THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD.  1                Corrected


A PECULIAR TREASURE. 
The desire of the heart of the Lord always has always been to have a people that are purposely, fully and completely devoted to Him. A following those love for Him is equal to His love for them. Solely and singly committed to do His will in all facets of their lives. 

It sounds like a dream, but before the end comes it will become a reality. The Lord will accomplish all of His aims and goals. 

Having delivered the children of Israel from Egypt, He immediately let them know His will for them. They were to be a "peculiar treasure," a very special and dedicated people. The crown jewel and delight of His heart. 

The request and message of His covenant with them was very simple. He desired two things from them. Obedience and the keeping of His Covenant with them. Then they would become that very special treasure of exceeding great value. Ex. 19:5  


BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE. 
Fulfilling the will and commandments of the Lord was an assurance that when an enemy would arise, the Lord Himself would become the adversary and go to war with those who withstood Israel. One could not have a better ally, than the Lord. Being obedient to the Word works as well today as it did in that day. Ex. 23:22 

The blessing of the Lord is found in obedience to His Word and will. Deut. 11:27 

Doing the Word and not being a hearer only pays great dividends for those who want to be successful in this life. They were to be exalted to positions of leadership. Deut. 28:1 

Their daily subsistence was to have been met. Assurance was theirs that there would be no need among them. Isa. 1:19


KEEP MY COVENANT. 
When the Lord makes covenant it will have no other surety but the Lord Himself. Therefore His covenants are strong, positive and never failing. Maintaining His covenant in our lives brings a blessed assurance that mercy and truth will be granted us. It is indeed important to fulfill His covenant. Ps. 25:10 

While we live under the cover of the New Covenant obedience to the teaching of the Word is of utmost importance. The Lord said, that He would put His law in the "Inward parts and write it in their hearts." Jer. 31:31 

His will, revealed in His Law should now be a second nature to those who have embraced His New Covenant. He has promised that He would be their God and that they would be His people. 


THE PECULIAR PEOPLE. 
They are a special people that He would take unto Himself. There are to be none who are equal to them. Unique and set apart unto the Lord. Deut. 7:6 

They are also designated to be a holy people following after the pattern of a just and Holy Lord. Deut. 14:21 

In the last days there will be a very special people of a high moral and spiritual standard. A righteousness that is established by the Word of the Lord. 

They are to be liberated from all iniquity and unrighteousness. The Lord will purify them until their purity matches His. 

His Bride will be equal to Him in every way that is possible. He will not marry a Bride with a soiled wedding garment. She will be holy and cleansed totally from all that is impure. 

She is made up of a group of people who are zealous in their faith and follow hard after the Lord. They work works of righteousness. Titus 2:14  





THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  2

THE PURCHASED POSSESSION. 
An object or thing which one desired to obtain and having the funds with which it may be purchased, did so, that it might become their very own. 

The Bride of Christ is the supreme work of redemption. It is the sum total of the plan of salvation. His vision, as Christ came to earth, was not just the salvation of mankind but what He could do with those whom He would purchase. He gave His very life's blood that He might come into possession of that very special, peculiar people. A group of set apart individuals. Acts 20:28 

The price has been fully paid. The entirety of the work has not yet been completely accomplished. Be certain that the Lord will accomplish the complete vision of His Word. 


THE GARDEN OF THE LORD. 
The story of man begins in the garden of the Lord. 
The Lord Himself planted a garden for the environment of His creation. He called it Eden. Meaning, delight or pleasantness. We may be well assured that it was the very best. A place of joy and refreshing. Its beauty has never been repeated. The most beautiful and cultured gardens of the world are insignificant in comparison. This was the garden of the Lord, planted for His very own possession. Everything in it was perfect. Gen. 2:8-9 

As we all well know the beauty of that garden was marred by sin and man was ejected from the garden. Gen. 3:23 

Solomon, meaning peaceable, or to be quiet. He was also called Jedidiah, meaning loved of Jehovah. He was in a strange way a type of Christ. His kingdom was the most tranquil of all the kings of Israel. It was prophesied that he would be a man of peace. 1 Chron. 22:9 

Jesus is the Prince of peace. Solomon married wives from many nations and religions which caused him to turn from the Lord. Many religions have used the name of Jesus as a part of their religion but do not truly follow His teachings. Like wise, many Christian churches claim Him as their leader but do not embrace His teachings. However, the multiplicity and mixture of doctrines taught by those who claim Him as their leader has not removed Him from pure doctrine. 


SOLOMON HAD A GARDEN. 
As did all potentates and kings. 

Solomon poetically speaks of a garden which was not his but the Lords. Song. 4:12 

That garden is the Bride of Christ. The prophetic utterance of Ezekiel proclaimed a restored garden like unto Eden. Eze. 36:35 

That which shall be is a spiritual garden. The King is describing His garden as his sister, born of the same Father, she is also His spouse. Much like the patriarchs of old, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who married wives who were of their extended families. 

The garden of the Lord is an enclosed garden. A garden locked. It was set apart and isolated , to be enjoyed exclusively by the King and his beloved. The call of the Spirit in this hour is for His people to separate themselves  from the worldliness that is creeping into the modern day church. 

The Bride will not be a conglomeration, a mish mash of ideas, manner of life and doctrines. She will be a unit, in full compliance with the teachings of the Word. She will be separated unto the Lord in complete holiness and sanctification. 2 Cor. 6:17 

There must be a two fold cleansing brought forth in the body of Christ. Not only cleansing from the carnal things of the flesh but also the filthiness of the spirit. The laying aside of false manifestation and imitations which mimic spiritual evidences. 2 Cor. 7:1 

It is time for a spiritual house cleaning. Either we will do it or the Lord will do it, and when He does, it will be stern.
 

  


            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  3

MY SISTER, MY SPOUSE. Song 4:12 
The Bride is termed a sister, because she is of the same progeny. Mt. 3:35 

Both are Spirit born, born of God the Father. as Eve was taken out of the side of Adam and formed using his rib, [ Was it the fifth, closest to the heart?] So from the side of Christ there flowed blood and water. John 19:34 

The Bride is redeemed and created by His most precious blood. 1 Peter 1:19

She is washed by the water of baptism and brought into unity of death burial and resurrection. Rom. 6:4 

The Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit, not only birthed us but fills us and reveals the Divine truths of His Word to us. 1 John 5:6 

Having honoring and taken His name the Bride proudly will confess, with Him that she is His sister. More than a sister, she is to be His spouse. 


HER INFLUENCE ON HIM. 
To Him she is so attractive and the pull of love is so strong that He proclaims that she has ravished His heart. Completely captivated and overcome with her charm and beauty. Their love is the godly sort of love and is of the purest and the strongest kind. Song 4:9

Therefore He calls to her with a very special invitation to leave all and follow after Him. His spouse will be holy and pure. A people who have separated themselves from the world and are fully consecrated unto the Lord. 2 Cor. 6:17 

They long to be where He is to be found. Song 4:8 

Her love for Him is so great that it transcends all other types of love. Her love for Him is pure, it is bright like light from heaven. Some translations give it as, "manifold tokens of love." Love never ceases. It is ever giving. Its pleasures exceed those of wine and its fragrances are the very best. Song 4:10 

He takes special notice of her lips, they have become to Him like the honeycomb. Known for its sweetness, its symmetry and the exacting harmony of the bees that build it. Song 4:11 

Pleasant words are a honeycomb and a healing touch to the soul and bones, or the health of man. Prov. 16:24 

The lips help form words of praise and adoration to the Lord. Lips are noted for their help in songs of rejoicing unto the Lord. Ps. 71:23 

Honey and milk, the bounty promised for the land of Canaan. There is that which is far sweeter than the honey and the honeycomb and that is the Word of the Lord. Ps. 19:7-10 

The voice of the Bride is a most pleasant sound, surely His heart would jump at the sound of it, as it spoke words of adoration to Him.  His beloved is a spring that is capped or closed. Much like the stone that Jacob rolled away and then met his bride to be, Rachel. The Bride and springs of living water are associated together inasmuch as the promise is made that there will flow rivers of living waters from those who are believers. John 7:38 

She is source of living waters, a fountain from which there flows an abundance of water not just for one garden but for gardens. She is a well of life giving waters, carrying and dispensing life where ever her waters are directed. Her streams [note the plural] flow from Lebanon [White, or purity]. There is no lack of the presence of the Spirit to be found in the Bride. The same measure of the
Spirit that was upon Christ will be upon her. 




              THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  4

HIS TREASURE. 
His chosen of genuine value, a real treasure. 
The Bride is His treasure, even though it requires placing the treasures in earthen vessels. He will make known His excellent power and overcome the frailty of the flesh. 2 Cor. 4:8 

The treasure is the completeness of the kingdom of heaven manifest in the precious clay pots. The treasure is found in the field. It is then hidden by the finder and he sold all that he had. That is 
the secret of obtaining the treasure. Nothing else counts or is of value to him but the treasure. 

The whole of his wealth is spent on the field, the world needing the gospel and the treasure, the perfect church filled with all the fullness of the Almighty. She is so completely saturated with the Spirit that she has all the nature and character of the Lord Jesus. Mt. 13:44 

This wonderfully and beautifully illustrates the truth that where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:34 

There is the treasure of this world and there is the treasure of heaven. Every man will strive to gain one or the other. The true treasure is located in the heart of man from whence the good, will bring forth good things, the things of the Spirit. The evil man will bring forth evil things, the things of this world. Mt. 12:35 

Jesus confronted the wealthy young man with a confrontation that still stands. Do you want to be perfect? Go sell all that you possess, give it to the poor and come and follow me. This young man was extremely rich and loved his wealth more than he did the Lord Jesus. He was not willing to make the sacrifice and follow the Lord, for he went away sorrowful. He held to the riches of this world, all of which he would someday leave behind. His decision cost him far more than he had any capacity to understand, for he lost any possibility of gaining the treasures of heaven. Luke 18:22 

As much as some will resist the truth, Jesus presented a doctrine by contrasting earthly treasures with the heavenly and advocated that to gain the one, the eternal and everlasting, the only kind that really counts, the other must be sold and distributed to the poor. Luke 12:33 


TREASURE FOR THE LAST DAYS. 
Let us look a little further into the subject. James also gives a picture of the Laodicean church. He writes instructions to the rich, warning them that there are extreme miseries which they will face in the near future. If that were true for that day, how much more for today. 

He states that worldly riches are corrupt and fine clothing will be eaten of moths. Their gold and silver will be corroded and the rust of them will become a witness against you. A condition that under ordinary circumstances would not happen. 

But, this is a judgment against those who gained riches by crooked or illegal means. It needs to be most earnestly taken into account that there is a "last day" scenario in the words of James. The tremendous drive and heaping up of riches that is evident in the church today fits in perfectly with the message presented by James.

This is as much of a sign that we are living in the "last days" as any of the other prophecies relating to this period of time. But then, who wants to preach it? The doctrine of prosperity for the church is the popular one. Choose, two masters cannot be served at one and the same time. Mt. 6:24      




                        THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  5

SET AFFECTIONS. 
King David was a man of vision. A man who, once he had set his heart on a project involved himself one hundred percent. Not only physically but with his whole being, including his riches. The house of the Lord became his driving force. Like the early church, he had "singleness of heart." Acts 2:46 

His heart was set, with great and true affection on the house of the Lord, the Temple. Although it was not to be his privilege to build the Temple he began by gathering the materials that would be used. David set aside from his own wealth gold and silver as well as other assets for the house of the Lord. The full affection of the Lord Jesus is toward the finished work, His church, His Bride, the object of His love. That which is the consummation of His labors and the ultimate goal of His love. Eph. 5:25 

From the very beginning He "steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem." Luke 9:51 

Jesus came into the world with a preset purpose, He endured the cross, despised the shame knowing the joy that was before Him. The joy and bliss of a wedding that will provide Him with a Bride. Heb. 12:2


THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD. 
The house of the Lord, His Temple is not some beautiful edifice which the church has built nor is it a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. These are all temporal and like all the works of mankind are scheduled for ultimate destruction. Rev. 6:14 

The real Temple is that which is eternal, everlasting and incorruptible. The material is even now being gathered. It is the Temple of the Holy Ghost or the Spirit filled, sanctified members of the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 6:19 

David had one great desire and that was to make his habitation, the house of the Lord. This was a goal which he purposed in his heart and deliberately sought after. He recognized that there was a beauty, a majesty, a revelation of glory and splendor that can only be found in the Lord. He was persuaded that it was well worthy of his time and efforts. He was also one who wanted to know his Lord more fully and more intimately. Ps. 27:4 

David had a deep and very intense love for the presence of the Lord. His constant desire was that he might behold the glory of the Lord and that beholding it he might participate in that blessed presence, the shining glory of the Lord. Ps. 26:8


THE CRY OF ONE WHO GREATLY DESIRES THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD. 
The seeker's heart is toward the tabernacles of the Lord. Crying out for the glorious presence of the Lord to be made known. How amiable, how agreeable, how gentle, how peaceful and refreshing the house of the Lord. Ps. 84:1 

When he says, my soul longeth, cries out, greatly desires, can you feel that intense hunger that is expressed, that strong plea that comes from deep within the human heart and soul for the Lord? If it is audible it is expressed in a loud bellow; or it can be in groanings which cannot be uttered. In any case it is the strongest of emotions. Rom. 8:26 

Moved upon so greatly that soul is on the border of fainting. The heart and the flesh cry out in great longing and desire to become one with the living Lord. Ps. 84:2

When the hunger in the modern day church reaches the condition mentioned in the psalms, we will see revival. There can be no moving of the Spirit without there being a huge cry of the spirit of man for the Spirit of the Lord. A cry that reaches from the church to the very heart of the Lord.

As long as we are self-satisfied and complacent, there will be no manifestation of the Spirit in our church life. However, the Lord will find a people who hunger and thirst after righteousness, and He will satisfy their hunger. Like a healthy, new born baby hungers and thirsts for milk, so the new Christian will express a desire, a hunger and thirsts for the milk of the Word. "Like new born babies, crave pure spiritual milk." 1 Pet. 2:2 NIV 

The length of time during which one has been a Christian has nothing to do with their maturity. The sign of maturity is in a hunger and a thirst for the Word and the pursuit of the same. There are those who have been saved for years and do not understand "the first principles" of the teachings of the Word, for the simple reason that they do not apply them to their lives. They feed on the light, the frivolous things of the church. Social but not Spiritual. It is time to grow up. Heb. 5:12 

Those still struggling with the fundamentals are "unskillful in the Word" and are babes. Heb. 5:13




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  6

A CHOSEN GENERATION. 
If we are permitted to play on words we would transpose these two words and say that this is, "THE CHOSEN GENERATION." The generation of people who above all others generations are the elite of the chosen, the select or the elect. 

How completely the title of the chosen fits the end time Christian who will come to the fullness of Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 

In the wisdom and mighty workings of the Lord the last generation of the Christ like, will be the first to participate in the fullness of "Christ in you the hope of glory." Those in whom the Lord will make manifest the completeness of Himself. A spiritual life force, the presence of Christ in His people as no other in the past have experienced. While the call for salvation is sounded out to all who will hear, it is obvious that not all will respond. Those who do react in a positive manner to the call of the gospel, are the chosen, the elect. According to the words of the Lord Jesus they are a minority. Mt. 20:16


THE LAST DAY ELECT WILL BE THROUGHLY TRIED AND TESTED. 
The warning of the scripture is that in these last days there will be more and more false Christs who will represent themselves as the true Christ, the anointed. They will present to the people a pseudo spirit, with the appearance much like the true Spirit, nevertheless false. Along with them will come false prophets. Individuals who will claim to speak for the Lord but the Lord has not called nor commissioned them to the office of the prophet. Were it possible even the very elect would be deceived. Mt. 24:24 

The deception of the ages is on schedule for these last days. There is one coming, rising out of the sea of humanity to whom the devil will deliver his power, throne and authority, he is the antichrist. Rev. 13:1 

He will become an object of worship and is to be worshipped by the unsaved multitudes. Rev.13:4, 8 

The extent of his reign is forty-two months, the exact period of time as the great tribulation. Rev. 13:5 

We take special note that he will confront the saints, so at least some of them are still here when he rules the world. Rev. 13:7 

In conjunction with his coming there is another who will appear, he is the false prophet. There is a lamb like semblance but listen to his voice. It is like that of the dragon, old lucifer himself. 
Rev. 13:11 

He has the same power as the antichrist and will cause people to worship the antichrist. Rev. 13:12 He has the ability to produce great signs and wonders which are used to deceive the peoples of the earth. Rev. 13:13-14 

He will create an image to the antichrist and will cause it to both live and speak. With modern day science we are getting close to having the ability to see this enacted. He will cause all to worship the beast or be killed. Rev. 13:15 

It is he, who will develop the monetory system and a world wide commerce which will require the number, name or mark of the beast. the antichrist. Rev. 13:16 

The present time is called "the beginning of sorrows" by the Lord Jesus. Compared to what is depicted in the book of Revelation, this present time is as nothing. There is a tremendous flood of deception coming in the end of the age. Stick to the WORD. 




                  THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  7

A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. 
A priesthood composed of individuals who, in themselves are Royalty and are serving a great, eternal and royal king. 1 Peter 2:9 

The redeemed, whatever their back ground, are exalted by the Lord to a position and a ministry that is high and lifted up, that is, it is before the throne of the Eternal King. Rev. 1:6 

They are termed to be a spiritual house, the dwelling place of the Lord, the true Temple. Therefore, those inhabiting that glorious place are a priesthood of holiness. A people who worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. 

Their ministry with their offerings are spiritual, by and according to the moving of the Spirit.

Perfectly, totally acceptable to the Lord. A perfect Bride, offering perfect, heart pleasing offerings unto her Lord. They will reign with the Lord Jesus, on this earth. Rev. 5:10 

For the entirety of the thousand year millennium. The day of rest, the Sabbath of the ages. Rev. 20:6 

As those who have overcome, they will be privileged to sit with Jesus on His throne, even as He is occupying the throne of His Father. The throne of the Lord God is then a shared throne, between the Father, Son and Spirit filled Bride. Rev. 3:21 

Around the throne of the Lord are the twenty-four elders likewise occupying thrones completely encircling that majestic seat of state. These men will all have served the Lord in Apostolic fashion while on earth and now are continuing their leadership in eternity. They are the twelve Apostles called and appointed by the Lord Jesus. Mt. 19:28 

Plus the twelve Apostles or stars in the crown of the Bride of Christ as seen in Revelationtwelve. This gives us a total of twenty-four leaders of the church age who have and will work in close proximity to the Lord in spiritual guidance for the church. 

There are yet others who are enthroned in heaven and they too are a very special group. Contrary to what seems to be popular belief, there will be saints who are caught by the tribulation period, simply because they were not prepared to be in the Bride. 

They are those who refused to take the number, name or mark of the beast and as a consequence were beheaded for their witness of the Lord Jesus and for their adherence to the Word of the Lord. They too live and reign with Christ for the thousand years. Rev. 20:4 


THE HOLY NATION. 
Interestingly enough, the word nation as used in the scripture refers to a non Jewish nation or gentiles. The holy nation is a gathering of people from among all the nations of the world. They are what they are, not by virtue of nationality but by the power of a new birth and a new life. 

Holiness is not a series of good works which we struggle to accomplish. Holiness is the Spirit of the Lord. The desire to be holy is imparted to each and every person who is born of the Spirit. It is further enhanced by the infilling, the baptism of the Spirit. We should never be without the washing of the Word, an element of our Christian life which is most necessary. Rom. 1:4 

The new man, that which is born of the Spirit will give evidence of righteousness and true, not feigned, holiness. Eph. 4:24 

In the area of holiness there must come a time when our hearts are established, fixed and set on following the Lord in Spiritual maturity. Living a life in Christ which is without fault or blame. 

The call of the Lord is to high places, the standard is high, but not beyond our ability to obtain, with His help. 1 Thes. 3:13 

The Lord will never establish a goal for our lives which is greater than that which we can reach. He has called His church to holiness. 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  8

THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD ARE THE ELECT. 
The chosen, the selected, the election. All similar terms used in describing those who serve the Lord Jesus. It does not have reference to the Lord choosing some and then passing over or rejecting others. The scriptures are very plain that salvation was prepared for all, but not all will choose to be saved. Those who will follow Jesus become the chosen of the Lord. From eternity, because He is the Lord, He knew who would and who would not commit themselves to Him. 1 Peter 2:9


ONE DIED FOR ALL.  
Jesus gave His life for every man who would ever live on the surface of this earth. 2 Cor. 5:14 

The iniquity of ALL, every man, was borne by the Lord Jesus. Isa. 53:6 

There is but one who has become the propitiation [atonement] for the WHOLE WORLD. 1 John 2:2 

Jesus paid the price for the ransom of ALL, from sin and iniquity. 1 Tim. 2:6 

Furthermore, He went into death and the grave to provide a resurrection unto life everlasting for every man. Heb. 2:9 

It is not His will that any should perish or be lost. He has made ample provision for the entire population, from Adam to the last person to be born on his earth. His will is, that ALL would come to repentance and be saved. 2 Peter 3:9 

His will is again expressed in the words of the Apostle Paul to his son in the gospel, Timothy. The Lord would have "ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, AND COME TO A KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH." 1 Tim. 2:4   


CALLING AND ELECTION. 
Both the call and the election must come originally, from the Lord. Unfortunately, the Lord has created man with a free will, the ability to chose for himself. Hence, man must make his CALLING and ELECTION sure, stable and steadfast. 2 Peter 1:10 

We, ourselves, determine our own spiritual destiny. The Lord will not force us into conforming to His will. That is an act that we alone must carry out. The Lord in His infinite foreknowledge, knowing full well the birth and death of every person born into this world made those who would receive Him, His chosen. These who are the chosen, the elect, must be cleansed by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus. Also, know the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. Both of which, lead the chosen to a place where they are obedient to the gospel, the Word of the Lord. 1 Pet. 1:2 

The mind of the Lord, His manner of reasoning, His thoughts are so far beyond even the deepest of human abilities makes it difficult to comprehend fully this tremendous capability that makes him to be God. Mind you, the foolishness of God, meaning dull or stupid [as if it could be a trait of the Lord]. The most insignificant thought of the Lord, is wiser, more brilliant than the greatest, most intelligent thoughts of men. 1 Cor. 1:25 

The Lord in creation, formed the world and all that is in it. Set it in order. Established a balance of life for all creatures and plants. Each depending on the other. Holds the universe in place with a divine plan and order, and it works. Yet man with all his wisdom is still trying to figure out how the whole thing works. Thus far he has just scratched the surface. Oh yes, the Lord is wisdom personified.  



                     THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  9

THE DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS. 
A decision of the Lord that was steadfast from before the foundation of the world. If there ever was an act of the Lord that was preset and irrevocable it was the shedding of the blood of Christ as the only offering for the forgiveness of sin. Acts 2:23 

Foreknowledge (or prognosis) "Foreknowledge is used only of Divine Foreknowledge. (Acts. 2:23)

Foreknowledge is one aspect of omniscience; (infinite knowledge). It is implied in God's warnings, promises and predictions. God's foreknowledge involves His electing grace but does not preclude human will. He fore knows the exercise of faith which brings salvation. The Divine counsels will ever be unthwartable. W.E. Vine. Dictionary N. T. Words.


BY HIS FOREKNOWLEDGE. 
By the nature that is innately His, the Lord was able to foresee all things, from eternity to eternity. Nothing, absolutely nothing has escaped such complete knowledge of things to come. He has perfect knowledge, because He is knowledge, He is prescience, He is omniscience. Those whom He foresaw, He predestined. Carefully consider unto what place or position in the kingdom they were predestined. Rom. 8:29 

They were not predestined to salvation but to the high and holy calling which is in Christ Jesus. Predestination is to be like, and bear the nature and image of the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to be conformed, transformed, shaped and bear His precise image and likeness. We are to be "changed into the same image." 2 Cor. 3:18 

The identical representation, the very same. A position and equality to the which, who among us can claim to have obtained?  All, hopefully, are in a process of growth and change, from glory to glory, which will bring us to the fully developed likeness of Christ. It is very apparent that we have been predestined to a process of growth and transformation. Growing into the glorious likeness of Christ. In this manner completing the will of the Lord in our lives. His will is good, then it is His acceptable will, which results in His perfect will. There are not three stages of His will. There are three descriptions given of what the will of the Lord is to us. Three words used to recommend His will as something to follow in our lives. Rom. 12:2 

More than ever before it is necessary to give great heed to the call of the Word to His church. We are urged to "put off" some things, and that is the former conduct of the sinful man. The corruption and deceitful lusts of the old life, the life of sin must all be laid aside. Eph. 4:22 

Almost everyone likes new things. The greatest offer of something new and of tremendous value is that which is given by the Lord. A whole NEW MAN. A man who has been cleansed by the blood of Christ. We are urged to put on the NEW MAN, to wear him proudly. He has been renewed and made to bear the likeness of his creator, the Lord Jesus. Created a human being in perfection but became contaminated because of sin. Created a second time, forgiven and freed from sin, that in every aspect we might be like Jesus. Col. 3:10




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  10

PREDESTINATION'S GOAL. 
Once again the scripture makes plain that the aim of the Lord in predestination is a people who are to be conformed, jointly formed and identical to the Lord Jesus. Rom. 8:29 

We are looking at a gigantic change in the lives of those who would be in this group. Our vile body is the element that shall be changed and made into the likeness of His glorious body. Phil. 3:21 

The declaration of the Word is that the body [the old life] must die to the carnal life, with its sin and fleshly appetites. These cannot coexist with the Christian life. The presence, the Spirit of the
Christ dwelling within is the key to victory in the life of every Christian. 

The Spirit must become the dominant force in the life of everyone who would serve the Lord. Rom. 8:10 

When the Spirit reproduces the Life of Christ in the vessel, the body and spirit of the people of the Lord, there is a quickening power, a power of new life that flows in the being of that person. Instead of the body, the flesh controlling the individual, the Spirit dominates the natural man and they walk in the Spirit. Rom. 8:11  


PREDESTINED TO ADOPTION. 
A work that is accomplished in those who believe on Him and receive Him. Because of their faith in Christ, they have an equal position and equal rights in the family. They were not "picked out" and adopted because of who they are; but in the process of becoming a child of the Lord, they accepted the plan of salvation, they believed on His name and therefore were adopted into the household of faith. Adoption is not in the choosing but in the positioning. John 1:12 

It is interesting to note that His name and the usage of that name is necessary to salvation. Peter, before a group of high priests, in Jerusalem spoke of the importance of His name. Proclaiming that there is none other name, under heaven and among men that brings salvation. Acts 4:10 

Moreover, Jesus, quoting from Isaiah [11:10], said, that the Gentiles would come to trust in His name. The Gentiles were to be adopted into, and become members of, the descendants of Abraham. Far more important than the lineage into which one is born, is the new birth which produces adoption.

Being born again brings an assurance that greatly supersedes any natural family associations. Factually, the Word discloses that it is the only way to be acknowledged as belonging to the family of the Lord. Again, it is believing in His name and receiving Him as Savior that assures sonship. John 1:12

The experience of the new birth does not come from the will of man. Natural birth cannot assure one of a place in the kingdom of the Lord. The church needs to come to a comprehensive knowledge of the truth. 

Jesus plainly stated that unless a man is born of the Spirit he cannot see the kingdom of God, much less enter into it. Particularly, If he cannot see it. It can only be seen by the Word of the Lord; and if one does not read nor know the Word, they do not even know that there is such a kingdom. Entrance is only gained by the new birth. John 3:3 

Jesus is the door and none may enter in who do not come by Him. John 10:9 

Moreover He has the key and Jesus alone controls the door. Rev. 3:7



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  11

NOW ARE WE THE SONS OF THE LORD. 
Whenever and in whatever manner this term may have been misused, the fact remains that this is a title and position in Christ, which the Lord has bestowed on His very own. 1 John 3:2 

To be called a "son of God" is evidence of the great love of the Lord being made manifest in that person. It is His love that brings us into fellowship with the Lord and with one another. The non spiritual world will not recognize the high calling of Christ Jesus which He makes evident in His very own. 1 John 3:1 

The guidance of the Spirit of the Lord in each individual in the body of Christ is also a sign of having been accepted into the beloved. Rom. 8:14 

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is essential for those who would desire to be received as Sons of God. Gal. 3:26 


BLESSED ASSURANCE. 
Being a son of God involves also the Divine privilege of calling the Lord, Abba [Father], Father. Gal. 4:6 

Jesus introduced that beautiful relationship that existed between the Father and Jesus. Lovingly, intimately Jesus addressed His Father as Abba, Father. It was a most difficult moment of time for Jesus. He faced Calvary and death. It was necessary that He commit the totality of Himself, His physical being and life, to the death that He must die. He was thoroughly surrendered to the will of His Father. Mark 14:36 

Because of His sacrifice, we today receive the Spirit of adoption. Graciously, freely received into the wonderful status as Sons of the Most High. All equally loved, all equally received and included in the family. Rom. 8:15 

As a demonstration of the equality that is in Christ Jesus, Paul noted, that those who were "under the law" were also received and included by way of adoption. Gal. 4:5 

The Lord makes no difference between Jew and Gentile, all must come the same way. Abram was "a Syrian ready to perish" when He adopted him. Making of him a great nation. He was not the chosen of the Lord, until the Lord adopted him and made him to be the people of the Lord. Deut. 26:5 

The right and rite of adoption belonged to the descendants of Abraham. Even so, they, like the new testament saints were sons by adoption. Once again illustrating that the Lord is no respecter of persons. All adoptions are "through Christ" outside of Him adoption to be a Son of God does not exist. Christ is the source, the medium of adoption for all. Eph. 1:5 

The ultimate of adoption, the change of the living body or the resurrection of the dead body is to take place at the second coming of the Lord Jesus. The body of the redeemed will be changed and made like unto the body of glory, like the resurrected body of the Lord Jesus. That will consummate the redemption of man, body, soul and spirit. Rom. 8:3 

In the constitution of the body of Christ, the church, there are no Jews nor Gentiles. Those labels no longer exists in the plan and purpose of the Lord. In the sight of the Lord man made divisions are no longer to be found. He looks upon His church as one body and of one Spirit blended together and wondrously united as one in the Lord Jesus. Gal. 3:28 

Were it not for the Lord Jesus, there would be no adoption, whether in the old testament or in the new. We are predestined and adopted in Him and in Him, alone. 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  12

THE PROCESS. Rom. 8:30 

The call, the invitation for salvation has gone out to every generation and every nation. No one who responds will in any manner be excluded. Jesus experienced death for EVERY MAN. Therefore all are included in the plan of salvation. Not that all will be saved but all could have been saved. The provision has been made for ALL. Heb. 2:9 

9  But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10  In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
11  Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
12  He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." (NIV)

The same theme is presented in the fact that "one died for all." 2 Cor. 5:15

Jesus graciously paid the ransom for ALL, that all might be set free from the captivity of sin. 1 Tim. 2:6 

Jesus has offered His blood, on the heavenly mercy seat and made propitiation for the sins of the WHOLE world. Not only that, He is the mercy seat. 1 John 2:2 

The call has gone out to the entire race of mankind. ALL may come, ALL may receive but many have turned a deaf ear to the gospel, therefore will suffer the consequences. In the topic of the "whosoever" spoken by Jesus we see the same invitation. For instance, they will not abide in darkness or remain in sin. The light of the gospel will illuminate them. John 12:46 

The promise of escaping punishment and destruction because of sin is of great importance to every believer. It is a manifestation of the vast love that the Lord has for humanity. John 3:15-16 

Those who had experienced the mercy and pardon of the Lord bore witness that those [whosoever] believing on the Lord Jesus would receive the remission of sins. That included forgiveness of sins past and an introduction to a force and power which delivers us from sin. Acts 10:43 

Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of the Spirit. 1 John 5:1 

The opportunity for salvation is for ALL, not just a few.  


