revival are nourishing the soul, desiring profound hunger in the soul for God. Taking Christ as the Bread and Living Water of life. Mere prayer and bible reading are not revival but, deeply longing in prayer for the blood of Christ confessing sin at the cross and “nearness to the throne” (p.18). It should be understood that the Lord does not withdraw himself without cause yet the believer has ignored the promptings of the Spirit. Has given no heed to the movement and dealings of God. Or, has payed little attention and care to those things most important to God. To seek revival one should realize exactly the true state of his soul. Honestly examine oneself in light of the scriptures realizing that God does not examine the outward man but the inward man of the heart. The deepest confines of thought are transparent before Him. After this examination as God would examine the next step is to make no pardon but to bring all to the cross and ask forgiveness. To turn from this wickedness and submit all to the Saviour who is faithful to forgive and cleanse if we confess. Conviction, humiliation, godly sorrow and confession are the elements found in Hosea 14:1-2 outlining the path of true return to God. This is where sin may be entirely mortified and forsaken, for nothing less will do. Though all elements of revival may be present for a moment because of some great dealing of God true revival must display continual and constant exercise of these elements with profound and fervent execution. To be filled anew with the Holy Ghost continually is great remedy, His filling and great joy that comes with His presence should be our mainstay. Not of feeling but of the deep rooted truth in love. The filling of the Holy Spirit is the warmth that melts the iced heart. This meditation of love for Christ is great cause for revival. And finally one must desire earnestly in praise and prayer for the Lord to revive. To desire with fervent heat to be new like a fruitful vine or fig tree.

Declension in Love:

This declension is not hidden but obvious outwardly. While the backslider may make excuses, self deceive or declare to be at peace the love waxed cold is obvious to those discerning. Love is really the cornerstone of the graces and if love is affected then all other graces of the Spirit will suffer. Love of God is the supreme commandment, choice and exercise. To love first anything lower is to deify that object and break this supreme ability. To love God with all heart, mind and soul is to rest all moral direction and every aspect of decision upon the guidance of God our Creator.



Supreme happiness comes from loving God supremely thus deliverance from supreme misery. Love is the main theme of the gospel, without love there would be no death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Love is what motivates and prompts one to the place of salvation. Love from God is what sustains us in spite of ourselves. No mere act of holiness, Christian service or following the law can compare to the command of our Lord “if ye love me, keep my commandments” Jn14:15. Obedience is simply fruit of that love. Love conquers everything that attempts to destroy a man: fear, shame, delay etc. Love is that which the Lord forgave our sins, cleanses us, fills us, makes us whole, answers our prayers, gives us desire and provides every aspect of victual spiritual and physical even to exceeding
abundance. The author describes it as deeper than any ocean and broader than any sea. This love is cultivated in the soul by immersion in God's presence, truth, self-examination, prayer, daily walking with the Lord etc. (p.46). The love is named a breastplate protecting the vital organs of man (what great illustration). Sin is the great offender of God while love is the great offender of sin. When God becomes less that our supreme love declension is apparent. Any coldness or deviation from the supreme love Christ-ward is surely declension. Any loss of reverence, coldness, disobedience is a great mark that love has declined. Hard thoughts of God's actions or dealings are sure marks of declension. These are results of changing ones meditations and contemplations and viewing things and events with wrong perspectives. It is abnormal for God to pour out His love only seldom upon His people and a sure sign of great danger, the author point that it's a miserable existence to not have continual communion with God. But, a tender walk with God should be the life of each. To desire strongly to please our Father and to have continual fellowship with him, to be grieved at the thought or desire of sin, to run from pride and lust with expediency. To have affections abnormally set upon creature things is idolatry. Such sin is most grievous to God and places love upon another whether the object be visible or invisible. To look upon God's dealings with hardness or heart shows great lack of understanding and faith. But faith sees God's heart is love and He deals with us lovingly no matter the circumstance and He will momentarily relieve all struggles, pains etc. The believer should seek out those causes of declension in love and crucify those hellish sins, draw upon God's love and seek all provision of love direct from He who is love and seek constant guidance, forgiveness and every provision from Christ who first loved us. Relying heavily upon the work of the Holy Spirit and his dealings is the clear path and giving oneself with fervor to the love of God the love that makes hot that love which had once waxed cold. To stay near the source who is Christ.

Declension in Faith:

Faith (as the author points out) is a grace that is often mistaken and disputed over. Although, faith is simple as shown in scripture. Faith is often discussed yet a favorite grace for Satan to distort. Faith isn't simply to believe in a doctrine but to believe in The Doctrine. If a man travels through life believing the wrong thing about salvation he must start over and follow truth. Faith offers security in that we can stand fast with full assurance in all that we do if it is by faith then we shall receive those blessings and provisions He is faithful to give. Faith involves movement and action as we “walk by faith”, it is the way to follow Christ and to live the life that Christ intends for us. Faith is the shield that quenches the fiery darts of Satan and the devils. Faith is purifying as exercising faith draws us closer to God. It will cause the word to roll around in the mind and become like lifeblood fixing the eyes on the Saviour. Faith is the way of salvation. Faith may possibly be the most assailed and attacked of the graces given. Even the patriarchs and champions of the faith were at times swayed by the slightest attack. Prayer is the place where faith is built up and fortified. The spiritual prayer is essential in the building of faith. If the prayer lacks or declines the faith is sure to follow. Time in prayer is essential. It is essential to take time away from the secular to focus on the holy and spiritual. If enough time is not submitted for prayer then surely faith will suffer declension. Basing decisions upon logic alone leaves no room for faith. Logic is good but often times it will fail us. Doubt of God and His word is the great enemy of faith and one should consider how great a God we trust in, He who holds all of creation in His hands. Faith is built by exercise and buy continually gazing upon Jesus, He who is able. The more we look at Jesus the stronger our faith will grow (p.80). Again, the author points to the need for revival and it's origin in the Holy Spirit bringing one to a place of self examination. No sin is welcome in God's presence and His manifest presence demands complete holiness. This communion comes with Christ's blood. Although many have made the mistake of having faith in faith when properly our faith must be wholly resting upon the Saviour. Though ones faith may be weak Christ can lift him up. Just looking unto Jesus or touching the hem of His garment is the remedy. To believe on the one who saves, delivers, makes new... is to look trusting in Him who is able to meet all of our needs beyond comprehension. And, then to commit with full assurance all cares unto the Lord and know He has heard, this is evidence, this is the substance. Simply, to believe.


Declension in Prayer:

Prayer could be marked as the most cause for decay because of it's primary function in connecting us to God. Prayer was described by one as such -- “I open my bible, and God talks with me; I close my bible, and then I talk with God”.
It is communion of the best sort, it is the created speaking with the Creator as a friend and much more. God the father is the object of our prayer, Christ mediator and Holy Spirit as author. It's a beautiful picture. It is the best part of the spiritual life. Prayer is the means by which we ask, praise, adore, and confess; yet, prayer may decline. The prayer may become a routine or only about one aspect or two. Maybe to only pray for ones needs, or to only give thanks and to make a habit of prayer that becomes dull and cold. Such prayers are lifeless and lack the heat and fervency of those with the Spirit anew. They lack the splendor of God and His majesty, true realization of the wonders of God Creator and Sustainer of all things. Lack of imagery of who He is and how wonderful He is. Without brokenness, contrition and pure confession the prayers become vain repetitions. Backsliding is always gradual and by degrees, this backsliding starts with a declension in the fervency, giving up some seemingly small thing such as the true self examination and confession may still be present without previous intensity. Next, some other facet is stripped and then another until a point of deep hardheartedness and lack of realization. The continual fervent prayer of a righteous man may begin to experience small gaps followed by subtly larger gaps. Next could be family prayer and finally social prayer. Then the believer is left only praying for things that are temporal and cares not for the soul or the word of God nor the souls of others. Now this backsliding has moved the believer subtly further from prayer and subtly further from God. Next the spiritual duties lose their excitement and become listless duties. And slowly the sweetness of prayer and spiritual works are forgotten and rather satisfied by things not of Heaven but things of this World. Business affairs and the normal of every day life have taken the place of communion with the Creator. To avoid these sins one should never restrain prayer from Christ, always look to Him with great fervency and desire to be near to the holy. “ An accumulation of daily crosses” (p.101) is the best way to stay on track with prayer. Constantly self examining, always loathing the offense and carefully watching in prayer. Prayer should be examined frequently to ensure full effect and revival. Exercises of the heart, depth of truth, great adoration of the Savior, much thankfulness, much praise all from a pure heart having washed hands seeking always the atoning blood of Christ. Keeping fast to the prayer closet, praying with the family, and in public. Realizing the depth of need, the true need of self, that I am a mere beggar with nothing, utterly destitute and shameful. Searching out and removing of the things that stop and hinder prayer, hidden sin, unrepented sin, unpardoned sin, and a worldly mindedness. To be revived in prayer requires allowing the Holy Spirit to do what He will. That our prayer be unhindered and continued by obedience in those areas in which He would deal and those corruptions we would tend to ignore. That there be no resistance against God, slothfulness in repentance and that He would be trusted in His divine dealings. Realizing that a season of trial or suffering from loss is time of deep repentance and deep self examination much needed to revive the prayer. The poor, the oppressed, the burdened and the humbled are all able to come to God's mercy seat.

