GOD'S ETERNAL AND SALVATION PLAN

Article aG 1988

This article evolved as the writer studied justification by faith. In studying justification by faith I for a long time was very perplexed. I like many Christians had always believed that God gives all people around the world an opportunity to be saved. Yet it did not seem proper to believe that God gives all people around the world an opportunity to be saved, if salvation or justification required a knowledge of salvation's plan and faith in it, while yet many heathens never have the opportunity to hear of salvation's plan. I asked different ones about this issue but did not get any satisfactory answers and thus could not continue writing as I simply did not know what knowledge and faith us humans were required to have to be justified by faith. I was almost to give up the question and the writing, when I then had a special experience where God simply made the Bible in my hands get warm. After this experience I found new answers and new courage and could continue writing. After finishing this article and after having numerous other special experiences, I began studying religious issues in a new way, and began writing the various articles as appear in this book. All the articles in this book were written after this article, with the exception of article zC. Note, how God deals with the heathen and how they are justified by faith is considered in part two of this article.

Part 1

God is indescribable and incomprehendable, His ways are past finding out (Rom 11:33). Yet God's Holy spirit, and Holy Word give man much enlightment concerning Him. "All things were made by Him and without Him was nothing made that was made" John 1:3. aG-1

God is all powerful, eternal, and exists everywhere at all times. He will not lie for He is truth. God is alrighteous which is absolutely just and right. God knows all things. Man knows the future holds something and that exactly what that something is, in the future it will come to pass. but God knows what those future somethings are! God knows exactly what will happen to you tomorrow, yet tomorrow your choices will effect those things which will happen to you. True but incomprehendable. Things about God are incomprehendable as is God. Concerning time and space what is beyond this and that and that repeat as often as you wish, incomprehendable. aG-2

M Mankind through out all history has been aware of God. Such is revealed by the many ways men have tried and are trying to worship him, and by man's reaction to pray when danger or tragedy strike. Man in his awareness of higher powers has invented all types of creatures of strange appearance. Some in their awareness of God, and fear of Him, have vehemently endeavored to convince themselves and others that there is no such power existing. aG-3

Issues of Creation

God is love. He loves all and desires to be loved and honored by all. He is indescribably good and merciful to all those who love and honor him. Honor is one with respect and reverence. Because of God's love and desire to be loved and honored, unknown time ago He created the angels of heaven for to have persons with whom to share this communion. For genuine love and honor to be possible, God's created angels would need to have the ability to choose or refuse to love and honor God, thus God of necessity created them with the power of choice. These angels had every reason to love and honor God for God gave them indescribable bliss. aG-4

God is a great creator such as cannot be uttered by mortal tongue. He is a God of perfect order concerning both His creation of government and His creation of the physical or material. His power and perfect order can be seen in His physical creation by the orderly functioning of the universe and by the many orderly and workable physical principles which men discover in their search for medications and inventions. God's government of which He is supreme, is also created to have the same power and perfect order such as His physical creation! The law, judgments, and power of the government of the God of heaven are unspeakable. Woe unto the one who refuses to love and honor God for such rejects God's laws, order and ways and if mercy is not found and such again chooses to love and honor God it were better if he had never been born. aG-5

Though God gave His created angels such bliss and splendor, yet unknown time after they were created, sometime before the creation of man one of God's chief angels named Lucifer in his heart said "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: ...I will be like the most high" Isaiah 14: 13-14. In so doing Lucifer rejected God's laws, way, and order. Such rejection is the foundation of all sin and unrighteousness. Thus Lucifer as a result became sinful and unrighteous. Lucifer then became an enemy of God, for God is alrighteous and hates unrighteousness. Lucifer then lost his office in heaven, yet as it appears was not immediately removed therefrom, although in time he would be cast out of heaven to the earth with his final destiny to be the pit or hell. Lucifer is now known as the devil. Unknown time later it appears before Lucifer (the devil) was permanently cast out of heaven, God created our present world, and all that is there in. God created man to have dominion over the earth. God formed man in His own image, out of the dust of the earth, and gave him life of His own breath and man became a living soul (Gen 2:7). This breath of life was not given to any other creatures of God's earthly creation and is peculiar to man. It appears God gave man a part of His own life and man thus shares a part of the life of God which connects man and God in a intimate union and appears to draw man to his Creator. Psalms 82:6 even calls us humans gods, while Jesus even referred to such verse (John 10:34). Various Scriptures also speak of man being created in the image of God, which also shows a particular close union between God and man (Gen 1:26-27&9:6). aG-6

The world which God created in the beginning was not like the world of today, there were no weeds, thorns, storms, trouble, pain, and death, all things were in perfection. God then placed Adam and Eve whom he had created, now parents of all mankind, in a beautiful garden called the garden of Eden to dress and keep it. God created man with the power of choice because He too wanted to be loved and honored by man, like as the angels, and thus also share a common love with man. Man also likes to be loved and honored and it truly would be a lonely world if love and honor were impossible, and such it would be if we had no power of choice. Although God gave Adam and Eve great freedom in this beautiful garden He yet gave one restriction. God told them "... of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eateth thereof thou shalt surely die" Gen 2:17. God established this restriction and penalty because he wanted man to show his love and honor to his creator by obedience to Him. Choosing to love and honor God more than oneself is one with humility and will hereafter often be referred to as such. Humility is the root of all obedience to God! The Bible often says if we love God we will keep His commandments. Loving and honoring oneself more than God is one with pride and will hereafter often be referred to as such. Pride is the root of all disobedience to God. aG-6.5

Adam and Eve had every reason to love, honor, and obey God, for God created them and gave them a beautiful life and world. Man here had perfect fellowship, unity, and communication with God, no barriers separated them. aG-7

The Fall of Man, and

Basics Concerning the Plan of Salvation

At the time of the creation of man and the world, it appears Lucifer yet had power to move about from heaven to earth. It appears because of his wrath to God and jealousy of man's blessed state he desired to destroy God's good plan for man. Thus one sad day the devil came into the beautiful garden and spoke to Eve through a serpent. The devil by falsely promising Eve fulfillment and honor if she partook of the forbidden tree urged her to disobey God. Eve then with Adam like as the devil or Lucifer had done earlier chose pride, thus they disobeyed God and partook of the forbidden tree. aG-8