THE CALL OF THE LORD. 
We note that the believers in Rome were called of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you believe on Him? Then you are the called. They were called to a high and holy position in Christ, they were to be the saints of the Lord. A benefit and reward that created precious fellowship with the Lord Jesus. Rom. 1:6-7 

The calling of the Lord is that the person called would fulfill the Divine purposes of the Lord. The Lord has an eternal motive in calling His people unto Himself. Rom. 8:28 

The calling was not just to one race but reached out to the nations of the world. Rom. 9:24 

The calling of the Lord is that we might fellowship, have intimate companionship with the Lord Jesus. He is searching for a people who want to know Him in a most confidential way. 1 Cor. 1:9 

The calling is an invitation to participate in His grace and pardon. Gal. 1:6 

A response to the call of the Spirit assures one of a place in the kingdom of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess 2:12 

The called enter into a liberty of the Spirit that is one of the most tremendous blessings of the Lord. Freedom from the old life. Freedom from the habits which once controlled our lives. Gal. 5:13 

A definite purpose of the call of the Lord is that His called out ones might live before Him in holiness and righteousness. 1 Thes, 4:7




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  13

THE GENTILES UPON WHOM HIS NAME IS CALLED. 
There is salvation in His name and in none other, than the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whether Jew or Gentile, all come the same way. Acts 4:12 

The call to follow Christ is identical, be they Jew or Gentile. Their call is exactly alike, their reception as children of the Lord is the same. Rom. 9:24 

The Lord is no respecter of persons. Rom. 2:11 

There were - and always will be - believers from among the Gentile nations of his world. Those who have received His name in salvation and therefore His name is called upon them. Acts 15:17

The mighty power of the Lord is to be displayed in equal proportions in the lives of those who are "the called." He does not recognize racial barriers. 1 Cor. 1:24 

It is the grace of the Lord, that exceeding great favor, that He extends to us His favor in making known His call. Even though we are unworthy of the slightest measure of His grace, He bestows it most
abundantly upon us. Gal. 1:15 

The call of the Lord is to be a partaker of the grace of the Lord Jesus. We are called to enter into the blessed shelter and comfort of His grace. Col. 1:6 

Called unto the liberty that is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Freedom from the damaging effects of sin and iniquity. Free from the bondage's and habits that captivate the souls of men and bring condemnation. Freedom to serve the Lord Jesus in the power of the Spirit. Gal. 5:13 

The call becomes a life. Not the life of sin and death which we formerly lived but a life like His life. Walking and manifesting the glories of that new life in Christ. Eph. 4:1 


CALLED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HEAVENLY KINGDOM. 
That kingdom is threefold. Present, future and eternal. The present is at hand. Repentance is necessary in order to participate in it. Mt. 3:2 

The kingdom is present when the King of kings is made to be the authority and ruler. Luke 17:21 

The future kingdom on earth is that magnificent reign of Christ on earth for one thousand years. Rev. 20:6 

The eternal, everlasting kingdom. A kingdom which will never pass away. The third and final manifestation of that kingdom is the New heavens and the New earth.  2 Pet. 3:13 

A kingdom, which many try to compare to the world of today but it will be vastly different. The kingdom now, and that which is to come, is to be a kingdom of the revelation of the glory of the Lord. 1 Thes. 2:12 

The desire of the Lord toward His people is that He might find a people who are willing to be filled with the eternal glory of the Lord. Rom. 9:23 

Even now, there is a process working in the People of the Lord that will bring them to a place where they are the vessels of glory. A vision of what the Lord wants to accomplish and will do is necessary. We must see His glory and then desire it. As we catch a vision of who and what He is in all of His glory and splendor, we desire to be like Him. 

We are in a state of metamorphoses. Being changed from the old man into the very image and likeness of the Lord Jesus. The moving of the Spirit of the Lord in our lives will bring His church to the Divine appointments that He has established for her. A people filled to capacity with the glory and blessing of the Lord until there is no room in their spirit nature for anything else, but Jesus.  2 Cor. 3:18 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  14

THE CALLED OF THE LORD. 
His calling is a call to live before Him in true holiness. Forsaking the uncleanness of this world. The Lord does not require of us goals which are beyond our reach. He has fully equipped the church to press forward to an attainment of the purpose of the Lord for our lives. 1 Thes. 4:7 

A cleansing from the things of the carnal man and a freedom from spiritual uncleanness [Such as substituting the actions of the spirit of man for the Spirit of the Lord.] The Lord can and will accomplish His perfect will in a body of believers in these last days. The challenge presented to us from the Word of the Lord is to bring holiness to its perfection. That is, to its apex, which can be nothing less than a perfect heart, a perfect spirit, a life of perfection resulting in a perfect church. 2 Cor. 7:1 


PAUL AN EXAMPLE. 
The spiritual aspirations of Paul are admirable and worthy to emulate. He realized that he had been arrested by the Lord for a purpose. Even though he was to confess that he had not yet attained unto that goal, there was a spiritual eagerness in him to do so. He stated that this "this one thing I do." 

His words speak of singleness of mind and spirit in pressing on toward that which had been placed before him. The pursuit of his life was to have the life of Christ manifest in him. 

Goals are reached where there is a determined mind, heart and will. The total man being consumed by that one longing and desire. Anything and everything may be accomplished for the Lord where there is absolute commitment. 

He left the past behind, laid it aside. He learned from its lessons but refused to live under its condemnations, therefore he forsook its memory and effects on his current life. "Reaching forth," like the tremendous effort of an athlete who needs just that extra burst of strength and energy to win. Paul was on a stretch, reaching, straining forward, with great tenacity to win. 

You can do it, with the help of the Holy Spirit and your full hearted determination to accomplish the call of the Spirit in your life. Paul was a weight lifter, he said, "I press." He had resolved to plow through whatever obstacles appeared before him and to determinedly push through to the goal, the prize. The award was to be the "high calling" the incomparable conclusion of the work of the Lord in the midst of His people, that is the perfection of the church. Phil. 3:12-14 


It is an irrevocable fact that the church has been called of the Lord to live a life that reflects the very holiness of the Lord.

The call of the Spirit and the teaching of the Word consistently direct us toward a life, lived now. The need and necessity of lives that show forth the very life of Christ has never been greater than at this very moment in the history of the church. 

Unrighteousness is running rampant throughout the world. The Lord promised through Isaiah that when the enemy would come in as a flood the Lord would raise up a banner against him. What better, what greater resistance to ungodliness than a people who have reached the goal and are living in purity and righteousness. Isa. 59:19




                THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD 15

CALLED TO RECEIVE HIS GLORY. 
All the splendor, all the majesty that is to be found in the living Lord is to be shared with His beloved, His called. It is an amazing thing to realize the extent and the magnitude of the ultimate goal of His high calling. We have been called to share of His everlasting and brilliant glory. It is ours to acquire from the Lord. 2 Thes. 2:14 

It is the desire of the Lord to find vessels, individuals, redeemed and sanctified upon whom He can pour out of His Spirit in might and power. They are called vessels of His mercy because of the work of cleansing by the blood of Christ which He has accomplished in them. From the beginning His intent was that they be filled to the full and running over with the glory of the Lord. Rom. 9:23 

There is that exceeding great glory - the glory of the sun. That remarkable glory is to be the wedding gown of the Bride. She is to be clothed with the light of the Lord in all of its brilliancy. Rev. 12:1 

The Bride will be what the Lord is, that is, to be like the sun shining forth in all of its splendor and glory. Ps. 74:16 

The face of the Lord Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration shined with a light as brilliant as the sun. Mt. 17:2 

The glory of the Lord is the light of the Lord and His light is His glory for He is light. 1 John 1:5


AN INHERITANCE GREATER THAN ALL THE RICHES OF HIS WORLD.
Those who are of the Law and insist on following the Law are not heirs of the Lord. For, if they were, faith would be made of none effect and void. The promises of the Lord would also be nullified. Rom. 4:14 

All who are of Abraham are not to be included in the Will, or included among the heirs. The seed, the called, the elect, are they who are of the seed of Isaac, who is a type of Christ. The promise of the Lord to Abraham was that in Isaac alone, would the called seed be found. Gen. 21:12 

The patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were before the Law given to Moses. They were men of faith, fully believing the Lord, without the tenants of the Law. Heb. 11:20 

Through faith in Christ and the new birth we become children of the Lord and consequently heirs of the Lord and joint heirs with Jesus. That together with Him we may be glorified with the splendor of the Father and the Son. Rom. 8:17 

The true church will share and share alike all the riches of the Father and His Son. Abraham, was the father of faith. Therefore all who come to the Lord by faith are included in the lineage of Abraham according to the promises that the Lord made to him. Gal. 3:9

Having been justified by His grace we are heirs of heaven with its complete eternal benefits. Titus 3:7 

An inheritance that will not corrupt nor fade away. It cannot be misspent nor stolen. It is far more than the natural things of this world. Too often the sight and hope of the Christian is toward the riches of this life, all of which are fleeting and but for a moment.

That which is the inheritance of the saints includes an everlasting dwelling place. A new city where all dwell in righteousness. A new heavens and a new earth. But, most of all the privilege of beholding His face eternally.




                THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  16

THE CALLED ALSO JUSTIFIED. 
There is only one source of true justification and that is found in the Lord. He and He alone can remove the guilt and condemnation of sin and replace it with innocence. Justification allows us to stand before the Lord of heaven and earth in absolute purity, having been made just in His sight. His purpose in predestination is to bring us to a place of absolute justification. Rom. 8:30 

Not only do we find His pardon to be a part of His work in justifying His people but we find that there is also a cleansing from that which caused condemnation. Our justification is dependent on the shed blood of the Son of God. All equitable standing before the Lord is made possible by the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Rom. 5:9  


JUSTIFICATION IS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH THE LAW. 
Not one single person will ever stand justified before God by observing the Law. What a picture of utter futility. Instead, the purpose of the Law is that we might be able to distinguish between that which is right and that which is sin in the sight of the Lord. Rom. 3:20 

That which could not be gained under the Law is readily made available to ALL who will believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and His vicarious work on Calvary. Acts 13:39 

The promises given to Abraham were not given under the Law but "through the righteousness of faith." Rom. 4:13 

The vision of faith caused Abraham to fully understand the work that the Lord would do, in accomplishing His promises to Abraham. The Lord in His mercy and friendship with Abraham revealed the
day of the Lord Jesus to him. His faith was in that coming one, Jesus and justification by faith. John 8:56 Surely the Lord does reveal His plans to those who will walk in fellowship with Him. Amos 3:7 

The conclusion of the matter concerning Law versus grace is that justification is attained by faith without the deeds of the Law. Rom. 3:28


THE LORD IS NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH. 
Jesus died for ALL, therefore ALL could have been saved. 2 Pet. 3:9 

What about the heathen, those who have never heard the gospel? Among all the nations of he world there is a code of moral principles. They vary from nation to nation, nevertheless they do exist and establish a principle of conduct. The Gentile by obedience to these laws, of virtue and right, may establish a righteousness according to his knowledge of right and wrong. Doing by nature a righteousness that is equal to the Law, then they become a law unto themselves. Their conscience will witness to them the difference between right and wrong. Accusing or excusing them. Rom. 2:14-16 

Having recorded that, how many follow their conscience or their knowledge of that which is lawful or unlawful before the Lord? The answer is most likely, none. Therefore all men need a savior. They all need to hear the good news of the Word of the Lord. They all need to come to the Lord in confession of sin and repentance. All need the cleansing of the blood of Christ. There is only one sure way to come to the Lord and that is through Jesus. 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  17

JUSTIFIED FREELY. 
The spiritual work of the Lord in bringing a person to justification is wrought in spite of ourselves. It is an act of the love of the Lord for humanity. A change of spiritual status, from sinner to saved by grace accomplished by the gift of God. It is not attained by merit, works, social standing, mental alertness or any other human trait. It is the free, unmerited, everlasting mercy and grace of the Lord that causes one to be just in His sight. Jesus paid the full price for the redemption of every person born into this world. No one is excepted providing they will receive the most generous gift of God, His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus. Rom. 3:24 

Faith is the motivating force of justification. Its result is that glorious and wonderful peace of the Lord in knowing that all is well between our soul and the Lord. Rom. 5:1


JUSTIFICATION ALTERS THE DIRECTION OF THE JUSTIFIED. 
Paul gave us a list of the works and lives of those who are good prospects for justification. His words give us an insight into the pattern of life for those who do not know Christ as savior and redeemer. 1 Cor. 6:9-10 

Then he reminds us, that we once fit into the same category as these whose sin is openly exposed. Lest we look upon them as extremely wicked he reminds us that we are at one time just like them. But now, the washing of the blood of Christ has brought us to sanctification, cleansing of spirit and soul. 

Where we are justified, and most importantly justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 6:11 

His name is the only name of salvation. Acts 4:12 

The whole is performed by the moving of His Spirit, the Holy Spirit in our very own spirit nature. 


JUSTIFICATION AND WORKS. 
Faith will produce works whereby justification is made manifest. Abraham exercised great faith when he was in the process of offering his son Isaac. He fully believed that if the Lord required him to slay and burn his body, the Lord would restore Isaac to him. His faith brought forth deliverance and a substitute worthy of sacrifice. James 2:21 

Justification is not made active until a work of sorrow for sin and a repentance is forth coming. An evidence of faith accompanied by action is vitally necessary for a work of justification. James 2:23 

It was required of the harlot Rahab that she place the scarlet line in her window for her deliverance from death. She could have believed the spies until eternity but that would not have caused her house to become a safe house. 

Had she not followed directions and been active in doing what was required of her, she and all who were hers would have been destroyed with the rest of the city. Faith and works are companions together in the workings of the Lord to bring about the justification of His people. James 2:25 

Faith will always result in a work of the grace of the Lord in the life of the believer. Faith does not stand alone. It a lively and life giving part of the Spiritual nature and will always produce a good result of one kind or the other.  




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD 18

GLORIFIED. 
The glory of the Lord revealed in His people is His ultimate purpose. He is declared by Stephen to be the "God of glory," and so He is.  It is His nature, His very being. Acts 7:2 

He is glorious in appearance, in manifestation  and in His mighty, majestic works. Showing forth His glory in both blessing and judgment. He is also the "King of glory." Ps. 24:7, 10

Where there is a desire for Him, and a welcome, He enters in with great pomp and glory. He is reigning in absolute authority, far above all potentates and authorities. All are in submission to His sovereignty, even though they be against Him. They resist and rebel, nevertheless His will is to be done. 

The powers, the authorities, the governments that are in existence and that will come are all in the will and purpose of the Lord. They are fulfilling His Divine will and design for the end of the age. Rom. 13:1


AS THE KING OF GLORY HE WILL GLORIFY THE HOUSE OF HIS GLORY.
Even as the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle and the temple at their dedication, so He will fill His church with His glorious presence. The gospel whereby all are saved is a "glorious gospel" 2 Cor. 4:4 

It will build and construct the "house of His glory." Isa. 60:7 

The church, He will glorify with His everlasting and magnificent glory which is the Divine essence of His glorious presence. The very best has been reserved for the last. The last house of the Lord is indeed the first and the greatest. This house shall be filled to the utmost with the glory of the Lord. Hag. 2:7 

Prophetically, the glory of the last house will be greater than any that have existed in the
past. Hag. 2:9 

The Lord is bound to His promises and will produce a last day church that literally exudes with the completeness of the glory of the Lord. That church, is the bride of Revelation twelve. What greater example could there be than that of a woman clothed with the sun, standing on the moon and crowned with a diadem of twelve stars. 

All are light giving bodies shining forth in the universe. That woman is the glory of the Lord. She is His creation. The Lord has brought her into being and He will make her to be the manifestation of His glory and splendor. 


THE LORD OF GLORY. 
A position, a Spiritual status that is designated to the Lord Jesus. James 2:1  

He is the shining forth, the effulgence of the visible glory of the living God. That which was the glory of God from eternity, visited earth as the Word made flesh. The glory of the Lord was made known through Him. 

Then that which He was, is and ever shall be, the Word, the Logos, was revealed to man. The veil was removed momentarily, and His disciples were given a first hand look at the glory which was resident within Him. They saw His face shining as the sun and his garment became as white as the light. Mt. 17:2 

Mark noted that His cloak became as white as light as no cleaner could possibly whiten it. Mk. 9:2 

Luke said His countenance was altered and His clothing glistened. A marvelous display of that which is heavenly and God like. The same glory which shall be revealed, in His Bride. 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  19

THE SPIRIT AND NATURE OF THE ELECT OF THE LORD. 
There may be various philosophies in relationship to the elect, but there are certain evidences that set them apart and into a very special group. 

There are special signs for which one should look to ascertain just who these very special people are. Here are signs to be found manifest in the life of the chosen of the Lord. The following are very positive indications of the presence of the Lord in His chosen, His very elect. Col. 3:12-


HOLINESS is a very definite indication. 
The true "called out" will bear the semblance of the one who called them. As He was the light of the world so His people of holiness will stand out, shine as lights in the darkness of the darkest night. Phil. 2:15 

How important is holiness to our eternal well being? It is a Divine requirement for all who aspire to be with the Lord in the ages to come. Lacking holiness will separate a person from seeing the Lord let alone being with Him. Heb. 12:14


THE BELOVED. 
These are a very special people, they love the Lord with their whole being. Although they are not keepers of the Law, they by nature [that new man] will live the precepts of the Law. For instance they very definitely live the great commandment of the Law. They are loved of the God who is love and in turn the entirety of their love is directed toward Him. With their complete body, soul and spirit they love the Lord. Mt. 22:40

They are the people who were not the people of the Lord but responded to the call of the Spirit in Christ Jesus and subsequently are now the people of God. His beloved. Rom. 9:25


COMPASSIONATE. 
What a formidable task, to have that deep, heart felt feeling for all, even those whom one might consider their enemy. The word "bowels" is speaking to us of a call and cry of the Holy Spirit coming from deep within the cavity of a person. 

It is not referring to any physical organ of the body but to the spiritual man dwelling within our vessels of clay. Paul in writing to the Corinthians called it "inward affection." It is a spiritual emotion that supersedes all natural feelings. 

Its origin and motivation is from the Spirit of the Lord who dwells within. 2 Cor. 7:15

Jesus was a man of great and Godlike compassion, a stirring from within which moved Him to meet the needs of someone needy. For instance the leper. Mark 1:40-41 

The measure of the tremendous extent of the compassion of the Lord may be seen in Ps. 78:37 

He is "full" of compassion, He exemplifies and is the sum and substance of compassion. Manifesting it by forgiving their frequent and excessive iniquity. They were pardoned far more times than what they were punished. Many times He turned His anger away from them and did not follow up on a deserved punishment. It is also apparent that when His wrath was stirred it was not to the full measure of the discipline deserved. The Lord is our example.




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD.  20

THE SPIRIT AND NATURE OF THE ELECT. Col. 3:12

KINDNESS. 
Love is the fountainhead of kindness. It is the Lord who is the source of both, love and kindness. When His love is shed abroad in our hearts kindness toward one another is manifest. Of the many changes that take place in our lives when we come to Christ, a spirit of kindness is very predominate. Note Titus 3:3-4 

The Lord is kind to the unthankful and the evil. He taught us to follow the same pattern. Luke 6:35 

Day after day His mercy and kindness is manifest upon the evil and the unjust as well as the good and the just. In things of "nature" He does not differentiate between those who believe and follow Him, and those who do not. The sun shines on all, the rains fall on all, both are sent by the Lord. Mat. 5:45 

He is kind and His people should practice kindness.


HUMILITY OF MIND. 
Paul, addressing the "called" urged them to live a life that was an example comparable to the high and holy calling of the Lord. His appeal is that the call of the Lord be recognized as a "vocation," a calling or position, the life that is to be emulated is the life of Christ. He has made it to be something that needs to be worked at, developed and practiced. Eph. 4:1-2 

For those in the ministry it is often needful to look back to the pit from whence we have been freed. All who are living that new life in Christ Jesus must always recognize that we are where we are, by the grace of the Lord and only by His grace. There is no room for pride or boasting in the Christian life. The spiritual man that is enjoying spiritual health is the person who rightly evaluates himself in the light of the Word of the Lord. Rom. 12:3


MEEKNESS. 
A meek person should not be misconstrued to be a weak person. Many times their very meekness demonstrates their strength of character. It is written concerning Moses that he was a meek man, more than any others of his day. Yet, he carried out some mighty exploits for the Lord and for the leadership and deliverance of the people of the Lord. Num. 12:3 

The importance of meekness is exemplified by the fact that it is a part of the fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5:23 

There is no greater model to be found than the Lord Jesus Himself. One of the great lessons we learn about Him is that He was meek and humble of heart. In taking time to learn of Him we will find rest for our souls, as we follow Him. Mt. 11:29 

As the true King of Israel He entered the city of Jerusalem in complete meekness. The people welcomed Him and proclaimed Him to be their King. He did not present Himself as some great one but came in humility and meekness. Mt. 21:5 

Meekness is portrayed as an ornament of the heart. Which in the sight of the Lord is of great value. 1 Pet. 3:4  

Meekness is certainly a part of the express nature of the Lord Jesus and therefore should be greatly
desired by all who would be His disciples and follow Him. 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  21

THE SPIRIT AND NATURE OF THE ELECT.  Col. 3:12

LONGSUFFERING. 
Patience, the ability to endure unpleasant situations without becoming angry or loosing your cool. Patience will exercise authority over the natural response of the soulish nature of man in a happening that would ordinarily elicit an unkind or argumentative remark or action. 

The ability to forebear obnoxious persons and conditions is of such importance that it is listed as a portion of the fruit of the Spirit. As it is exercised it is therefore an evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Spirit filled. Gal. 5:22 

It is an act of, and is motivated by love. In particular the love of Christ which is shed abroad in our hearts by the Spirit of the Lord. The love of Christ abiding within the Christian is the difference between being patience and impatient. 1 Cor. 13:4 

No where is there a greater need to exercise the greatest of long-suffering than among those who are closest to us. The home, the pulpit and the church should all be shrouded with that patience that the Lord so freely bestows on those who would walk in the Spirit.


FORBEARING ONE ANOTHER. 
Forbearance, the ability to put off or over look a slight or offense of some nature. Col. 3:13 

The ability to recognize the fact that others too have off days. Days when there is an inner conflict which is reflected in words or attitudes, or perhaps even in facial expressions. 

There will be words and actions which need to be ignored with no offense taken because of them. A refusal to give a quick response to an affront can save heartaches on both sides. There is no greater example of forbearance than that demonstrated by the Lord Himself. 

From Adam to Christ, four thousand years He exercised His forbearance knowing that the blood of Christ would cover the sin of the centuries. That is, off all who died in faith. Rom. 3:25


FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER. 
The ability to forgive wrongs committed against us is Christ like. It is a gift of the Lord. The theme of the scriptures is that we exerxise the same measure that Christ used in forgiven us, so we 
are to forgive others. Col. 3:13 

The longer a quarrel or a grudge is carried, the greater the offense becomes in the thinking of those who are offended and the more difficult a resolution becomes. That is why Paul advocated a quick settlement on such matters. Eph. 4:26 

Forgiveness is an imperative to personal, spiritual forgiveness. In the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray are the all important words, "forgive us as we forgive." Mt. 6: 12 

He then followed up with some exceedingly plain words and a teaching that there is no forgiveness from the Lord for those who refuse to forgive men who trespass against them. 

These are very strong and vital words, that when heeded, will result in terrific advances in the spiritual nature of the person who is willing to forgive. Mt. 6:14-15  




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  22

ABOVE ALL THESE. 
Of utmost importance, inundate yourself in LOVE, not human natural love but the Love of the Lord. Col. 3:14 

Love, agape love is the essential nature and being of the Lord. "God is love." A love, the magnitude of which it is impossible to measure. As all light emanates from the Lord, who is light, so all love originates from the Lord. 

Sin has corrupted that love in the hearts of men. Now it is no longer the sweet, tender love that was in the hearts of Adam and Eve. It has been contaminated and misdirected until it has become carnal, lustful and even devilish as it is manifest in the hearts of human kind today. 

The new birth kindles the love of the Lord in the heart and spirit of that new creature in Christ. What was once seen only on a human level now is elevated and begins to learn to love as the Lord loves. Their experiences, in the Lord, will cause them to grow in the knowledge of the mighty, true love, which is that authentic love, loving as only the Lord can love. 1 John 4:7-9


WE OUGHT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 
That involves all, from the most unlovable (whom no one seems to love) to the most lovable who is loved by all. 

A love, a heart, a kindness for all mankind is the beginning of the manifestation of the love of the Lord in us. If love is to be measured, then our love for the Lord will not exceed that which we have and exhibit toward the most unbecoming of the human race. 1 John 4:11 


When we have love one for another it becomes an evidence of the dwelling of His love within us. It is also a witness that the Lord has seen fit to make His personal abode within us. 

He dwells where there is love. His presence creates that abounding love in our hearts. There is no love that can be compared to His love, nor can the response of the redeemed heart be compared to any other love. 

Your heart will never be more filled with love than when it is responding to His great and mighty love. His love is like a great flood, over flowing and overwhelming. In this life there is no greater burst of emotion than that which flows forth from our hearts toward Him when we welcome His love into our being and spirit. 

The ultimate goal of the Lord in making His love known to us is the perfection, the completion of His majestic love. His love will reach its climax in its flawlessness in a glorious and perfect church. The flow of love that will be between Christ and His Bride staggers the imagination. 

At last a true, matchless and complete love is known and demonstrated in all of its beauty. 1 John 4:12 

His love is far beyond the comprehension of the human mind. His love in us is that which is by far the greatest love of all. He desires to abide in us in the fullness of His love and wants that love to fully control our lives. 1 Cor. 13:13 

Unequivocal love will promote positive and complete obedience to His Word. Thereby we have a definite indicator that a person really loves the Lord. His love is perfected in such a person. 1 John 2:5 

It must also be noted that the very first mention of the fruit of the Spirit is that of love. Gal. 5:22 

The importance of love toward our fellow man and toward the Lord cannot be over emphasized. It is vital to every Christians life.




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  23

LET THE PEACE OF THE LORD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS. 
Peace, the peace of the Lord is the prerogative and privilege of every child of the Lord. Col. 3:15 

In the midst of strife and turmoil there is still peace of heart. Jesus promised that He was leaving peace with His own. More strongly, He said that it was His peace that He was giving as a gift to His people. The very same peace that He demonstrated constantly in His ministry while here on earth. His peace is greater than any trouble or fear that one will ever have to face in this life. John 14:27 

His Word, His promises, produce the assurance of peace. They become the rod and staff of David. Jesus did not promise that there would never be troubles, trials and tribulations, but He did promise that in the midst of them we would have peace. Anyone who tells you that as a Christian you will never face perplexities and problems is not telling you the truth. But be assured, that Jesus has promised that He would never leave, nor forsake you. John 16:33


CALLED INTO ONE BODY. 
Called to be one in Christ Jesus. Col. 3:15 

The Lord has not called the church to split and divide. Division is that which is prompted by man and not the Spirit of the Lord. How grievous it must be to the Lord to see the manipulations of men in creating organizational differences and separating the body of Christ into many factions. 

Even as Paul said, there is "one body," but one and only one; it is not a man made product, but is the precious working of the Holy Spirit. The Lord does not recognize our denominational walls. 