Declension in Connexion with Doctrinal Error:

The church has been entrusted with guarding and preserving the truth against the forces of evil in a world that is filled with moral corruption. God's word is divine truth yet it is unknowable to the carnal mind. The unsaved cannot fully comprehend scripture but they are like a blind person looking at a masterpiece painting unable to see anything. But the author emphasizes that the truth of the word is lifeless without the Holy Spirit which gives life. For example the 3,000 who were saved on Pentecost heard the sermon but needed the Spirit to give the life through the sermon which He also gave. The Spirit enlightens the heart which was in such darkness. Intellect alone can look upon scripture and a man can leave as unchanged as ever. The bible repeatedly points to sanctification, being separate from the world and unto God. The truth always points the believer towards holiness. Holiness is unmistakable as it wars against the old man and promotes the new man which longs for the truth. False doctrine is exactly opposite always drawing the mind off the Creator and into any diversion. False doctrine always causes decay and declension. The word (truth) the the one thing that God hath exalted above His own name. One who has moved away from the truth will display hardness, lack of understanding for spiritual things, moral decay, loss of joy amongst other losses. These losses are result of any compromise of the fundamental doctrine, departure of any kind from the truth of God, slipping in conviction. This renders one useless, powerless, without effect and nigh unusable to the Master. Without returning to the truth and having all conviction established in it one will become like the scattered churches of Europe who left the doctrines fervently preached by those reformers and martyrs who gave so much for the truth. Their resolve should be our example to defend the truth even with our lives if need be. Denying our own unrighteous desires and adopting God's righteous truth is surely a work of the Spirit if we have the Spirit and if He by His truth deal with the responsive, humble and contrite heart. The greatest declension (might I contest) is that of compromising the gospel, the death, burial, resurrection, deity, humanity of Christ. To tread under foot the blood of God the Son. To undervalue or deny Christ must be the worst declension of any kind. Another, the denying or ignoring the work of the Holy Spirit, to devalue or neglect the office of God's great power towards men speaking of Christ. The revival comes from fearlessly maintaining the truth by speaking it, separation, holiness etc. And might I add to realize the low estate of man and the unfathomable highness of God.




On Grieving the Spirit:

The great danger here is to think too low of the Spirit but oppositely one may not thing too high of the Spirit because of His great office, person and work. Grief exposes Gods extreme hatred of sin (p.129). To grieve Him is to go against God's commands, to ignore His voice, reject or gloss over his promptings. This causes withering, decay, coldness etc. The lukewarmness is awful to God and His soul has no pleasure in those who draw back. God looks highly upon His work in the believer and to stop or slow that work is surely grievous. His work is that of perfecting, or giving great joy, delivering from sin, exposing those areas of sin. Denying and undervaluing these works are surely grievous as is much more. Revival surely lies in heeding promptly to the Spirits dealings, valuing so much His work of speaking of Christ, comfort, conviction, bearing witness of that truth in mens hearts, speaking of the Bread of Life. Coming to the cross with all and forsaking all sin at the cross, leaving all pride, lust, contempt, evils and revering the Lord as God the Holy Spirit with full fervor and honest realization. Following his leadings and allowing Him to move us along the righteous narrow path as He sees fit, not frustrating the grace of God. Waiting with all patience which is given by Him, ministering with all fervent hotness as given by Him and embracing His dealings with wholeheartedness, forsaking all that would stop or divert attentions.

The Fruitless and the Fruitful Professor:

The illustration found in John 15 of the vine is the authors model for this subject. The presence of Christ causes a nearness and likening to God's attributes. Not by just profession and outward actions but by the continual inward change and the display of spiritual fruit. If a dead branch is grafted into a living tree it may look genuine but as time will show it will never bear any fruit. The fruitless has hardheartedness, lifelessness, and shows no self loathing, no self abasement, no genuine humility. Among these are Simon Magnus, Demas and Judas Iscariot. All were just pretenders of the faith never having any good fruit. These have works of only wood, hay and stubble and will find themselves cast into the fire likewise if unsaved. The reasons are many, maybe no true repentance, pharisees only living to a letter of the law, apostates, dead letters, clouds without rain. But the fruitful are they who abide in Christ and show forth those good works. The faithful have the connection to the one who supplies their lifeblood. This is why they bear much fruit. The change is continual and they are constantly fed by the vine. They take the cross and respond to the will of God, conform to His life, His death and His resurrection. The fruitful branch is then pruned as God would cut off the parts as He sees fit and cares for the the fruitful believer in such a way as to cause the most choice production of fruit as known in Galatians 5:22-23. Even those with the closest walk with God need pruning. Areas of the heart still need to be pruned and sin driven out much like the Canaanites when God's people inhabited the promised land. The land was theirs but the former inhabitants had yet to be utterly driven out. This purging is strengthening to the believer and causes faith to be built along with all aspects of the spiritual life. One seemingly small sin could lead to such fruitlessness. The secret of bearing fruit is to always be seeking to know Christ more. If he deals with a person then He treats them as a son. The Lords dealings are a good thing, His chastisement, rebuke, mercy, judgment. The more pruned the believe is the more fruit he can bear and the better that fruit.



The Lord the Restorer of His People:

If examined in a single the believer would surely display much fault, much sin. Inability to do the holy things, and constant wavering and fight between natures. It's almost as if we walk a fine line with unholiness constantly pressing us to fall in yet the grace of God our great sustenance in spite of our constant failures. Our sinfulness must far exceed our realization of the fullness of that sinfulness. But, God still choses to renew and to restore us. He continually desire to work in spite of our tendencies toward opposing the cross and being the enemy of God. Everything that comes from within a man and everything surrounding a man is unfavorable to grace. It's like we are our own worst enemy and truly contemptible in the sight of God but He looks at us with the judgment of Christ as given innocence. To be restored to the innocence that Adam was created with but something even more not only do we have the Tree of Life but Christ the great life giver dwells within. The backsliding can be traced to the roots of unmortified sin to the leniency on sin itself. The believer should rather fall at God's feet and repent of all sin and all unrighteousness. Evict sin and flee from all idolatry and stay in the goodness of God's correction. He is the great restorer and He takes pleasure in restoring His saints, it does require chastisement, correction, some of this will be hot and very uncomfortable for sin. The mind must be changed by this chastisement but it's all because of our own deep declension. This restoration is like having the new view of Christ like at the cross for the first time ever, but beholding his majesty afresh and anew continually.

The Lord, The Keeper of His People:

Salvation is God's gift to men in spite of men's selves, He is the one who payed for it and He who gives it. Everything God does is majestic and supreme and as he keeps His people it is no less significant and no less complete. Our tendencies to wander are to be always outmatched by His wonderful power. The believer has no ability to keep himself but is totally in weakness. Our sinful desires are such that we desire to think and act independent of God, the heart is very deceptive. Even Adam who was created perfect in the midst of God's presence could not keep himself but he too wandered from absolute holiness to absolute corruption. In an instant his inability to keep himself was exposed and he knew his nakedness. God now uses this weakness as strength, the believer must realize his deep need for Christ to keep him as he realizes his unprecedented weakness. Sin is the great conqueror of men and all the angels that fell. The believer should pay exacting attention to his heart and give no mercy to sin and no lax in judgment. No place should be regarded but automatic eviction is the Lords way. Realizing that man is a worm and utterly contemptible and that God in the abundance of His grace desires such blessings for such an undeserving race. The trial and the revealing of the inward sins are ways of Gods grace. The exposing of all evils confined in the heart and the allowance of devilish attacks shows the true need of the afflicted. The affliction presses one back to God. Christ can keep his people from falling and He is not willing that any sin but, that all would walk upright as the Lord would desire. His power is given to us against sin in unprecedented measures yet through self reliance sin takes occasion. Relying on Him will never cause failure but freedom, because he upholds all things by the word of his power.