God's word and law is like to God they will not lie, thus Adam and Eve now experienced death as God had foretold. Death involves three aspects physical, spiritual, and eternal. Through man's disobedience they experienced Spiritual death. In Spiritual death man fell into a condition where he became sinful and unrighteous by nature, and was totally helpless of himself to regain that righteousness and Holiness (Spiritual graces) which he before possessed. Man then also was doomed to experience eternal death, as is the devil, had not the love and mercy of God moved Him to form the plan of salvation. Salvation's plan includes the entire scope of God's way of saving men from death and rather giving them eternal life. The plan of salvation, it appears, had a part in casting the devil permanently out of heaven. It made possible that man's sin could be pardoned and that he could resurrect to Spiritual and eternal life. All men are of absolute unworthiness of salvation's plan and to the salvation to which it connects them. Yet God ordained that salvation's gift which was wrought by this plan, be given only to those who choose humility. Those who choose pride are yet doomed to all aspects of death. Those who choose humility become alive Spiritually, but such as choose pride remain in spiritual death. aG-8.5

Even though man through salvation's plan can again possess spiritual life, escape eternal death, and in time enter eternal life, God yet required that man must experience some suffering because of his disobedience in the garden (Gen 3:16-19). Because of it, Adam and Eve had to leave this beautiful garden, and then as all men, sometime must experience physical death. Because of this sin God cursed the earth causing trouble, storms, weeds, and thorns. Man would now have pain and experience much trouble in life. Through Spiritual death Adam and Eve acquired a powerful inward inclination to pride which they did not have before, which now is inherit to all man, against which all men must battle vehemently to overcome to be, and remain eligible for salvation's plan. aG-9

Man must also beware of the workings of the devil for ever since his evil work in the garden of Eden, he has continued his evil work using man's acquired proud nature to his advantage, and is endeavoring to destroy God's good plan for man which now is possible through salvation's plan. Yet such as with all diligence endeavor to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God can yet be humble. aG-10

Man cannot entirely comprehend God's salvation plan yet there are important aspects that can be understood. In God's salvation plan a way needed to be made for man's sin to be pardoned as is explained in the following paragraph and a way needed to be made for man to be delivered from the power of death and resurrect to Spiritual and eternal life as is explained in the second below paragraph. aG-11

Firstly to pardon man's sin both God's righteous law and righteous judgments upon sin needed to be satisfied. To satisfy God's law and righteous judgments upon sin it required that someone without sin, bear man's sin and guilt and die in man's stead. Jesus was the answer! For He is with out sin! His death could satisfy both God's righteous law and judgments. Man could be saved! Yet what a sacrifice. In Christ's death, He would die in man's place, and in so doing provide and opening for man to cross over form the penalty side of the law to the blessed. God's love and mercy then moved Him to give from heaven His sinless and only begotten Son, Jesus, to die in man's place. The pardon made possible by Christ's death is often symbolized by His blood. Jesus came to earth as an infant, grew to manhood and was like unto all men except without sin. God's Spirit miraculously hovered over virgin Mary who then conceived of the Holy Ghost and in time gave birth to Jesus who truly was the sinless Son of God. aG-12

Secondly, in God's salvation plan to open a way and make possible that man could resurrect from the state of death he had become subject to, to Spiritual and eternal life, it required the resurrection of Christ from a death so deep and great that it included Him being forsaken of God and tasting death for all man. Jesus came in the flesh, died therein and resurrected therefrom, thereby overcoming the enemy death, being the first fruit of the resurrection, and paving the way for our resurrection. Jesus stated that He had power to lay down His life and to resurrect again (John 10-18). Although cruel men inflicted many wounds on Jesus our Saviour causing His blood to issue forth, wounds alone could not take our Saviour's life. Jesus voluntarily gave His life and then took it up again, thus providing pardon for sin by His death and a power of resurrection by His life giving resurrection. Christ's death and resurrection are most vital parts of salvation's and redemption's plan. aG-13

Another God ordained, essential and necessary element within God's salvation plan (beside that of Christ's sin pardoning death and life giving resurrection) is that also of Christ's righteousness being imputed and reckoned to the humble. Christ's sin pardoning death, resurrection, and imputed righteousness are the three most vital elements in God's salvation plan and will hereafter be referred to as Christ's merits. Christ's merits are God's gift to man for man could never earn, deserve, or produce them. Man must receive and possess them to be eligible to enter eternal life. They are man's only source of goodness and righteousness. "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:" 1 Cor 1:30. Christ truly is the creator and completer of our salvation. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." Heb 12:2. aG-14

M Salvation's plan is a free gift, for it is all of God, and God by it again gives man the righteousness which he lost with no requirement different than what was originally required to keep such righteousness. The battle against inherit pride which man must battle to be saved is not man's payment for salvation, but is the result and cost of sin. Righteousness is provided free by God and the requirements to keep it are no different than that which the created rightfully should do. aG-15

Sin has two levels, both of which man must be counted guiltless. Firstly one of willful and premeditated rejections of God's law. Secondly one of unintentional misdeeds and fleeting evil thoughts. After man's Spiritual death in the garden, God did not ordain that any man, including those who choose humility, could or would be perfect enough to not fail in the second level of sin. Yet God made a way that the humble could be counted guiltless of the second level of sin through ordaining that Christ's sin pardoning death and imputed righteousness would currently and automatically pardon and cover such sins of the humble. God's children are sinners, not were sinners, saved by grace. Yet God ordained that man through a power made possible in redemption's plan can and must be guiltless of the first level of sin. These two levels of sin are considered much further, by the writer, in paragraphs aT-5:11-40 of an article entitled "Jesus Christ the Son of God and Son of man" aG-16

The Importance of Faith in attaining Salvation

The plan of salvation, "...verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world,...1 Pet 1:20. It was put in effect from the beginning, no one has been excluded therefrom (Rom 5:18). God freely gives babes the righteousness of Christ's merits from their beginning without any of their knowledge or involvement, for babes like as little children are not yet able to choose either pride or humility for their understanding is not yet matured. Jesus said of little children "...for of such is the kingdom of heaven" Matt 19:14. But all those who have mature and reasoning minds and to which God has revealed himself, can only possess Christ's merits through faith. Such faith is a revelation from God which enlightens and teaches ones heart inner understanding about whom Christ really is. Although babes can have an instinctive faith such as in trusting their parent's care, yet they cannot have an intellectual and conscious faith in Christ, as the adult to whom God has revealed His Son, can have. aG-16.5