He will in, these last days, call together a people who are unified by the Word and the Spirit. They will be the true body and bride of the Lord Jesus. It will be a body, blended together by the Spirit. Built by the instructions of the Word, and in absolute obedience to the Word. It will be developed and constructed by love. It will grow into a perfect church and become the bride of Christ. Eph. 4:16


LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU. 
Spiritual growth, strength, victory and every thing else pertaining to the church and the bride are dependent on the WORD. Hear Paul's exhortation to have the Word dwell in us RICHLY, in fullness and abundance. 

The Word is our life line to the Lord. He is that living Word and we desperately need it for our spiritual edification. Col. 3:16 

The Word is that life giving force which the Lord has prepared that we might know and understand Him. 

There is a crying need today for those who minister from the pulpit get back to the WORD and realize that it and it alone will cause people to be born of the Spirit and the Word. Developing good strong saints and believers who are able to stand against all the wiles of the devil. 

The Word is our sword, it is our strength. Our victories are gained through its strength and power. Heb. 4:12 

The Word is our victory over temptation and sin. Even Jesus, when He was tempted of the devil responded to each temptation with a quotation from the scriptures. If His victory depended on the Word, how much more ours.
        


            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  24

A MESSAGE SENT TO ALL WHO EMBRACE THE SAME FAITH. 
Peter sent a very special message to the church, to those who had "obtained a like precious faith." His letter was sent to a people who were in possession of a righteousness and a faith that was of great substance. It was not a theory or a doctrine but an attainment of true spirituality. They were a people who had a deep knowledge of spiritual attainments and a very personal acquaintance with the Lord Jesus. 2 Peter 1:1-2


GIFTS OF HIS DIVINE POWER. 
Any thing associated with the "divine power of God" is immediately limitless. There are no boundaries, there is no limit to the abilities of the Lord.  There is no ultimate to the manifestation of His power. Therefore there is nothing that He cannot and will not do for those who are indeed His very own. "ALL THINGS" that have to do with this present life and those spiritual elements that are manifest in the lives of His people, are theirs. For the finite mind it is difficult and with some, impossible to grasp the being and nature of the infinite Lord. The vastness of His capabilities are unending. The Lord knows no impossibilities. Luke 1:37 

His works are as vast as His person. Solomon when dedicating the temple stated that the, "heaven of the heavens could not contain Him,"
much less a house that had been built for Him. 1 Kings 8:27 

Consider these "ALL THINGS." Jesus strengthened the promise even more by adding the word "WHATSOEVER," is asked in prayer, [the proper attitude], believing [having faith] ye SHALL receive. Now that is positive language and it works. Mat. 21:22 

When the Father so willingly gave His Son, surely He will give us freely, liberally "ALL THINGS." Do not limit the Lord. Rom. 8:32 

The greatest gift of all, and this ought to be sought after, is a nature, a character, an attitude that is identical to that of the Lord, or Godliness. 1 Tim. 4:8 

Too often our "ALL THINGS" are for temporal, things that are useful for this life only. When our desire is for that character and spirit, which is identical to that of the Lord Jesus the natural things just fall into place and are beautifully supplied of the Lord. Mat. 6:33


CALLED TO GLORY AND VIRTUE. 
Called to possess, called to manifest, called to be the vessels of the Lord. Called to bear witness of His glory and virtue. Called to His kingdom and to participate in His glory. 1 Thess. 2:12

Called to the divine purpose of receiving, here and now the glory which is resident in the Lord Jesus. 1 Thess. 2:14 

The Spirit which is displayed in His people is the spirit of glory. 1 Pet. 4:14 

Called to be the recipients of His eternal glory through the Lord Jesus. 1 Pet. 5:10 

Called to exemplify the righteousness, the holiness that was so evident in the life of the Lord Jesus during His sojourn here on earth. 1 Thess. 4:7 

Every person in the Lord, if they are experiencing any spiritual growth at all, must be in the process of change expressed as being changed into His image. From glory to glory. Progressively becoming more like Him all the time. 2 Cor. 3:18
 



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  25

THE PURPOSE OF HIS PROMISES. 
Promises which are amazing and tremendous, great and of unexcelled value. 2 Pet. 1:4 

His promises are infallible. Because He has made them they cannot fail. Each and every one of them will be accomplished in the lives of those who believe them and embrace them. 2 Cor. 1:20 

These precious assurances lead His people into a status where they become "partakers of the divine nature." To be a partaker is to be in fellowship with, to be an associate, a partner and a companion. This speaks of perfect unity and oneness with Him. Those who attain unto this exceedingly high and holy calling will not only be glorified in a very special way but they will know and fellowship in the sufferings of Christ. 1 Pet. 5:1 

They will have experienced Divine correction from their heavenly Father. Their positive response has brought them into a knowledge and fellowship where they partake of His holiness. 


THE WORKINGS OF THE SPIRIT. 
The procedure of bringing people unto Himself is consistently and progressively one of the Lord imparting His nature and personality to us.  Unsaved the spirit of each individual is simply the breath of life, natural, human life and is void of the Spirit of the Lord, the eternal Spirit.  To begin with, we are born of His Spirit which is a cleansing of the old spirit, by the blood of Christ and an importation of the very Spirit of the Lord. Until one has been born of the Spirit they do not comprehend the kingdom of the Lord. Neither can they, by any means, enter into and become a part of that eternal kingdom. Just as we have been born into this earthly life, so we must be born into the new life, spiritual life, in order to gain heaven. John 3:3-6 

As with natural birth there must have been a seed implanted, likewise with spiritual birth there is a most precious seed involved and that is the incorruptible seed, the Word of the Lord. 1 Pet. 1:23 

The Word is a living seed and reproduces itself creating eternal life in the heart of all who are willing to receive that precious seed. The Lord takes of Himself, and then by teaching, imparts His traits and life within that receiving heart, revealing His nature in the person. 


HE WILL THEN SEAL AND CONFIRM HIS WORK. 
A sovereign gift of the Lord which He imparted to the church on the day of Pentecost. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit at one and the same time. Speaking with tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. There was no one there to teach them, nor to urge them on. They were hungry and most ready to receive more of the Lord, and they did. Acts 2:4 

They had been promised that they would receive power, the power of the Spirit. The Lord fulfilled
His promise to them. Acts 1:8 

Those afar off [two thousand years] even to as many as are the CALLED of the Lord may receive this gracious gift of the Spirit of the Lord. Acts 2:39 

It is the seal of the Lord. It is a sign of acceptance and companionship with the Lord of heaven and earth. It is an assurance of a future life in the world to come. Eph. 4:30 

He, the Spirit of holiness becomes the teacher and guide of the people of the Lord.




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  26

THE VOGUE OF THE LORD. 
From season to season it is not necessary for the Lord to develop some new fashion. From the beginning His purpose has been that we "PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST" Become the man that is a regenerate, made new in Christ, and not that which is the past degenerate man, which is the old sinful nature. The NEW MAN, the man clothed with Christ will be determined not to make a way for the flesh to control his life. Rom. 13:14 

The procedure of putting on Christ and being consistently clothed with Him is not a great secret. The Apostle John said, that those born of God do not sin. Dare we deny the power and authority of the Word? If the inspired Word of the Lord proclaimed it to be so then it must be. If we have not attained to that high standard in our Christian walk then it is time that we accept the challenge and measure up to the model which is established for us. This was common knowledge to the early church and was lived and practiced by them. They kept themselves in the love and Spirit of the Lord and refused to submit to sin. 1 Jn. 5:18 


WATER BAPTISM. 
A very necessary act for everyone who would walk with the Lord. It is not a choice on our part. It is a fulfillment of the command of the Lord. As much as repentance is to salvation, so also is water baptism. It is an imperative to the salvation of every believer. Acts 2:38 

Everyone who has been baptized "INTO CHRIST" will have put on Christ. Putting on Christ is like the placing of a sword in a sheath. The sheath was made for it and contains the sword nicely. The question now is, were we placed into and clothed by His name in water baptism? His name is, the Lord Jesus Christ. Gal. 3:27 

The pattern laid out for us in the scriptures is very understandable if we really desire to fully follow the Lord Jesus. Inasmuch as the Apostle Paul used the name Christ, which is the anointing or the anointed one, it is needful that the baptism of the Spirit be included as an indispensable part of being clothed with Christ. The Holy Spirit is the revealing one, the teacher who will take the things of Christ and make them known to us. His presence is a must. He is the armor of light. Rom. 13:12


THE LORD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS. 
We categorize and divide the church. Many times into racial divisions but according to the Word of the Lord there are no distinctions to be made. Some may not like this but there is no such a thing as a Messianic Jew. Understand the words of Paul, "THERE IS NEITHER JEW NOR GREEK." If we are in Christ Jesus and we have put on Christ then any identity after the flesh is to be done away with. We are all one in Christ. To continue to split the body of believers into its various segments, as we do, is to rob each and every member of that body of the unity and bonding together that is uniquely found in the body of Christ. Gal. 3:28 

All who have put on Christ will bear His likeness in every facet of their Spiritual life. They will act like Him. They will think like Him. They will emulate every aspect of His being and character.   




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  27

THE LORD IS NOT A RACIST. 
He does not consecrate His efforts on any one particular country or race. He views all men equally and is rich in grace toward all who will call upon His name. He gives to "all men, everywhere" an equal opportunity to follow His commandment to repent. Acts 17:38

This call to repentance is the voice of the Lord to the unsaved, that is, those who do not have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. His will and His promises are very evident and easily understood. It is not His will that an individual be lost and spend eternity in hell. "He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 

It is the goodness, the kindness of the Lord that directs any individual to come to Him in repentance. In dealing with us and waiting for us to come to Him, He exercises His very being and character, patience. He displays the riches, the great abundance of His goodness, His forbearance, His long-suffering in wooing and calling us unto Himself. Not all show an immediate response to His call. Rom. 2:4 

Consider the great desire of His heart and the intense longing of His Spirit toward mankind that they might be saved. He wants ALL to be saved and come to a full and complete knowledge of Himself and
His truth. 1 Tim. 2:4   


EXACTLY WHO ARE THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD? 
From the scriptures it is self evident that they do not originate from any special race of mankind. The are made to be a new people. Derived from a people who were not His people. Now He calls them "MY people." Furthermore, where at one time they were not considered by Him to be His beloved, the situation has been reversed and they are now His beloved. That makes them to be a new breed and very special in His sight. Rom. 9:25 

It might be well that we remember who it was that penned these words, the Apostle Paul, a Pharisee of the Pharisees, a true Israelite (Phil 3:5) who went so far as to say that he was willing to surrender his own life for his own people. What amazing compassion, he was willing to take their punishment and have himself be excluded that his own countrymen might be saved. Rom. 9:3

The longing, the cry of his heart and his desire toward his own was that they might be saved. Neither the Law nor their race and religion could possibly save them. Rom. 10:1 

The call of the Lord went out to them in the ministry of the Lord Jesus. The early day church was made up entirely of members of the nation of Israel. Paul recalled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning Israel and their acceptance or rejection of their Messiah and His gospel. Stating, even though they were a great multitude, yet only a remnant would be saved. Rom. 9:27 

The scriptures do not teach that all Israel will be saved in mass, in the end of the age, anymore than every Israelite accepted Jesus as their Messiah during His ministry on earth which was directed to and specifically for them. Even as today the polls tell us that not all Israelites embrace the Law. The majority embrace their race, their Jewishness without the Law and without their Messiah, the Lord Jesus. 




              THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  28

THE PEOPLE OF FAITH ARE CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM. 
This identification of the true people of the Lord is made by the Apostle Paul. If ever there was a man who would know the difference between the thoughts of men and the thoughts of the Lord, it was Paul. He identified the Children of Abraham by proclaiming them to be those who are of faith. Gal. 3:7 

When people of faith commit their lives to Christ, they become Christ's. When they become Christ's they are accounted to be children of Abraham. The right of the inheritance of the promises the Lord made to Abraham become theirs. Gal. 3:19 

ALL the promises of the Lord then become theirs, for the promises were made to Abraham, the man who believed the Lord. So the righteousness of faith was imputed to him. Rom. 4:13 

Heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ assures us of a full allotment of all that is to be inherited. This embraces all the promises of the Lord. EVERY promise in the book, the Bible, is yours. It is all recorded there and waiting for those of faith to receive all that is theirs. 

Paul, however placed one stipulation on being able to participate in the wealth of His inheritance. That is, if we have suffered with Him or the old life has been crucified and buried. Then we are able to share in the fullness of His glory. Rom. 8:17


FAITH VERSES LAW. 
Conflict between the circumcision and uncircumcision was bound to arise. Racism and spiritual intolerance was present in the early church and the Lord had to deal with it. In dealing with Peter, the Lord had to show him in vision three times that the gentiles were to hear the gospel. Only after the outpouring of the Spirit in the house of Cornelius was he totally convinced that the Lord loved the gentiles too. Acts 10 

Then he had to face the music when he went to Jerusalem. Acts 11 

The definition of a Jew by Paul should open up a grand vista of Bible prophecy. His usage of the name "Jew" indicated that they are the spiritual people. The true "people of the Lord," whom he identified as being Jews.

They are not those who externally may claim and appear to be such. Or identified by a religious act accomplished in the flesh. But a true Jew [using his terminology] is one who is circumcised, by the Spirit and that of the heart. Inwardly, in the spiritual man and not outwardly, in the flesh. Rom. 2:28-29 

According to Paul, this is a possible door of salvation granted to the heathen who have not heard the gospel. Be assured that the only certain knowledge of eternal life comes by truly knowing Jesus as savior and Lord. Circumcision is only of profit if one keeps the Law. Then, who but Jesus ever has? However if the uncircumcised keep the righteousness of the Law, in spite of his uncircumcision it is counted as the righteousness of circumcision. If the uncircumcision keep the Law they become the judge of those who though circumcised break the Law.

Salvation is not by the Law, it is not by circumcision nor even uncircumcision. It is only through faith in the vicarious work of the Lord Jesus Christ who shed His precious blood for the redemption of every sinner. Salvation is of the Lord. 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  29

WORDS HARD TO RECEIVE, NEVERTHELESS, TRUTH. 
The children of the flesh are NOT the children of the Lord. Those whom the Lord reckons to be His children are those who are born of the promises of the Lord. Rom. 9:8

Jesus came to those who are counted as being of His own race and religion. But the majority - and their leadership - rejected Him. John 1:11

Those who receive Christ, and are born of the Spirit of the Lord, are determined by Christ to be the "people of the Lord." Their spiritual birth will not be of man or religion. 

Not of race but of grace, His grace extended to all the nations of the world. 

Including, most certainly, the residents of modern day Jerusalem and the race scattered abroad.  John 1:12-13


AN ALLEGORY. 
The true story of two covenants. The first was given on Mount Sinai, which we know as the place of the giving of the Law. 

This covenant of the Law is equated to bondage. All who would live under its jurisdiction must be considered to be in spiritual bondage. The example given is that of Agar or Hagar. Agar or Mount Sinai is representative of the current city of Jerusalem. Agar was not a free woman, but was a servant and lived under bondage. So Jerusalem, in the judgment of the Lord, must find herself in the same position, that is, in bondage. 

Contrasted to spiritual Jerusalem, the city of the Lord, that city which above, is free. Gal. 4:23-26 

What a disparity. The focus of the Lord is not on physical or natural Jerusalem but on that which He is building, the eternal, everlasting city. 

The city for which Abraham was seeking when he left Ur. A city of foundations built by the greatest architect who alone can build a city that is eternal and everlasting. The only city whose destiny is for the Lord of glory to inhabit. Heb. 11:10


WHAT SAITH THE SCRIPTURES. 
Not the doctrine of men, or the church, but what is the message of the Word? 

Rid yourself of the slavewoman and her son for neither she nor her son can ever be heirs with the freewoman and her son. The slavewoman is the keeper of the Law and Jerusalem. 

There is no way that they can enter into the spiritual inheritance that the Lord has prepared for the freewoman and her son. Which is the Jerusalem of the Lord and those who by faith have received Christ as savior. Gal. 4:30-31

Israel, though following (in theory) after the Law of righteousness, has not been able to procure the righteousness of the Law. 

Why? Because they did not seek the righteousness which comes by faith, which was the righteousness of Abraham and preceded the Law. 

Only those who were the chosen were able to achieve their goal. The rest were stumbled by the stumbling stone, the Lord Jesus, as the Messiah. 

Even though He fulfilled all the Old Testament prophetic utterances pertaining to the true Messiah, because of unbelief they stumbled at the stumbling stone and fell. 

While those who believed found the grace and pardon of the Lord and were set free from the Law of sin and death. In this manner, finding Christ to be the foundation stone of the Lords eternal city. Rom. 9:31-33 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  30

THE SOURCE OF HIS DIVINE POWER REVEALED IN HIS CALLED. 
The power which enables the recipient to identify with the works of Christ and perform them in His name. The ultimate gift of the Lord to His called is the manifestation and the working of His divine power in us. 2 Peter 1:3 

It is not a limited power or ability that He has given to His church but it is presented as being "exceedingly great." It is directed toward the church and the believer and is to be at the very least, equal to the operation of His mighty power. A power which was demonstrated by the resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the grave and exhalted His Son to His own right hand. To be seated with Him in His heavenly throne. Eph. 1:18-20 


JESUS IS NOW SITUATED IN THE PLACE OF ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY. 
He is greater than, and in complete control over worldly government. Every source of power is in subjection to Him. All power, authority and dominion is in complete submission to Him. The greatest of all, His name, the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is the name which is supreme above all others names that have ever been given or spoken in the history of the world. There is no name as great as His. Eph. 1:21 

All things are in complete control by Him. The scripture places them under His feet. That is total surrender to His authority and dominion. He is the head, the leadership of the body of Christ. His thoughts are hers as well. His guidance is also hers. The body reacts according to His will. There is perfect harmony between both parties. 

The church will have reached complete maturity and having been joined to Christ she will have been made equal with Him. His bride is that which makes him to be fulfilled in His divine appointment. One without the other is lacking and short of the goal of the Lord in creating male and female. Eph. 1:22-23


THE REVELATION OF HIS WORD CREATES A KNOWLEDGE OF HIM. 
It is only through knowledge of Him that we may really come to know Him. We may know of Him but that is not sufficient. There is nothing trivial nor frivolous about the Lord. He makes Himself known through His Word. He communicates to us through His Word. 

Paul, once he came to know the Lord Jesus found that to really have a complete knowledge of Christ would cause him to lose the things for which he had worked and studied. 

He saw in the Lord Jesus what he termed to be "excellent knowledge" and this became his purpose. He saw it as something of far greater value than any thing that he had obtained of the wisdom or religion of this world. Phil. 3:8

The true knowledge of Christ is made known though His love and our response to that love. When we are in love with another person we want to know all about them. If we are truly in love with Jesus, then, however much we know about Him, we still want to know more. There is no end to the revelation of Himself that He will give to His Bride. She is His fullness and is filled with all that He is. Eph. 3:19
 


            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  31

THE LIGHT OF KNOWLEDGE. 
If natural knowledge creates enlightenment and understanding. how much more spiritual knowledge. The Lord God, who is light, spoke light for this world into existence. Speaking a command into the darkness, He brought forth light. In so doing, He demonstrated His ability to take a negative and from it bring forth a positive by turning darkness into light. 

Now, He has shined that marvelous light into our darkened hearts flooding them with the true light. The light which is eternal and ever shining. That light has been given that His people might have full and complete knowledge of who He is. Then the glory of the Lord was revealed in the face of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 4:6 

To have a knowledge of that glory is to be participant in the glory of that glory. To step into the light of His shinning and splendor. It is Jesus who is the brightness of the glory of the Lord. Even the giving of the Law had its glory. The face of Moses shone because he had been in the presence of the Lord of glory. Ex. 34:29 

The face of Stephen was aglow with the glory of the Lord until those of the council; saw his face shining as the face of an angel. Acts 6:15 

That glory was actually blazing like the sun. Mt. 17:2 

The Lord would enlighten His people to comprehend fully, completely that He will have a glorious church in the end of the age. Eph. 5:27 

Then He pictured her as a woman who is filled with light, crowned with light, clothed in light and standing on light, the Bride of Christ in Revelation 12:1.

He has destined the bride to bear His likeness and to have an all comprehensive knowledge of Him.


THE FATHER OF GLORY. 
Identified as the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Father of glory, that is, the glory of the Lord is His own existence. He permeates the atmosphere of His presence with His glory. 

Glory emanates, shines forth from Him. With that glory will come the spirit of wisdom and the revelation of knowledge. The knowledge that pertains to the understanding of who and what He is to us.  Eph. 1:17 

The same Spirit that was resident within the Lord Jesus is that Spirit that we are to receive, working in us as the Spirit of wisdom, understanding and the knowledge of the reverence of the Lord. Isa. 11:2   


A KNOWLEDGE WHICH SUPERSEDES KNOWLEDGE. 
Even in our daily quest for knowledge, when we come to understanding and knowledge of a subject we realize that there is yet more to be learned. When a person seeks to know the love of Christ, he soon awakens to the fact that His love is one of those inexhaustible elements of His being and nature. 

He loves with passion that is impossible with mankind, except by the Spirit of the Lord. His love is immeasurable, unending and ever the same toward all.

The ultimate of His love is the total manifestation of all that He is in the lives of those who are His very own. His Bride is to be "filled with ALL the fullness of God." She will be the beneficiary of the fullness of His love Eph. 3:19  



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  32

HIDDEN IN CHRIST. 
Hidden, only to those who have no desire to seek out the riches and treasures that are to be found in the Lord Jesus Christ. To be found in Him, are ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col. 2:3

It is the joy and pleasure of a Christian to seek out these hidden valuables which are found in the scriptures. The Lord has purposely concealed them in the Word and it is the honor of kings to search and find them. Prov. 25:2

How immeasurable are the secret things of the Most High. Paul spoke of them in awe when he said the "depths." Who has explored the depths, the extent, the profundity of the riches of wisdom and knowledge of the Lord? Using the word "depths" to its ultimate did not express sufficiently that which he knew to be in Christ. 

So the Apostle added riches, wealth beyond all the riches of this world. An abundance which can only be found in the Lord. The Lord cannot be measured nor limited in the scope of His being, wisdom and revelation. 

Search most diligently until exhausted, His knowledge and wisdom cannot be depleted. Even in eternity we will always be learning and understanding how great He is and how completely unending is His knowledge. His ways are past finding out, and we think that we know so much about Him. We have not even scratched the surface. Rom. 11:33 


WISDOM IS THE GIFT OF THE LORD. 
From His mouth, the WORD made flesh, the knowledge and understanding of the Lord is given. Prov. 2:6 

The Word becomes the measurement of every so called, word from the Lord. If it is not according to the Word of the Lord it is because they are in darkness and do not speak from a position of light. Isa. 8:20 

Proverbs Two gives a very interesting message of instruction to those who would gain the wisdom of the Lord. It suggests a progressive manner in seeking the treasures of the Lord. To begin with there must be a full acceptance of the Word of the Lord. 

There is no need to proceed if there is not a full appreciation of the Word. Then the Word is to be "stored up within." A case of hiding the Word in our hearts. Prov. 2:1 

There the ear becomes tuned to wisdom and the heart is diligently applied to seek after understanding. v. 2 

An earnest and sincere calling out, a heart felt prayer for the ability to understand, to be able to see what the Lord has declared. The sincerity of the prayer is found in the words "cry aloud." A whispered prayer, a silent prayer of the heart is not always sufficient. There are times when there must be a desperation in prayer, a crying aloud. v. 3 

It must be sought after as one would seek for silver or some other treasure. There must be a diligence and an effort set forth to gain the desired goal. v. 4

This sincere seeking for will produce, by knowledge, a reverence for the Lord. It will result in finding that which is sought after, the knowledge given by the Lord. v. 5 

The gift of wisdom comes from the Lord and is freely given to all who seek after Him. The source of wisdom and knowledge is from His speech which is the living Word of the Lord. v. 6 

The better you know Him the more you will want to know Him.




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  33

THE SALUTATION OF PETER TO THOSE OF LIKE FAITH. 
He desired that the abundance of grace and peace that is to be found in the Lord Jesus be multiplied to them. It is only by the grace of the Lord that we come to an understanding of His salvation. 

The mercy, the grace of the Lord made available in unlimited measure is available to all who would have real peace. Peace is ours even in the midst of trials and tribulations. The circumstances surrounding us do not dictate the atmosphere of the heart when that life is hidden in Christ. The source, the workings of grace and peace are motivated by a knowledge of the Lord. 

The condition of our spirit is equal to our knowledge of the Lord and His ability to help in times of need. It is wise to seek after and obtain knowledge in preparation for all the events of life. 2 Pet. 1:2


THE PAYOFF OF KNOWLEDGE. 
The benefits of natural, secular knowledge are self evident in the world in which we live. A good education is necessary. 

This being true in the secular world can only serve to greatly emphasize the need of a through knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, especially in relationship to the things of the Spirit. 

For, it is according to the measure of our knowledge of Him that His divine power is able to be manifest in our lives. 

Knowledge is equated with power. Who can show the limit or the extremity of the Power of the Lord? We are face to face with a power that is absolutely limitless and unending. His power is a portion of His being and character, eternal, everlasting and all powerful.

Please, understand there is nothing that He cannot do, except sin. 

Now think of it, this mighty One of such great force has gifted us with "all things that pertain to life and godliness." Once again, no limit placed on those things that He has made possible for us to obtain, in Him. This promise includes things necessary for our daily life. 

Also, and more importantly, those things of the Spirit that are more necessary. All Spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus are ours when we walk in the knowledge of Him. There is a vast storehouse of the treasure house of the Lord that is opened to us in the words of Peter. 

The door is the Lord Jesus. If you find it locked, He is also the key. A heart that is in right standing with Him will cause the door to swing wide and an abundant supply of the blessing of the Lord is made available. 

He has called us with power. He equips us with power, enabling us to live His life as His abundant power works in us. He has called us to glory and virtue. His glory dwelling in His people in complete fullness manifesting that glory in a darkened and sinful world. Called to virtue, manliness, valor or excellency. 

Knowing He elevates His people into a realm of Spiritual life that is a kin to heaven itself. There is nothing equal to the flow of His Spirit and power through the spirit of those who love and serve Him. 2 Pet. 1:3 

Surely, eye has not seen nor ear heard the things which He has prepared for those who love Him. However knowing Him brings a revelation of what He will accomplish in His church. 1 Cor. 2:9-10

The tenth verse cannot be separated from the ninth, period. We are not ignorant of His purposes.  




            PEOPLE OF THE LORD  34

BORN OF GOD. 
Just as surely as Jesus was born the son of the living Lord and was confessed by His Father as His only begotten son. Moreover that the Son had pleased Him very well. Therefore the Father was quick to acknowledge Him and their relationship. Mt. 3:17 

In like manner all those who are born of the Spirit are equally His sons. The Lord has designated His power to be resident within them and to be demonstrated by them. They are His sons. John 1:12 

The are unique for they no longer follow after the things of the flesh but are now led by the Spirit of the Lord, as was Jesus. Rom. 8:14 

Hosea prophesied of them and stated that while they were at one time not considered to be His people, they would one day be called the sons of the living God. Therefore, we have evidence that in the sight of the Lord, those who become His sons are not born after the flesh, but after the spirit. Hos. 1:10


INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE FATHER. 
True sons will be obedient unto their Father. Especially those who are sons of the Most High. Without obedience their position as sons would not last long, for their very acts of disobedience would drive them away from His presence. No one likes to appear in His presence having done wrong or would it be better said, having sinned. 

The call of the Spirit and the Word, more so today than in the past, is that His sons separate themselves from the worldly, sinful elements of this life. Then make a total commitment to the Lord, a full and absolute surrender to His will. 

After having done so, the Lord has promised that He would receive them and would be a Father to them. He will embrace them and accept them into His household of faith. Proclaiming them to be sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty. When we meet His requirements He will fulfill His promises to us in a mighty fashion. 2 Cor. 6:17-18


INVITED TO BE PARTAKERS OF HIS HOLINESS. 
Please note that it is "HIS HOLINESS." Holiness is the very essence of His being. If He were not holy He would not be Lord. The beauty of this invitation is that holiness is not a set of rules and ordinances to which we are to adhere. 

Holiness is His character and He is most willing and able to impart who and what He is to those who desire to follow Him in holiness. It is the applied teaching of His Word and His Spirit that will produce holiness in the heart of man. Heb. 12:10 

It must also be noted here, that there is correction from the Lord which is conducive to holiness. If we permit Him to work in our lives, He will direct us in the paths of true holiness. The source and strength of living in holiness does not come naturally to mankind. It is the evidence of having become a new creature in Christ Jesus. 

That new man is a new creation which has been brought forth in righteousness and true holiness. The greater the presence of the Lord in the redeemed heart the more that individual will live that life of holiness which is found only in the Lord and those who are His. Eph. 4:24



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  35

BE YE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY. 
Such a statement could be taken as a command or better yet, as an invitation to exemplify the Lord. To see it as an invitation is to understand that it is a manner of life into which we may enter. In so doing we are privileged to participate in the blessings of His purity. Ehere we know the liberty and experience a sense of freedom from the contamination of sin and iniquity. While the flesh dislikes the end result, the spiritual man rejoices in knowing that he is clean before the Lord. Righteous living is extended to every facet of life, at church, at home, at school at work. In all situations and stations of life it is showing a conduct of life that glorifies the Lord. 1 Pet. 1:15-16.