Conclusion:

To fall wholly upon Christ is to be kept as surely as is possible. His staying power is amazing and He is all powerful to keep His people. No declension is beyond Gods extending reach. Yet, pride would always desire to rob God of His wonderful outworkings and one could easily by pride reject the working of the Holy Spirit, continually run from the grace of God, frustrate the grace of God, ignore the words of truth, walk in faithlessness, gradually cease to love, embrace apostasy and hold the truth of God in unrighteousness, worship Him not as God, become altogether fruitless and with no use and by lust and pride reject the wonderful restoration and keeping of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our purpose on the earth is to glorify God, our purpose in eternity is to glorify God, what if we missed one of these opportunities? What great love we have been given and are continually given to motivate repentance and inspire the Lords work to take precedence in our lives. The book is much more exhaustive than this paper yet might it inspire one to read the work of Octavius Winslow as it is inspiring, thorough, engaging and speaks to the heart in a direct manner like arrows fired at their target hitting bulls eye with each release.

Four Views of Christ (book report)

Introduction:

The accounts and explanations of the four gospels are great in depth and not to be covered in any one volume nor explained away by critics as accomplishing the same purpose. But, that each is essential and was ordained uniquely by God to accomplish its specific purpose. While having their similarities and their diversities all of these parallels, same accounts, and differences serve together. The gospels like the entire canon of scripture should be viewed from a point of faith in God and knowing that He takes delight in preserving His word and each was written purposefully with divine perfection. Truly the gospels are where all of the types and shadows of the Old Testament are fulfilled, completed, revealed and brought into the perfection of their eternal implications pointing to Christ the Saviour. It is not just four volumes dedicated to the Lord who Redeems, but the entire canon. Even the angels in whom God reveals His glory spoke of the one to come. The purpose of the books of the prophets were to lay pictures and inspired words to the ears and eyes of the hearers that they would look forward to a coming Redeemer as we look back upon Christs finished work on the cross. The gospels are beautifully harmonious while maintaining uniqueness. Much of the introducing remarks are further expanded in this summary, in order to begin to touch on much of those most illuminuous words I begin.

Matthew's View:

Matthew's gospel emphasizes Christ as Son of David and this genealogy uniquely goes back to Abraham while other writers to Adam. Christ is shown as the one who would fulfill the kingdoms promise, that covenant promised to David. Matthew also uniquely focuses on “the kingdom”. And, it's rich opening details of Christ being tempted by Satan fully proving His Deity! Positionally Christ was at this point proved before all Earth and Heavens to be the King and Prophet spoken of and looked for by Gods people for ages past. Now, following the principle and theme of “kingdom” Christ gives his “sermon on the mount”. This sermon shows the principles and laws while also describing the people of heavens kingdom. The Lord strongly emphasizes righteousness by Matthews hand also unique to this gospel. The disciple goes into great detail about this kingdom and how the children of it reject Christ the King as was prophesied of old. The beatitudes deeply show the true characteristics and how far off religious teachings had strayed and how opposite (pride: humility, sin: holiness) His own were actually living and teaching. Great emphasis is given to how barren and desolate Israel has become and how far from the coming Saviour the kingdom has grown. The parables from the barren fig tree to the unyielding ground depict their backward ways, hardheartedness, shutting of the kingdom in peoples faces. Then the picture of Israel as a fig tree bearing no fruit being cursed and withering. Yet the other tree from the smallest garden vegetable seed (mustard) is shown as growing tall, strong, abiding, and fruitful. Yet to fulfill what was spoken His own received him not. Yet some, a few comparatively accepted him and were enlightened as they accepted Christ: His disciples, pious women, men and children heard and did believe on Christ. The word being cast (seed) the sower (Christ) and the types of soil (people who hear) all explicitly taught and the leaven viewed in it's two lights. Then the ways Christ discusses his Church to come and the untold age of Grace that would soon come. The great work of Salvation. Christs view of his Church, the Pearl of Great Price, the field, the harvest, the kingdom.. all so divinely packed into these parables as the Messiah reveals these great mysteries of old. Amazing and notable is that Christ sees us as not just goodly pearls but The pearl of great price. He values his people so wonderfully and precious as to die for such an one (sinners). Yet those who reject His complete redemption are finally summoned to “depart into everlasting fire”. Those workers of iniquity chose everlasting fire rather than everlasting rest in the presence of the Lord who so deeply humbled himself to redeem sinful man. Also, a grand distinction is Christ introduction as quoted from the prophet Isaiah naming Him “Emmanuel” the son of the virgin given conception by the Holy Spirit of God. Christ was again.. given to us as the greatest gift everlasting in such a humble fashion and in such an unsuspected location to such an unsuspected young woman to a humble and unsuspected existence. Yet He humbly grows into the street preacher and traveling evangelist (greatest of all times) telling men to be converted. Rebuking the “wise” and “important” teachers and teaching the fulfillment of the law. The Jews expected the Christ to rule and reign yet Christ spoke of the kingdom of heaven, they thought him much too humble a man and expected an earthly deliverance. This kingdom spoken of and preached by Jesus transcends all earthly understanding and expectation. They looked for the familiar rather than (as did Abraham) an heavenly city. [my own interjection]. Yet Christ was divinely brought by the promise given to Abraham through the seed and so the generations are written of the children of promise. His precursors and types and shadows like Isaac are so numerous. The signs of old that point to this Christ born of the seed of the free woman are so many and so amazingly fulfilling of prophesy it is only possible that God brought Him forth. Yet by death through Christ and in his followers righteousness and the fulfilling of the law is made. To love God is to deny oneself and do Gods will. In losing ones own life we richly find it in Christ as did Christ by death later rise to redeem and fulfill all righteousness of the law. Thus baptism is symbolically identifying of
ourselves as believers in Christ and by his own power we alike are raised in the newness of life to no longer fulfill the lusts of the flesh but to forsake the old man and walk in the newness of life that Christ has empowered us to walk in. The law had no power to raise but was simply like a tutor or a schoolmaster, the one who brings us to Christ. We only understand our guilt by the law and realize our need by Gods law, however Christ is the one who shall “teach us all things” and of course convert our souls by his saving grace. Another notable difference about Matthews gospel is how he notes those things which were fulfilled by the prophets. It is repeatedly noted and yet still the religious leaders and so many educated still rejected Christ. The had their misconceptions and preconceived notions of how Christ would do things when he came and rejected the true Messiah based upon the foolishness of their own hearts and the error of their teachings. The kingdom of heaven was not the concern of this generation [isn't this true largely for all generations] but they much desired to see the earthly rule of their Messiah, so much that when he came, obedient, meek and humble; his own received him not.

Mark's View:

This gospel focuses on Christ as servant. The picture of this Christ and his church in this book is one of co-labor and co-service. Christ omits here (differing from other gospels) the points of power and authority but puts on an emphasis toward service. Even his parables and instructions omit certain parts such as commanding the word to be preached and the details of tares are also omitted because it would emphasize his power rather than his servitude. Even Christs childhood details and those things about him growing in stature and favor are not found in this gospel yet his servitude towards God and men. Interestingly the ox is a servant animal, one who carries burdens, so also Christ himself carried and furthermore carries our burdens. Even his commission to preach here omits “commanding” yet he portrays the great commission in a co-equal light, himself with his disciples. Even his attributes as Judge and Chief of Angels are not seen in this gospel yet what is so strongly seen is his humble submission to God the Father. Until after the resurrection his disciples (among others) do not call him Lord in this book. The author wisely points that omissions as such are wisdom to be sought as God perfectly preserves his word and makes no mistake to take such emphasis and bless those who will be so profound as to take notice.


Touching now on things unique and distinctive to this gospel one of the most common used words is in the Greek: eutheos; which translates as : straightway, immediately and forthwith. These words are used over and over making this especially notable. It is notable to see how Christ served so faithfully and diligently. Uniquely also seen of Christ the Servant and his interaction with those he served, he took children into his arms, gave a hand up to the blind, afflicted and possessed. He literally reached to help those in need with his own hands. Christs looks are also notable and peculiar to this gospel, the way he looked upon those who he called his mother and brethren is not found elsewhere. What a blessing for the Lord to look at us. Notabley Christ also made himself available even to the point of losing time to eat and sleep in order to serve. Even when they went by ship to a desert place and a crowd ran and intruded Christ allowed them and did teach them. Christ was moved with compassion here toward the leper and the hungry multitude. His heart is revealed here as nowhere else. Teaching that “without love the most costly service will be .. barren” (p.67. Again on the way to the cross it is distinct here that Christ was in need of help to get to Golgatha. [But, also he shows us that service was unto death and even then continued on.]