Eph 2:8 reads, “For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” The preceding verse seven reveals that the grace in verse eight is Christ's merits, Thus verse eight tells how that it is by Christ's merits that man is saved through faith, and reveals that this faith is a gift. It can also be said that man is saved by faith through Christ's merits, for they both are the most vital elements of salvation's plan and gifts that are given together. Rom 5:1 reads, Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Man before his disobedience in the garden had faith in it's fullness, but through Spiritual death became totally depraved thereof. It is only by the graces provided through Christ's redemption that man can again receive this faith. AG-17

Faith is so great that Jesus said, “…it ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed,… nothing shall be impossible to you” Matt 17:20. Faith is like sight for it has spiritual eyes which assuredly see God and those salvation principles which He reveals to the humble, and which must be seen for salvation. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen” Heb, 11:1. This faith is generated within the Christian by the unction of the Holy Ghost. Jesus said, these things are hid from the wise and prudent and are revealed unto such as possess humility as do babes (Matt 11:25, 1 Cor 14:20). There are many false beliefs and faiths which are not given by God. These are dead, and cannot rightfully be called faith and are rejected of God. The true belief and faith which God gives is living, saving, and righteous, and will hereafter often be referred to using the above prefixes. Man's ability to choose humility comes through the power of, and invitation to saving faith. If then the good choice of humility is made then one receives the possession of this faith. This faith convinces one of eternity and the contrasts therein and thus draws one away from earthly goals to heavenly goals. It inspires and motivates. The possession of this faith bestirs such a love within man that he loves all, even his enemies. Saving faith is of much greater importance and value than the choice of humility, yet it is equally important for one's salvation to be complete, that they both be included. Receiving this faith, the new birth and being born of God are all one. This faith saves without any works for it is righteous and the core of salvation (Rom 4:6). Yet as opportunity permits (which it does but to a few, some of whom may receive saving faith at their dying moment) this faith will bear and produce good fruits and works and thereby reveal that it is the true and living faith. For “…faith without works is dead” James 2:20. This Holy spirit inspired faith is the source of all power against evil and only as a man's works are a fruit thereof are they righteous works. “…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin Rom 14:23. When one possesses this faith he is born of God and cannot willfully sin, except he can turn away from his love for God after which he can again willfully sin (1 John 3:9). It is with meaning that apostle John said “…and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” 1 John 5:4. Through faith Christ's righteousness is imputed to the Christian.. Devil may believe and tremble but cannot have a saving faith, for such faith connects one to the graces and mercy of God of which attributes the devils are void. AG-18

Faith and the Word of God

Faith has it's anchor in the word of God. "...faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God" Rom 10:17. The word of God is living. It is God's voice spoken through His Spirit. God's word made the world, lights the world with truth, and will judge the world! It is one with God and Jesus. The Spirit of God which is the Holy Ghost informs man of the Living Word. Holy men of old moved by the Holy Ghost, wrote the written word of God which is the Bible. Yet before the Bible was written the Living Word convicted men of sin. The written word of God is only His living word when accompanied with an unction from God's Spirit. The written word is like a puzzle each thought and verse therein is like a piece of this puzzle and must be rightly divided and placed in it's proper place as given unction by God's Spirit to portray God's true picture. Satan often gives unction to God's written word, even tempting Jesus in this way. God's word is His voice and is living and true, but when Satan give unction to God's written word can it then enter the heart true and alive? Nay God's written word is then not God's voice or living word. aG-19

God's written word when in connection with an unction from God, teaches man about God's ways in fullness. It then is an endless storehouse of enlightment concerning Spiritual things, yea it portrays a picture such when truly seen makes man fear and tremble. God's written word produces no saving faith unless received with, and according to the unction from God or His spirit. aG-20

Jesus who is the Living Word, likened His flesh and blood to bread, meat, and drink and taught the following scriptures. "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world" John 5 6:51. "...Verily verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise Him up at that last day" John 6:53-54. aG-21

Jesus the Living Word lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:9). The written word does not touch all men but is confined to the workings of men. God's living word is never misunderstood, it speaks to man's innermost being and then man either rejects or accepts it. God's written word is often misinterpreted, for many desire it and receive it from a wrong unction for such is more pleasing to pride. aG-22

The possession of saving faith is a result of a completed connection between God and man. Firstly this connection includes the living bread and word. Secondly it includes God's Holy Spirit which is also called the Spirit of truth and living waters. It is through the Holy Spirit that God offers and infills man with the Living Word and bread. The Holy Spirit must be received for salvation (Romans 8:9b) and must be obeyed to be received (Acts 5:32b). Thirdly to complete this faith connection, there must be included an open door on man's part to receive the Holy Spirit and Living Word which He gives. This door is only open when man has chosen humility. God has also of vital importance ordained that his children and written word encourage man to receive the Living Bread and Word when offered by His Spirit. aG-23

When God's Spirit reveals the Living Word and Bread to man, man can quiet and obstruct the message thus reject faith, or he can hear the message and thus receive faith. Man void of saving faith has severed his connection to God. Such cannot understand those who have faith but do not realize they themselves are void of a possible and true Spiritual sense and revelation. Most vital aspects of justification and righteousness by faith are firstly: when one by God's revelation of the living word and believing therein becomes aware of his helpless state of unrighteousness and need of another and true righteousness and upon seeing God's offered righteousness accepts it. Secondly saving faith is a firm assurance from God of the truth of His word whereby man is taught and convinced of his deserving of eternal death, and of the available salvation made possible through Jesus. In this firm assurance and faith in God's word, man is also convinced of the eternal contrasts and that one of such rewards await all men who have served their term on earth and that each ones reward is according to their choice of either pride or humility while on earth. This faith also teaches man of their deceitful hearts and proneness to chose self love and honor and thus draws man away from earthy things, for it realizes the vanity of such, and rather causes great carefulness and Godly fear in following all of God's commandments and thus this faith can be known by the good works it causes. Thirdly: faith leaves no room for boasting or glorying in ones self, for it realizes that the only good or righteousness one can possess is a great gift from God as he received the workings of God upon himself (Eph 2:9-10). Truly wherein man should rejoice about himself is that if he has chosen humility. It yet must be remembered saving faith requires little knowledge, especially concerning them to whom little is available, for a fool need not err therein for the most important part of faith is one' s inner confidence in and connection to God. aG-24