MAY WE DISREGARD A HOLY LIFE? 
The scriptures are very positive in making holiness a great part of the Christian life. As a matter of fact, holiness is an imperative, if we are even to see the Lord. It is a divine requirement. That makes it a vital part of our Christian life and should be diligently sought after that we might please the Lord. The Word makes it very plain that without that imputed holiness, no man shall see the Lord. 
Heb. 12:14 

A true and a holy life is one that is free from all condemnation. It is a life of joy and blessing and is greatly to be desired. We are urged to cleanse ourselves from ALL filthiness of the flesh and the spirit. Then to perfect holiness in reverence to the Lord. The perfection of holiness emphasizes its importance in the sight of the Lord. 2 Cor. 7:1 

The Lord in these last days will have a perfect church and we may be well assured that a great part of that perfection is His holiness manifest in His church. 


THE HOLINESS OF THE LORD. 
Of the many capabilities of Moses little is said about his song composing and his singing ability. We find him not only composing a song but also leading the people in singing it. Most certainly he wrote and sang under the direct inspiration of the Lord. In relationship to our subject, note Ex. 15:10-11 

He challenged all to find a god who can be compared to the LORD, or Jehovah. There are none. Even the Lord Himself does not recognize nor know of any other god. He completely discounted all that might be called god. Isa. 44:8 

The LORD is glorious, [magnificent, majestic] in holiness. Awesome in praise and a Lord who is constantly working wonders for His people. His holiness is not only of the inner man but also is made manifest in glory. His right hand is glorious in power. Fullness of power and authority found in His right hand, and who is that other than the Lord Jesus. 

Here is to be found the glory of His mighty power, which was made manifest in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus and is now to be seen in the ministry of the body of Christ. His power, absolute ability, is glorious in every fashion and in all of its workings in and through the church. Ex. 15:6 

The church is triumphant because of His right hand. Not only does his right hand gain the victory for Him but is strong on behalf of His people.   



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  36

THE PROPER LOVE. 
Love requires commitment, whether it be on a human level or an earnest love for the Lord. To love the Lord it is necessary to be obedient to His will and His desire for our lives. Jesus taught that the Lord was to be loved with the entire heart, the whole soul and the total mind. Mark adds, with all thy strength. That would indicate a real strong spirit of travail in prayer. 

While prayer is a spiritual exercise, it can be very taxing to the physical body when there is great intensity of prayer. Mk. 12:30 Also, Lk. 10:27 

Thus embracing the whole man and involving all that we are in a love that is centered on the Lord. Mt. 22:37 

In so doing the first commandment is accomplished in our lives. This will enable one to further fulfill the will of the Lord by loving our neighbors, even as we love ourselves. True love, the agape love, loving as the Lord loves is the foundation of this manner of love. 

As long as love is on a human level it is self centered and will seek after those things that are advantageous to itself. This is the second commandment. Mt. 22:39 

A family, a church, a nation or a world that can live in the atmosphere of love like this is doubly blessed of the Lord. The ultimate evidence of His love working in the human heart is when the words of the Lord Jesus are heeded and that love is extended to ones enemy. 

That condition of heart where the enemy, with all of his nastiness, is blest rather than cursed. Instead of revenge being committed, kindness and good is directed toward them, even though we understand that they hate us. 

Prayer, sincere prayer is thus made for those who commit acts of hatred and persecution against us. Love is powerful and very practical for such situations. Mt. 5:43-44  


THE IMPARTATION OF LOVE TO HIS PEOPLE. 
The necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit is never more evident than when we see, that, He is the source of the love, that is, the agape love which is so greatly needed in our Christian walk. 

The Holy Spirit is very systematic in His directing and teaching the people of the Lord. We note here that through the person of the Holy Spirit the love of the Lord is poured forth into our hearts. 

Where there is a hungry heart there is no limit to the abundance of His power gushing forth from the inexhaustible supply of heaven. Rom. 5:5 


WHAT NOT TO LOVE. 
The world, the order of life as it established by the desires of the human heart. The heart having a strong and consistent longing for the "beggarly elements" of this world could easily be void of the love of the Lord. John said that those possessing such a spirit do not have the love of the Lord resident within them. 1 John 2:15 

He then defines his intent and defines "the world" for us. 

The basic word is "lust" - an exceeding strong appetite for those things which appeal to the flesh, the carnal nature of man. The lust of the eyes, beholding and then purposing to possess that which is seen. 

Last but not least in importance is the pride of life, of accomplishments, positions and appearance, in the eyes of others. Where these things prevail, the love of the Lord is not to be found. 1 John 2:15  



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  37

EVIDENCE OF GROWTH AND THE ACQUIRING OF KNOWLEDGE. 
These spiritual conditions when abounding accomplish the desire of the Lord Jesus in His body. They are also those things which develop and maintain a strong Christian character. They are indispensable to the ultimate, the crowning work of the Holy Spirit, that all important high spiritual status, the perfection of the church. 

The life which is neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ is the life in whom are found these all important spiritual growth elements. A Christian in whom these beautiful Christian essentials are not evident is empty, without a vision and is forgetful of the work that the Lord has done in them in cleansing them from their past sins. 2 Pet. 1:8-9 


THE VIRTUES WHICH MUST BE DILIGENTLY DEVELOPED.
FAITH. 
The beginning of spiritual life. We are saved by faith in the blood of the Lord Jesus who atones for our sins. Without faith it is impossible to please the Lord. Faith in His Word is the heart and core of the Christian walk before the Lord. Faith is all important. Without faith the following virtues could not be added. 2 Pet. 1:5

VIRTUE. 
Moral excellency, like an open book, no hidden motives or acts of unrighteousness. Valor, the ability to stand for Christian standards that have been established by the Word. 

KNOWLEDGE. 
The ability to comprehend the person and will of the Lord for our personal lives and for the life of the church. It becomes apparent that great emphasis is laid on really knowing the Lord Jesus. That can only be achieved by a persistent study of the scriptures. 

TEMPERANCE. 
The ability to exercise self-control in life's manifold experiences.  A measure of perhaps all of these virtues are deposited in our lives when we are born again. They are added to by the infilling of the Holy Spirit. In the end, it is the Word of the Lord that will bring us to the full performance of them all in our walk before the Lord.  

PATIENCE. 
The ability to maintain a good attitude in every situation which is faced. Strength to endure every trying moment that is faced. Retaining our "cool" when tested to the ultimate.

GODLINESS. 
The same nature and character which was seen in the Lord Jesus during His sojourn here on earth. Showing forth purity and holiness. The very God like nature that is in the process of being formed in His people.

BROTHERLY KINDNESS. 
The capacity to love as Jesus loved, especially those of like faith. In particular, those who may be difficult. 

CHARITY. 
An affection that is motivated by the Lord Himself and is evident in attitude and mannerism toward others. 2 Pet. 1:5-7




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  38

A CHOSEN GENERATION. 
Chosen not because of who we are or what our status in life might be, but chosen in Christ. Christ died for all. Therefore all were chosen but not all will respond to the call of the gospel. They are called the "elect" even as the Lord Jesus was the very "elect" of the Father. 1 Pet. 2:6 

The acceptance of Jesus as savior is necessary to become His "elect," or favored ones. Peter identified them as being strangers, which seems to be a strange way of saluting those who had become the children of the Lord. 1 Pet. 1:1-2 

Furthermore, Paul called them aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise. In other words they were Gentiles or heathen and not Israelites. Void of hope and without the Lord. A pitiful condition, yet not unlike the world in which we live today. But, by the precious atoning blood of Christ they are now the "elect of the Lord." Eph. 2:12-13. 

The "elect" are from every human race on the face of the earth. Including ALL and excluding none. They are accepted into the beloved when they receive Christ as savior and Lord. Admittedly, the Lord has a special people, even today, but they are of Grace and not of race. Only those who are partakers of His holiness may be construed as being Chosen ones. There is no one country, nation or city that He considers to be the Holy City, with the exception of the New Jerusalem. 


A NEW KIND OR RACE. 
The likes of which had never been before. A people who are born of the Lord. They may, literally, call Him, Abba, Father, as the Lord has commissioned the Spirit of His Son to be birthed into the hearts of these very special people. Truly and factually they may call Him Father. They are born spiritually of the same Spirit that was in Christ. Gal. 4:6 

The kingdom was removed from what was then called the people of God and given to a new generation, a new beginning, a people who would manifest the fruits of the kingdom. It is amazing that so many want to equate the kingdom of God to a people of whom the Lord Jesus said that He had removed the kingdom from them and given it to others. Mt. 21:43 

The very existence of the kingdom of God cannot be seen or understood unless that person is born of the Spirit. It is a spiritual kingdom and not a materialistic kingdom likened unto the kingdoms of this world. John 3:3 Jesus proclaimed the desolation of the house or the people, the house was left desolate, forsaken of the Lord and was to remain so until there would be a recognition of the Christ of God. Lk. 21:5-6 

The manner of life on this earth during the Millennial reign of Christ will not follow the likeness of life as 
it is now. His kingdom is not composed of the natural things such as are so vital to life on the earth today. The kingdom of the Lord will be one in which righteousness will dwell and only the righteous will inhabit that kingdom. Peace will prevail for the Prince of peace will reign in power, and with great glory. The joy, the fullness of joy will prevail in the hearts of all the citizens of that blessed kingdom. Love, peace and joy are found only in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His kingdom. Rom. 14:17    




               THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  39

A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. 
The individuals involved in this priesthood are by spiritual birth, royalty. They are born of that incorruptible, eternal seed. Hence, they have inherited an everlasting status as the seed of the Most High. 1 Pet. 1:23 

They are born into the family of, and under the leadership of the "ONLY" Potentate, the All Mighty One. The supreme ruler, the reigning authority. All other semblance of power and authority is in subjection to Him. There is no higher power, He reigns over all. His is the title and the office of the Kings of kings and the Lord and the Lord of lords. 1 Tim. 6:15 

Those who are born [of the Spirit] into this race are themselves exalted, by the Lord of All, to be kings and priests unto the Lord. Rev. 1:6 

They are a blood bought nation who are assembled out of every kindred, tongue, people and nation on the face of the earth. In the dual capacity as kings and priests unto the Lord they will reign here on earth. Rev. 5:9-10

They take part in the first resurrection, the resurrection of the dead in Christ and transformation of those who are alive and remain at the second coming of Christ. They will minister as priests and will reign with Him for a thousand years or the millennial period. Rev. 20:6 

Their pedigree is of the highest and is everlasting. They are the true royalty of heaven and earth.


A NATION OF HOLINESS. 
A nation who adhere to the Word of the Lord. It is not just a code of ethics to them, but a life lived in the Lord Jesus Christ. They are the people of true HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD. The Lord very emphatically expressed His will and desire toward His people when He said to them, "be ye holy for I am holy" in all your conduct and manner of life. Peter reiterated the statement of the Lord and incorporated it into Christian conduct. If the old testament saints were called to be holy, how much more new testament saints. Lev. 20:7-8, 1 Peter 1:15-16 

The Lord Jesus issued a challenge to all who would follow Him, to be perfect, as perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. The word perfect here indicating maturity or of full age, complete or having reached the apex of spiritual maturity. The established goal is to be what the Father is, faultless in every aspect of ones being. Mt. 5:48 

Holiness is a right and privilege. It is most definitely a part of the inheritance that is ours in the Lord Jesus. Its sanctifying force will create a satisfaction and peace in the heart of such magnitude that it can only be understood when experienced. 

If we find ourselves trying to avoid holiness we must recognize that it is a resistance of the human spirit, the carnal man who would rob us of the blessings of the Lord. Holiness of heart and spirit is something that the spiritual man will greatly desire and seek after. 

In a time when the church is plagued with the sickness of seeking after the wealth of this world and is readily producing the Ladocian church age, it is time to hear, "thus saith the Lord." He has a great gain program. It is godliness, holiness, bearing His likeness which will result in GREAT GAIN. 1 Tim. 6:6 

While such a program may not be popular, it is the plan that has been developed by the Lord. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and ALL THESE THINGS shall be added unto you. Mt. 6:33 

His program works! Give it a try.



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  40

A PECULIAR PEOPLE. 
A declaration of the love and desire of the Lord to accomplish His intent of a people who are exclusively His. 


GODS OWN POSSESSION. [NASB.] His own special people. [NKJV.] 
He is seeking a people who will respond to His love which He has so lavishly poured out upon the people of His calling. His great and majestic love deserves the strongest of responses from those who claim to love Him. 

This is not a one sided situation. This people will demonstrate the measure of their love in obedience unto Him. Their hearts will return His love with a deep and holy affection, adoration and true worship unto Him. 

While our love can never reach the magnitude of His, nevertheless we can return His love with the whole heart, spirit, soul and body. When we are in His presence, love begets love and our love for Him is intensified. We love Him because He is love and long before we knew Him, He loved us. 1 John 4:19


A PEOPLE DESIGNED BY THE LORD. 
His intent for His people is spelled out for us in His Word. They are specified as being the "temple of the living God." 2 Cor. 6:16b A people in whom He would take up His habitation by His Spirit. 

Words cannot express the extreme privilege, the amazing right that is extended to His very own, when His offer is accepted. The magnitude of His plan and longing of His heart to be one with His people is utterly astonishing. But, that is the way that He expresses Himself in the Word and He will find a people who fulfill His hearts desire. 

He will take up His abode in them. The indwelling Spirit of Christ is an evidence that the person is not walking in the flesh but in the spirit. Without the manifestation of the Spirit of Christ, Paul declared them to be persons void of the presence of the Lord, moreover, they are not accounted as being His. Rom. 8:9 

So, we notice a very great distinction between those who are, and those who are not, the people of the Lord.  


HOW TO WALK THE WALK. 2 Cor. 6:16c 
A problem, only when we try to walk a spiritual walk, in the flesh. The two are always in conflict with each other and will not mix. Simply said, the flesh must be brought into subjection in order for the Spirit to lead us in our walk for the Lord. 

The big step in bringing our human nature into subjection is to visit the cross; there the old man is crucified with Christ. That spells death to the carnal nature, the old man, the sinful part of our being. When we have died to the desires of sin and the flesh, because we are dead to them, they no longer have an appeal to us. 

The death of the carnal nature with all of its ungodly desires will release the spirit of the person and allow the Spirit of the Lord to take up His abode and teach us how to walk in the Spirit. These "peculiar people" are indeed different. Their difference being the spirituality that is manifest in their lives. They show forth the high praise of the Most High and walk in that marvelous light that beams from the Lord Himself. 1 Pet. 2:9 

The Lord has said that He would have a perfect church and we may rest assured that He will do just that. It is up to each and every one who would be in that number to prepare themselves for that day. 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  41

A MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR A GENERATION TO COME. 
It could well be said that the whole of the Word of the Lord has been recorded for the blessing and benefit of the people of the Lord. The Psalmist addresses a generation to come. His vision was of the future and he saw a generation of people whom the Lord had created. They are the handy work of the Lord and will be filled with praise for His mighty works. Ps. 102:18 

These are they of whom it may be said that they are the "workmanship of the Lord." Created as new creatures, a new race, a new generation who will show forth the good works of the Lord. They will walk in the power of the Spirit of the Lord. Eph. 2:10 

The evidence of that new creature is that of being delivered from the life of the past. Then, moving on until all things are new in Christ Jesus. 2 Cor. 5:17


A SEED THAT SHALL SERVE HIM. 
That seed is the conglomeration of the redeemed from all nations that will commit their ways fully unto the Lord. They will be recorded as being that very special generation that will result in the body of Christ being fully formed and molded into His likeness that she might become His bride. The communication is a message of righteousness that was to be heard by a people who at that time were not yet in existence. Ps. 22:30-31 

The Vulgate version of the Bible translates this "my seed." Thus identifying it with the seed that will complete the vision of the Lord for these last days. That is, a church without spot, wrinkle or any such contamination. Eph. 5:27


HIS SEED IS CHOICE SEED. 
While we are not under the Law today we may still learn many valuable lessons from it. Under the statutes which were a guide to their lives we find one which prohibited them from sowing a field with mixed seeds. Each seed was to be in a separate plot of land, according to its kind. The same law was also applied to other areas of their daily living. Lev. 19:19 

It teaches us that the Lord is displeased with a mixture that embraces the righteous and the unrighteous and combines them together. Consider that it was a mixed multitude, people of many nationalities who had married or joined with that troop that Moses took with Him out of Egypt. Ex. 12:38 

It is these who were later on to be the source of complaints and lusting. Weeping and looking back to the food of Egypt while at the same time despising the manna. Num. 11:4-6 

When they left Babylon the same things had happened, they assimilated other nationalities and became a mixed multitude. When they returned to Jerusalem, they separated the "mixed multitude" from among them. Neh. 13:3 

That there will be a great cleansing in the church of these days is most certain. The church is depicted as being lukewarm and neither cold nor hot. Therefore the Lord will spew them out of His mouth. In other words a people of lukewarm spiritual nature will be rejected by the Lord from being in the bride of Christ at the end of the age. Rev. 3:15-16 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  42

THE VISITATION OF THE LORD. 
The visitation, the sojourn of the Lord Jesus and His presentation of the gospel was in two phases. The first was to His very own people which was according to the many promises of old testament prophet and sage. Jesus was the visitation of the dayspring or the day star. Luke 1:78 

To those who would respond He was the tender mercy of the Lord. He was their visitation of redemption and salvation. Luke 1:68 

The early church, the church of the beginning of the gospel dispensation, was composed almost in its entirety of those who embraced the Law. For all the glory that had been displayed in founding the church there was still a secular division, a religious argument that created a problem among them. 

A sect of the Pharisees, unchanged in heart and doctrine, resisted the acceptance of the gentiles into the church, without their having come into subjection to the Law. They would not recognize that a new era, a new beginning had arrived. Salvation was not to be of works but of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  


THE GENTILES VISITED. 
The prophecy of Simeon concerning the Lord Jesus. "mine eyes have seen thy salvation." Luke 2:30 

A work of redemption that was to be the right of all peoples. "A light," not confined to one race but prepared to enlighten the gentile nations as well. Luke 2:31-32

It was James who spoke of this prophecy and used it as a means of settling the dispute concerning the gospel being taken to the Gentiles. Acts 15:14 

Peter in his letter was to state that the Lord was gathering a people unto Himself who had not been His people but were now being elevated to the family of the people of the Lord. 1 Peter 2:10 

Jesus came for the explicit purpose of blessing Israel. Their leaders rejected Him, so, consequently, the people followed suit. He came to His own. However, as many as received Him to them He gave the power to become the sons of God. This was to include both Jew and Gentile. John 1:11-12 

The Gentiles were those who were not of the fold of the "then called chosen." Jesus spoke of them as being "other sheep." Sheep which would be gathered into the fold, and the two = Israeli and Gentile - gathered together into one sheep fold with one shepherd, that is none other but the Lord Jesus Christ. John 10:16 

As a unit and a body they are blended together and called vessels of mercy and as such, in the forethought of the Lord. He had prepared them to be receptacles of His eternal power and glory. By calling them unto Himself, both of the Jew and the Gentile, they were to become His people. Rom. 9:23-24 

In so doing the Lord is showing that He is building a people from out of the people. The prophet Zechariah spoke of a day when a multiplicity of nations would be gathered to the Lord and wonderfully blended together. They were to become the temple of the Lord, the people of the Lord and were to be blest by becoming the dwelling place of the Most High. Zech. 2:11 

His great desire is to be able to inhabit and fill His people with Himself. What an amazing project. It seems impossible, yet it is true. His people are to be His habitation. 


 

            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  43

THE WORK OF THE FATHER IN GATHERING HIS PEOPLE. 
The call, the inspiration to serve the Lord Jesus originates with the Father. All who come to Jesus will acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior. It is His prerogative to determine who and when one comes to the Lord. Jesus said that none may come except that right be extended by the Father. John 6:65

Gladly and with great joy, Jesus is always prepared to receive those who will come to Him with contrition of heart and repentance. He will not reject them nor turn them away. It is not the Spirit who bears the responsibility of drawing men unto the Lord Jesus, but the responsibility is that of the Father. John 6:37 

In the wisdom and foreknowledge of the Lord He consummates the work of salvation in the heart and life of every one who will come. 


THE LORD DOES NOT DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE RACES. 
If they are in Christ they are all one. He makes absolutely no difference between Jew and the Greek [Gentile]. How deeply rooted racial and religious prejudice can become is found in the dealings of the Lord with Peter. He had sought the privacy of the rooftop for a season of prayer. At the noon hour, while the meal was still being prepared, Peter became very hungry. 

The Lord took advantage of that very common need of all men and using his physical condition spoke in an unusual way to Peter. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Him, it was a time of exceeding great ecstasy. The glory of the Lord was upon Him. If you have ever been inundated by the anointing of the Spirit you can well understand why the word ecstasy fits in so well here. 

There is no greater moment in a life than that when the Spirit comes upon us in great power. To show how deeply prejudice can be implanted in our hearts the Lord had to show the vision three times to Peter in order to prepare him for a ministry to the Gentiles. Acts 10:9-16  


THE FIRST WELL SERVED. 
The gospel was first preached to the Jew. It was to be theirs. They were the chosen of the Lord and had every right to the fulfillment of the promises given to the patriarchs. They rebelled, rejected the Messiah and His word, whereby, they came under condemnation and judgment. Rom. 2:5-6, 8-9 

Note it is tribulation to both Jew and Gentile. Neither will escape judgment because of their rejection of Christ. Those who believe, to the Jew first, because the ministry of Jesus was basically among them but also to the Gentiles, will be saved. We thus see that the Lord made no difference between the two. Accounting that both were in need of redemption. Rom. 1:16 

The rewards of salvation and eternal life are evenly distributed between the two, the Jew and the Gentile. Man differentiates but the Lord does not. His attitude is the same toward all people. His salvation is for the "whosoever will". Rom. 2:10 

This bears out the true attitude of the Lord as stated that He is no respecter of persons. The death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ was to all men everywhere and in all the generations of time, as long as man has been on the earth. None are excluded, if they will only come unto Him.   



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  44

RESERVED OF THE LORD. 
Elijah, in a prayer of absolute desperation feeling that he was the last of those who were spiritual and serving the Lord found out that there were still seven thousand who were not Baal worshipers. 1 Kings 19:18 

Paul referred to this when proclaiming that the Lord had not entirely cast away His people, but there were a remnant who were a part of the election of grace, that is, believers in the Lord Jesus. Rom. 11:4-5 

Likewise that salvation is by grace. Not by the works of the Law. Only those who find the grace of the Lord find that blessedness and peace that all men hunger for and seek after. The elect in Israel have found it while those who have not found it are blinded and deafened to the truth, even until his day. 

To proclaim salvation to a people because of their race is to mislead them and actually to deceive them. Salvation is made known to the chosen by their making a choice. It is also made known to the elect by the elect making a decision to serve the Lord Jesus. Rom. 11:7-9


HOLY FIRSTFRUITS PRODUCE A WHOLE THAT IS HOLY. 
Like begets like. If the root is holy then the branches are holy also. Rom. 11:16 

Branches that were an integral part of the tree were separated and broken off. Long before they are broken off they are well dried. They are called withered boughs, limbs without life, dried up and thoroughly dead. When broken off they become wood for the fire of the women, either for cooking are heating water. 

They are noted as being a people without understanding. No spiritual comprehension. No desire to know the Lord. Wanting only to practice their religious rituals. Therefore their creator, the one who formed them in the first place will have no mercy nor will He show them any favor. What a pitiful condition. 

They will not be gathered unconditionally as a nation but must come one by one in contrition of heart and with repentance to receive the Lord Jesus as their Messiah. Isa. 27:11-1`2


A BRANCH CAST AWAY. 
Jesus spoke of the indispensable need for the branches to be joined to and abide in Him. Otherwise, they become dried up and are cast away. Then are gathered together and consumed by fire. 

The secret of both natural and spiritual life is to live a life that is joined to Christ always receiving of the sustenance that flows through the roots and the trunk of the tree. John 15:6 

Jesus very strongly certified that the kingdom of God would be removed from them and surrendered to a nation that would conduct themselves after the manner of the citizens of that country. A people that would give honor, obeisance and love to the King of that kingdom. Mt. 21:43 

The inhabitants of the kingdom of the Lord are a people who can see the invisible kingdom. John 3:3 

Just as Abraham started out in search of a city, a city which he saw through the eyes of faith. Entrance to the kingdom of the Lord is only obtainable to those who have been born of the Spirit and have His abiding presence within their hearts and lives. Entrance is by the new birth. John 3:5

O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good for His mercy endureth forever. Ps. 107:1
   



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  45

RIGHTEOUSNESS WITHOUT WORKS. 
The righteousness of the Lord is not by works of righteousness which we accomplish. To be right or just is by faith and faith alone. 

Righteousness is a gift from the Lord. He is the all righteous one and apart from Him there is no justification or life of righteousness. Because of His gift of righteousness, He will not impute past and confessed sins to our account. They are covered by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus. Rom. 4:6-8 

There is only one way, and all must come to salvation through the door, Christ Jesus, to a knowledge of sins forgiven. The Law, the circumcision, the Jew, must come to the faith of Abraham in order to be saved. 

The faith of Abraham with its accompanying promises was given while Abraham was yet uncircumcised. In other words, the promises are of faith and not the Law nor the works of the Law. 

The circumcision of Abraham was a sign, a seal, a verification of the promises that had been given him, by faith. Therefore it was not the rite, but the right of faith that brought him into fellowship with the Lord. Rom. 4:9-11


THE PROMISED INHERITANCE. 
The promise of the Lord given to Abraham was not because of the Law. 

Nor was it given in particular to those who kept the Law. 

The inheritance of the promises were by faith which had been delivered to Abraham, and his seed, while he was yet uncircumcised. 

Therefore the work of faith is to be consummated in those who are of the faith of Abraham, with or without circumcision. The promise was not given by the Law, nor is it to be fulfilled in those who attempt to be saved by the works of the Law. Rom. 4:12-13 


A CONFLICT OF IDEOLOGY. 
A mighty powerful statement made by the Apostle Paul; the two, the Law and faith cannot coexist. 

If those who embrace the Law are heirs, then that completely cancels out faith and its results. It must also be said that because those of faith will inherit the promises, the Law is eradicated and will not be in effect when the will is read. 

Because of the Law, sin is made to be exceedingly sinful and very apparent. The Law reveals the sinfulness of sinful man. 

Where there is no Law and revelation of what is right and wrong, there can be no account made for sin. 

Where the Law is in effect, not only must there be an accounting made, but a penalty must be paid. Faith produces the evidence of the grace of the Lord in the lives of His seed. 

The Lord does not differentiate between those who were of the Law and those who were not under the Law. Now in Christ Jesus He has included all to be the recipients and heirs of His promises. Abraham is the father of ALL who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as redeemer and Lord. 

As the two are blended together, they become one in Christ. Faith, and those who are of faith, regardless of ethnicity, are considered to be the seed of Abraham. Those who may be able to trace their genealogies back, even to Abraham, if not of faith are not included in the inheritance. Rom. 4:14-16   




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  46

THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE. 
This is the message that is given to us from the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles. The Lord treats those who will become His people absolutely alike. He does not differentiate. He has no special pets. He shares and shares alike, all the bounty of His kingdom with all who will call upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 10:12 

Both the Law and the prophets bear witness that the righteousness of the Lord is made known and revealed for all to see, without the Law. Rom. 3:21 

That righteousness is by the faith of the Lord Jesus and is shown in those who call upon His name for salvation. The Lord making no difference between Jew and Gentile. Rom. 3:22 

The Lord justifies the Law keepers by faith and those outside of the Law through faith. Both arrive at the same spiritual destination for they travel the same road, the road of life eternal through the Lord Jesus. Rom. 3:30


NOT OF THE JEWS ONLY, BUT ALSO OF THE GENTILES. 
It is necessary that we come to an understanding of what the scriptures are saying to us. The people of the Lord are the called out ones. Those who have embraced the Lord Jesus and have been born into His family. 

The prophet Hosea of old proclaimed that the Lord would have a people who had not previously been a people, and in particular, not called His people. Moreover, He is looking upon that people as His bride. For she who had not been His beloved is now to be termed His beloved. 

Likewise, these who had not been included but are now among the elect, are to be called the children of the living God. Truly, they are taken from being nothing and elevated to the highest calling of all, children of the Most High. Rom. 9:25   


THE BUILDING OF A NEW, THE TRUE EDIFICE OF THE LORD. 
This is the ultimate of the creation and the building of the Lord. A habitation where He can dwell. Not a building made with the hands of man but that which He has brought together. The palace of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. 

Composed of a citizenry who were at one time strangers and foreigners, but have now been amalgamated into one body in Christ. They have, as their foundation, the apostles [the New Testament] and the prophets [the Old Testament] or the word of the Lord. 

The whole rests on the chief cornerstone, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

This is the only material and building from this earth that will exist through out eternity. Only Jesus could take the individuality of mankind and blend them together making them into a single unit, His church, His bride. 

This glorious construction He has called the Holy Temple of the Lord. It is the finished product. A building of exquisite beauty and majesty built of living stones. 

It is a spiritual structure, yet very real, for spiritual things are those things which are everlasting, never needing replacement, reconstruction or repairs. From the very beginning of its construction it is built of perfected materials, free from all sin and absolutely pure. Eph. 2:19-22  




                THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  47

IN THE PLAN OF THE LORD ONLY A NEW CREATION COUNTS. 
The old no longer exist as a part of that which the Lord is doing. The Lord has combined the two and made them just one. Any and all walls of racial division are broken down in Christ. 

For an attempt to maintain the division is sin. The Lord has torn down the wall dividing Jew and Gentile in order to unite the body of Christ into a perfect unity. Eph. 2:14 

This will be accomplished in its fullness according to the words and the prayer of the Lord Jesus. There can be but one fold and one shepherd. John 10:16 

The true body of Christ will have as its strength, perfect, absolute unity. Creating a bond and a closeness that is paramount to that of the Godhead. The whole of the body is one perfect organism, motivated and functioning by the power of the Spirit of the Lord. Many members, yet one in every spiritual aspect. John 17:21 

Any schism, anything that divides is a blot and a blemish and will not exist in the perfect church. 