Luke's View:

Here Christ is portrayed and focused upon as Son of Man and he is linked to both Adam as well as all men and also linked to heaven. Two of his offices (priest and prophet) are both strongly emphasized by Doctor Luke. Both priest and prophet are ministries of God given to men and for men. The Levitical priesthood was to atone the gap between God and man because of mans sin nature however Christ only could perfectly atone that gap and wash away all sin. The ministry of prophet was one of God sending his word unto men by men, now Christ is The Word sent by God to men. In putting on humanity (as marked by the writer of Hebrews) Christ is touched and understands to the fullest the infirmities of man. Distinctively Luke shows us that Christ gives us the example of perfect subjection to God in human form. Even his forerunner speaks of Christ coming as a light unto men. Yet uniquely Luke mentions Christs parents being summoned to pay their tax, showing that he was born of low human degree and not to a position of human rule or power but of ordinary parents subject to the law and decrees of earthly kings. The author notes the coming Saviour rather than a king. And this Saviour here preaches repentance for the remission of sins. Most is noted here about his childhood and the age at which he entered his earthly ministry. His identifying with man in baptism signifying death, burial and resurrection. One very interesting point is as Christ talks about old and new wine here (wine skins in other gospels) he notes the habits of man to view the old as better and to reject new. Warning that The New and Living Way (Christ the Risen Saviour) would be opposed by those who relied on temple ministry and the teachings of the religious leaders of that day. The old wine would impair their judgment and they would not want new wine. Such an interesting distinction and prophesy to mens hearts. Luke offers over and over a strong emphasis on how often Jesus prayed and how his acts and miracles were so often accompanied by prayer again pointing to his submission as Son of Man. His compassion towards men as a man is also greatly shown. As he sees the widow whose Son has died and those with illness as he heals. His heart of compassion as understanding the sinner is enlarged in our understanding. His parables and accounts are notably began with “A certain man” and “A certain rich man”, “Two men went up...”. Interestingly Christ used the one who was educated about caring for men [Luke] to show His own care of men. Christ speaks uniquely of the gentiles here and the church age and explains also the dispersion and captivity of Jews, the place of the crucifixion is called by Calvary as the gentiles called it, and the penitent thief is seen as saved uniquely here. The author notes the divine implications of Christ praying so often (p87) and seems to charge the reader to be not prayerless but to pray in all things as Christ the Man exemplified in himself.



John's View:

The beginning of this gospel is remarkable and quite unique. Firstly Christ is here portrayed as the Eagle. Correlations and types are noted all over scripture i.e. mount up on wings, carried upon eagles wings. The foreshadows of this gospel are many and truly shown by God all over scripture. Now, the beginning of this gospel goes to the start of creation and show Christ as Creator and then how He himself became man. That he always was and is the light and now this Word becomes flesh and dwelt among us. The Word is eternal yet becomes man and remarkably the Light of the World comes into the world and lights men as if to bear them up on his own as would an eagle. Here we see a special emphasis on the divine and heavenly moreso than the other gospels. A pointing to heaven and the heavenlies. Even the very long account of Christs way to the cross, suffering, death, burial and resurrection/ascension takes up a great portion of this book. The connection of Christ to heaven is
nowhere of the gospels so greatly expounded upon. The detail of the Glorious Lord coming from such transcendence to such lowly estate only to rise again redeeming sinful man of His own love is so beautifully pictured by the apostle John. Here the doctrine of the second birth is shown unto men. That being born of an earthly state will not introduce us to the Heavenly Kingdom. That we must be born of God to inherit eternal life. That to believe on Christ is where this newness of life is found. The simple illustration of looking and living is here also given. As if to say something to the effect that “to look is to see and believe”, this great action of seeing Christ has a great attachment of looking away from ones own sinful desire, realizing ones own uncleanness, seeing Christ's holiness and immediately being born again. A single and simple action that saves the soul eternally by Christ's great love, by his complete work on the cross. This is where the Love of God transcendent is shown so richly toward undeserving man. Life is the strong emphasis here, “he that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life”.

The Common Testimony:

The seemingly strongest correlations of the four gospels it the death and resurrection of Christ. The believer is identified as “in Christ” and thus is also boldly partaker in these actions with Christ. As we were born “in Adam” not just by bloodline but also by the fact that we carry and have the sin nature we are made new in Christ. Also, many of the events leading up to and the events of the cross are similarly portrayed or simultaneously portrayed by each gospel writer. All the gospels point back to the temple, to the veil and the ministry preceding Christ. The words spoken by the prophets are here fulfilled. The identification of Christians submitting themselves to Christ as Christ submitted himself to the cross so that others may live is strongly portrayed universally. Those who are buried with him are the like risen with him. We are called to have fellowship with Christ in every aspect he fellowshipped with those he healed, discipled and the ones who touched him and even those who lay on his chest. But even moreso because he is now risen and we now have access to the holy of holies by the blood of Jesus. The death of the old man and carnal nature and the walking in the newness of life. The testimony of the cross he bore as nail scars on his risen body and the foretelling of the church age and commissioning of Apostles that would soon follow in Acts. The likeness of his death, the fellowship of his sufferings, the attuning to the Holy Spirit by the Word and prayer. The continuance of Christ's salvation. Being rejected of his own. And, that all the parallels of these gospels pour over in some fashion to the believer in Christ. That His ministry is continuing an ongoing work carried out by the hands of all who would obey, of all who would lay their lives down. That so many would believe the testimony of Christ the risen Lord and be saved by He Who Lives. So, the author finally notes that the cross is a joy to the believer because it gets the old man out of the way and like Christ was submitted to the Father we by the cross may be submitted to Christ the head of the church. That His earthly ministry began in four gospels and continues in these living letters (Christians).

The bible and future events

The bible and future events (book report)

Introduction:

I am compelled to open as quoting one.. “We should view prophecy the same way we view history”. Although some things in biblical prophecy are difficult to exactly picture, much if not nearly all of prophecy can be clearly defined, pointed out as fulfilled or unfulfilled and reckoned upon. The author points out that at least a quarter of scripture is prophecy. Much that we now view as history was once prophecy, especially pertaining to Christ and all of the Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled in the details of His existence. Also, many other prophecies fulfilled include: Sodom and Gomorrah, Tyre, Nineveh etc.

A major tone in this book is that prophetic study should view scripture in a literal sense. This is commanded in scripture and is in no way self serving or relying on the intellect or understanding of man to interpret Gods word. There are some details that are not fully explained in scripture however we get very strong clues and can draw very solid conclusions on many of these details. For example the city of seven hills would be Rome, The little Horn representing the Antichrist. Dates and times are in Gods hands and such predictions made by man are always counter productive to good study of things to come. However, this study should be inspirational, motivating, and carry many other benefits to its student because of the things God has prepared for us. The author in the following chapter outlines the major events surrounding these things to come and in those proceeding chapters delves into the details of what prophecy tells us.

The overall view:

The definitions of key terms should be noted and the view that this book was written from should also be known. This book is based on a Pretribulational view meaning that Christ comes and meets his church in the air before the seven year tribulation begins. The tribulation is the time when Antichrist comes to power and the battle of Armageddon takes place. Other things will be explained as needed. The next event that is scheduled to occur is the rapture of the church. This is the time when (I Thess. 4:17) Christians literally will be caught up to meet Christ in the air and their bodies will be glorified as is Christ. The dead in Christ also will be reunited with their bodies (out of the graves physically). This is called the first resurrection, the rapture, being caught up, and marks the beginning of the tribulation. Also the marriage supper of the lamb occurs secondly and is when Christ is eternally united to his bride (the church). Next is a period of 7 years (Daniels 70th week) called The tribulation which is divided up into 2 periods of 3 ½ years each. During this time the church is absent and much “catastrophic punishment will be brought on the world” (p30) Also Antichrist rises to power and fulfills his destructive course during this time. Thirdly the revelation of Christ is when Antichrist is defeated and cast into the lake of fire along with the False Prophet. The separating of sheep and goats and essentially a mark to begin the millennium. Satan will also be bound at this time and will have no influence over people in the millennium. And the millennial kingdom will be established where Gods saint will rule and reign with Christ. The millennium consists of the sheep entering into a kingdom on this earth that is restored to its original state. Christ will be the King of the earth among mortal men. It will be very common to accept Christ as Saviour during this time, mortals will walk among glorified saints. Glorified saints will not be restricted by the same physical laws as the mortal men. These normal people will live lives much like today (marry, have kids, jobs etc.) except in a place of righteousness rather than sin. It will still be possible for them to sin but sin will occur far less often because the tempter is bound. Near the end time of the millennium Satan will be loosed for a final time of deception. The great white throne judgment is the next event in this chronology and is timed with the second resurrection. After the millennium the unsaved of all ages are brought forth and judged and given their eternal sentence to be cast into the lake of fire. Also, the saints who have died during the millennium will likely receive their glorified bodies at this time. And then the author continues to discuss in some depth the eternal state. Notably the chapters are in sequence as the bible orders these events.