Basics of Good and Evil

God has created all things in righteousness and faith, thus all began in righteousness. God has created good and indescribable bliss for those who love Him. Yet God has created evil for those who choose pride (Isaiah 45:7). One of the greatest evils God has created for the proud is the removing of faith from them. The Bible speaks of God hardening men's hearts. This is the removing of faith from those who choose pride. Unbelief is the absence of faith like as darkness is the absence of light. God does not lie nor deceive, He simply removes the light of faith from them that reject it. In this darkness of unbelief the devil greatly deceives man. Oh how blind and deceived the proud become! Truly they are on a bridge spanning an eternal fire and which is sure to fall therein. Yet this is all unbeknown to them and they feel high and lofty. The greatest evil God has created for the proud is eternal destruction in hells torment away from God, heaven, and all that is good. aG-25

The order of turning away from righteousness is; firstly the choice of pride, secondly the resulting unbelief, and thirdly evil deeds. It took salvation's plan to make a way for man who had turned away from faith and righteousness to again be able to receive such. The devil's calamity in turning from righteousness was irrecoverable, could it be because no devil tempted him? The order of turning to righteousness when one can no longer have it as a babe and God offers righteousness by faith is: firstly one must choose humility, secondly such receive and possess righteousness by faith, and thirdly follow righteous works. Children who at this time choose pride fall into unbelief. such God in His goodness at times will again offer righteousness and faith, but sad it is that the self love and honor of those who choose pride often increases. Thus many are void of righteousness and faith and will experience eternal death. aG-26

Believing With the Heart

Jesus often exhorted His listeners to believe. Although believing requires the mind, it also involves man's inner being, the place where opinions and deep convictions are held. This place is the heart. Romans 10:10 reads, "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness... It is the heart which chooses either pride or humility. Man's words and deeds issue forth therefrom. Believing with the heart is from deep within, receiving and believing. Today very likely more than ever before, people are confessing salvation through believing in Jesus which is true and right for salvation is of none other. Yet what is very sad and alarming is that many who think they have salvation by their knowledge of and mental faith in Jesus the Son of God coming to earth and fulfilling redemption's plan are yet not believing in Him at all in the way that is necessary to salvation! Take warning, the believing in Jesus which gives salvation is far deeper than believing on Him as many do! The believing whereby comes salvation is believing and receiving the Living Word and Bread as God's Spirit reveals and offers it. To believe as such one must choose to love God above all else for this is the first and great commandment of the Living word Matt 22:37. When one believes as such he begins to be taught of God those teachings which are one with the written word. Those individuals who had believed and received the Living word believed in Jesus when He came to earth in person, for such were taught of God and Jesus told the multitudes, him who "...hath learned of the Father cometh unto me" John 6:45. Most reject believing in Jesus in the way that is necessary to salvation, for such is difficult to man's pride. For believing and receiving the Living word requires the denying one's self of self love and honor and all that is involved there with and requires the cross bearing of obedience to God. Yet this is the way of life as Jesus plainly teaches in Matt 7:13-14, which reads "...Because strait (which means difficult) is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few their be that find it". aG-27

Old Testament characters were aware of self denial. "For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning" Psa 73:14. Yet the way of humility has blessings for today (Mark 10:29-30, 1 Tim 4:8). Truly it is the more abundant life as in John 10:10. Man's innermost cry is for the Living Bread, for it is the only source of true satisfaction, life, and eternal life. Yet it is very sad that many choose pride and reject the bread of life. It is also sad that many who refuse to receive and believe in Jesus as the Living word then because of believing the written word as given unction by the devil believe they may have salvation merely through a mind or intellectual belief in Jesus fulfilling redemption's plan. The necessary way of believing in Jesus requires a working of the Holy Ghost in the heart which is only done to those who receive the Holy Ghost. "No man can say that Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" 1 Cor 12:3. Assuredly when one through the unction of God's Spirit believes in Jesus he will believe all His teachings. Every time believing in Jesus is taught in God's word it again reveals the necessity that His teachings must be accepted. Sadly many willfully are wresting some of the more difficult to understand teaching of Paul to suit and please themselves, yet to their own destruction, and are rejecting the simple and to the point teachings of Christ. To consider only John 3:16, and claim salvation by believing in Jesus when not following the instructions which He gave to be saved, is as foolish as for one to feel safe on a sinking ship because of his faith in the ship builder since the ship builder had said those who believe on him would be saved but had also said to be saved all must evacuate the ship! aG-28

Issues Concerning Churches and the Church

Truly churches today in general are the blind leading the blind and will together fall into the ditch of eternal destruction (Matt 15:14). Many churches today are void of the living bread thus differ greatly in beliefs and doctrine, yet all accept one another as united partakers of salvation. Take warning, the Living Bread does not divide, but unites in doctrine and charity brother to brother and the whole church of God. Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are may disciples, if ye have love one to another" John 13:35. A greater thrust in Christ's prayer in John 17 was that His children would be one. aG-29

Apostle Peter speaking of the New Testament church called it a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a Holy Nation, and a peculiar people. Thus God's church is a Holy Nation enclosing a special people of God. God's people in the Old Testament also were ordained to be a kingdom of priests and a Holy Nation (Exodus 19:6). Nations of the world who have order, are united both in their laws and corrective discipline. Then how much more would not the Holy God of heaven ordain that the Holy Nation which He has established for the safety of men's never dying souls be united in her laws of true doctrine and in carrying out corrective discipline! Truly God's church is ordained to be and must be united in her Holy laws and corrective discipline for the restoration of offending members and the protection of righteousness within this Holy Nation. How deceived and blind are they who have succumbed to the heretical assumption that God's Holy Nation need not provide corrective discipline, and her Holy laws can be divided thus counting them of little importance. Truly those within God's Holy nation must in the same humility whereby they received saving faith also submit themselves to the laws of this Holy nation and to one another. Those within God's Holy nation must respect and appreciate her laws and workings whose purpose is to help her citizens keep their love and honor fixed upon the God of heaven and to thus save them from destruction. For this purpose such things as promote self love and honor or love for the world and the things therein are against her Holy laws. Such things that are unlawful pertain to elaborate, expensive, and fancy possessions. Such things as outward adorning, such as dress and hair style are even spoken against in God's word! Also over involvement with material affairs are to be against her Holy laws and any such things that may draw her citizens into ... foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition" 1 Tim 6:9. Yea her citizens dare not love the world nor the things therein for if so the love of the Father is not in them and they are hell bound. Likely the false belief of Jesus reigning on earth one thousand years has it's anchor in an unholy love for the world and the things therein. Paul speaking of God's church calls it "...the house of God... the pillar and ground of the truth" 1 Tim 3:15. aG-30