WHAT IS OF VALUE TO THE LORD IS THE NEW MAN. 
The Lord Jesus provided a perfect work of bringing the Law to its fruition, by fulfilling it. It is the Lord Jesus who fulfilled the Law and brought its condemnation to an end. He has now become the revealed righteousness that is found in those who are new creatures in Christ. Rom. 10:9 

The Lord has made it very apparent by His words that the Law is no longer in effect. He declared that He had absolutely no pleasure in the sacrifices and offerings brought to Him under the Law. Heb. 10:8 

It has been replaced by a better and more effective covenant. The son, the Lord Jesus, came, doing the will of the Father; therefore by His sacrifice the old was replaced by the new covenant. The old is no longer in effect; neither indeed can it be!!! Our sanctification, our salvation is in the Lord Jesus alone. Heb. 10:9-10




HOW TO RELIGIOUSLY INSULT THE LORD. 
Now, who would dare to do such a thing? Those who teach a rebuilt temple and restored animal sacrifice, a return to the Law, however and whenever, are insulting the Lord Jesus in the worst way. It is a rejection of the efficacy of the blood of Christ to cleanse from sin. The sacrifice of the blood of Christ is a "once for all" offering for sin. Heb. 10:10 

While the sacrifice of animals can never take away sin. Heb. 10:11 

There is no more, no other offering for sin. Heb. 10:18 

See and understand the feelings of the Lord toward animal sacrifices. After the perfect sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, in the sight of the Lord, the person sacrificing an ox is committing murder. The person offering a lamb, is committing an act paramount to cutting off a dogs neck. Those offering oblation present the blood of an unclean pig. While those who burn incense bless an idol. Isa. 66:3 

Therefore the Lord said that they have chosen their own ways and their soul delighteth in their abominations. The Lord does not violate His Word. The only way of salvation that is possible today, and until the end, is through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. 


3  He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.




                     THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  48

UNITY IN CHRIST JESUS. 
No sectarianism is to be found nor is it allowed in the true body of Christ. His body is to be a gathering together where all are of one mind and one purpose, one spirit, in the Lord Jesus. To be the seed of Abraham it is necessary to be, "in Christ," and to have the faith of Christ, thus becoming heirs of the promises made to Abraham. 

All who embrace Christ as their savior are children of the Lord, through their faith in the Son of God. Once again, the importance of baptism, both water and Spirit, is emphasized. Those who are baptized according to the Bible pattern have "put on Christ", the waters of baptism acting as an agent to process the death, burial and resurrection of Christ in us. 

Whereby, we no longer live to please ourselves, but now are committed to the Lord Jesus. Water baptism is not a religious rite but invokes a spiritual work bringing death to the carnal man in us. Then, having put on Christ the new man is the life that is now lived in the Spirit of the Lord. Gal. 3:26-29 


THE NEW MAN. 
The new man is not a makeover nor renovated - He is a NEW, a different, a spiritual man. 

He has had a life changing experience in Christ. His manner of life is no longer like the old. 

Whether we like it or not, the old life with all of its ungodliness must go. There is no middle ground.

The old life with all that accompanies it must die. This is evidence that there has been a work of the Spirit in our lives. It is not always an over night experience, but there will be a constant change in the wants and desires of the individual who is a new person in Christ. All things become new. Amazing, yet true. 2 Cor. 5:17 

A baby, even though it cannot speak, is constantly making demands and expressions of its needs. A new born child of the Lord will develop an appetite for the Word. 

To begin with, the milk of the Word. If it does not develop an appetite for the meat of the Word, it is sick and will be stunted. There are already too many milk babies in the church. 

We need those who demand that they be led deeper into a greater comprehension of the Word. Coming to a place where they can exploit the mysteries of the Word and be encouraged by them. 1 Pet. 2:2


WHAT TO DO WITH THE OLD MAN. 
He is not to be recycled. He is appointed unto death. The old man must be crucified. Strange words, which are not presented much any more to those who are in churches, lest someone be offended. 

The secret of the Christian life is that of crucifixion with Christ. The old man must be eliminated, he must be destroyed in order to make way for the working of the Spirit in us. The Word and the Spirit will produce that new creature which is so vital. Rom. 6:6 

The success of the Apostle Paul stemmed from his complete consecration to the Lord Jesus. He could truthfully say that he was crucified with Christ, and that the life that he was living was no longer the old religious life but a new life in the Lord Jesus. The church of the last days, the church used of the Lord, must likewise come to a place where she can say, "Christ liveth in me." Gal. 2:20




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  49

THE OLD INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE NEW. 
The Law did not accomplish its purpose. The Lord did not acquire a holy people. Its limitations, its weaknesses are seen in the fact that it was fleshly and of the works of men. The human nature not only could not fulfill the Law but in its stubbornness and disobedience, would not. 

Therefore, it was necessary that the Lord send His Son in the form of man, being made in the likeness of man. Rom. 8:3 

Jesus was every bit a man. He had the same feelings, the identical emotions that we have. He faced the same problems, the same temptations in life that we face. He became one with us, that we might be come one with Him. 

In every manner and every way possible He was tempted to sin. Nevertheless He was without sin. The sinless lamb became the sin bearer. Heb. 4:15 

He fully felt the agony of the temptations presented to Him by none other than the devil himself. Jesus encountered the same turmoil of mind, soul and spirit that is experienced by all when tempted. 

So now, there is deliverance from temptation readily available to all who are being tempted. Also there is one who empathizes with those who call upon His name. Heb. 2:18 


LEST WE FORGET. 
Jesus went through a time of intensive and vigorous attack by the devil. He prefaced His battle with a fast of forty days and forty nights. When the spirit of fasting lifted from Him, He was immediately hungry. The human appetite took over, do not forget, Jesus was very human. He was the son of man and represented all of mankind. His temptation covered every sin known to man, new and old. The temptations facing Him were appealing to the flesh and powerful in their presentation. This was a conflict between one who is "ALL powerful," and one who is powerful. It was a conflict of heaven and hell. The whole plan of salvation depended on the outcome of this conflict. Mat. 4:1-11 

Take special notice that Jesus responded with the scriptures. Our victory is in the Word and the hiding of that Word in our hearts. Ps. 119:11 

Sin may be cataloged under the three categories shown in the book of 1 John 2:16 

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.


THE LAW REVEALS SIN. 
Paul wrote that he would not have known sin but by the teaching of the Law. The righteousness of the Law is that which exposes sin and makes it to be exceedingly sinful. Rom. 7:7 

The Law Paul called a schoolmaster, whose intents and purpose were to bring those under the Law to Christ. Having come to Christ they would find that which they had sought under the Law but failed miserable to obtain. The Christ, the Messiah, the one of whom the whole of the scripture is all about is our victory. 

They could not come to justification under the Law but in Christ Jesus all are justified by faith, Jew and Gentile. School is out, there is no longer a need for the old schoolmaster. Faith in Christ has brought liberty and freedom. Gal. 3:24-25 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  50

THE DIVINE PROCESS. 
The Lord gives the gift of power enabling the recipient to become a son of the Most High. The power of a life delivered from sin, changed and made new by virtue of the power of the Lord. 

As there are certain traits and characteristics innately found in every form of animal life so those born of the Word and the Spirit will bear the likeness of the Lord from the moment of their new birth. That spiritual experience which is enacted in them by the Lord will change the course of their life. They have been born of the will of the Lord and not that of man or even the church. John 1:12-13 

All peoples seem to believe in a land of the hereafter that is often mystical and too frequently questionable and unobtainable. Jesus said, that without having become a new creature in Christ that the kingdom of the Lord, the land of the hereafter was invisible and hidden. John 3:3 

Access to the heaven of the Lord, that which is eternal and everlasting is granted solely to those who have been born of His Spirit and have put on Christ. John 3:5


THE NEW MAN MUST HAVE A GOAL OF ACHIEVING KNOWLEDGE. 
One of the outstanding elements of the world in which we live is the quest for knowledge that is so evident in all the nations of the world. It is time for the church world to awaken and realize that there is something more to be known of the Lord than just Christmas and Easter or the ABCs of the gospel. There are hidden treasures that are to be dug out of the Word of the Lord, called “hidden wisdom.” 1 Cor. 2:7 

It is also declared that which is the “hidden manna” of the Word is available to those who seek and gather from the storehouse of the Lord. Rev. 2:17 

the “mystery of the kingdom” is likewise accessible. Mark 4:11 

The secrets, the mysteries of the Lord that were not known from the foundation of the world are now made known by the “revelation of mystery,” which the gospel exposes. Rom. 16:25 

We now know the “mystery of His will.” Eph. 1:9 

Then there is the “great mystery,” the ultimate relationship between Christ and His church. The formation of an eternal family wherein the fullness of all that is called God may be revealed. Eph. 5:32 

Much of what is known of the scriptures has come through the enlightenment of the Spirit of the Lord. After all the Holy Spirit is the teacher who was to reveal Christ unto us and lead us on into a full and complete knowledge of the Lord. John 14:26 

Then there is that all too often neglected area of the Christian life where WE STUDY the Word for ourselves. It is well to attend classes where we are taught but that is not enough. 

There must be time which we spend in searching the scriptures to affirm or reject the things that are taught us. There must be a practical application of what we hear and see in the Word or it will slip away from us. 

The admonition Paul gave to Timothy also applies to us today. Only personal study of the scriptures will bring the desired approval of the Lord. Everything that is necessary for us to know about the Lord is found in His word. To go beyond the scriptures for a knowledge of the Lord is dangerous. 2 Tim. 2:15




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  51

CITIZENS OF HEAVEN. 
The redeemed of the Lord always have a homeland. The heavenly everlasting kingdom of the Lord. By virtue of the new birth our citizenship is affirmed, it is steadfast and sure, unfailing and eternal. Phil. 3:20 

The word conversation in the Greek is actually citizenship and is verified by Strongs and almost every other translation of the Bible. Those who possess this citizenship are members of an eternal and everlasting kingdom. A kingdom which knows no defeat and can only increase in power and might over the span of the ages. The people of that kingdom are marked by their righteousness and love of the truth. The kingdom is exclusively theirs. Isa. 26:2 

This kingdom is identified not only as a nation and a country, but it is unique, in the fact that it is presented as a city. The city of the New Jerusalem. 

A motherly city, therefore having all the emotions and feelings of a mother. A city of absolute liberty in the Lord. None of its citizenry are in bondage. They are the Lord’s free people. Gal. 4:26


THE GREATEST OF ALL CITIES. 
The only holy city. Many cities in this world today are identified as holy cities according to the religion which stipulates that they are sacred. Literally, these are not holy cities and it is a misnomer to claim them to be so. 

The same sin, crime and wickedness that is found in your city is evident in them, and sometimes to a greater extent. They are frequently areas where unscrupulous individuals lie in wait to steal, and rob the naive pilgrims who visit their city.  Therefore they are corrupted by humanity and its fallen estate. 

The real and only Holy City originates with the Lord. There is no unrighteousness within its gates. It descends from the Lord and is saturated with the exceeding great glory of the Lord. It is a city of light, for the Lord is light and no darkness is to be found in Him. 

It is like a diamond, glittering, scintillating and transparent. Nothing is hidden in that city. There are no ulterior motives. No politics are manifest to spoil the beauty and majesty of that New Jerusalem. Rev. 21:10-11 

Need we wait until that city descends from heaven to enjoy our rights of citizenship with Christ? No, not at all. According to the words of Paul, we have already been “raised with Christ” in a splendid evidence of the unity with Christ that is enjoyed by those who are His people. 

Some day, it will dawn on the church that we are irrevocably linked together with Christ. We are now one with Him. All the rights and privileges which He possess are ours too. It is a shame that we live, spiritually, at poverty levels when all the spiritual riches of the Lord are available to us. 

He has already made us to sit together, with Him, in heavenly places. We do not have to die physically to enjoy the benefits of heaven, but we do have to crucify the flesh in order to gain the blessings of being seated with Him. 

A person's consecration and surrender to the will of the Lord will determine their ability to occupy this blessed place prepared for all. Eph. 2:6 There is perfect equality in His kingdom.  




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  52

A PEOPLE WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE GRACE OF THE LORD. 
The generation, the place, the time does not matter with the Lord. What does count is that He can find a people who appreciate the grace of the Lord and consequently are willing to be that separated people. The very fact of a spiritual separation unto the Lord will make them a marked people. Without being set apart unto the Lord they cannot be His people. Whenever His people mix with the nations of the world, there will a problem and sometimes serious difficulties. Ex. 33:16 

The call of the Word and the Spirit is that His people “come out from among them.” That means to live a different kind of life. One that is consecrated unto the Lord. In the world but not of the world. Not looking, talking or acting like the world. It means living apart from the unclean elements of carnal, human life. Having a heart, mind, will and speech that is not patterned after the world. 2 Cor. 6:17


THE GRACE ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH THE LORD JESUS. 
The grace of God is manifest and made known in and by a knowledge of the Lord Jesus. He is the bearer of grace. The grace of the Lord was upon Him. Luke 2:40

As the vessel of grace, He is filled with abundant grace to meet the needs of salvation of all men. In Him grace and truth are combined. John 1:14

Both truth and grace are revealed, and comprehended, by a sincere and blessed understanding of Christ as savior and Lord. Regardless of the intelligence of a person, they will not grasp this abounding grace until Christ has become a positive part of their life. 

Grace, even though manifest to Moses and Israel is not known under the Law. It is the Spirit of the New Covenant in Christ that brings us into a position of His great grace. John 1:17


MOSES WAS ON A FIRST NAME BASES WITH THE LORD. 
A personal relationship is so necessary for all who would be blest of the Lord and receive His leadership and guidance. 

The Lord promised that He would fulfill the prayer of Moses because he was not a stranger to the Lord. He was not an occasional visitor. One who came around only when he was in trouble. Ex. 33:12,17 

This was a promise of grace to the nation because of Moses. Moses is a type of the Lord Jesus who communicates grace to His people. Because of his consistent fellowship with the Lord he was promised that the Lord would accompany them and be a protection to them. 

The Word of the Lord to Moses also included a promise of being led into a place of rest. Ex. 33:14 

Then, Moses made a request that we would all very likely make, “show me thy glory.” The revelation of the glory of the Lord is the ultimate of His work in preparing a people for Himself. Thank the Lord, He will make manifest the completeness of His glory and grace in the true church of the last days. 

His purpose in gathering a people unto Himself is that the absolute glory of the Lord might be resident in her. He has planned it and He will do it. 
 



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  53

THE OBJECT HIS LOVE. 
His people were to be a holy people. This is required of the Lord for all who would participate fully in His plans. It must be emphasized that He is seeking a people who bear His likeness and have the same spirit of holiness. Lev. 20:7 

Those who are His are considered by Him to be a very special people, His treasured possession, for that is the call that the Lord has given to them. They are to have a different life style. Different attitudes and to conduct themselves differently from all the other peoples of the earth. 

Their difference would be that in following the Lord they would take on His nature and being. People will always emulate their champion and in so doing show their love and appreciation for that individual, in this case the Lord. Deut. 7:6 

His love was a “set love.” A love that spoke of the intensity of His love for them. He was determined to love them in spite of the fact that He thoroughly understood their future and exactly how they would react to Him. His love is real love, love that remains strong, in spite of the negative actions of those loved. He chose them, not because of their great numbers, for actually they were the fewest. Deut. 7:7  
 

LOVE WAS THE BASES OF HIS CHOICE. 
There could be no higher or better reason for such an important selection. It shows indelibly the tremendous scope of His love and the extent to which He will go before He reacts in a negative manner. Also involved were the promises that the Lord had made to the forefathers. 

The Lord will keep His word. His promises are secure, and are not subject to alteration or change. The Lord is faithful in keeping His promises and remains ever the same. It was with a “mighty hand” a hand of ultimate power and strength that the Lord separated them from the Egyptians and from the house of bondage. That mighty hand is a hand of deliverance. 

Its effectiveness is still evident in the lives of those who will come to the Lord for release from sin and bondage. In that day, He physically redeemed them. Today our redemption is both physical and spiritual and more the latter than the former. Deut. 7:8 

The Lord at this time proclaimed Himself to be God, the faithful God.  One who will fulfill His promises. Where His love is returned with true heart felt affection He will keep His covenant and manifest His mercy and love, even to a thousand generations. 

A Bible generation is usually considered to be forty years. A thousand generations would then measure out to four thousand years. The covenant promise of faith given to Abraham, the father of all who believe, was approximately two thousand years before Christ, The time since Christ is some two thousand years so we see that the covenant of faith toward the Lord is indeed to a thousand generations. Deut. 7:9 

His faithfulness, His love, His mercy is now extended to all who will call upon His name and acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior. He is still seeking a people who will love Him with their whole being, body, soul and spirit. There is no question but what His will, will be done. The question is, will you and I fit into His plan? We can and will if we love Him.   




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD 54

A PEOPLE IN THE MIDST OF A MIGHTY NATION. 
They were in Egypt as common laborers and as slaves. Even so, the Lord kept account of them and when the time came, released them from their servitude in Egypt. The presence of the Lord made them unlike any other nation on the face of the earth. 

These two elements distinguish the people of the Lord from the rest of the world. His presence and their separation and dedication unto Him. Not only was this true with His ancient people but it is very definitely in effect today. His people are different because of His requirement of holiness and surrender to His will. Ex. 33:16 

When the judgments of the Lord were upon Egypt, the dwelling place of the children of Israel named Goshen was protected from the plague of flies and hail. Because they were His, and different, the Lord made a difference between them and Egypt. Ex. 8:22 

As in Egypt, His people in the last days are not destined to be a part of the final judgments, providing they meet the Divine stipulations.


THE SUBSTANCE OF A GREAT NATION. 
It is not the people or their location on the face of the earth which produces greatness. 

Purely and simply it is the presence of the Lord in their midst that exalts and makes them to be a great nation. 

To begin with, the Lord was included in all of their actions and purposes. Only when they forsook the Lord did they, as a nation, come apart, become divided and scattered. Deut. 4:7 

The Lord was their strength in every avenue of their life. He was a refuge and a hiding place from their enemies. Ps. 46:1 Though they did not vanish into thin air, and they remained highly visible. 

The cloud and pillar of fire created a perfect place of refuge for them. The Lord was ever present, to be to them a deliverer from all their problems. What more could one ask? 

The lives of the people who are His will follow a pattern established by the Lord. They will perform all the requirements of the Word of the Lord. 

In so doing, they are accounted as being a wise and understanding people. Wisdom and understanding are obtained by the anointing of the Spirit upon those who spend time in the reading and study of the Word of the Lord. Deut. 4:6

When the Lord calls a people unto Himself there is no limit to the power that He will manifest to bring about their full deliverance. He greatly displayed His hand of power and ability and the mighty strength of His arm in accomplishing the deliverance of His people. 

The Lord displayed to all that He alone is God and that there is no other god beside Him. Deut. 4:34-35 

The prerequisite of the Lord never changes. He is still looking for those who will commit their ways unto Him. 

A people who will be completely sold out to the Lord and His plan for their lives. 

The promise of the eternal presence is very real. It is a matter of His Word and His Spirit taking up their abode and fully dwelling within the spirit nature of the believer. 

His call to them is still that call of separation from the things of this world in total pledge to Him and the doing of His will. 2 Cor. 6:16-17
      


                                 THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  55

A PEOPLE ESTABLISHED BY THE LORD. 
They were to be that holy people before the Lord, who were totally His. The promises of the Lord given to them at this time were many and tremendous. The other nations would come to recognize that they were empowered by the name of the Lord. For the Lord would see to it that His name would be called upon them. Therefore other nations would fear them. 

They could not have asked for a better situation, for the nations fearing them would not attack them. That would assure them of living in peace. Deut. 28:9-10 

Whenever the Lord enters into a covenant or a contract with a people, there are bound to be great advantages extended to the human members of the contract. In this case they were to be blessed with children, cattle and crops. An assurance of sufficiency of every element that would produce wealth for them. 

They were to be the bankers and not the borrowers. The head and not the tail. Leaders and not followers. Above and not beneath. Promises of a complete supply in all that would satisfy the natural man. Weighing the enormity of the all sufficient supply of the Lord, it must be said that they had it made as far as life on earth was concerned. Deut. 28:11-13


THE REQUIREMENT OF THE LORD. 
There was a contingency that the Lord presented to them for these wonderful promises to continue to be operational on their behalf. 

They were to hearken, to hear, understand and to do the commandments of the Lord. 

The commandments, in themselves, would prove to greatly benefit the life of those who would follow them. The Lord requires obedience to His Word. Deut. 28: 14 

However, should they refuse to walk in the ways of the Lord, the whole order of blessing would be reversed and judgment would come upon them. Deut. 28:15-45 

A multitude of, and very explicit, judgments would be meted unto them for their disobedience. There is not a statement made by the Lord that at sometime or another was not enacted upon them when they refused to do the will of the Lord. Every advantage possible was theirs, if they would but be obedient to the will of the Lord. 

It is an amazing thing to read the benefits and blessing that were extended to His people by the Lord and then to see their rejection of the same by acts of disobedience. 

Their lives as planned by the Lord would have been of great sufficiency and constant blessing, had they but submitted fully unto the Lord. 

Their rejection of the Messiah was the final blow and act of rebellion. This caused them to lose out spiritually, for with Christ it was no longer the material that counted but now the spiritual is brought out into full view and man must make a choice. 

Those who will serve the Lord with their whole heart will find the rich spiritual blessings of the Lord being poured forth into their lives, when the spiritual is emphasized and sought after. Then, that necessities which are material will naturally find that all its needs are being met. 

It is still, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." Follow the Divine principle of placing the Lord first in everything and all other needs will line up and be taken care of. 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  56

THE LORD DELIGHTED IN HIS PEOPLE. 
This delight originated from the feelings of the Lord toward the Patriarchs, the fathers of Israel. His love was extended toward them hence their descendants were chosen to be the people of the Lord. The foundation was laid in Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in their attitude, appreciation and approach unto the Lord. Deut. 10:15 

The word delight as used in this verse is very enlightening as to the heart and emotions of the Lord toward His people. Delight, Heb. chashaq, to cling, i.e., to join, to love. Even to have a desire for. It gives a bit of an insight into the reason for the whole plan of salvation. The very strong emotion of love is stronger in the Lord than in any other being, because He is LOVE. 

Calvary proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt. Only a person of absolute love could leave the glories of heaven to sacrifice Himself that He might find a people who would love Him with their whole being. The deliverance of David was a proof to him that the Lord delighted in Him. 2 Sam. 22:20

The Queen of Sheba recognized the blessing and delight of the Lord in King Solomon. Those who delight the Lord find that they are placed in positions of leadership and authority without seeking after it. The throne of Solomon was established because the Lord loved His father David and the people of Israel. 1 Kings 10:9


A WARRIORS DELIGHT IN A CAPTIVE WOMAN. 
If in the time of battle a soldier beheld a woman of beauty and “desired” her, the Law had certain specifications that must be followed. There is here, to be found a type of Christ and His church. The man was a warrior, the woman a captive and a slave. 

Nevertheless, the soldier loved her. She was then brought into his house for she was to become a member of the family. Her hair was to be shaved removing any hint of the past. Her nails left to grow. Past grooming was to be just that, the past. These were signs of the change that was in progress in her life. 

She is now entering into a new life and will become a proselyte, embracing the religion of the one who rescued her. The garments of captivity were to be laid aside and a new wardrobe was to be furnished. She is becoming a new creature in the house of her captor. 

Her first month was spent in bewailing her separation from her parents. After that period of time she would become the wife of the one who delighted in her. Deut. 21:11-13 

We often hear and think of Israel as the pure descendants of the patriarchs, but periodically there are evidences of them mixing with and embracing other nations for life companions. 

Both, after their captivity in Egypt and also in Babylon there are evidences of the “mixed multitude” that for one reason or another had joined themselves with them. These people were sources of problems and difficulties among the Israelites. 

When Israel returned to Jerusalem from their captivity in Babylon it was required that they separate themselves from them. It is very obvious that racially Israel frequently, collectively and individually took mates from the surrounding nations.




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  57

THE LAW OF THE BLOOD OF INNOCENTS. 
In the eyes of the Lord the land was polluted by the premeditated killing of an innocent person. The slayer, having planned the deed was to find no forgiveness, for by his act he had polluted the land. The only means whereby the land could be cleansed was by the shedding of the blood of the individual who had committed murder. Num. 35:33 

There was no place for the murderer to hide. Even though they would flee to one of the six cities of refuge they were to be hunted down and removed from the city of refuge. Brought again to the avenger of blood and punished according to the demands of the Law. Deut. 19: 11-12 

The well being of Israel depended on their ability to carry out the precepts of the Law. Deut. 19:13 

The slaying of an innocent person was extremely repulsive and an act for which there was no forgiveness. It was to be a case of a life for a life. Deut. 19:21


I AM INNOCENT OF THE BLOOD OF THIS JUST PERSON. 
Pilate knew and understood the punishment of the Lord for the slaying of a righteous and innocent person. He could not even find a rational reason for incarcerating the Lord Jesus, let alone crucifying Him. Those present inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding country were persistent in demanding that this Innocent One be slain. 

They had become so irrational and filled with hatred that they were willing to accept responsibility for the shedding of His blood, even through they could not prove one fact that would make Him guilty of any crime. Let “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Mt. 27: 14-15, 25 

What a horrible judgment to pronounce upon any generation of descendants.


THE WORDS OF THE PROPHET. 
The words of a prophet were often like thunder and lightning, a bolt out of the blue skies. Their words were shocking and awe inspiring. Ezekiel was to address Jerusalem as the city of the “rebellious house.” Eze. 24:3 

Also she is named to be a “bloody city.” Eze. 24:7 

This gives us a bit of a comprehension of the feelings of the Lord toward that city and its inhabitants who were guilty of the death of the Lord Jesus. This prophetic utterance contains a very interesting concept. The sign of the shedding of blood is evident in her very midst. It is not hidden from view but is very plainly seen. The blood of the innocent was poured on the bare rock. Eze. 24:7 NIV. 

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the rock of the living God. Rom. 9:33 

The rock was to be deposited, of the Lord, in Sion. Rom. 9:31 

Contrary to Law, the blood was poured forth on the rock and was not covered with dust, in accordance to the Law. The evidence of that blood was never hidden but remains evident to all, even to this day. 

The cry of the Lord against the city of bloodshed was one of revenge. She would be destroyed and burned with fire. All of her beauty would be ravished and the judgment of the Almighty would rest upon her. This is the curse that they invoked upon themselves and upon their children. 

What a horrible crop religious hatred and violence produce.

  



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  58

ISAIAH PROPHESIED OF A PEOPLE TO COME. 
While some will apply this prophetic utterance to the natural, physical people, it must in all reality be applied to the spiritual nation and kingdom of the Lord. Both Zion and Jerusalem are referred to as being the city of the living God, the heavenly or that which is eternal. In order to enjoy such a beautiful application, the reference must be to the Spiritual and not the natural. Heb. 12:22 

Revealing the future accomplishments of the Lord in His church, to Isaiah, the Lord also made plain a portion of His character. We never think of the Lord as being anxious about anything. However, when it comes to the final work of the Lord in His church, there is a measure of restlessness and desire that His plan be consummated. For He will not hold His peace, or be silent nor will He rest, be at peace or remain quiet until the Bride is fully prepared for the wedding of all weddings. Isa. 62:1


TWO ELEMENTS WHICH RELATE THIS PROPHECY TO THE BRIDE. 
The first is a manifest righteousness that is the very righteousness of the Lord. It translates into a light, a brightness, a glowing light and brilliancy that is nothing less than the fullness of the glory of the Lord. It is comparable to the transfigured Christ on the mount. Mt. 17:2 

The perfect church will glow with that same indwelling Being, who is LIGHT. 1 John 1:5 

Jesus prayed that those who followed Him would posses the same glory that was seen in Him. Jn. 17:22 

Reminds one of the old song, “Tis a glorious church.” Do we believe it? We had better, or we will miss the greatest act of God of all ages, the perfection of the church. As a capstone, she is seen as the woman of Revelation twelve. Clothed with the completeness of the glory of the Lord. As brilliant as the sun. Shining forth in righteousness and a flame with the inward presence of the true and living God, who is Himself fire. Heb. 12:29 

The last day church, the perfect church, the bride of Christ is in every way and measure precisely what her Bridegroom is. He is her head. She is His body. The two are perfectly joined together and thereby become one. Identical, possessing the same Spirit. Having the same nature. Motivated as one unit. In perfect and absolute harmony. Knit together by the great and marvelous love of the living God, which permeates and fills every fiber of their relationship. We see them being exactly what the Lord is and that is LOVE. Eph. 4:15-16 

It is the New Jerusalem that is seen proceeding forth from the Lord, as a Bride dressed for a wedding. Rev. 21:2

She alone fulfills the requirement of the Lord for a Bride. Light emanates from within her. She is like pure crystal, glistening, filled with and reflecting the very glory of the Lord. She is utterly transparent, nothing hidden, no ulterior motives to be found in her. Rev. 21:11 

No evil, no unrighteousness will ever be found in her. There will be no possibility of a reoccurrence of the insurrection in the first heaven which was perpetrated by Lucifer himself. This is the crowning piece of the work of the Lord in developing a people for His names sake. They are the real thing for they are Spiritual.    