The Rapture:

The Rapture begins the last day events and when it will occur is unknowable. When it does occur however the proceeding events will begin. The rapture is a bible doctrine. Christ speaks of this event in John 14:3 as a planned event. Christ returns in the clouds with the sound of a trumpet and angels. The church is caught up with him in a brief moment and this event will be over the whole earth at the same instant. The rapture should urge each Christian to live a life dedicated to walking with God because its coming is eminent and time unknowable. The proofs in scripture for this event are numerous and the early church cleaved to this doctrine Christ spoke of and the writers of scripture taught. Christs coming at this time is distinct from the revelation of Christ. That coming will be at the end of the Tribulation period and for another reason. The two events will be about seven years apart. The rapture includes the saints who are alive and remain and also those who are dead in Christ. There will be a resurrection of those saints bodies as well as the living who make up Christs church. The rapture is signified by the sound of the trump of God and the shout of the archangel probably Michael. It is possible that the unsaved will hear these signs. The resurrection in the time of rapture is just the dead in Christ, those who await the great white throne judgment are awaiting the second death and will be the unsaved. This resurrection follows the millennial reign and should not be confused with the resurrection occurring at the time of rapture. This resurrection of saints at the rapture is not unique, a resurrection of saints likely occurred at the time of Christs after his crucifixion, and will occur after the millennium also. Also, the two witnesses are scheduled to reappear during the tribulation and they will be killed by Antichrist, lay in the streets three and a half days and they will arise physically and ascend to heaven. In short, the rapture of the church is not unique to itself however is an event like others simply in its proper sequence as are the other resurrections in their appointed times.

The saints will immediately receive glorified bodies. This will be a spiritual body that is not corruptible, has power, glory and it will be very real and without physical limitations and notably immortal among other traits. The saints will be “fashioned like unto his glorious body”. Saints in glorified bodies will be able to walk through closed doors, appear and disappear and defy limitations of gravity and space. These glorified saints will be able to move from earth to heaven at the speed of thought.

The rapture will be sudden an unannounced. No warning will be given in advance. The unsaved will have no last minute opportunity and Christians will not be visited with the opportunity to make up for lack of spiritual service. Those who He finds watching will be rewarded for their diligence and those who are not so diligent will also give account for their actions. This will all happen in an instant and preparations should be evident in the daily lives of Christians and the unsaved should hasten to the Saviour before the time is come and passed.

The church will soon find itself at the judgment seat of Christ and will give an account for their works while they lived. This is not pertaining to salvation, which is assured in Christ based upon his merit and is a free gift. This is a giving account for works and receiving of rewards that saints will have for eternity. This is the reception of reward and inheritance and the bible mentions frequently the time of judgment for the saved and the unsaved. Works of righteousness will be rewarded and works of unrighteousness will be burned up and loss of reward will be suffered. There are five distinct crowns mentioned in scripture: righteousness, incorruptible, rejoicing, life, and glory. Their prerequisites are handsomely spelled out with their corresponding scriptures. To the contrary those who've wasted their lives yet are saved will feel quite ashamed before Christs judgment seat.

The marriage supper of the lamb is likely next in this wonderful sequence. The church is spoken of as the Bride of Christ and of course Christ as the Bridegroom. This is the time when Christ is eternally united to his Church. It is also noted as preceding Christs Second Coming which marks the beginning of the millennial reign.

The Great Tribulation:

This is a great time of trouble proceeding the rapture and will last seven years. It is described as a time worse than any other that has been or that will be after it. This is described as a time of great suffering and more specifically Gods wrath in judgment. Israel will suffer because of the Antichrist during this time. The purposes of the tribulation are for retribution upon sinful man and to prepare Israel to receive Messiah. The seven year period of tribulation is known by the prophecy of Daniel regarding seventy weeks. Including Christ sixty eight weeks were fulfilled in a number of sixty eight years, the church age is the sixty ninth week and the tribulation will be the seventieth and final week of Daniels prophecy. The seventieth week (tribulation) is divided into two equal time periods of three and a half years. The first half Antichrist will make a treaty with Israel however in the second half he will break that treaty and Israel will be sought after militarily. This is a time of unprecedented suffering marked by the breaking of seals, blown trumpets and the pouring out of vials of wrath. The first six seals will probably occur in the first half of the tribulation with the sixth marking the mid-point. The seven trumpets indicate their own suffering which is sever and probably in the second half of tribulation. These are described as woes and are judgments like the plagues on Egypt in Exodus. This is also a time of growth for the apostate church and also people will be putting their faith in Christ. The established apostate church will not be part of the rapture and will therefore continue into the tribulation and have a large ecumenical body of apostates. It will wax worse. This church is spoken of in the Revelation as the harlot and Babylon. The apostate church symbolizes spiritual Rome and supports strongly political Rome which will once again arise at this time. Somewhere near the close of the tribulation the apostate church will cease to exist. Antichrist will have probably used the apostate church to the fullest extent and have no more need of it. The false prophet will likely sever his ties with the universal apostate church before its destruction and cleave to Antichrist.

The second group of people mentioned is the tribulation saints. They are described as martyrs and are gentiles who've accepted Christ and are described as a great multitude innumerable by man. These people will probably get saved because of reading bibles and tracts and such that have been left behind by the raptured church. Many who've heard the gospel and rejected Christ will still reject Christ even after the rapture. Those who do get saved during this time will be severely persecuted and also martyred.

The Church Spared from the Tribulation:

The church serves absolutely no purpose in the time of Tribulation and is not mentioned as being part of it. The purposes of Tribulation are to prepare Israel for Messiah and to punish the gentiles for sinfulness. During the tribulation saved Jews and saved Gentiles will be two distinct groups while as in this present age they are one group (the church). Support for the church being absent from earth is seen in the use of the word “from” indicating the churches absence particularly as this Greek word is used more than 800 times in the New Testament. The imminency of the rapture is indicated strongly in scripture, supporting the pretribulational view. Christians are told to watch and the day is at hand. This is also noted as a joyful event. Also indicated in watching is that there will be no advance warning or signs of the rapture. Next are passages discussing hoping, talking about the appearing of Christ. It is notable that Christ told Peter he would die of old age. Also that these hoping and watching passages were directed to the early church by Christ and other new testament writers. Another proof that the rapture will precede the tribulation is the worry of the church at Thessalonica for those saints who'd already died, the fear was that they'd miss the rapture. However Paul gives them words of encouragement that the dead in Christ shall rise first. If they believed in a posttribulational rapture then they would have probably been worried about themselves going through the tribulation. Also, the rapture is at a time viewed as peaceful and safe, the tribulation will be anything but that. The time proceeding tribulation is spoken of as a time of judgment and fire. And fourthly written to the Thessalonians Paul talks about the falling away and Antichrist being revealed. And also the Holy Spirit ceasing to restrain sin. Until this time the great apostasy, Antichrist, cessation of restraining sin have not occurred. The pretribulational view is further evidenced in scripture.

The Antichrist:

Antichrist is described as a person who is under satans control during the tribulation period. He will be the head of the restored Roman government and will be responsible for persecuting the Jews. The person of Antichrist is spoken of only in I John 2:18 by this name, elsewhere he is called: the little horn, the beast and the man of sin. Antichrist will oppose Christ and antagonize. Four empires are spoken of in Daniel 7 where “little horn” is mentioned. These are Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, Rome later arises as restored during the tribulation. Rome is seen in Daniel as giving birth to Antichrist. These four empires are represented by animals and the characteristics of those empires correspond to their represented animal (the fourth being an unidentified animal representing Rome).
This animal is described as having ten horns symbolizing ten kings which Antichrist comes out of. They will reign at the same time. The little horns characteristics are further described in Daniel chapter 7 as are many of his actions. He will be different from the other kings, boastful, very intelligent, blasphemous and having control over some natural laws. His rise and fall is over the period of the seven year tribulation. During the second half he will persecute the Jews. Little Horn is a term also used in chapter 8 to describe a person of ancient history. This little horn is corresponding with Greece under Alexander the Great defeating Medo-Persia between 334 and 331BC which was then ruled by Cyrus. Antiochus Epiphanes came out of Alexanders empire and was the little horn of Daniel 8 as he brought great suffering upon the Jews in Palestine. Antiochus Epiphanes brought suffering upon the Jews greater than any and Antichrist will also, that is why they share the name little horn. He is described as a great military commander.