Jesus speaking of the Church and it's foundation said "and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it". As the foundation for God's church is properly adhered to, clearly the gates of hell will never prevail against her! Yet it must be considered often times in the Old Testament God's people departed from God's blessing and must be considered that numerous Scriptures speak of dark times coming upon the people of God during the New Testament. No one has preeminence to being the Church of church, and it is with folly that some promise their children to be God's church of tomorrow, for God only gives the candlestick of His blessing and government to those who have their proper first love, and those who lose their first love to God will also loses such candlestick. (Rev 2:4-5). God's church is not like God in that of being without fault. 3 John 9-10 clearly tells of a circumstance where church discipline was being carried out wrongfully. Yet God's church is to be a working Church even providing corrective discipline to those who are church leaders. No one within God's church is perfect but all therein should be earnestly contending for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. Where is God's church today? In the Russian sky in the 1970's God with His own hand wrote, it is winter time among my people. aG-31

God Gives Light

Faith Separates One From the World

Although the devil gives unction to God's written word and thereby designs many paths which to the proud appear as though they lead to eternal life, but whose end is hell, yet God has provided a clear light and path for those who choose humility. "But the path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto perfect day" Proverbs 4:18. God has provided signs whereby one can tell if he possess saving faith. The possession of saving faith and the Holy Spirit are inseparatible. Thus if one possesses faith he will also possess the Holy Spirit and thus have the fruits thereof as in Gal 5:22-23. One who possesses saving faith will be a warrior against pride and hell and will stay as uninvolved concerning material things as possible. 2 Tim 2:4 reads, "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier". Such as have saving faith are aware and the greater their faith the more aware of the vanity of material and earthly things and of the incomprehendable importance of those things which pertain to eternal life. Truly such as have faith confess they are pilgrims and strangers on this earth and seek and desire a better country as in Heb 11. Yea such as have faith are risen with Christ and thus set their affections on things above, not on things on the earth Col 3:1-2. Such as possess faith are not of this world therefore the world hateth them John 15:19. To those who have faith this world is a city of destruction such as is written by John Bunyan! Such as possess faith fear God and speak thereof often one to another. And God says, .. “they shall be mine... in that day when I make up my jewels...” Mal 3:17. Yea such as have saving faith recognize their inward inclination to pride, and within themselves groan for the redemption of their body which is to receive a body void of such inclinations (Rom 8:33, 2 Cor 5:2). Dear reader do you have faith? It is sad many profess to have this faith yet their fruits do not reveal such. For their heart is on the world and the things therein for such is revealed by their most earnest speech being about material things, "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" Matt 12:34. Their are the weak in faith and to divide such from those who are void of faith is the responsibility of the church and even then sometimes it is proved wrong (Jude 4, Gal 2:4). Yet God knows them that are His (2 Tim 2:19). aG-32

Friend why settle for a weak and uncertain faith which is very dangerous, when God will give a clear and overflowing faith to those who give themselves to Him and to being taught of the Living Word. When one truly believes in Jesus, he can know he has eternal life (1 John 5:13)! God's Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God (Rom 8:16). Friend, do you realize that your life, and the lives of all mankind from creation forward are a part of an eternal plan of God? God is preparing a people who will love and honor Him and will never turn therefrom. This plan included the angels of heaven, and now you together with all the descendants of Adam are an important part of this plan. At the time when God created the angels of heaven and when He created mankind he knowing all things knew many of His created beings would reject Him and choose pride, even knowing which ones. As written before, even though God in His foreknowledge knows what man will choose, this does not subtract from man's responsibility or ability to choose. According to Rom 9:22-23, one possible reason that God created or permitted them to be born those whom He foreknew would choose pride (though even such he called to salvation with much longsuffering) and created hell for the proud, maybe for the purpose of revealing His wrath on pride, and to thus reveal to the ones He knew would choose humility His glory and power in the extreme and incomprehensible difference between His favor and wrath. The Bible teaches that God is love and yet a consuming fire (1 John 4:16, Heb 12:29)! "Behold the goodness and severity of God... Rom 10:22. Rev 19:1-3, reveals the awareness of God's children in heaven of the horrible judgments of God being acted upon sin and pride throughout eternity. Could it be that man's awareness in eternal life of the eternal death which God's great salvation delivered Him from, is to reveal to the saved, throughout eternity, the fullness and greatness of salvation's gift. Could it not also be that one's awareness in eternal death of the reward he missed, make hell's torment so much the greater? Dear reader the Bible which you likely are trusting in, teaches of these eternal contrasts. aG-33

Our world lieth in wickedness strongly promoting self love and honor, and in general is the kingdom of the devil. Man in his effort to honor himself, has rejected his truly honored position wherein God has created him, and has condescended to consider himself to be the descendent of a beast, such is very sad but true. Spiritual powers are real, including God and the devil. God is speaking in many ways. There is also working witchcraft which operates by the power of the devil. Their are devil worshippers which claim such. Yet most of the devil's success is those he lures into choosing pride whom he then will be master of in eternity. Yet the purpose of God's eternal plan is successful, God is gathering the precious fruit of the earth (James 5:7) which are those who have chosen humility. These include the humble that are alive today and those who have passed through death's final door. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints" Psa 116:15. God has much scattered fruit which is about the whole world. Within His church He has much fruit, a people which are to be a light to the world and are the salt of the earth. God is adding this precious fruit to the precious fruit which He already has, which are those angels which did not take part with Lucifer when he chose pride. God has declared sin shall never again enter heaven. God in His foresight knows that this precious fruit which has seen and fought against the terribleness of sin, upon receiving the bliss and splendor He has provided for them that love Him, will never turn away from loving and honoring Him. Thus God's eternal plan will be successful! aG-34