     


            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  59

A NEW NAME. 
Most of the names given in the Bible have a special meaning or purpose to them. They are often prophetic of an event in the life of the individual or in the nation. The Lord has said that He would have a people with a NEW NAME which He would give them. With the change of name there will also be a change of character. For instance, Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah. Gen. 17:5, 15. Jacob to Israel, accompanied by a definite change of his nature. Gen. 32:28 


That NEW NAME will produce in those who receive it a great and marvelous transformation of their entire being, spirit, soul and body. This is a name imparted by none other that the Lord. With the name is given also the authority and power of the name. It is a full power of attorney. Isa. 62:2 

In that name is the ability to act and perform all the works of the Lord, just as He would. Jesus called them greater works. John 14:12 

Admittedly, the church has done great and mighty works but the greatest is yet to be seen. 


THEY ARE TO BE A SPECTACULAR PEOPLE. 
They are in the hands of the Lord. What a blessed place to be. No need of guardian angels when we are in His hands. The evidence of this people being in the hand of the Lord is seen in the petition of the Psalmist for the Lord to send His hand from on high and deliver him from the “great waters” and the hand of strangers. Ps. 144:7 

The fulfillment is noted in the deliverance of his glorious Bride from the waters spewed out by the serpent. Rev. 12:15-16 

The right hand, the Lord Jesus, [seated at the right hand of the throne. Heb. 12:2] is the one who gives His people direction and keeps them in His blessed nail scarred hand. Ps. 139:10 

No man has the ability to pluck His redeemed, His people from His hand. John 10:29 

What a wonderful place of refuge. His people, His Bride, in His hands will reach full maturity and perfection for He will not desert the work of His hands until it reaches its completion. Ps. 138:8


IN HIS HANDS HIS PEOPLE ARE THE MANIFESTATION OF HIS GLORY. 
Those who are to be in His Bride will have fully put on, or have become robed with Christ. They have been elevated to His status and totally anointed and saturated with the Christ of God. Gal. 3:27 

Called to be kings and priests unto the Lord they have thoroughly occupied their offices and are executing their duties to perfection. Rev. 1:6 

To put on Christ is to wear the garb of the High Priest which was given them for “beauty and glory.” Ex. 28:2 

When the Lord has completed His plans for the Bride of Christ she will be the most glorious woman to have ever been seen on this earth. She is of royal nature because she has been formed and begotten of the King of kings. She is seen crowned with a diadem of twelve stars. Brilliant, light giving bodies of light that surround her head in that crown of glory and the royal diadem. Isa. 62:3, Rev. 12:1 

The Lord will glorify His people with the very glory that illustrates His very own being.  




                THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  60

THE CHANGE. 
The people, no more, no longer to be called “Forsaken.” A situation which developed because of their disobedience. For a nation which had known the Lord, and then lost contact with Him through their refusal to follow the Word, there would be great emptiness of heart and spirit. 

A person's life, without the Lord, regardless of status or wealth, is most empty. The Lord, in creating mankind, built into them a desire for things pertaining to a knowledge of the Lord and things eternal. Note Eccl. 3:11b NIV 

The Lord has “set eternity in the hearts of men.” A hunger and longing that nothing but the Lord can satisfy. Religious associations are but a club, a gathering of “do gooders” with works that only salve the conscience. The inner man is left in utter desolation. The land is left “Desolate.” Empty and barren like a desert. No growth. No crops. For an agricultural nation a pathetic condition. Isa. 62:4


THE EFFECT OF THE CHANGE. 
The new name, the new nature. Now called “Hephzibah.” The one in whom the Lord now delights. She is the joy and rejoicing of the Lord. What an amazing change in the attitude of the Lord toward His people. From a position that was negative to one of positive enthusiasm for she is now to be the delight of His heart and life. In exchange for desolation she shall be called “Beulah” or married. Isa. 62:4

He has elevated her to the highest of positions, to be His wife. The barren one is exhorted to break forth into song for she shall be exceedingly fruitful. Where at one time she was barren. now she will become a mother many times over. Isa. 54:1 

The assurance of the consummation of this prophecy is unquestionable. The one who created the Bride, her Husband, is the Lord of hosts. This is His goal and purpose in developing a people for Himself. From them, He will obtain a Bride. This has been His aim from the beginning of the plan of salvation, from its planning stages in eternity. Isa. 34:5 

The Lord saw her in her desperate condition a woman who was forsaken and grieved in spirit. Down trodden and cast aside. Forlorn and greatly discouraged. He called her to leave her situation of doubt and gloom and to enter into the glories of His presence and Spirit, that He might bestow all the completeness of His mercies upon her. Isa. 54:6-7 

The young man is seeking His bride, a virgin. Paul would present the church to the Lord Jesus as a chaste virgin. She is His and will be ready for the marriage.  2 Cor. 11:2 

It is not her sons who marry her but her builder (YLT), who will marry her. The Hebrew word is ben or son, or the builder of the family name. The foundation stone of a dynasty. The Lord Jesus will find exceeding great pleasure in His consecrated Bride. There will be nothing but perfect harmony in that marriage. The Lord will greatly rejoice over her. Isa. 62:5 

She is the consummate work of the Lord in developing a people for Himself. His joy will be twofold. That of having achieved His goal and of having a wife precisely like Himself. That church that will manifest the very effulgence of His glory. Glorified to the utmost. Eph. 5:27      



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  61

A PEOPLE FOR HIS INHERITANCE. 
Through the Passover Lamb they had pledged themselves to the Lord and He had wrought a work of deliverance for them. They were looking for an escape from the “iron furnace” of affliction and suffering. The Lord was seeking a people whom He could call His very own possession, His inheritance. 

He elevated them from servitude to be His heritage. He placed a value, an evidence of worth and importance that was far above the wealth of all the riches of the world. How dear, how precious they were to become to His heart. 

He could easily have created a people with the exact nature and being that He desired Israel to be, but no, His plan is to work with a tested and tried people. Those who have been through the fire and have come out purified. That day, He confessed them to be His people. Deut. 4:20 


THEIR STATUS. 
They were called to be a “holy people.” This is a divine stipulation that the Lord places on any people whom He has called and chosen. His qualifications have not changed from generation to generation. It is still His demand that those who are called by His name be a holy people. 

The Lord is Holiness, to be His, is to be holy like Him. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord, much less be a member of His body. Heb. 12:14 

Those who are His people, whether then or now, are a “special people.” Today, it is not because of the race into which they have been born, but because they have been born of the Spirit of the Lord. They are His “peculiar treasure,” His jewels, His particular fortune, valued above all elements and commodities in heaven and earth. 

What a tremendous price He has paid for His people. The blood of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus. No wonder He treasures them so highly. The are “above all people.” Exalted and lifted up. Ultimately to reign with Him on His throne. Deut. 7:6 

Think of them as the scriptures show them to be, a NATION, of whom every citizen is a King and a Priest unto the Lord.   


IF. 
Merely two letters, but highly significant, when it comes to hearing His voice and being obedient to His will and desire. 

Obedience is so vital to Christian living. The Lord has prepared a very special life style for those who would be His people. Would we but hear His voice and follow the pattern that He has established, life would be wonderful and joyous, even in times of difficulties and trials. They were also to keep covenant. 

A covenant establishes responsibilities on both parties, as to its agreements and provisions. Certainly the greatest requirement that can be required of us is to hear His voice and be obedient to the same. 

Every promise that He has made in His covenant must be fulfilled on behalf of the person who is maintaining their part of the covenant, just hearing and doing what the Word asks of us. Simple, yet so profound. Ex. 19:6 

While we live under the New Covenant it can only accomplish the purposes for which it was made when there is a hearing ear and an obedient heart. 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  62

A PROPHETIC WORD PERTAINING TO OUR DAY. 
The Lord spoke out against a religious, yet wicked people. They are those who use mean and harsh words when speaking against the Lord. Yet they question that they have opposed the Lord with their words. What have we said? Mal. 3:13

It is more than a coincidence that the words of the Lord sound a good deal like insight into today's generation. Here is what they have said. It is a vain, profitless and futile thing to serve the Lord. Why should we be bound by the instructions of His Word? 

Even in the pulpits, wisdom (the wisdom of man) is substituted for the Word. There is a dearth, a famine of the preaching of the Word. Now, the proud, the arrogant, the presumptuous are termed to be happy. They are the ungodly who seem to do nothing but continue to live a godless life and prosper in so doing. Ps. 73:12 

The wicked are exalted and lifted up. Advanced and praised. They tempt the Lord challenging Him to judge them in their wickedness. There is no fear of God in them. 

The good are despised and persecuted. The wicked are advanced and praised. Though they tempt and challenge the Lord, they seem to escape judgment, at least in this life and for the present time. Mal. 3:14 Note Mal. 2:17


GROSS WICKEDNESS A SIGN OF IMPENDING REVIVAL. 
Under such circumstances the righteous are alerted to the need of standing for righteousness. Because they honor the Lord, their conversations are about Him. 

The Lord hears this special dialogue among His people, just as He hears every word spoken by men. Only these words of wisdom and spiritual meaning are recorded by the Lord in a book of His remembrance. He takes particular interest in those who fear, or honor and worship Him.

Especially, those who love and give homage to His name. It was the responsibility of Aaron and his sons, as high priests, to invoke the name of the Lord upon the children of Israel. 

With the pronouncement of His name upon them came the blessing of the Lord. The blessing of the Lord was in the acknowledgment of His name, and still is. This was important for their protection and care. Num. 6:27 

To fully know and acknowledge the significance of the name of the Lord and to use His name in our worship will bring deliverance. There is liberty and freedom in His name. Ps.91:14 

His name is not God, that is simply His title. There are gods of every kind and nature, trees, stones, evil spirits and so on and on, which are exalted and promoted by the peoples of the earth. The true and living God is the person who introduced Himself as the LORD and at the same time proclaiming that to be His name. Isa. 42:8 

The LORD, Jehovah, the great I AM, the self-existent one, everlasting and eternal. All sufficiency is to be found in Him. What a glorious privilege is ours to be called by His name. Those who are really His, will lovingly and profusely declare His name for they themselves are called by His name. He calls His own by His name which He has given to them. It identifies them with Him. Isa. 43:7




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  63

THEY SHALL BE MINE. 
Finally, fully and completely His possession. Dedicated, consecrated and sold out to Him. He will achieve His goal of a people who are no longer a mixture of flesh and spirit, but have reached the apex of their call and have received His likeness, in its full complement. His people will achieve a standard and a relationship where they may say with fullness of emotion, “My beloved is mine, and I am His.” Song 2:16

This is the kinship that He has sought with His people from the beginning. It is a heavenly marriage, made on earth, that will last during the eternity to come. World without end. 


HIS JEWELS. 
He will gather His jewels together and see to it that they are finished, highly polished and shining in their perfection. To the church at Philadelphia the Lord wrote of the New Jerusalem, with a promise that every one who overcame would be a part of that great and marvelous city. 

As pillars, they would become permanent residents and have their place as the temple of the Lord. Also, the Lord would write upon them the name of His God and Father. 

You see, He considers His name to be of great worth and imparts the same to those who believe on His name. 

They will also be inscribed with the title of the city, the New Jerusalem; that, which from the beginning has been the goal of the whole plan of salvation. 

Likewise, He who had been the Logos, will place His new name, the name of the Lord Jesus Christ upon them. A name that was given to Him of His Father. Rev. 3:11 


HIS EXCEEDING PRECIOUS AND COSTLY GEMSTONE. 
That tremendous city, the New Jerusalem, the true HOLY CITY. None other can even begin to compare with the sanctity and purity of that city. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that will ever defile it. Heaven has been defiled by the fall of Lucifer. 

A repeat of that catastrophe is impossible in the New Jerusalem. She is the city that Abraham started out to discover. Now, in the end of the age, and that soon, she will be completed and glorified. She is the wife of the Lamb. Rev. 21:9 

She possesses, and is possessed by, the fullness of the glory of the Lord. Her light is the light of the Lord. Brilliant and shining in full strength. She is like a stone of extremely great value. As a matter of fact, there is nothing of greater value than His Bride. 

She is blazing as the sun and reflecting the light of the glory of the Lord. Every color known to the Lord will shine forth from her. It is a known fact that there are colors beyond the spectrum that is visible to man. She is more glorious than any sunrise or sunset. She has the appearance of a jasper stone or a diamond. 

That New Jerusalem is most amazing for she is transparent, as clear as crystal. Crystals are hexagonal in shape and six is the number of man. The city is made up of those lively stones that have been rescued and redeemed. She is the jewel of the Lord. Perfect and priceless, the everlasting and eternal Bride of Christ. Rev. 21:10-11 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  64

THE PORTION OF THE LORD, IS HIS PEOPLE. 
It demonstrates the value that the Lord places on those who will become His. The scripture plainly stated that, “the Lords portion is His people.” Deut. 32:9a. 

The same theme may be found in the writing of Paul to the Ephesian church, when he mentioned, “the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Eph. 1:18 

Looking at it from a human standpoint it does not appear that the Lord is receiving much of an estate. However, when we consider the tremendous price that He paid for His people, we begin to understand the high value that He has placed on those who are His own. Jesus purchased His church with His own life's blood, which was a demonstration of the immensity of His love for her. Acts 20:28 

The evidence of His inheritance is evidenced in those who love Him, who dedicate their life to Him. They are a true source of worship, adoration and praise unto Him in a manner that angels are unable to give to Him. 

True and deeply meaningful worship comes from a heart that has been redeemed and is filled with appreciation for the mighty work that He has accomplished in them.


THE REDEEMED ARE THE RECIPIENTS OF HIS ESTATE. 
Never has there been such extremely great riches left to any heir. The heirs of the Lord inherit every good and spiritual gift that is a part of what the Lord is in all the virtues that grace His being. 

Usually. when we think of our inheritance in Christ Jesus we think of the benefits that He has abundantly bestowed on His people, such as salvation, healing, the infilling of the Spirit and the help that He gives us in our daily living. 

Paul, in His letter to the Ephesians reaches out to greater things than just those elements pertaining to this life. For instance, he wrote of the “riches of His glory.” There is no limit to the glory of the Lord that He would reveal in the midst of His people if only they would condition themselves spiritually to receive His most abundant glory. 

It is here, when being filled, literally inundated and flooded with the glory of the Lord, that we find the spiritual life we so desperately need. 

This is the source of the strength of the Lord for our lives. Bathing in His presence, in His glory, the inner man, the spiritual man is empowered with the dynamite of the Lord. However mighty our past experiences have been, in the Lord, there is yet so exceedingly much, much, more that He has for us. His glory is inexhaustible. Eph. 3:16 

Consider the statement of the Lord Jesus as He conversed with the Father. His desire was that the SAME glory which the Father had bestowed upon Him might be passed along to those in this world who would follow Him. John 17:22 

The fullness of His life, of His glory, of His complete ability and ministry has been delegated to the church. This is our inheritance in Him. Oddly enough, heirs are usually quite eager to have the estate divide and to receive their portion. How about us, church? 

It seems like an over simplification, but an outpouring of the glory of the Lord in the hearts and lives of the church would solve most of the problems that are found today in the church and in the personal lives of its members. We desperately need a revival!




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  65

THE REDEEMED ARE HIS PEOPLE. 
Except they acknowledge the blood of the sacrifice of the Lord, the precious blood of Jesus, they cannot be His people. Jesus freely gave of Himself that He might rescue us from all iniquity and thereby cleanse, purify, purge His people from their wicked acts, thoughts and deeds. 

They are that people who are most unusual in this world. They are different for they have been separated from the longings and desires of worldliness. They are His very special people, who have a strong desire to do the will of the Lord. Titus 2:14 

They have received abundantly of the riches of His mercy and grace. Their sins are pardoned, forgiven and blotted out of the memory of the Lord. Eph. 1:7


THEY ARE PREDESTINED. 
Chosen, but not to the exclusion of others. Predestined by having claimed their inheritance. They reacted favorably to the call of the Gospel and accepted the Lord Jesus as their savior and Lord. They acknowledged the sovereignty of the Lord over their lives. Having committed themselves to His will and keeping, they submit to His purposes for their lives. Eph. 1:11 

The thought of predestination must be linked to His ultimate goal and that is to be adopted into the family of the Lord and to become His people. Those who are His, He will conformed to the likeness of Christ. Not after the resurrection, but in the here and now, He is calling and developing a holy nation. Eph. 1:5


HIS RICHES ARE BEYOND THE GREATEST IMAGINATION OF MAN. 
They are called, “unsearchable,” beyond the comprehension of human kind. His riches far exceed the value of temporal things such as silver, gold, diamonds and all things that are of great price. His riches are more that the wealth of this earth. They are spiritual and eternal. 

Things spiritual are of far greater value for they are eternal and everlasting. The riches of this world will perish but the riches of the Lord are imperishable. This was the message that Paul was commissioned to take to the gentiles that they might inherit their portion of the riches of Christ Jesus. Eph. 3:8 

He is the Lord of the limitless. His love surpasses all knowledge and experiences of love between humanity. His love is pure, it is perfect, it is absolute, it is unchangeable and it is all powerful. That amazing love elevates those who receive its inheritance to a status that is absolutely awesome. 

They are indeed to become the Temple of the Lord but not in a casual fashion. They are to be the recipients of their inheritance and are to be filled with all the fullness of the Lord. Eph. 3:19 

The fullness of the Godhead was in Christ. We are made complete in Him, therefore our whole being has the capacity to experience the fullness of the life of Christ. Col. 2:9-10 

While all this is difficult to comprehend, especially when we consider that we are but human beings, nevertheless, it is His Word, and He will accomplish His Word in His people. The capability that we have in Christ, and our complete lack of utilizing the tremendous power of the Lord, is staggering. We have so much available to us - and still we exercise so little of our inheritance.




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  66

A PROPHETIC SONG CONCERNING THE VINEYARD OF THE LORD. 
A song to be sung to the well beloved. In this case none other than the Lord Jesus. Mt. 3:17 

It was His possession, prepared for His good pleasure. He had established it in a very fruitful and productive hill, Mount Zion. The Lord made every possible preparation for its safety. All the stones and obstructions were removed, the ground prepared; there He planted His vineyard with the very best, the choicest vine possible. There is no question as to whom the Lord is referring in this prophecy. His vine was delivered from Egypt. The heathen, the stones, were removed from His land. And there He planted that choice vine. Ps. 80:8  

A tower was built that the entire garden would be in the view of the watchman, so that all impending danger might be spotted and guarded against. Ezekiel was just such a watchman and had been appointed by the Lord to take the word of the mouth of the Lord, and proclaim its warning to them. Eze. 33:7 

The Lord also prepared a winepress that the ripe grapes might be harvested and wine prepared for their joy. Then He waited for a fruitful crop, a bountiful harvest of ripe, mature grapes. Isa. 5:1-2 

The Lord expressed His disappointment through the prophet Jeremiah, declaring that He had planted a “noble vine” yielding the richest of fruit. By association and the choice of the Lord, they were His people and therefore the elite of the earth. Jer. 2:21 

 
A CALL FOR JUDGMENT TO BE MADE BY THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM.
The question of the Lord addressed to them was simple and very understandable; “What more could the Lord have done?” Filled with expectation, the Lord anticipates good things, a good crop from those whom He had so abundantly blessed. 

Instead of a great crop, because of all the careful preparation which the Lord had made, the yield of the vineyard was extremely disappointing to Him. Rather than good fruit it produced wild, sour grapes. Grapes of a corrupt and repulsive sort. Useless and completely undesirable. Isa. 5:4 

Consider and take heed to the rebuke of the Lord against such an attitude and people. They had become a people who refused and completely rejected any correction whatsoever. 

They themselves had taken the sword to the prophets sent by the Lord. Their refusing the Lord was complete. They had come to a place of complete self-sufficiency, in their own eyes, and had refused to seek the Lord. Jer. 2:30-31 

Provoking the Lord to call them by a new name, that is, “reprobate silver” for the Lord had now rejected them. Jer. 6:30 

The Lord had tried to purify and sanctify His people from their filthiness or lewdness, but they resisted and refused to be cleansed, rather preferring their wicked ways. Therefore the fury of the Lord would be manifest against them. 

What a horrible pronouncement of an impending judgment that would rest upon them. The Lord also stated very emphatically that He would not repent of His purposes toward them. Certain and positive punishment. Eze. 24:13-14




                          THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  67

THE REACTION OF THE LORD TOWARD HIS VINEYARD.  
The hedge and the wall are to be removed allowing stock to devour it and the feet of the enemy to tread upon it. Beyond that, it would be laid waste, remain unpruned which would permit it to grow wild and completely unchecked. 

The ground would not be dug or prepared. Replacing the vine, quite naturally, would come briars and thorns, trials, disruptions and difficulties. The clouds and rain from the Lord would utterly bypass them causing a total drought. Isa. 5:6-7 

Not wishing to further belabor the point may it just be said that in many scriptures and ways the Lord caused his prophets to prophesy the demise of the vine, that had been.


A NEW BEGINNING. 
This time, it is not the people who are planted as a vine, but a Person, the Lord Jesus. He is all things that are true and that manifest that which is the truth. He is the true vine. The only vine that bears life in itself. Unless one is joined to Him they cannot possibly have life eternal. He is the only source of all things that are everlasting. Jn. 15:1

As the light of the sun promotes growth in the flora of this earth, so He who is the true light creates spiritual growth in His vine, the New Testament Church. 1 Jn. 2:8 

He properly stated as being the “light of life.” Jn. 8:12 

Light is a vital necessity for life on this planet. The Lord placed this earth in the exact place in space that He might plant His vineyard. It is perfectly situated for the sun to shine in a beneficial manner and thus promoting life on our planet. He whose very essence is light dispenses life, both natural and spiritual life originate with Him.1 Jn. 1:5  

His people are a called people, called out of darkness into the marvelous light of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 

Those who are His vine are termed “children of light.” because they are of the day. 1 Thes.5:5 

From their walking in that light. Eph. 5:8 His people are clothed with the most effective armor, light, His light. Rom. 13:12 

His light is most effective in bringing knowledge, a knowledge of the glory of the Lord that is manifest in Christ Jesus to His people. Lord, please show forth your glory to your people. 2 Cor. 4:6 

Not only is He the light of the world but He, Himself dwells in light. An orb of light, of the glory of the Lord, surrounds Him and His throne. The Word tells us that He is so filled with light and so bright in His shining forth that He is a called a sun and shield. Ps. 84:11 

Do you just suppose that by taking all this into consideration we might come to an understanding of just where His throne is? 

The Jerusalem of the Lord - the "New Jerusalem" - will have all the characteristics of the Lord, for she is the temple of the Lord. There will be no darkness, ever, in her. Not even a shadow will be cast in her or by her. 

The Father and Lamb, will be her light and will permeate every fiber of her being. Time will no longer exist. There will never be one single night in that city of the eternal glory of the Lord. Rev. 22:5 

The warmth, the joy of a sunny day will be magnified beyond measure as the people of the Lord live and flourish in that blessed and only eternal city, the New Jerusalem, His Bride. Rev. 21:10




             THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  68

THE PEOPLE GATHERED UNTO SHILOH. 
“A primitive root meaning to be tranquil, i.e., secure or successful. To be happy, prosper or be in safety. Strongs.” Shiloh is a prophetic name or title given to the Lord Jesus, the Messiah. The importance of this name to our subject is the fact that “the people shall be gathered unto Him.” Gen. 49:10 

Found in the Lord Jesus is the satisfaction of every human longing to know and understand the Lord. Jesus is the one who is the revelation and source of the grace of the Lord and origin of all truth. Jn. 1:17 

He is the gift of the Father, of that “true bread’ which has its roots in heaven. That true bread is none other than the Lord Jesus. Jn. 6:32 

Moreover, that bread is neither mystical nor is its content changed or transubstantiated, transformed into the flesh of Christ. However through the bread and the cup we acknowledge and confess the broken flesh and the shed blood of the Christ of God. By faith, for it is an act of faith, we look beyond that which is held in the hand and see Christ and Him crucified. 1 Cor. 11:29 

Jesus used the example of the eagles as a type of the church gathering for communion. The eagles gather around the body of their victim. The eagle feeds on the flesh and blood of other animals and so sustains its life. 

There is a certain grandeur as the eagle soars seeking its prey, then swoops down for the catch and its meal. There is an element of spirituality in the taking of the body and blood of Christ which cannot be found in any other spiritual exercise. 

There is a drawing near, a closeness, true contact and communication which seals and ratifies the relationship between Christ and His church. The eagles, the spiritually minded, seek out the body, the sacrifice and gather around it. It is a time of unity and deep communication with our Lord. Luke 17:37 


THE VINE. 
The new vine is started from a stick or a rod cut off of the old vine. Then planted, preferably in sand (A type of humanity), until it begins to sprout. It may then be transplanted and will grow into a vine, bearing fruit. The rod of the Lord was that who descent was from Jesse, the Lord Jesus. Isa. 11:1 

That stick, taking root and growing into a vine stands as an ensign, a banner, a rallying place, a gathering of the people. The Gentiles in particular are to assemble to Him. He is their rest and refuge. Isa. 11:10 

The remnant of those who had been His people, but were scattered abroad may also hear the call and respond, as some will, but not all. Isa. 11:11-12 

Salvation is not to any one race but is extended to all by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The ensign is not the cross, but the one crucified on a cross for mankind, the Lord Jesus Christ. The physical cross can never save anyone, the power of atonement is not to be found in it. 

If the whole of the original cross were found and displayed it would be nothing more that a piece of wood, dead and completely useless. We look to Jesus, the crucified one. Heb. 12:2 

He does not remain on the cross. The cross is not to be found in Heaven but Jesus the crucified is, as the crucified Lamb, He is the very heart, the center of the throne. The cross does not bear witness in heaven 
but the Lamb does. Rev. 5:6




             THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  69

THE VINE, THE STEM. 
The stem indicates that which has been cut down. The lineage of David not longer occupied the throne of Israel. Yet, the promise that the Messiah would come from that line was still intact. So, that which for all practical purposes no longer existed and was dead, was renewed and made alive in Jesus. Though the root had waxed old in the earth and the stock thereof had died in the ground. Job 14:8 

In the time appointed by the Lord there came to life that stem, that progeny, to whom the kingdom had been promised. Isa. 11:1


THE VINE, THE BRANCH. 
The prophet Zechariah beautifully connects the branch to the Lord Jesus in his prophetic utterances. He proclaimed the humanity, the coming of a man who will bear the name of the BRANCH. 

The one who is to be the beginning, the root, the sprout, to bring forth that which is to become the people of the Lord. A new vine, a new race, a people who inherit eternal life, thorough the man, Christ Jesus. He is the progenitor, the start of that people who will be built in to the true temple of the Lord. Zech. 6:12 

Zechariah spoke as the oracle of the Lord declaring that He would be the handiwork of the Lord. That He originate with and came forth from the Father. He came as a servant, serving both His Father and the people. To the Father He was the love and delight of His Fathers heart. Perfectly serving His purpose, and doing so in complete and absolute obedience. Never was there any resistance to the will of the Father. Zech. 3:8


THE RIGHTEOUS BRANCH. 
He was to be that BRANCH out of the posterity of David who would be a King who would prosper in His leadership of His people. Ruling and reigning in wisdom, while executing perfect justice and judgment in His kingdom. Jer. 23:5 

It is fitting that such a person be recognized as THE LORD (JEHOVAH) would be the righteousness of His people. Jer. 23:6 

This statement is to be repeated one more time by Jeremiah, only there is a difference of one word. Instead of this being HIS NAME it is to be HER name. The reference is obviously to Jerusalem. 

As we have already noted in past studies the interest of the Lord is not the natural city but that city which is eternal, in the heavens. That is, the New Jerusalem. The thrilling statement made by Jeremiah places the very same name and righteousness on her, the Jerusalem of the Lord. 

The unity of the Bride is unconditional. She has been elevated to a place where she is the recipient of the fullness of all that He is - His righteousness, His purity floods her spirit and being. 

The might, the power of His name Jehovah is a portion of her inheritance. She is His, totally His, committed fully to His eternal purpose. Jer. 33:15 

His Bride will be on display as the ultimate handiwork of the Lord and will remain so throughout the ages of eternity. She is the result of the manifold wisdom of the Lord. She is living proof of the ability of the Lord to produce an effective plan and carry it throughout to its fruition. Eph. 3:10




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD 70

THE TRUE VINE AND ITS BRANCHES. 
The real, the spiritual, the everlasting and ever living fruitful vine. This is a vine that will continue to grow and bear fruit, even into eternity. The purpose of the planting of a vine is to be able to harvest its fruit. 

THIS IS THE TRUE VINE! 
The vine bearing and revealing the truth of the Lord. The vine is the possession of the Father, for it is He who prepared the ground and planted the vine. He is the keeper and the husbandman of the vine. John 15:1 

In the Lord Jesus we find the root and the trunk of the vine. The branches are the result of the growth of the vine. The leaves, the blooms, the fruit is to be found as an evidence of life and growth, in this instance, picturing spiritual growth in all those connected to the vine. John 15:2


THE ACTION OF THE HUSBANDMAN TOWARD THE BRANCHES. 
Every branch, indicating all - the total number of the unfruitful branches - are removed. This action taken, even though the branches are “in Christ.” These are branches of which Jesus said, are in me, showing that they have had a good connection to the stalk, the Lord Jesus. 

Now, for whatever reason, they did not bear fruit, making them utterly useless to the husbandman. This is a principle that may be applied to both the Old Testament people, and to the New Testament believers, fruitlessness causes permanent separation from the vine. John 15:2 

These branches are those which “died on the vine.” Not only were they fruitless but they were withered and dried up. They did not maintain their spirituality and continue on “in Christ.” 