Revelation speaks of Antichrist as The Beast. The term beast is used to describe three different things: The whole of the Roman Empire, the false prophet (who works alongside Antichrist) and Antichrist personally. Also notably Revelation describes a beast with seven heads and ten horns just like Daniel. Here we also see Satan (the dragon) giving his power to Antichrist. He is also described as persecuting Jews and Christians. The false prophet is depicted as Antichrist's helper performing miracles and pointing people to Antichrist. People will worship Antichrist. And in order to do business people will be required to receive a mark on their forehead or right hand. He is like a lamb, speaks as a dragon, a religious leader and closely related to the apostate church.

The Man of Sin is seen in II Thessalonians 2 v.3 Paul tells the church of this individual so they would know the sign of the beginning of the tribulation. He is here described as: sitting in the temple exalting himself as God, performing signs and lying wonders, deceiving many and being in a time when there is unprecedented sin as the holy spirit ceases his work of restraining sin.

Israel in the Tribulation:

In the first three and a half years of Tribulation Antichrist will have a treaty with Israel. At the midpoint of Tribulation the treaty will be broken by Antichrist and temple worship and sacrifices will cease in Jerusalem. The treaty will probably be a non-aggression treaty. It is logical to think that the temple will be rebuilt in the first half of the Tribulation when Israel is at peace and its enemies are at bay by their help from Antichrist. Israel has had a desire to rebuild the temple since its destruction in AD 70. Rebuilding the temple was even mentioned shortly following the six day war and discussions as to how the mosque in the temples place could be removed. Antichrist will cause temple worship to cease as did Antiochus Epiphanes. A great war occurs during the second half of Tribulation. Antichrist is identified as king of the south and Russia is likely king of the north. Of course Antichrist will win this war and likely have many allies. He then enters into Palestine and claims it for himself. This should mark about the mid point of the Tribulation as many Jews will be displaced from Palestine. Antichrist will make his personal residence in Palestine as a base of operation and to tout his victory. The battle of Armageddon is also noted as the sixth vial of wrath. This is described as the whole world being gathered together to battle. Armageddon means the hill of Megiddo, this was a place about seventy miles north of Jerusalem. This war will probably start here and end up in Jerusalem as it gradually advances against the Jews.

Also, in the tribulation many Jews will be converted. There will be 144,000 converted Jews who are clearly saved in the tribulation period. This may represent a larger number or be taken literally however that is a matter of speculation. The author notes his leaning toward the literal 144,000.
The two witnesses are also spoken of here. Thought to be Elijah and Moses or Enoch. Supporting Elijah and Enoch is the fact that they did not die. Moses would have to die twice and this is highly unlikely in light of other scriptures. Also, the possibility exists that it is none of these yet they will be two witnesses that we don't know of. It is most likely that these two will begin their work at the time when Antichrist breaks his treaty with Israel. They are noted as witnessing over a period of 1260 days. They will have remarkable power and be able to perform miracles. They are spoken of as Two Olive Trees and Two Candle Sticks. They will be slaughtered and left in the street of Jerusalem where they will lie dead for three and a half days and then rise up and stand on their feet. They seem to be opposed by Antichrist and also the Jews and those who they are trying to witness to. When they stand again they will cause a fear to come back over those who watch (probably the whole world) and then be taken up directly to heaven while their enemies watch. The Jews are told of great persecution coming in this time and those prophecies are many (Jeremiah 30:7 the time of Jacobs Trouble, Revelation 12:1-6, 13-17 etc. Israel as a fleeing woman from the great red dragon or Satan).


The Close of the Tribulation:

This moment will be marked by Christ coming. This is also called the revelation of Christ. Christ will come to the mount of olives where he was last seen by his disciples during the resurrection time. There will be signs in nature also. The sun will be darkened and the moon won't give light and all the stars of heaven will fall. Everyone on earth will no doubt see these events. The one who comes (Christ) is described in detail and is not mistakable for any other. He wears a vesture dipped in blood and is called “The Word of God”. He will come to rule and reign and judge and make war. He will judge the world. And his judgment is described as fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. Antichrist will be defeated as a first order of business and all that served under him will be destroyed in sequential order from greatest to least. The false prophet and antichrist will be immediately cast into the lake of fire. After this sequence of events (shortly summarized) Jews will accept Christ as Messiah and this time period marks the millennial reign of Christ. There will be a distinct judgment of Jews and many of them will have relocated to Jerusalem from other parts of the earth and there will be a distinct time of judgment for Gentiles. In both judgments some will be granted entrance into the millennial kingdom and some will be cast into the lake of fire. This is also described in Matthew 25 as the separating of Sheep and Goats relating to gentiles. Sheep will be those who fed, clothed sheltered the persecuted Jews, while Goats will be the ones who persecuted. At some point in this time old testament saints will resurrect along with tribulation saints. This is discussed as the first resurrection even though one occurred at the time of Jesus death and another at Rapture and yet another with the two witnesses. Satan will be bound at this time and cast into the bottomless pit. His influence will be stopped during the millennial kingdom. The Kingdom will then be established and Christ will sit on the throne and glorified saints will rule and reign with him.

The Millennium:

This is a time that would well be described as a utopia on earth. Satan and his influence will be removed and Christ will be King supreme. Gods authority will be universally recognized. Sin will still exist in the world however it will be far less frequent without its chief advocate on the run (Satan). Many people will get saved during this time however it will be possible to still reject Christ. This will be a time of perfect justice and the realizing of many ideals. Many blessing will also come forth at this time. The Holy Spirit will be very active and there will be an outpouring in peoples lives (fulfilling many scriptures). God will manifest greatly his grace also by this means and people will live and desire to live righteously. There will also be great peace on earth and men will enjoy the fruit of their own labors rather than having it stolen from them as is the case today. Physically people will experience long life, an earth that produces great crops and a renewed state like the time of Adam before the fall of man. It is also notable that physical disease and deformations will no longer exist. The millennium will last for a thousand years at the end of which time Satan will be loosed for a season and a small following will rise up with him in one last attempt yet they fail. And finally Christs kingdom continues for all eternity proceeding His millennial rule. Christ will be the head of all government as King. His saints will rule and reign with him. The center of worship will be Jerusalem and people will have a strong desire to make a pilgrimage there. The glorified saints will interestingly be visible to mortals yet these saints will not be bound by physical law such as gravity and space. It seems that the saints who rule and reign with Christ would outnumber the mortal people so it is thought that not all glorified saints begin to rule however the ones that are needed and eventually all end up participating as the worlds population increases. Since so many people will be saved and have an interest in the things of God they will be in a state of worship as they go about their days and live their
lives. Church will not need to exist. And, people will likely often travel to Jerusalem for holidays and special events to worship.

Conclusion:

So, we've discussed in short and outlined the sure word of prophecy, distinguished views on scripture and observed in a literal sense the study of things to come. Some points are left to discussion and ultimately God has left some details out, however a very clear and distinct picture of what lies ahead has been painted by the bible. Many precursors, shadows and types can be seen in historical rulers for the person of Antichrist but none will come close to matching his atrocities. Yet more substantial is that none will come close to matching Christ as he is eternally wonderful and awesome. The saved have much to be excited about as the show will be unmatched and unstoppable and that Christ will be the eternal epicenter of the redeemed.

The author does well explain in sequence the events that are eminent and will come shortly as well as pointing back to much of what is written. It seems the book is well organized, engaging and fairly expansive in its subject as well as containing plenty of foot notes and scripture reference to adjure its content. The authors stance is right in line with good solid hermeneutic study and lightly touches on opposing views while not overstepping authority on those few things left open. I highly recommend it.

Numbered with the Eleven

Acts 1:26
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The Word never stops amazing me. How could it? What a deep channel to think upon, that we will never know everything about God and there will always be more to explore.

I love to try to picture in my mind the scene in Ezekiel 1. Gods angels circling the mercy seat examining the oracles of God. and Chapter 2 where Ezekiel receives his commission and goes on to do the great things that are recorded.

A more obscure view that is very worth examining is that of Matthias in the book of Acts. Matthias is mentioned in verses 23 and 26. Nowhere else is he mentioned. But God saw him worthy to be an Apostle.

The Old Testament is full of people and their life stories, however the New Testament is full of the Story of Christ and we see bits and pieces of the other people. Paul plays a major role in the New Testament mostly for his writings but Matthias was worth mentioning.