Man's Important Position,

More Basics of Good and Evil

Many want to be important, and the fact is, man is very important. He is more important than the stars of heaven, the sun and moon. Such God spoke into existence, but to man God gave His own image and breath! Man is so important and God's love so great to him that God gave His only begotten Son as a ransom to save him from hell and has prepared great mansions for those who love Him (John 14:2-3). Should not man love him in return? One's wrath is not kindled against another who is not known or of little importance. One's greatest anger is toward the other when much good has been done him because of his importance and when he is yet displeasing. Thus it is with God. His wrath is unspeakable towards those who refuse to love and honor Him after that He has provided so great a salvation! Such will hear these soul shuttering words: "...Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Matt 25:41. All men have an encounter with, and experience faith through the invitation to receive it, which God gives to all men. This invitation is the revelation of the Living Word and Bread which cometh down from heaven and lighteth every man which cometh into the world (John 1:1-12, 6:32-37). Many people as God offers this righteous faith, choose pride and thus knowingly reject this faith for self love and honor resist the knowledge and authority of that greater power which is God. Such ones also in the same way knowingly reject God's righteousness for self honor desires to establish it's own standard of right and wrong and self love desires to please itself therein. Thus as God withdraws righteous faith from such they are overtaken in unbelief and unrighteousness and then what is very sad do not realize their blind condition. Then in that last great day when God shall judge the world in true righteousness, their blindness shall depart and great fear shall take hold on them such as will make them cry for the rocks and mountains to fall on them to hide them from the face of God who will now judge them according to the Living Word which they had rejected. Then every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. But very sad it will be their time of receiving salvation is forever past and they will now experience eternal death. aG-35

I believe the greater part of the fruit of the earth is past. Going back the corridors of time since Adam and Eve, there have been at least 140 generations of which we are one. To think of those who in an early generation chose pride and died therein, thus forever sealing their future in heaven's bliss or hell fire, is incomprehendable. Than to think that today, we can and yet have the privilege to choose to be on the inexpressible good side of the almighty God of heaven should result in this choice with vehement desire and cause us to redeem the time in the saving of souls. Friend you have experienced health and joy, sorrow and pain, these are real yet no more real than the eternal joy or pain which God has also created. God is inviting you. You have a priceless birthright. You can be part of God's precious fruit! You are an heir to an inheritance incorruptible in heaven! Oh, don't miss eternal life and spend eternity in hell fire. Dear reader do you feel a touch of God's invitation to faith and salvation, or does God still seem distant? Be God far or near He can be found, for he has promised to be found of those who seek Him with all their heart (Jer 29:13). May you honestly choose to love and honor, believe and obey God. Friend you will experience the new birth, thus receive Spiritual life and saving faith which when received will give you a new look on life and you will be prepared for eternal life! May we as the early church give ourselves to the gospel. Cannot God whom is the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills provide funds for the work? Yes from a fish (Matt 17:27). Seeking first the kingdom of God and trusting Him to provide the material should take on a new dimension. Man has time for what he feels is important and can live economically. Yet many have time for things of less importance and live luxuriously. Where is faith? aG-36

PART TWO

GOD'S INVITATION TO SALVATION

God desires salvation for all men! God has "...no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live..." Ezek 33:11. God is ... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" 2 Peter 3:9. Repentance is to with remorse turn from pride and chose to love and honor God. God invites mankind to salvation in many ways. God has had a people from creation forward which are "...laborers together with God:..." in this endeavor. Christ commissioned the New Testament church which He established to invite men to salvation and teach His ways in completeness and fullness. Yet of most importance God invites men to salvation through His Holy Spirit. In this way God's voice knows no bounds, is not effected by barriers of language, oceans, prison walls. and governments, etc.. aG-37

Job 33:14-30, clearly reveals how God works with all men to save them from hell! Verses 15-17 tell of God speaking to an individual in a dream and reveals how God therein gave instructions to refrain man from his self love motivated purposes, and gave vision that man may be spared from pride. Verses 19-22 tell of an individual on his death bed and verse 23 reveals how God may there provide a messenger to show the dying man what is right. Verse 23 is clarified by the German and Spanish translations, the German calls the messenger an angel and the Spanish calls him very special like unto the Saviour. Verse 24, then reveals how that if God has provided a messenger like in verse 23, God then is "…gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down into the pit: I have found a ransom". verse 25-26 tell of a renewed life of this man like as being born again, of him having favor with God, and of God's righteousness being reckoned to him. Verses 27-28 tell how God will deliver from hell and reveal the light to anyone who confesses and repents of his sins! Verses 29-30 sum up all these workings of God and read "Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with men, To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living". These verses are not the thoughts of those three friends of Job who were found to be more imperfect than Job. It is clear that the scriptures in verses 24-26 which read, "I have found a ransom" and "he will render unto man His righteousness" are speaking of Jesus who gave His life as a ransom for many and who is mans only source of righteousness for such is clearly taught by other scriptures. Assuredly the light spoken of in verses 28-30 is Jesus the light and living word ".. which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" John 1:9. Clearly Jesus who is "... the grace of God which bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" Titus 2:11. Such as receive and believe in Jesus the light and living word when revealed as in Job are believing in Jesus the Saviour and on His name in respect to their meanings which mean help from Jehovah and to save from destruction. The teachings of Christ and the Biblical writings of His Apostolic followers repeatedly, teach the importance of believing on the Son of God and on His name. aG-38

Note the following speaks of how God reveals His law to all men around the world, and speaks of how God's law includes mercy and faith and is a law that can convert the soul. The following also reveals that Old Testament people were "justified by faith" in their time even though they did not understand the plan of Salvation, such as the Son of God dying for their sins. aG-38.5

Truly the subject of God's method of providing Jesus the living word and bread to all man is vast. God's word and law are one, and are written and living, they enclose God's law, order, and ways. "...Sin is the transgression of the law" 1 John 3:4, "...for where no law is, there is no transgression" Rom 4:15. God's Spirit before the flood was striving with men, for their wickedness was great. God's living law was in effect from the beginning, even though the Bible was not yet written, for if not, men before the flood could not have sinned. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23. Romans 2:15 reveals that God writes His living law on the hearts of all men. Yet many reject it and thereby are void of it. aG-39

God's law includes faith! Jesus said the weightier matters of the law are judgment, mercy, and faith (Matt 23:23). God's living law teaches man of his sinfulness, yet provides hope, for it teaches faith. God's law can convert the soul! King David said the law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul (Psa 19:7). It is important to remember God's law and Word are one and both living.