Note the strong wording, they were “cast forth,” completely separated and thrown aside. They then are gathered, and again, “cast into the fire.” Spiritually they had lost that sweet presence of the Lord in their lives and did nothing to restore a healthy relationship with Christ. A dire warning indeed, to which we might all well pay heed. John 15:6


NOW YOU ARE CLEAN THROUGH THE WORD. 
Consider carefully that, it was the spoken Word which caused them to be clean in the sight of the Lord Jesus. His messages and teachings had a strong and positive effect on them and wrought a work of sanctification in them. John 15:3 

The hearing of the Word is essential to spiritual growth. For, it is through the hearing of the Word that faith is created. Rom. 10:17 

EVERY branch which remains - in order to bear fruit - must be purged, pruned, cut back, separated from the flesh. The pruning of the grape vine may seem excessive to the neophyte but to the trained eye, it is vital. 

The sanctification of the Word is emphasized in Paul's writings concerning the bride. She is to be sanctified and cleansed by the washing of the water of the Word. Eph. 5:26 

The Word may at times come to us as the soft dew of the night while at other times it is indeed a sharp two-edged sword. We are fortunate if we have the kind of nature which quickly responds to the gentleness of the dew. If it takes the sword, then let it be, only that we are washed and prepared for that all important wedding. 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  71

THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE VINE. 
“I AM,” the vine. Proclaimed emphatically and without equivocation. One of the several times where Jesus, in His ministry, is to make the same positive statement concerning the position and authority which is His. No one else ever fits the divine requirements of being a living, spiritual vine. 

Those who are His are joined to the vine, therefore He identifies them as the branches. How could one ask for a closer relationship. Unified, made to be one in Christ Jesus. He is the source of all sustenance and strength. The branches are firmly linked to the trunk of the vine. The exact, identical life stream that is in the roots and the trunk will flow through the branches. 

The key word of these words of the Lord Jesus is, abide, to remain with a solid contact and connection to the source of life. What a blessed statement, remaining in constant fellowship, to dwell securely, in Him. Not only are we in Him, but He is also in us. The possibilities of the manifestation of the full life of Christ in the church are beyond reckoning. 

When we are in Him, and He is in us, the glory and the power of the Lord will be revealed in the church in a mighty way. The modern day church is not enjoying the complete benefits which are ours in the Lord Jesus. There should be no difference between the trunk of the vine and its branches. The world and the church will yet see the full demonstration and the mighty power of such a blessed alliance between Christ and His true church. John 15:4-5


KNOW THE TRUTH OF HIS PROMISES. 
“If,” denoting the fact that the possibilities of the life of Christ being revealed in the church depends on the spiritual desire and actions of the branches. The responsibility and the fulfillment of the promises of Jesus remains with the branches abiding in that person who is the way, the truth and the life, [incidentally, another, I Am]. John 14:6 

What is the limitation to His words,” ye shall ask what ye will?” Which is then followed with a positive promise that, “it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7 

There are absolutely no limits expressed in these words of the Lord Jesus. Everything, but everything, every promise in the Word that believers chose will be accomplished for the branches who are abiding in the vine. To put it bluntly, if we ask and do not receive, we have either asked with the wrong purpose in mind. James 4:3 Or, the connection to the vine is in some manner lacking, improper or even broken. 

The evidence of a true and strong connection to the trunk of the vine is in the answer which is received to our asking. Note, He did not say plead, beg or manipulate but in faith in His Word ask and then receive. 

Remember the Lord has the prerogative of saying no, to our requests, particularly if what we are requesting would not be beneficial to us and instead would harm us. The sign of a good branch, with a proper and strong connection, is that of fruit. We have a definite and positive measurement with which we may evaluate ourselves and if there is a need for correction, make it. The power and glory of the Lord Jesus must be identified with His branches.  
    



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  72

THE FATHER IS HONORED BY A FRUIT BEARING PEOPLE. 
The greater the crop the more the Father is glorified. Fruit bearing is a result of branches of obedience. The harvest of a people whose single and greatest desire is to live according to the will and desires of the Lord. They are not a half hearted people but make a strong and total commitment to the Lord. They are identified as being His disciples, a people whose desire to know Him better is never quenched. John 15:8 

Jesus was constantly teaching His disciples and ultimately revealing His God-like nature and the nature of the Father to them. He invited those of that day, and consequently all who would learn of Him in the world today, to learn of Him. There is no end of the wonders and marvels of His divine nature. The individual who thinks that they know all that here is to know about Him is spiritually dead. They have become separated from the vine. Mt. 11:29


LOVE, HIS AGAPE LOVE, TRUE AND PERFECT LOVE. 
A manner and type of love that can only be found in the Father. He is the very essence of love. The love which makes Him to be God, is a part of His basic nature. It is what He is in every facet of His Deity. John stated it beautifully when he wrote that, “God is love.” 1 John 4:16 

As light emanates from the Lord, “who is light,” and creates life, so love flows to all men, and is particularly transmitted to those who call upon His name. That love was made known and revealed in the Lord Jesus, who came and lived as a demonstration of the great and immense love that is the Father. Jesus, loved His disciples and urged them to continue in His love. Very obviously, He had imparted that heavenly love to them and urged them to continue in that love. John 15:9 

The people of the Lord are a people who live in and illustrate His love.


OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD CAUSES ONE TO DWELL IN HIS LOVE. 
Keep His commandments. Did He desire to return His people to the keeping of the law of Moses? Most definitely not! What are His commandments to us today? The simple answer is in one word, love. Every Christian knows this, but head knowledge is not sufficient. It must be put to practice in daily living. 

The first commandment is to reciprocate love to the one who is love. By loving Him with our whole heart, soul and mind. The totality of our life being dedicated to doing that which pleases Him. Not merely with the words of our mouth but in demonstration and deed. Mt. 22:17-18 

It is easy to love the Lord because He is so gracious and daily loads us with His benefits. The test of love and the proof of the fact that we are filled with His love is seen in our attitude toward our fellow man. Beginning with our own family, our mates and children. Then reaching out to the multitudes of mankind loving and caring for them like we would our ourselves and our very closest loved ones. The very first item mentioned in the list of the fruit of the Spirit is love. Gal. 5:22 

The Spirit implants the love of the Lord into our hearts and we can learn to love as He loves. His great love is the fragrance of that which is eternal and heavenly.        




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  73

JESUS CAME IN THE POWER AND SPIRIT OF THE LORD. 
The precious anointing oil, in its complete saturation, representing the blessed Holy Spirit, was upon Him. He came with the message of deliverance and liberty to all who are captives of sin and wickedness. Beauty and joy was to replace the ugliness of sin and its sorrows. 

Drastic changes are accomplished in the lives of those who accept Him as savior and Lord. Those who trust in Him were to be called “trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord.” Here we find Isaiah prophesying of that new vine which was to be the handiwork of His very own hands. Isa. 61:3 

A moving of the Spirit, whether it be in the life of an individual, or in a congregation, will always have one sure result, and that is a cleansing from unrighteousness, followed by a spirit of holiness manifesting itself among the people of the Lord. 

Be assured that the New Testament Zion and Jerusalem will be occupied by a people who have inherited the righteousness of the Lord. The living of that city are they whose names are written in the Lambs book of life. Isa. 4:3


A CALL TO SANCTIFICATION. 
If we will listen to the voice of the Spirit today, we will hear a call to be holy, even as He is Holy. When the Lord sanctifies His church - and rest assured that He will - there will be nothing that defiles, nor will there be any abominations of any kind to be found in that perfect church. No lie or liars will ever be found in her. She is the city of the Lamb and He will reign in perfect purity. Rev. 21:27 

Because it is the Word of the Lord, the scriptures are the sound of the voice of the Lord to us today. It is a call to awaken to the condition of the world wide church that claims to belong to the Lord but does not follow, nor come into submission to His Word. 

It is time to cast aside the robes of worldliness and put on the garments of the righteousness of Christ. They are garments of beauty and cleanliness, a wedding garment, if you please. There is a day set on the calendar of the Lord when all that defiles will be separated from the true body of Christ. The unrighteous will no more be found in her. Isa. 52:1 


THE VINE IS HIS. 
The Lord will cultivate, prune and train the vine to grow according to His desire. The plant will be brought up in the house of the Lord, under His tutorship and doctrine. 

The vine, in the end of the age, will flourish as no other vine ever has. Through the careful and tender care of the vine it will develop into a one of a kind. No imperfections. Never has there been a vine that can be compared to His last day vine. Ps. 92:13

Today there are many counterfeits and imitations of the true vine. In the process of caring for the vineyard the Lord will remove every fake and false vine. Jesus promised that every plant that had not been planted by the Lord would be plucked up and cast aside as a weed. The Lord will have a vine of His own choosing. A fruit bearing vine that will bring forth a bumper crop. Mt. 15:13    




                    THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  74

THE VISITATION OF THE LORD. 
A call that went forth from the Word of the Lord containing a message that He is seeking a people for Himself. The door is no longer closed to any race of people on the face of the earth. It is an all inclusive invitation to become the Lord’s particular people. In doing a new work, He would take out of the gentiles a people for His name. Acts 15:14 

However, as previously stated they will not be called according to race or human status. Jesus came first to His own, to Israel as a nation. At that time all who received Him became a part of that NEW NATION. His own, as a people, a nation, did not receive Him. But to all those who did receive Him, Jew and Gentile He gave power to become a son of God. John 1:11 

The rejection of their Messiah closed the door to Jewry and opened the door to the Gentiles. 


THE JEW FIRST. 
Jesus was born among them as one of their very own. Every prophecy concerning Him was fulfilled, from His birth to His death. This gospel was first preached to the Jew, but then, as prophesied, it was also taken to and presented to the Gentiles. Rom. 1:16 

The evil will be punished regardless of their race. As a matter of fact, the Jew is first in line, if he does evil to be punished of the Lord. Rom. 2:9 

Being first is not always a pleasant position to be in. For those who believe, who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, the blessings of the Lord will be manifest in their lives. The Jew first, but also (to the same degree) the Gentile. Rom. 2:10 

It must be understood that the people of the Lord are no longer from one race, but are now from every nation, every tongue, and every tribe on the face of the earth. Jesus came bringing the glory of the Lord to the people of Israel and was also a light to illuminate the Gentiles. To the one, He was the promised Messiah. To the other a light, shining in their darkness, bringing a revelation which they had no hope of ever beholding. Luke 2:31-32


A MYSTERY UNVEILED. 
That which was hidden is now openly revealed, to the Gentiles as the riches of the glory of the Lord. It is a precious and wonderful spiritual element which is nothing less than, “Christ in you,” which is the hope of glory. Col.1:27 

There is no greater presence than that of the Lord Jesus, and to think that He is willing to abide within the spirit of nature of those who are redeemed by the blood of Christ, is staggering. This is particularly directed at the so called "heathen nations" or the Gentles. His desire is to reveal the fullness of Himself to those who are the called of the Lord, be they Jew or Gentile. Rom. 9:23-24 

The Lord Jesus would withhold nothing of Himself and of His Divine nature when it comes to making Himself known and communicating with His people. It is His purpose that through the person of the Holy Spirit, His people become exactly what He is, and manifest the same works that He wrought while He ministered on this earth. As His ambassadors we have the same right and authority as found in Him. There is a real challenge here. Eph. 1:19    




                                      THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  75

PAUL HAD AN ALL DAY CONFERENCE AT ROME. 
During this session he expounded the gospel to them, both from the Law and the Prophets. Acts 28:23-24 

Some of the Jews believed and some did not. His parting words to them were taken from Isaiah regarding the very attitude that they had demonstrated at this meeting. They would hear the Word, but would not comprehend what was being said to them. They would see with their own eyes, both that which was declared in the Word of the Prophets, and the signs and wonders that followed the preaching of the gospel, but because of spiritual blindness they did not choose to see. 

Their hearts had become hardened and callused. They turned a deaf ear to what they had heard, while at the same time closing their eyes, lest they should see and come to an understanding of what was presented to them. In so doing, they rejected the salvation proffered them, which would cause them to lose the very things that were to be their full inheritance in the Lord. Acts 25:24-27  Isa. 6:9-10


THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR REJECTION OF THE GOSPEL. 
The change made from the former people to a new people. They rejected the salvation that the Lord had proclaimed to them through the prophets and the Word. Salvation was now to become the privilege of the Gentiles who would gladly hear and receive. Acts 28:28 

A new age, a new dispensation, had now come to order, and the door was opened to Jew and Gentile to share together in one great family, the family of the Lord. Paul stated that because of the rejection by the Jews, the gospel was now being preached to the Gentiles. Rom. 11:11 

Paul further rebuked the people of that day for their refusal to follow Christ. He said that it was necessary that they first hear the gospel, the Jew first. However, because they refused and disdained the message they had acclaimed themselves unworthy of everlasting life. Paul and Barnabas would now take the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, to the Gentiles. Acts 13:46 


THE NEW RACE. 
A people consisting of those who have been washed and redeemed by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus. His blood and His blood alone is the key to the salvation He has provided. No one will be included in the household of faith who has not been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. 

Every and any separation that previously existed between Jew and Gentile, who are now in Christ, is now completely eradicated. The wall that maintained the separation was destroyed, that is, the law of commandments and the ordinances. 

Now of the two groups, there is but one. They are united in Christ. The only recognition that the Lord gives in recognizing a person as belonging to His family and people is that of the new man. The new creature, that person who has been born of the Spirit and is now living in the power and blessing of he New Covenant. 

The Gentile is now loosed from his heathenish ways and the Jew freed from the bondage of religion and together they are amalgamated as one in the Lord. Eph. 2:14-15 




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  76

VESSELS OF WRATH. 
Not an epithet that would indicate anything that would be good and pleasant. Yet, it is a means whereby the Lord has chosen to identify those who having heard, deliberately and purposefully reject the message of the gospel of Christ. They resist, ridicule and often fight against the Word, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

It is an imperative that we understand that the Lord executed His wrath upon them after long periods of time, sometimes amounting to scores of years. The Lord is never hasty in His judgments but is long-suffering, merciful and patience when dealing with humankind. 

Nevertheless, there is an end to His willingness to put up with the wickedness of men. Each time He dealt with His people He had to exert much long-suffering but when they would not repent of their evil deeds He was forced to judge them, and much of the time very severely. There is nothing worse than being eternally cut off from the Lord. Rom 9:22


VESSELS OF MERCY, PREPARED FOR GLORY. 
A people in whom the Lord will make evident the “riches of His glory.” The thoughts and designs of the Lord are so much higher and deeper than ours that it is difficult to grasp the completeness of His intentions. Only through the revelation of the Word and the anointing of the Spirit can we even begin to understand the magnitude of His grand and glorious objective for those who are His people. Rom. 9:23 

He is seeking full occupancy of every vessel that would declare itself as belonging to Him. Through a love and a commitment that is absolute, one hundred percent, we can come to a relationship where we really know Him, walk with Him and are filled with “ALL THE FULNESS OF GOD.” Eph. 3:19 

We marvel at His magnanimous love. A love which He so abundantly bestows on all who will turn in confession and repentance from their sin. That is but the introduction of His love into our lives. As we continue to walk with Him and study His Word we become better acquainted with Him and hopefully {on our part}, more deeply involved in His love with a greater appreciation and love for Him. 

The Greek word, filled, which Paul used here, is a very beautiful word when it comes to explaining what the intent of the Lord is toward His church. According to Strongs, the word means “to make replete, or to literally cram.” Can you imagine what it would be like to be “crammed” with the Lord by His Spirit. The ecstasy, the blessing, the joy of that mighty presence filling every nook and cranny of our being. 

Anyone who has been filled with the Spirit has had at least an inkling, a down payment of that which is to come. We may have been “filled” with the Spirit, but many times that filling is limited by our capacity to receive. There is an ultimate, a final and eternal status that the Lord has prepared for those who would be His people. 

It is not something which should be put off and expected to be revealed, only in eternity and in heaven. The people of the Lord have been called to exemplify and manifest the life of Christ. An accomplishment which can only be reached by a people who have attained the” fulness of the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Eph. 4:13 

He has established a high and lofty goal for His people. 




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THE ATTITUDE OF THE LORD TOWARD PEOPLE IN GENERAL. 
It is well to remind ourselves that the author of the words we are about to consider was the Apostle Paul. A man who had been a vehement enemy of the church of the Lord Jesus. A person of whom it would be said in our day that he was a religious radical. A true proponent of the Law. A guardian and a defender of the same. Now, he speaks as one who has been truly converted to Christ. He carried a great burden for his own people, Israel, praying always for their conversion to Christ. Rom. 10:1 

So great was his concern, that he was willing to become a sacrifice by taking the place of those who were alienated from the Lord Jesus, because of their stubborn religious attitudes. He had wished himself lost and separated from the Lord Jesus if only they could have the experience that he had in the Lord. He was willing to change places with them that they might be saved. That is commitment. Rom. 9:3  


JESUS TREATS ALL ALIKE. 
Jesus, absolutely, makes no difference between the races of humanity. The riches of His blessings are made available to all peoples, without discrimination of any kind. Rom. 10:12

The true people of the Lord originate from every tongue, tribe, and nation. From all avenues of life and life styles. 

It is not the person nor the personality that He looks for, but the revelation of Himself in each and every individual who comes to Him. The standing or status is not what He is seeking. He does not need the wisdom nor the capabilities of any one individual. 

He called humble fishermen and made them to be true disciples and Apostles. He filled them with His wisdom and knowledge. In their humility, He exhalted them, anointed them, taught them and filled them with Godly wisdom. Col. 3:11 

Concerning Jesus, they questioned the source of His wisdom and ability to expound the Word. “How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?” John 7:15 

The wisdom and knowledge of the Lord exceeds the collective wisdom and knowledge of the whole of mankind. After all, He made all things and has left it all for us to discover and explore them. 


THE OPEN DOOR POLICY. 
By the simple act of calling on the name of the Lord, people are saved and brought into His kingdom. This is a promise that is available to the “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord.” There are two things here which demand out attention. The petitioner must come to the Lord and call upon His name. Rom. 10:12 

The pattern of repentance is very well laid out for us in the Word of the Lord. 

Confession must be with the mouth, therefore it must be verbal and audible. 

There must be an admission, not only of sins past, but also an acknowledgment that the name of Jesus is the only name of salvation, for salvation is in His name alone. 

Then the heart must believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. With the heart we believe and with the mouth confession is made unto the Lord. 

Confession to any other will only bring temporary relief. Confession to Christ will result in a change of life style. Rom. 10:9-10   




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HOW? 
How can they possibly call upon the name of the Lord when they do not believe in Him? Rom. 10:14 

Everyone who comes to Him must believe that Jesus is, and that He rewards the person who will diligently seek Him. He will deliver them from their sin and condemnation by means of the salvation which He has provided. Heb. 11:6 

However, it is an imperative that they hear the message of salvation. There are many religious voices in the world today but the Lord is able to cause the true message of salvation to be heard by such as desire to be saved. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of the Lord. Rom. 10:17 

How can they hear if the message is not sounded out? There must be a communicating voice. It is not the voice of a heavenly visitor that has been chosen, but the Word of the Lord declared by the means of a human being, who themselves have been saved and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.


HOW SHALL THEY PREACH? 
To the unsaved the communication must be simple, the basics of the gospel. To the saved there must come a maturity, a growing up, where the milk becomes insufficient, and a demand is made for the meat, the depths of the Word. The preacher must be one who has been commissioned by the Lord and consequently becomes a “sent one.”  Rom. 10:15a. 

Ordained by the Lord, with the vision and burden of one who stands between the living and the dead. A person in the ministry without the call of the Lord on their hearts is a misplaced person. As a result, they must rely on their own wisdom and learning in order to present a sermon to the people. The called will seek the anointing of the Spirit, they will seek His will for the hearers, they will declare His Word faithfully. Jer. 23:28b.


BEAUTIFUL FEET. 
Feet are not generally considered as a beautiful part of the body. They are very practical and extremely necessary. When Paul quoted from the prophecy of Isaiah (Isa. 52:7) it was not the natural appearance of the feet that was considered a thing of beauty, but the message that was proclaimed by the mouth. Beauty is in the Word and most certainly not in the flesh. The most beautiful feet that have ever been or ever will be were those of the Lord Jesus. Not because of their physical attractiveness but because of their destiny. His feet were to be pierced. Ps. 22:16 

They were to be nailed to a tree. Literally, they were to become accursed. The curse, the judgment, the condemnation of the Law of Moses, as well as our sin was all heaped upon Him, at Calvary. Gal. 3:13 

Now, what do those precious feet mean to you? To bow before ones feet is to humble ourselves. Mary, wept at His feet, she wiped them with her hair. She anointed His feet with precious ointment. She kissed His feet. She gave her best. Luke 7:38 

Mary sat at His feet. Luke 10:39 

Many brought their sick relatives and friends and cast them at His feet, and He healed them. Mat. 15:30 

Today, if we would come, humbly, to His feet, and determine in our hearts that we were going to stay there, we would see great advances in our spiritual life. There is a wonderful place to be found, at His feet.  




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IS THE LORD FAIR? DID THEY HEAR? 
Paul, who of all men would surely know, said, “of course they did.” NIV. 

A spectacular manifestation of the power of the Pentecostal blessing in the city of Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost was the introduction of the glory of the gospel. It was a message that was directed at the whole of the world. The Lord so arranged that at that particular day there would be among the inhabitants of Jerusalem men who feared the Lord from “every nation” under heaven. In this manner it was a microcosm of the spread of the Gospel for that day and for the end of the age. In a moment of time, a representative of each of the nations of the world heard the good Word of the Lord. Acts 2:5 


A MULTIPLICITY OF LANGUAGES. 
The masses gathered together to see and hear this phenomenon of Galileans speaking a variety of languages. They knew that these people had not been taught and had not learned these languages from any tutor. To them what they were seeing and hearing was an impossibility, nevertheless, they could not deny it - for they witnessed it with their eyes and heard it with their ears. 

They were utterly bewildered by the miracle enacted before them. Surely, “these things were not done in a corner.” Without the convenience of modern day technology, the report of this event went into all the earth, by word of mouth, from city to city, from country to country, from market place to market place, from synagogue to synagogue, the story of the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the topic of the day. 

As quickly as the merchants of that day walked, rode on beasts of burden or sailed the blue waters of the sea, lakes or rivers they took with them this report from Jerusalem. Rom. 10:18 

Just how far did the gospel go in those days? Paul said that this gospel was “proclaimed to every creature under heaven.” Col. 1:23b.  


THE LORD TREATED THEM AS THEY HAD TREATED HIM. 
The people whom He brought up out of Egypt were a source of constant irritation to Him; they provoked Him with their persistent unbelief. So, the Lord, through Moses, said that He would provoke them by using a people who were not a people, a conglomerate of heathen nations, with a mixture of what to them were apostate Jews. 

Furthermore, the Lord called them a foolish nation, a nation who were not versed in the Law of the Lord as were they. Rom. 10:19 

Isaiah said that these would be a people who had not sought after the Lord. Also that the Lord would reveal Himself to them, even through they had not asked after Him. Rom. !:20 

Israel had been the people of His choosing, but they ignored Him. Picture it if you will please, the Lord standing all day long, every day of their lives, holding our His hands for them to come to Him. But in the end He had to label them as being a disobedient and obstinate people. Rom. 10:21 

Does He have sufficient reason to seek a different people, a nation that will love and serve Him faithfully and He will find them and cause them to be His Bride?




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NOT CAST OFF. 
But now a work of the grace of the Lord required to be a participant in the Covenant of redemption. Salvation is not by works but by the blood of Christ. Even in the days when Elijah prayed concerning the iniquity of Israel, the Lord told him that there were seven thousand who had not become apostate and did not worship Baal. 

While the covenant has been changed and there is a new Covenant now in effect, which the religious leaders rejected, there are still individuals who participate in the new Covenant. Paul used himself as an example. Rom. 11:1-4


THE ELECTION OF GRACE. 
Of which there were Israelites who were partakers, but unfortunately not all Israel would participate in believing that Jesus was the Messiah. Rom. 11:5 

The elect, the chosen, are those whom the Lord, in His foreknowledge, knew would believe the message of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, believing they would receive Christ into their hearts. Therefore, being satisfied with the results which would occur, the Lord deemed it to be so. 

To be among the chosen, requires the belief of the chosen in the plan of redemption as presented in the Word. It is the manifestation of His mercy and grace that we are saved and accounted to be acceptable among His beloved. Eph. 1:4-7


THE CONFLICT OF WORKS AND GRACE. 
The two are incompatible. If a person seeks after salvation using works, then grace is ineffective. Conversely, trying to gain the grace of the Lord by means of works is futile, it simply is not possible. Rom. 11:6 

There is only one means of salvation and that is by the grace of the Lord, activated through faith in the vicarious work of the Lord Jesus Christ. None of the works of the Lord accomplished in us, in His saving grace, originates from us. The scriptures plainly show that grace is the gift of the Lord to those who believe in Christ. Eph. 2:8   


ISRAEL DID NO OBTAINED THAT WHICH IS SOUGHT AFTER. 
However, it is prepared for and obtained by those who come by faith in Christ, the elect, the chosen ones. In the fact that Israel did not receive that which it reached out after, shows that election is not after race. They were the chosen race, but lost out because of the hardness and obstinacy of their hearts. 

Subsequently, they were blinded to the truth, that they might not see. They were given a spirit of slumber, lethargy. Their eyes were closed lest they should see. Their ears were deafened, lest they hear. Mind you, their condition was entirely their own fault. A predicament that prevailed up to the very time of Paul's writings and from all appearances continues, even until today. Rom. 11:6-8 

While this may apply to the majority, the truth is that many have heard and have received Christ as their Messiah. The early church was made up of converted Israelites who had believed and accepted the Lord Jesus as their savior.  




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REJECTED AS A NATION, RECEIVED AS INDIVIDUALS. 
The Apostle addresses their fall, their transgression of the Law as a people, which brought the nation and its system to a separation from the Lord. Their loss brought the great riches of Christ to the individual Gentiles who would believe. 

The Lord is building a nation, stone by stone, person by person. Their nationality is immaterial to the Lord. He is no respecter of persons. To Paul it was a great thrill to see his own nationality come to the Lord. Indeed, even today it is a blessing to see people who traditionally, usually because or a religion, do not serve the Lord, come to Him and begin to follow Him. Rom. 11:12


THE APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES. 
Paul magnified the office, not himself, as an Apostle. He need not declare himself and his position but reveled in the ministry to which he had been appointed. There is no doubt that Paul was a very dynamic and charismatic individual, but he relied on none of his personal traits and capabilities but on the anointing of the Spirit. 

His humility is a joy to behold. In Godly wisdom, he used the coming to the Gentiles to Christ as a means of provoking Israel to jealousy, in the hope that they would repent and turn again to the Lord. The rejection of Israel opened the door for the world to be reconciled to Christ. When the Israelite returns to the Lord it is like a resurrection, the receiving of life again by one who was dead in trespasses and sins. Rom. 11:12-15


THE FIRSTFRUITS. 
The first ripe fruits were to be given unto the Lord. Rom. 11:16 

From the crop of the field to the first born of the people, the first was to be dedicated to the Lord. The sheep and the cattle were to be left with the mother until the seventh day, then dedicated to the Lord on the eighth day. Seven is that divine, complete number while eight is the number of resurrection or a new life. Ex. 22:28-29 

The firstfruits of the people were their male sons. The early church was considered to be firstfruits unto the Lord. James 1:18 

The group in Rev. 14:4 are likewise a firstfruits unto the Lord. The firstfruits were indicators of a crop to follow. Especially if they were obedient and brought their offering unto the Lord. The root is the Lord Jesus manifest in all of His holiness and righteousness. The lump or the whole will follow the nature and character of the root and likewise be found with the strength and sap of the root. 

It will bring forth life and that life more abundantly. The old fruitless branches broken off and removed that the new branches, though formerly wild, might be graft in to the true vine. New branches, take heed. If the old branches were removed the new branches may also be removed if they do not bear fruit. The only true security is to remain joined to the trunk of the vine. To have the connection to the vine broken is complete separation from the only source of life for the branches. This calls for careful consideration, for the branch can be pruned. Rom. 11:17-21




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CALLED, THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST. 
Paul possessed a knowledge of the mystery of Christ. It is now his purpose to reveal it in his letter to the Ephesian church and to all who would delve into its secrets. Having recorded it with pen and ink, he made it possible for all to read and understand. 

In other words, it should not longer be a mystery. It is now a revelation, its intricacies are now made known to all who would know them. The fact that it is now, the revealed will of the Lord makes it a priority for the church to comprehend and act upon. Eph. 3:4 

The intentions of the Lord toward His church are not hidden but rather, brought out into the open where all who will, may understand. Jesus said that, it was given unto His followers to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. Mt. 13:11 

The Word of the Lord is the blue print of His plans for a people who are totally dedicated to Him.


THE MYSTERY CONTAINS A SPECIAL WISDOM. 
A wisdom, a language, though spoken in a common tongue, contains words which have a special meaning when used in a spiritual sense. Every trade of man has its own special terms which it applies to certain words giving them what is perhaps, a double meaning. 

While the Bible is written in common language, its terms and meanings are more understandable when the reader is reading with the same Spirit which caused the Word to be written. The WORD of the Lord is comprehensible when it is read by those who are mature in spiritual things. 

It is not the wisdom that is common to this world nor yet that which is presented by religious teaching. It is a wisdom which has been hidden since the beginning of the world. But now, the Lord has ordained that believers come to a full and comprehensive awareness of its tremendous truths. 1 Cor. 2:6-7


IT IS WRITTEN. 
The preparation of the Lord, for those who will love Him, exceeds the ability of men to see, hear or envision in their hearts the magnitude of the things which the Lord has prepared for them. 1 Cor. 2:9

Many times this verse is quoted without quoting the next verse, which is vital to a proper understanding of the scripture. That involves the here and now, as well as the eternity to come. Nevertheless, the Lord has seen fit to open the storehouse of His great treasures and to reveal them to His church. 