This brings up an interesting point that hits home with me, "if Matthias is worth mentioning, am I worth mentioning too?". Would God mention me in His book? Not only was Matthias called to fill a very important position but the lot fell upon him. Proverbs 16:33 tells us "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord".

In other words luck does not exist. Giving of gifts is what we observe here. While Matthias was given the gift of being called to be an apostle the responsibility was taken away from Joseph surnamed Justus. This makes me ask the question: are there Godly men and women upon whose laps the lot has fallen and they have not yet responded? And I must carefully answer "Yes".

Matthew 20:16b tells us "...for many be called, but few chosen".

God wants to promote people and only He can do it. Psalm 75:6,7 read "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

So what are the qualifications? What must I do for God to recognize me?

The prophet Isaiah was told these words and so many others. God told him in 66:2 "For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word."

God told Matthias some holy word by the casting of the lot and it was known among men. Part of it rests upon the man and part of the responsibility rests on God. Election is a two vote process; God has cast his vote for you, now you must cast your vote with God for yourself. If you will agree with God then He will walk with you and you with Him in one accord. Amos 3:3 should serve as a strong indication of our need for Gods direction in what we choose to do. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"

As Mattias was called to be an Apostle, each Christian is called to some place of ministry. Matthias probably witnessed the salvation of many souls under his ministry and if we will seek God in prayer and fasting He will surely dispose some righteous call to service into our laps.

I believe that everyone is called to be a prayer warrior, if we read our bible before we pray then our prayer will be inline with Gods Word and He will come along side us, take our hands, help our words and establish our thoughts. Then we will be two walking together in agreement.
By reading the bible before praying we take up Gods concerns and hear what God would say to us. Many have neglected Gods call and served their own selves, prayer is a perfect starting point for a saved person. Action comes next.

With the lot that has fallen into your lap, what will you do?

Why read the King James Version?

..or any other version for that matter?

This is in response to an email I recieved from a local "church planter". Which appears to actually be a cult.



Well I love my King James Bible however the english language does not contain many elements that other languages do. German, Arabic, Greek, Hebrew etc. all have words that assume Diety such as the word: righteousness; mans is filthy while Gods is Holy. In light of much continual degrading in languages I deeply respect King James Version and read it 100% of the time however often consult other translations i.e. NLT NIV NASB GNT HOT and since the Word was written in Hebrew Aramaic and Greek, basing a church on "King James Only" would completely lack much substance especially in light that there are hundreds of archaic and uncommon words found in KJV as well as the english language as a whole essentially lacking acknowledgment of Deity. There are a lot of good translations in many languages and I believe that "King James Only" doctrine is an ideology at best and an opening for much deception and damnation at worst.

And, Which Bible "I find true" is irrelevant, because God is His Word and truly the heavenly language is undefiled and no tongue of man is undefiled except by the blood of Jesus according to Gods Bible which I find easiest to read in english and trust most the KJV but resolve not to exalt anything but Christ! Furthermore "truth" is non-subjective and without change, therefore considering archaic language, lack of linguistic elements in english, and any elements I may have omitted: Much reference, study, prayer, translations; should all be employed among other important elements; as the KJV can be twisted by whomever and doctrinalized by men and devils as can anything.

Because it is written by the loved apostle II Peter 2:1 "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......." And considering all of the information; King James Only theology isn't taught in scripture at all.

Other warnings include
Jude 4, Matthew 24:23 (a few among hundreds)

And for King James to be "historys only Biblical culprit" is ungodly and would leave billions of people without a bible. King James did not "create ideology" he simply charged the execution of the project and oversaw the assembly of translators. And I don't know of Jesus "uttering words" however I see the words of Christ spoken boldly full of grace and truth. That "God... spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets" Heb 1:1 pp. making those Words of old valid and true as are the words "...spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" Heb 1:2 pp.

The King James isn't a culprit for heresy; it has been reviewed by thousands maybe even millions of scholars and ultimately God is Sovereign and abides by His word. Just because a person does not like conviction and Righteousness by Gods command does not make a translation of the Bible to blame, as if a translation were an agressor. Was man made for work or was work made for man? In this world many would answer that man was made for work, but Gods word is given to man by Himself to change man to His likeness through the revealed and complete revelation of Jesus Christ. God is completely inerrant and that my friend will never change. And an inanimate object having no volition can not be an agressor against man as these are simply objects and tools to be employed by man.

In conclusion KJV is a widely trusted translation and God moves in my life and so many others according to the KJV literally read as it is literally written. Without change is God and He has never changed nor will He. In spite of the abounding of iniquity, Grace abounds much more. King James is fine having withstood the test of time (400 years) and thankfully God has much to reveal to His people in this life as they "study to show thyself approved" and even greater God has an eternity of oracles to examine. Principals and religion do not equal Godliness, however having a personal relationship with Christ Jesus the Risen Lord is Godliness in His Supreme Love. Finally, Christianity is an unselfish creed (biblical, kjv etc) and every other religion at its core is; self-serving.

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

Book report 12-18-07



Introduction:

The basic overall theme of The Pursuit of God is; that God has paved the way for man to come unto Himself however man has the responsibility of responding to God and utilize that given way.
Tozer delves into: Christ’s finished work of redeeming sinful man, man’s need for complete humility and need to realize his dependence upon God, the old testament picture of Christ opening the way to Gods throne room portrayed in the veil and how man must by faith step into the “…holiest by the blood of Jesus” Heb 10:19, the work of faith and how man enters in by faith by realizing that spiritual things are reality and truth, the sins and hindrances that man allows and can reject from ones life by “looking unto Jesus” Heb 12:2 and being changed by the Word, and two ways that God presents himself to man 1. The manifest presence of God and 2. The omnipresence of God both of which are clearly explained and of course both instrumental, the difference between the written word and the spoken word of God, the doctrines of redemption, propitiation, and reconciliation are discussed and show the different sides of Christ’s work as it pertains to God, man, and satan and the world. And finally to finish this work he explains the complete life of a Christian and how we should totally glorify God in all that we do; nicely expanded and citing 1st Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”







Summary:

Chapter 1.
Man has a spiritual hunger that is given to him by God because of his justification which comes by faith in Christ.
Man is only capable of pursuing God by what desires God has put within man. God not only having a personality is a person and therefore is capable of being chased after or pursues. Therefore pursuing God can be examined and compared alongside social pursuit I.e. pursuing a wife, friend, family members and many human relationships. God appeals to our hearts and minds because He has feelings and thoughts. God is prologue to man and our communion with Him is based upon the foundation He has already layed. Searching (pursuing) Him is an endless journey because He is infinite yet still personal and majestic, thus complex yet practically inconceivable outside of divine knowledge of Himself, that which God also places within as the apostle Paul points to in Philippians 3:8-10.
Worship and pursuit of Christ is simple and has been complexly wrapped in ritual and earthly things “…programs, methods, organizations…” as well as complacency. Thus the need to seek a more basic understanding of who God is rather than what God does for man or what man can do for God, rather a better understanding is simply found in Philippians 3:10 (pp That I may know Him), and this most basic and foundational truth points to the fact as stated on p19 “The man who has God for his treasure has all things in one.”
To completely pursue is to have full knowledge and communion and brings great joy and thanksgiving to him who is in pursuit of his Lord.

Chapter 2.
Man has a history of turning to objects as a source of satisfaction when the true place of satisfaction is at rest in Jesus Christ.
The blessedness of possessing nothing goes back to an early creation account and shows how sin blinds man and turns him toward idolatry. The foolish hearts of men are pulled towards things and material possession. However with the newness of life or regeneration Christians should be hotly interested in possessing God who is eternal rather that any temporal gift. Poor in this sense (Matthew 5:3) actually refers to a person who is detached from earthly belongings and yearns for God. Realizing the destitute state of oneself and this present world gives the believer a more clear perception of how great it is to be with our Savior and as our hearts and minds are set more upon the cross the less we are in love with material gain because we seek to “win Christ“. God has not withheld much from man and truly men have access to much possession; gold, silver, hills, cattle and the fullness of the earth, however all of it belongs to the Lord and He will do with it as He sees fit. Owning things isn’t evil but worshiping those things is evil by its very rejection of God and by placing a created item above the Creator.
Coming to God without hesitation or reservation is a right that we are permitted. However humility is key in our pursuit of God, because He is attracted to contrition and those who seek to know Him as they realize their own complete lack of any ability, sinful nature and need for Gods almighty favor as he shines upon us life.