Apostle Paul in Galatians chapter 3, gives much direction concerning faith and it's connection to God's law, especially concerning the Mosaic law. In Gal 3:6-14 Paul clearly tells how that God's connection or covenant with Abraham was that of righteousness by faith. Herein is also revealed how God has ordained righteousness by faith for all times and all men. Note man was justified by faith in the old era even when man did not yet understand the details of the plan of salvation. In Galatians 3:15 Paul tells how nothing can be added to or taken from a confirmed covenant, (even holding true for covenants of men). Then he in verse 17 teaches that God's covenant with Abraham of righteousness by faith was a confirmed covenant, and states the law of Moses which was given 430 years later, did not and could not make God's earlier covenant with man of righteousness by faith of none effect. Verse 18 then in continuation reveals how that salvation's inheritance never was achieved by the keeping of the Mosaic law but rather that salvation at all times has been by faith such as was promised to Abraham. Four times the Bible tells of Abraham believing God and of it being counted to him for righteousness. Verses 21-22 then tell how that there is no law of God whereby man could have life, for man is concluded under sin, depraved of righteousness, and unable to keep God's law. Verse 24 then reveals the purpose of God's law (herein especially considering the Mosaic law) is that of bringing men to the realization of their need for mercy, a Saviour which is Jesus which in essence is faith. Verse 24 reads, "wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith". aG-39.5

M Paul throughout the whole forth chapter of Romans, much like in Galatians chapter 3, also very clearly teaches that man in both eras of time is justified by faith. Romans 4:9-14 reads, “…for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:”. Although throughout all times man was justified by faith rather then justified by perfectly keeping the law, one must yet remember the faith by which man is justified is a meaningful faith which works and changes one's heart and life as it did Abraham's. aG-40

Truly God's law although intended to make one feel sinful and doomed, is not intended to leave one in such a condition, but also teaches mercy, hope, and faith, so that such as permit the total working of the living law and word can be saved by faith. Psalms 94:10-12 reveals the workings of God's law upon the heathen. Gen 6:3, Psalms 50:1, and Rev 3:20 reveal how that God's voice, which is the Living Word and Law through His Holy Spirit invites and calls all men to salvation. Rom 2:13-15 speaks of how that the doers of God's law shall be justified. It must here be remembered that God's law includes faith. Romans 2:13-15 reads, “(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)” Note how this scripture reveals that even the Gentiles or heathen who are without God's written law can yet have God's law or word written in their hearts and thus keep it and be justified thereby. Note how this Scripture also reveals how their conscience also bears witness of this law and accuses or excuses their thoughts. Paul earlier in Rom 1:18-20 revealed how God's wrath is upon all sinfulness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. For all can possess truth! Romans 1:19-20 reads, “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” aG-41

Saving faith and salvation does not depend on intelligence or a great Bible knowledge, it is a heart matter and a fool needs not err therein! Although God's children of the Old Testament had saving faith and realized in their hearts that God is providing for them special mercy, yet many of them understood very little about the details of this mercy like as of Jesus the only begotten Son of God providing redemption's plan. The disciples of Jesus with many others did not understand salvation's plan, but thought Jesus would establish an earthly kingdom. In this ignorance Jesus yet gave them the witness that their names were written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Different individuals very likely shared this ignorance, Jesus yet clearly told such thy faith hath saved thee (Luke 7:50). aG-42

V Jesus taught "For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved" John 3:16-17. Truly Jesus did not come into the world to condemn those who before salvation's plan was completed had received and believed in Jesus as the living word when revealed by God's Spirit, but after the plan of salvation was complete and understood in it's completeness had not yet or never were privileged to hear there of! Jesus rather came to fulfill salvation's plan and to thus reveal God's love to mankind that such who are privileged to hear thereof would be additionally moved to believe. God gives salvation and saving faith to all men world around who receive the living Word and bread when offered by God even though such may be ignorant of salvation's plan like as were many in the Old Testament era. aG-43

V In considering how God works with the heathen and how they can be saved or justified by faith one should remember that in the old era man was saved or justified by faith, even though he did not understand salvation's plan, secondly remember that God through His Spirit reveals His law which can convert the soul, even to the heathen. (Romans 1:18-20, 2:13-15), thirdly remember God's law or will does not only teach condemnation, but also teaches mercy and faith (Matt 23:23), forthly remember those verses that speak of the “grace of God that bringeth salvation appearing to all men” (Titus 2:11), and of “Jesus being a light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9), and lastly remember how Job 33:14-30 speaks regarding God's workings with mankind. Note it is quite obvious that God who in the old era allowed man to be justified by faith without knowing the details of salvations plan did not suddenly in the new era demand such knowledge and condemn to hell and destruction all those who had no opportunity to learn the details of Salvation's Plan. John 3:17 distinctly states that God sent Jesus into the world to save the world not to condemn the world. Considering all the above Scriptures and issues it is quite obvious that the requirement to be justified by faith (regarding both the old and new era) is to with a willing and teachable heart truly believe God and His Spirit as He speaks as did Abraham, rather then that one must have a knowledge of the details of the plan of salvation and have an intellectual faith in such plan. Note to those whom it will interest, the 33 articles of faith in article 15 concerning the “knowledge of Jesus Christ and the necessity of believing it” read, “It is therefore not sufficient to know Christ only after the flesh, or His humanity; as, that He was born of Mary, and became like unto us in all things, except sin; but we must also (which is the most important) know Him after the Spirit, and His eternal Godhead". One should here remember how Paul in Romans 1:19-20 speaks of God showing His eternal power and Godhead to all man so that they are without excuse. aG-43.5