Chapter 3.
In Old Testament times the Holy of Holies is where the ark of the covenant was placed in the temple and where God placed his manifest presence on earth. The high priest in those days was allowed to enter in only once a year to the innermost chamber (Holy of Holies), this was allowed only after deep purging and sanctity unto God. The whole area and the whole man were prepared for Gods manifest presence.
Tozer explains that by the blood of Jesus we are granted continual access to God and His manifest presence, however many believers are caught up in the trap of holding onto the deeper and more hidden sins, those sins that keep one from truly experiencing Gods manifest presence, the option is to only in in Gods omnipresence which is compared to living a Christian life in the outer court of the temple and never really entering in unto the holiest.
These more subtle since include: self love, self confidence, parts of the fallen nature that are undealt with and unsubmitted areas in the hearts and minds. Parts of the sin-nature that the believer has yet to bring to the cross or must bring back to the cross.
Ultimately as stated on p43 “We must bring our self sins to the cross for judgment.” Because truly we have been granted total access, anytime with boldness to enter into the holiness of God and truly have deep fellowship with the Savior, and by self service the old mans nature is to stop that communion through sin. The work of the cross is painful and the shedding of sin and self tax our minds deeply, however freedom from these is truly glorious as we can be continually bathed in Gods Word and His manifest presence comes with much comfort. The reward is far greater than the sacrifice.

Chapter 4.
Knowing God in theory alone is idealistic and whether from the scripture (bible) or some other source this kind of knowledge is incomplete at best.
Experiencing God with a right knowledge is essential however incomplete, in order to truly know Him intimacy is involved. Believing in Christ is a point of introduction and the start of a relationship. Seeing Him work in our daily lives is a matter of seeing the Words found in the Bible carried out by Him after salvation. This requires not just introduction and occasional communion but constant spiritual engaging. Reality (defined as that which is true without observatory conclusion) and reckoning play a major role in the believers life. Everything spiritual is reality, as much or more than what we see physically. A division between spiritual and reality does not exist. Spiritual things are real. Reckoning is to count upon and has to do with ones imagination. So reckoning in that which is spiritual in a Godly sense is the act of believing in reality. Seeing God for who He is and who His word defines him as would be a more simple way to state this. Since the mind tends to reckon and think in pictures it should be noted that a very unregenerate perspective will naturally separate spiritual from real. This is not the case.
A true perspective is that spiritual is reality and truth and that seeing Gods light shine upon us is seeing Him and putting the perspective of Him in right order puts our faith in Him in right order.

Chapter 5.
God is everywhere at all times. He stands outside of the parameters of creation, time, space and is able to universally be everywhere yet remains unrestricted by location and
Remains separate in being from object and created things.
Gods transcendence automatically places an inrefutable gap between Him and His creation. No matter how close something seems to Him it is separated by His Divine Deity. Yet He is in all places at all times equally (perfectly) and does not rely on boundaries as we created beings know them. Even angels are limited by spiritual boundaries similar as humans are “(Job 1:7 1st Peter 5:8 Satan is always seen as being in motion)”. God however created these limitations and exists outside of them while still being completely everywhere at all times. A more simple way to view this is that all things are contained by God therefore nothing and nobody can hide from Him. Understanding the universal presence of God is essential to having victory over sin, love for him, obedience and cooperation. But coming to Him shouldn’t be thought of in spatial terms. Rather coming to him must be done in cleanness of conscience or biblically stated as “Spirit and Truth” this kind of pursuit is what gets men close to the Creator. God of course is close to us at all times however it is mans responsibility to respond and reach back out to pursue.

Chapter 6. , 7.
The speaking voice of God really coincides with the written word however has greater weight unto men because of His living presence being attached to it.
The difference between the written word and the spoken word is that the spoken word has Gods life attached to it. The Holy spirit speaks by the words written in the bible in relation to believers and in immutable. While the written word in itself is lifeless and in need of a life giver. While the word is being read by a Christian it is needed to have Gods voice accompany them so one may hear. Hearing often requires waiting. Seeing is also important to listening to Gods spoken voice.
Looking has to do with the element of faith and “looking unto Jesus” Heb 12:2. Faith is noted all over the bible for its function and outcomes however is never defined. It can be simply understood as “looking”.
The act of having faith is exercising spiritual foresight based on fact and is a continual series of actions taken toward God on each believers part. Believing God and listening to His spoken voice are acts of faith resulting in Him changing our lives as we continue to pursue him. Numbers 21:4-9 is a great picture of Christ from the Old Testament. The children of Israel looked upon the serpent and were made whole just as we look unto Jesus we are made whole. This depicts that looking is believing the same way that faith can not really be explained in its very function but always produces a more clear picture of God when we believe on Him according to the word.

Chapter 8.
Mans relationship to God, the world and sin are forever changed upon salvation.
God now views man as acceptable and capable of having fellowship with Him, while man should abhor sin and place Godly things as priority over earthly things.
Before the fall man had no experience with anything that was not of God and there wasn’t any barrier to hinder a right relationship between us. However since the fall of man we must have a restored relationship and continually be renewed. A right relationship requires a whole change in sinful man towards God. The blood of Jesus satisfies Gods judgment of man and the holy spirit works in mans heart and mind continually to assist in
a right perspective of who God is. Man can not have a right view of God without reconciliation, God can not accept sinful man without the propitiation of Christ Jesus which satisfies Him, and the world has no more grasp on those who have been bought away from it by the redeemer.
Experientially man is changed continually into Christ’s image and this all takes place beyond our initial introduction to Christ. It is a process that is ongoing and we have the ability to help speed up the change that happens within us or to slow it down. Responding to God, His call to purity, holiness and desires is the fastest track to where God wants us to be. This is a matter of complete submission to His will and volunteering ourselves as sacrifices to whatever He wants. Any Christian has the ability and option to respond to God in this way although it seems that very few actually do. It is a high form of honor and exaltation to surrender ones life for Christian service and actually much easier a burden than being a slave to sin. Tozer writes (pp) that sin comes with a hard taskmaster however Christ’s is a gentle and loving master and if we live sinfully we commit ourselves as servants to sin and thus to a hard taskmaster. It is much simpler to live submitted to God and His ways therefore being free from the bondages of darkness.
So truly the path to freedom is living a complete submitted life to Christ “hurling” oneself at the cross and seeking only Gods honor.


Chapter 9.
The beatitudes (Matthew 5) often portray the opposite of what humans do. Men often operate in; pride, pleasure, arrogance, self indulgence, and many evil qualities. Christ’s words were opposite and portray the qualities that believers should have and express.
These qualities describe one who has true meekness and rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Rest is not something that we do rather is something we stop doing. And meekness is an inward peace caused by right relationship with God and a holy understanding of ones true needs and lack of care for how men view you. Meekness is the only escape from what Tozer cites as a mentally decaying burden. Men sinfully desire to feel a sense of superiority over others and tend to live in constant fear that they will meet another person who will have experienced something greater or own something better while meekness doesn’t care for the fashions of life rather the ways of God are His priority and this is freedom. Meekness is the only escape from what Tozer cites as a mentally decaying burden.

Chapter 10.
A right standard of Christian living is that one does all things unto the Lord.
Making a division of life into sacred and secular is a great hindrance to believers. Everything a person does can be done to glorify God. Though church, prayer, bible reading and “spiritual activities” tend to be restful and “spiritual” all of our daily activities should be made or viewed as spiritual also. Christ took on a body “and never once performed a non sacred act” so believers can do everything with Him in mind and heart and do everything in a way that glorifies God. Paul talks about eating and drinking in the text I Corinthians 10:31 and shows how basic spirituality can be. This kind of “sacramental” living is a practice and Christians should do it and become accustomed to fellowshipping with God as we do all things. Unlike Old Testament times we no longer wash vessels and such before making an offering but we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus and ourselves are an offering to God as we learn His holiness. While tasks are not equally important they can be equally sanctified and accepted by God. Christians should strive to do everything to Gods glory.


Conclusion:
In each chapter Tozer follows a basic “God did/Man can do” format and expresses the points with extreme clarity and ease of reading. The doctrines of sanctification, propitiation, justification, reconciliation and redemption (among others) are peppered throughout the book and truly gave me a better insight of some very key factors: Understanding the opposite actions and attitudes of the beattitudes is very helpful, and the explanation of being poor in spirit has proved helpful in right prayerfulness. I would say that overall this book has changed my Christian life in doctrine and practice (for the better) and has given me a broader perspective of what is happening in the work of Grace.
My opinion is that this is a must read for any Christian and a timeless masterpiece that addresses modern struggles in Christianity that will exist far into the future.