In Isaiah 55:8-9, God speaks of how His ways and thoughts are higher and unlike man's. Then in verse 10 He speaks of how rain from heaven is successful in it's ordained purpose, then follows this verse. So shall my word be that goeth forth.. out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing where unto I sent it" Isaiah 55:11. God does have hands and feet that are not man's. When thinking of one who has no hands or feet we think of one who against his own wishes and power is handicapped, so is not the case with God! Is it not with lack of knowledge and disrespect that men liken God to such? It is true that God has largely if not totally left the responsibility of revealing His ways in fullness and completeness to His church. "Yet behold the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save..." Isaiah 59:1. May we ever rejoice and be thankful that in a work as vast as dealing with eternity, heaven and hell that God can work without human instrumentality! Yet one with a living faith who knows he can be of some help in winning souls will be a far greater soul winner than one who lacks faith and feels God cannot save without man. Man yet has a very important place to fill. How can it be, yet it is true that God because of the lack of one to stand in the gap poured out the fire of His wrath upon His people (Ezek 22:30-31). Oh how many souls will scream in hell throughout eternity because of God's chosen not being soul wise. Such will be those who were not soul wise and those who would have been saved had they received the added invitation that man can give but lacked receiving it. Rom 10:14-15, rightfully encouraging soul saving asks the question, "...How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard..." Yet those who by these verses believe it is impossible for God to save without man's involvement must also by these verses believe it is impossible for one to hear of God's word without a preacher and to preach without being sent! aG-44

In Romans chapters 1 and 2 it appears apostle Paul revealed to the Jews at Rome that God can convict and save sinners of himself. Herein he also revealed that the true child of God, symbolically a Jew, are those who possess something inwardly. "But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God" Rom 2:29. Paul then in chapter 3 reveals how their yet is and advantage of being a Jew outwardly, which here means to be part of God's Holy nation. In verse 2 he says of this advantage. "Much chiefly every way: chiefly, because unto them were committed the oracles of God". Although God can call and save men where man can never reach, yet their is a great advantage in being part of God's Holy Nation. Their is a important added safety in being part of God's Holy nation. aG-45

The foundation oracles of God's Holy nation in the New Testament era is that of a mind knowledge of Jesus the Son of God coming to earth and completing redemption's plan and a heart felt acceptance of the same, of a depth wherein Jesus can give witness to like he did to apostle Peter saying, "flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my Father which is in heaven" Matt 16:17. Such mental knowledge and complete understanding of redemption's plan will very likely take some human instrumentality be it through hearing or reading. Such knowledge and faith therein resulting from a revelation from God and a heart felt acceptance thereof is the rock and only rock where upon God's true church can and does stand. Many churches today stand upon the rock of knowledge of Jesus but lack the revelation! This then is revealed by a lack of saving faith, truth, love, Godly fear, earnest desire, or unity all which result when connected to the living word. Jesus said those of the old Testament who were taught in the New Testament doctrine were like as an house holder taking out of his treasures both things old and new (Matt 13:52). aG-46 Those who were God's children in the old Testament, as well as all men, to become part of the New Testament church had to receive and possess the knowledge and revelation where upon the church stands to become a part thereof. God has also ordained the vital principle of baptism in the New Testament era. Baptism is an important doctrine with a special order. John the Baptist in his humility refused to baptize Jesus until Jesus said "suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness" Matt 3:15. Their is only one true baptism like as their is only one true Lord and faith. "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" Eph 4:5. The Apostles had power to administer this true baptism for Jesus had commanded them to teach all nations and to baptize. They were to baptize only such as from the heart believed in Jesus and thereby stood upon the same rock where upon God's church stands, and through baptism become a part of God's church. The baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:37, reveals the necessity of this knowledge and believing. Truly baptism does not save but is an outward sign of and inward faith and can and is ordained to be administered by those from within God's Holy nation. I believe such as are open to God's Spirit will agree with this. aG-47

From creation forward it is incomprehensibly sad that many have gone to Christ less graves for their doom can never be changed and is forever sealed. Such are those who have rejected the living word and bread when offered by God. Some who are very knowledgeable of salvation's plan enter Christ less graves, while some in far distant land and tongue where man has never taught salvation's story, have accepted the living word and bread when offered by God and thus are spared from a Christ less grave. Many are deceived for they feel saved trusting in their knowledge of the written word of God and mental faith therein and yet have rejected the living word from God which reproves and teaches and through which only saving faith can be received. Jesus in Matt 8:10-12, told some Jews who lacked faith and were not aware of such but rather felt secure in their faith that many from the east and west such as those Jews wrongfully considered to be void of salvation shall enter the kingdom of heaven and they would be thrust out into outer darkness. Jesus in verse 10 gave witness concerning a none Jew that he had a great faith such as not found in Israel! Isaiah 55:1 reads, "...For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord". Could such children be those who God has saved of himself or such as are not part of God's Holy nation? aG-48

Some who in life had great Bible knowledge and thought they were trusting in God shall at the judgment find God to be to them a greatest and most dreadful judge placing upon them a sentence of greater horrors and punishment than can ever comprehend or invent and such forever and ever. While some who never were privileged to have contact with God's written word yet because of choosing to love, honor and receive the living word when revealed to them by God's Spirit shall at the judgment find God to be to them the most blessed and merciful King, a giver of incomprehensible wealth, joy, and bliss forever and ever. How will you find God to be to you? aG-49 Dear reader if you are not accepting the whole word of God, but understanding it according to your wishes, rather than remaining in such condition it would be better to place your feet upon your Bible an renounce it, and then awaken pick it up and believe it, for God has said "I know thy works that thou art neither cold or hot: ... So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth" Rev 3:15-16. aG-50

Truly man is saved by faith and not by works. Yet it is just as true that if man does not do all diligence to keep his love upon God he loses contact with the faith which does save! Therefore God's children in and effort to keep their love upon God and preserve their faith will be zealous of good works (Titus 2:14). aG-51

It is sad that because of self love and honor that many when the light of truth reveals a fault within themselves they reject truth and thereby enter deeper deception. Jesus warningly asked "when the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth" Luke 18:8. aG-52

In closing I would like to encourage all to "examine yourselves whether he be in the faith: prove your own selves.. except ye be reprobates" 2 Cor 13:5. May this article be to the furtherance of God's eternal kingdom, and by it may some soul be saved from the pains of hell. aG-53

(Count 12362 2/17/01)