Through the ministry of the Word by Apostles and Prophets, it has pleased the Lord to make His secrets known, along with the revelations of the Word, whereby He gives insights into His very own being and nature. It is His desire that His people know Him, thoroughly. 

The very marvels and wonders of who and what He is are seen in the Word. The Spirit of the Lord would take each and every member of the body of Christ into a fuller and deeper relationship with Himself, regardless of past experiences; there are broad vistas and showers of His presence awaiting those who will commit their lives fully to Him. 1 Cor. 2:10   




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THAT WHICH HAD NOT BEEN KNOWN, NOW MADE KNOWN. 
The desire of prophets and kings in the ages past was to look into those things that were to be made manifest under the ministry of the Lord Jesus. For them, the manifestation of the Messiah and the mighty works wrought by the Lord Jesus were concealed, even though they were recorded in the Word. Luke 10:24 

The secret is out, the person and His glorious ministry is now revealed that ALL NATIONS might believe on Him. None are to be excluded from the possibility of salvation by believing on the Lord Jesus. Rom. 16:25-26 

The objective of the Lord in the preaching of the Gospel is that ALL men might know “the fellowship of the mystery,” that was hidden from the beginning of the world. Repeatedly the Lord makes known the fact that He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to an understanding of all the secret things, all the hidden things, all the mysteries of Christ. Eph. 3:9


GENTILES INCORPORATED INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST. 
The Lord would not have it any other way. The middle wall, the partition that separated Jew and Gentile has been destroyed and its rubble removed. The Gentiles now are to be accounted as fellow-heirs. Whatever the substance the riches of the inheritance might be, they are to share and share equally. 

All are to be incorporated into one body where Jew and Gentile lose their identity and take on a new one, that is members together of the body of Christ. Eph. 3:6 

Faith in the Lord Jesus has made all to be the children of the Most High. Those who have been baptized into Christ have been enveloped, they have been enclosed by Christ. By His Spirit, His purpose is to join and seal together all the members of the one body, therefore we put on Christ. 

In this manner, bringing believers into a unity of the Word and the Spirit that destroys all the terms of identification formerly used which separated and segregated the members of the body. Worldly, secular terminologies no longer have value in the eyes of the Lord. Gal. 3:26-28


BROUGHT INTO HIS PRESENCE BY HIS BLOOD. 
All come one way and that is through the washing of the shed blood of the Lamb of God. Any relationship that any man ever has with the Lord must be through the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on the cross. Access into His presence is through His life's blood. Eph. 2:13 

As no human can live without blood flowing through his veins, so no human may obtain eternal life but through the blood of Jesus. Christ Jesus took on the form of man for one purpose and that was that there might be a perfect sacrifice made for the forgiveness of sins. 

It is the price of our redemption, of the life eternal which Jesus purchased for us. It is the blood of very God, Himself. Therefore it is blood of absolute purity, perfect in every aspect, never contaminated by sin, sickness or disease. 

Its entire goal and purpose is the salvation of mankind, of all who will acknowledge its ability to atone for sin. To free and deliver completely from all iniquity. All may find its ability to work a precious spiritual work in us, a source of joy and thanksgiving. Eph. 1:7    




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THE INTENTIONS OF THE LORD TOWARD HIS PEOPLE. 
Because He is the God of the NOW and He deals with the present time, His promises are presently available. While the Lord operates on a schedule that may be called a “set time” such as the marriage of the Lamb. Note Ps. 102:13 

His marriage is an end time event. The day and hour of that glorious event is known to the Lord and His people will be ready. Rev. 19:7 

Also we see that all the religious celebrations of Israel were at set times, determined by the moon. Nevertheless, the Lord has always made His blessing available in the NOW. 

The letters of Paul show to us the amazing understanding of the Lord that was revealed to him by the Spirit of the Lord. The anointing and the comprehension of the Word that was committed to Paul is a type of the last day saints of the Lord. The Word in its fullness will be consummated in the perfect church of the Lord Jesus. 

Paul knew this and stated that he was as one, “born out of due time,” or one who was born before the final and complete make up of the perfect church. The life of Christ was fully experienced by him. 1 Cor. 15:9


THE CHURCH AS THE WITNESS AND DEMONSTRATION OF HIS POWER.
A documentation made of the ability of the Lord and the willingness of His people to do His will and to follow Him thoroughly surrendered to His intents and purposes. The body of Christ, His people, are placed on display as a witness to the principalities [leaders] and powers [authorities] in heavenly places, both good and evil. Eph. 3:10 

To the good, because they do not experience the work of redemption such as is available to all who will come to Christ. These things the angels have desired to “look into.” They are only observers and do not participate in salvation. 1 Pet. 1:12d

On the evil side, we have the prince of the power of the air and the spirit of disobedience that is manifest in the lives of the unsaved. These wicked forces control and propagate all the evil that is in this world. The church is a source of resistance and defeat to them for the Spirit of the Lord dwells in His church and is a constant rebuke and opposition to these wicked forces. Eph. 2:2 

The Bride of Christ, the perfect church, is the final proof of the ability of the Lord to attract unto Himself a people who were once under the domination of evil powers. Deliver them, wash them, sanctify them, cleanse them thoroughly and make them to be like unto Himself. For, it is the church of His glory. A people who bear His likeness in every way possible. Eph. 5:27 

It is time to quit excusing ourselves and to make a total surrender unto the Lord Jesus Christ. If we sin every day in word thought or deed, then we are sinners and need to repent. Even if we have been a “Christian” for years and years. With such an attitude we negate the power of the Lord to completely delivered from “all sin.” 1 John 1:7 

There is a life of victory in the Lord Jesus that must become our life that we might be the witness that He has called us to be, both to the people with whom we associate daily and to the principalities and powers in the heavenly.   



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THE MANIFOLD WISDOM OF THE LORD. 
The thought process of the Lord is an amazing thing. To be able to create the astonishing variety that exists, from the stars of the heavens to the smallest of insects, each with its own function, purpose and appearance. 

Each species independent one of another, yet having a great dependency on each other. The intelligence made manifest in creation is staggering. To say that there is not a supreme intelligence behind all things which exist today is to say that Henry Ford did not produce a car. 

Where in all the world is there a product of the handiwork of man that does not have a man of wisdom and intelligence, who had a vision, and brought it into existence? The very order of the universe and all that is in it proves the existence of a being of perfect wisdom and understanding. Eph. 3:10

THE LORD IS IN ABSOLUTE CONTROL. 
The Lord has spoken and proclaimed that, as are His thoughts, so it shall come to pass. Eph. 3:10 

His purposes will be achieved without failure. Isa. 14:24 

Who but the Lord can declare the end from the beginning, and then make certain that the things which He has decreed will come to pass. His counsel will be fulfilled while He performs His good pleasure. Isa. 46:10 

So, even before the world existed, in His eternal wisdom, He foresaw the salvation of each and every individual who would believe on Him and therefore provided them with a high and holy calling to redemption. Not because of any works on our part, whereby we would be accounted worthy, but because of His love. All of which is in accord with His mercy and grace which He so abundantly bestows on those who are His own. 2 Tim. 2:9


THE ALL IMPORTANT FAMILY NAME. 
Unfortunately, some who would desire to be members of the family do not recognize the family name nor do they see the importance of that name. In the case of the spiritual family, the name is aptly presented to us in the Word of the Lord. 

In this case Paul is found kneeling before the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the entire family of the Lord, in heaven and earth receive their name. Eph. 3: 14-15 

The worthiness of that name is seen when we recognize the fact that the Father bestowed that name upon Jesus, His only begotten son. In so doing, the Father gave His own name which is LORD. He identified it as such - through the prophet Isaiah - when He said, “I am the LORD: that is my name. In keeping with His nature and work, He was to be called Jesus, Savior for He would save His people from their sins. Mt. 1:21

In order to fulfill His ministry as priest and king it was necessary that He be anointed. In the receiving the name Christ, which again the Father bestowed upon Him, Jesus received the anointing and became the Lord’s Christ or the anointed one. The name of the Holy Spirit is Christ. In keeping with the purposes of the Lord, the Father has given to Him the very name of the Most High, or the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 2:36      




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THE GRANT OF THE LORD. 
Grants are of great importance, especially when given to charitable organizations. Here is a personal gift. A gift given by the Lord of heaven and earth, the possessor of it all. In this promise the gift is spiritual and not temporal. 

With all the emphases in the church world on the material, the spiritual is neglected. To equate prosperity with spirituality is stupidity. Jesus plainly taught to seek FIRST the kingdom of the Lord and His righteousness, then, all these things shall be added unto you. Mt. 6:33 

When the Spirit nature of the Lord is dominant in a person's life, the tangible things of this world lose their importance. They are of this world, temporal, and all too soon require replacing with something more costly and better. The soul of man is never satisfied by the things he possesses.  


THE LORD CREATED MAN FOR HIS OWN INGENIOUS PLAN. 
We are blessed beyond measure with the blessings of heaven - spiritual blessings which originate from the very throne of the Lord. In describing them, Paul indicated the measure of them by stating that is was ALL spiritual blessings. 

Measure such dimensions if you will. It is measureless, knowing no bounds or ultimate of any kind. All the elements of spiritual life that the Lord has prepared for His people are available, if we will only harmonize ourselves with His will and life style. Eph. 1:3 

The good things in life are spiritual. Those who are saved have the very best friend, in the Lord Jesus. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Prov. 18:24b 

He has promised never to leave or forsake those who are His own. No man can do that, only Jesus. Heb. 13:5 

Furthermore, the Lord left something out of man when He created him, and that was the presence of Himself. The capacity to know the Lord is there, but never satisfied until the individual knows the Lord Jesus as Savior and Lord. 

There is a persistent, gnawing, emptiness in the heart of each and every person. It cries out for something or someone. We try to appease it with everything possible in this world, but that extreme hunger, that feeling of emptiness, of something missing remains very strongly. 

There is only one thing, one person, who can make us a complete person, that is The Lord Jesus, filling that capacity that the Lord left empty when He made us. The original creation of the Lord was beautiful beyond description. 

Satan spoiled and contaminated it by inciting Eve, then Adam, to sin. However, the extremely strong desire of the hearts of mankind remained unsatisfied, until he became acquainted with his God. For you see, the Lord has, “set eternity in the hearts of men.” Eccl.  3:11 NIV. 

Gain the whole world, but without Jesus, there is a consistent loneliness, a pining, a nagging dissatisfaction, and a great vacuum in the life of the unsaved. There is a complete satisfaction for those who know the Lord Jesus. He and He alone is the source of ALL Spiritual blessings. 

The rich cannot buy it. 

The beggar cannot beg for it. 

The doctor cannot dispense it. 

The preacher cannot give it to you by shaking you hand. 

Jesus is the only fountainhead of a happy and satisfied heart and life. 




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ARE WE NUMBERED AMONG THE CHOSEN? 
Those who may be counted as the chosen of the Lord are they who are “chosen, IN HIM,” that is in Christ Jesus. Chosen through Him and for Him. They are chosen because they answered the call of the Spirit and the Word. 

Therefore, they have come to Jesus and accepted their responsibility before Him. Many times in life we come to situations where it is the choice of another individual to call and choose us. It could be anything from an opportunity to play in a game or even for ones hand in marriage. But, we are bypassed. 

We then feel the frustration and hurt of not being chosen and it is not a happy feeling. In Christ, the Lord has called the peoples of world unto Himself and to His salvation. 

To respond is to be His chosen. 

Not to respond is to reject Him and then He becomes the one who is not chosen. 

How foolish to treat the Lord of heaven and earth in such a manner. The Lord of everlasting life, the one person whose very being is love. The fact that He made His choices before the foundation of the world simply displays His foreknowledge. He envisioned the plan of salvation. Saw its ultimate and approved its completion. We now are in the time of the execution of His plan, and moving quickly to its consummation. Eph. 1:4


CHOSEN TO FULFILL A GODLY STANDARD. 
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Rev. 2:7 

That appeal of the Word and the Spirit continues to ring out even in our day and hour. The church world has changed and in some instances changed drastically. 

The criterion of the Lord is plainly spelled out before us in the Word, and that is that His chosen be, holy and WITHOUT BLAME before Him. Eph. 1:4

Without any uncertainty whatsoever, He has established a life style which is comparable to His, for His people. Can there be a more understandable statement made than this? “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” 1 Pet. 1:16 

It is immediately obvious that we have been chosen to exemplify His life here on this earth. The call of the Lord to His chosen is to be a people “who come out”, who separate themselves from the sin and impurities of this present life, and refuse to be contaminate with the corruption that is in the world. 

The Lord does not alter His program from generation to generation. He maintains a pattern of life that has been consistent over the years of time. To be accepted of the Lord the unclean must be refused and rejected. 2 Cor. 6:17 

As His calling and salvation is unto us, one of holiness and righteousness, we are urged to recognize that it is not by our works, but by the abundant grace that He has bestowed upon us. The call is to holiness. The one calling is Holy. The called must represent His holiness. 2 Tim. 1:9

This life of holiness is for the NOW. The scripture teaches that we are to shun unrighteousness and worldly lusts. The Christian life has the very highest of standards for this present world. 

The call to live righteously, godly and soberly is to the present day church. The true chosen of the Lord are a people who are challenged by the Word and live according to its teachings. Titus 2:12 




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THE RESULT OF THE LOVE OF CHRIST MANIFEST IN HUMAN HEARTS. 
There is no comparable love to be found outside of the Lord Jesus, who would care to die for a world that would spurn His great love, even though He knew from the very beginning the reaction of humanity against Him. 

Still, He in the power of that great love, willingly gave His life that others might share of His eternal life. It is His divine purpose to completely fill His chosen with Himself, with all the eternal power and glory that is His very own. 

He will have a people whose sustenance is the bread of heaven, the Word of the Lord. Their breath will be His Spirit filling their entire being with that heavenly atmosphere and majesty which is His. The grand finale of His effect on His people will be that of the fullness of the Lord dwelling within their spirit nature. Eph. 3:19


HOW FULL? 
The Greek words for filled [pleroo] and fullness [pleroma] as used in the previous verse speak of a container that is crammed to the limit of its capacity. Pleroo, has the connotation of the amount that the vessel can contain, or its capacity, the ability to be thoroughly furnished and completed with that which fills it. The thought of achieving perfection is also found here. 

Most assuredly, a holy, cleansed, pure receptacle will be made replete with the full measure of the Godhead. The word pleroma, relates to that which fills the container. It speaks of the contents which it is able to receive in abundant measure and copiousness. In this case it is nothing less than very God, Himself. For He has determined that those who are truly members of His body will be filled with the “fullness of Him that filleth all in all.” Eph. 1:23


TO BE BLESSED OF THE LORD. 
There has to be an attitude in those who would gain the fullness of that which is the destiny of His people, for the end of the age. It is vital that they hunger and thirst after the spiritual elements which are made available. 

Without a longing and a strong desire to seek after the Lord the church will remain apostate and will not grow into the body of Christ. Jesus promised that those with a real desire and drive, will be filled. Mt. 5:6 

The church can only reach maturity through a close and meaningful relationship with the Lord Jesus. Aside from Him, we are empty and separated from the rich blessings of the Lord. Col. 2:10 

It is staggering, and for some unbelievable, that His intent toward His people in these last days is to, by the Spirit, fill them with that same “fullness of the Godhead.” That which was present in, and made known through, the Lord Jesus. Unless we are like Him in every sense of the word, one or united, we could never be the body of Christ. Col. 2:9 

The body of Christ must be equal in Spirit and quality with Him. As Eve was taken from Adam so from Christ is born His Bride. His blood was shed for her purchase. Acts 20:28

She is bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh. Will she replace Him? Certainly not, but in order to be His Bride she must be precisely like Him in every aspect, and she must be one with Him. 



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THE GOOD PLEASURE OF THE FATHER. 
We know that the Father found great pleasure in His Son, the Lord Jesus. When Jesus was filled with the Spirit the Father spoke from heaven and proclaimed Him to be His Son “in whom He was well pleased.” A witness and testimony acknowledging the Son. Also the descending of the Holy Spirit was a sign of His Deity. Mat. 3:17 

At the same time there was a direct conformation to the Son that His Father was well pleased with Him. Luke credits the heavenly voice as speaking directly to the Lord Jesus. Luke 3:22 

On the Mount of Transfiguration the Father was to speak again concerning His approval of the life and complete obedience of His Son. Mt. 17:5 

Peter, later on was to refer to their experience on the Mount and called it a voice “from the excellent glory.” In other words, a proclamation from the very throne presence of the Lord, bestowing upon the Lord Jesus the honor and glory of all that is spiritual and heavenly. 1 Pet. 1:18 

The full entity Of the Spirit abode within the Lord Jesus for the Spirit was given to Him, without measure. John 3:34  


JESUS WAS MOST UNIQUE. 
He was one of a kind. Only of Him was it stated that He was, “The son of man,” at the same time “the Son of God.” The perfect example for the church to follow. We are born of the flesh but we must also be born of the Spirit. His experiences are ours. His Spiritual life is to be ours in its fullness. The Word has promised that He would withhold no good thing [spiritual blessings] from those who walk uprightly. Ps. 84:11 

Jesus is the only PHYSICAL body of the Godhead. The PHYSICAL aspect of His body needs to be emphasized for He was to be the son of man. Born of the seed of the heavenly Father through the womb of a virgin, that God might be made manifest in the flesh. 1 Tim. 3:16 

Jesus was God in the flesh. He was not His own Father nor was He the Spirit. However, both the Father and the Spirit are stated, by the Word, to have dwelled within that PHYSICAL body. The very completeness of all that may be acknowledged as the God of the Bible was in the PHYSICAL body and spiritual nature of the Lord Jesus. Col. 2:9


THE GODHEAD. 
The Father does not have a body such as ours, that is to say of the flesh, except in the person of the Lord Jesus as the son of man. God is a Spirit. Flesh did not exist until the Lord created Adam. The Spirit nature of Elohim is eternal. 

That is not to imply, by any means that He who is Spirit is not real. He is reality itself. Spirit is an entity, it is tangible, it is eternal. Flesh is that which is temporary. It is here today and tomorrow returns to the dust from whence it came. The Lord is that Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:17

As the Lord is the creator of natural man, so, the very spirit that is in man originates with the Father. He is called the Father of spirits, in other words man owes his complete existence to the Lord of heaven and earth. Heb. 12:9 

Were it not for Him, man would not, could not exist. Also, every day, the life of every man is because of the Lord whose life itself. Acts 17:28




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STATEMENTS OF JESUS CONCERNING THOSE WHO ARE HIS. 
They possess His attitude toward this world and the things which are in it. The things so highly prized by those who are worldly minded. Their desires and longings are more toward the world to come than toward this present world. John 17:16 

They are distinguished by the fact that their hope and life is based upon the Word of Truth, the Word of the Lord. That Word has the ability to sanctify the whole man - body, soul and spirit. The Lord Jesus committed Himself to a life of holiness. Those who indeed are doing His will follow in the same pattern. John 17:19 

The reward for spiritual conduct of this manner is greater than that which can be imagined. The scriptures are repeatedly showing us glimpses and phases of the glory of the Lord. That same glory, in its fullness, is duplicated in the life and spirit nature of those who fully consecrate themselves unto the Lord.  John 17:22 

The end result is that church of maturity, possessing the perfection that is the very nature of the Lord. Its conclusion is the unity of the body of Christ, bound together as one. 

A unity that is seen elsewhere in the absolute unity of the Godhead, which is a unity that is so complete, that many have difficulty distinguishing the difference between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They are so beautifully bound together and unified that it is understandable why some would become confused and not fully comprehend their relationship.  


 MY FATHER AND I. 
Jesus is not implying that they are one and the same person, but they are one of the other, unified in perfect and absolute harmony. This unity exceeds anything known to man. It is most unique and is found only in that blessed relationship that exists in the Godhead and in the perfect church. 

Jesus in saying, "my Father and I", drew a distinction between them by showing that one was the Father and the other the Son. John 10:30 

The submission of the Son is demonstrated in His acknowledgment that His good works proceeded from the Father. John 10:32 

Those who give honor and reverence to the Son are also giving the same to the Father, because of the unconditional relationship that exists between them. Likewise, if honor is not given to one then the other is also dishonored. John 5:23 

Man was created in the image, resemblance or representation, and likeness, similitude or shape of the Lord. Gen 1:26

We therefore know that the Lord has an appearance like that of man. That would give substance to that being, after whom man is shaped. In other words, the Spirit known as the Lord, definitely has substance. He is an entity, He exists in a form that is everlasting and very real. We have no greater example than Jesus. Paul wrote that Jesus was in the form of God. Phil. 2:5 

No wonder Jesus was able to say to His disciples that if they had seen Him, they had seen the Father. Jesus was in the exact form and being as His Father. While He was not the Father He was the perfect representation of the Father. John 14:9




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WE WILL COME. 
The revelation and the presence of the Lord dwelling in the believer is a result of love and obedience. Loving the Lord Jesus and keeping HIS Word will result in the phenomenon of the living Lord dwelling in His people. How very startling is the fact that such a thing can be accomplished, yet it is the will and purpose of the Lord. Jesus said, WE will come and make OUR abode with him. John 14:23 

It is very evident with the use of, WE, that He is speaking of more than one being. The Lord said, let US [plural] make man in OUR [plural] image and in OUR [plural] likeness. Gen. 1:26 

So the Lord created the one man, and named him Adam. We then look to that which the Lord has created to find the illustration that exemplifies the Lord. 

Man was created a threefold being, one yet three. Body, soul and spirit. One man, with a threefold combination, each diverse one from the other, yet working in harmony. Neither singular in His entirety, nor yet three in His composition. 

He is at one and the same time, one and three. Or as so often expressed three in one. Body, soul and spirit. Paul recognized the Triunity that constitutes each and every person that is born into this world. They are triune in nature, spirit, soul and body. 1 Thes. 5:23


CLEARLY SEEING THE INVISIBLE. 
Found in the creation in which we live there are constant reminders of the Triunity, that is called God. Certainly the most glaring and self evident is man, himself. The scriptures very positively defined man as a Triunity. Invisible things. 

What is more necessary to life on this planet that the very air which we breath, yet it is invisible? When a combination of two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen is made. That which is not seen becomes visible and we have water. The invisible has become substance. True science is constantly verifying the Word of the Lord. 

There is a great multitude of things in the creation of the Lord which give true witness of this principle found throughout nature. So, God, the Father and God the Spirit filled the physical body of the Lord, which was the body of the Lord Jesus. It is written, that God was in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:19 

From the beginning it was prophesied that the Son who would be born of a virgin was to be Emmanuel or, which being interpreted is, God with us. Mat. 1:23 

Jesus declared a perfect relationship between Himself and His Father. Jesus was in the Father and the Father was in Him. therefore Jesus spoke the words of the Father and did the works of the Father. Perfect harmony, absolute unity, working together as one, as a unit in full agreement. 

How utterly amazing that a God of such magnitude would want to implant the very essence of His entire being into a people who will consecrate their lives totally to Him. Jesus prayed that the people who believed on Him would experience the same precious unity by becoming one. One in unity among themselves as the body of Christ and one with the same presence of the Lord of glory living in them. His prayer will be answered before the end comes. John 17:21




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JESUS’ PROMISE OF PRAYER. 
A very special prayer directed to the Father that He might endue His people with the power of the Holy Spirit, of whom Jesus said He would be “another comforter.” Also included was the promise that He, the Holy Spirit would abide eternally. He was not just for the infant church but will remain as long as He is made welcome. John 14:16 

He was to be one who represented the continued presence of the Lord Jesus in the lives of the people. Because of the close and unique kinship in the Godhead, the Holy Spirit was to be the constant companion and guide to the church. Jesus said, that through the person of the Spirit. He would come to His own. John 14:18 

Jesus made it very plain the person who loves Him and is obedient to His words will be the recipient of the love of the Father. Furthermore that the fullness of the Godhead will come and make that individual the dwelling place of the Lord. Jesus said, “WE will come and make OUR abode with him." The language indicates the fullness of the presence of the Lord and not just a segment of Him. John 14:23


A GIFT OF MINISTRIES AWARDED THE CHURCH. 
These five vital ministries are a gift - to the church. They are not gifts given to certain individuals - that they might exercise lordship over the church. Of necessity they must be persons of a meek and humble spirit, in subjection to the anointing and leadership of the Holy Spirit and not their own spirit. 

In their proper relationship and activity within the body of Christ they are a blessing to the whole body. Eph. 4:11


THE RESULT OF THEIR MINISTRY IS A BODY OF PERFECTED SAINTS.
That is an outcome that can only be accomplished by the pure working of the Holy Spirit through these ministries. The anticipated fruit of this spiritual leadership is laid before us. They must produce spiritual growth, a manifest holiness and an edifying of the whole body of Christ. Eph. 4:12 

If the fruit is otherwise, then we have reason to question those who reputedly were exercised in one or more of these ministries. For by their fruits you shall know them. 

The goals of the Lord are those which He has established and projected to the church. Always, with any spiritual requirement, He provides a means whereby His objectives may be met. If the Lord has proposed it, rest assured that He will accomplish His desire in His people. 

Whether or not we are included in that people is entirely up to us. Is it in out hearts to please Him? To measure up to His divine requirements? We need but turn to the Word of the Lord Jesus to see and understand His perfect will for His people. 

Rest assured, He will not challenge us above the capabilities which the Holy Spirit can accomplish in us. If we are truly born of the Father then we will have the nature of the Father. 

That is why Jesus established the goal for all who would be called a Christian. “Be YE therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Mat. 5:48 

An exceedingly high standard, but not impossible, else it would never have been issued as a call to the church. All things are possible. His perfect will is to be consummated.




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THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY. 
Well chosen words conveying to us the fact that spiritual leadership is a labor of love, but, that it is labor. At times placing a responsibility on the individual involved, that is beyond human endurance. Eph. 4:12 

In no other endeavor known to man is there more required of those who are involved. They are appointed to be examples and guides, leading and directing the flock of the Lord. 

They are under shepherds of the Lord and therefore must guard and keep His lambs. They must be able to feed the church of Christ, with the vital truths of the Word of the Lord. Acts 20:28 

Their accountability is awesome. More than any other in the body of Christ their works will be tested and evaluated before the Lord, while every man's work will be tested and measured. It is certain that those who have been called “to the work,” will stand even closer inspection. 

The fire [of the Spirit] will test and destroy the works of the flesh. But the workers themselves are saved, by fire. Projects that have been built according to the will of the Lord will remain and the builder rewarded. 1 Cor. 3:13-15 


THE DIVINE INTENTION BEING THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS.
The call to holiness is not given haphazardly. The Lord is never halfhearted in any of the things that He presents to His people. The end results are so gracious and wonderful because they are the promises of the Lord. 

The urging of the Word and the Spirit was and always will be toward a life of purity and righteousness. A separation from the impurities of the flesh and the Spirit is called for, in order for holiness to reach its perfection or maturity in the believer. 2 Cor. 7:1 

Paul, always an example for us to gauge the Christian life by, recognized that he had been detained by the Lord for a particular purpose. Even though he felt that he had not yet reached the height of that high standard which the Lord had established for his life, he was bound and determined to press on into the high calling of Christ for his life. Phil. 3:12 

It is vital that every member of the body of Christ have a good understanding and knowledge of the fundamentals of the gospel. It is an imperative that they have a hunger to progress farther and deeper into the things of the Lord Jesus. The fundamentals are listed for us in Hebrews 6:1-2. 

It is here also that we are urged to go on, to build upon the foundation of the fundamentals, while reaching out to the perfection that is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. The milk of the Word is necessary for the formative time, the beginning of the life of a new born Christian. 

However, there is much more to the Christian life than always feeding on milk. There is that which is known as the meat of the Word, or the deeper truths that are to be found in the Lord Jesus. A desire for meat is an indication of spiritual growth and a hunger that can only be satisfied by the spirit of the Lord making known the “hidden secrets” of the Word. Heb. 5:13-14 

It is these precious and holy portions of the Word which promote growth and bring the blessing of the Lord into our lives. 




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THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE CHURCH TO BE EDIFIED. 
The building of the body of Christ is the ultimate work of the Lord. It is the satisfaction of His highest ambition. The gathering together of a group, a people, who bare His likeness and nature. Eph. 4:12 

A living structure, composed of those who are fully dedicated to Christ. A gathering together of the redeemed and perfected which is designed to be the apex of beauty. The dwelling place of the Most High; the Lord is the architect, and as the designer He will see it to its completion. 

What He has started He is well able to complete. The Holy Spirit working in and through the fivefold ministries are the construction crew who have the responsibility of gathering the materials, and preparing them, that the whole might be constructed precisely according to the blueprint. 

This is to be His house, His dwelling place, His temple a spiritual house constructed of living stones. 1 Pet. 2:5 

An amazing structure, gorgeous and as majestic as only the Lord can produce, but then, is not our Lord amazing in every aspect of His being?


UNITY OF THE FAITH. 
A unity which can only be found in the Lord. It is His very nature to have perfect and absolute union in all things which pertain to Himself and things heavenly; there is no conflict to be found in the Godhead - the Lord is the perfect example of harmony and working in unison. 

The Word of the Lord is the declaration of His complete will and purpose in this world and in that which is to come. That Word which was made flesh does not conflict with itself; there is no disagreement to be found in any way nor anywhere in the Word. From everlasting eternity the truths of the Lord have been established; now, in proclaiming a perfect church He is stating that they will be of one persuasion in belief, in teaching, in doctrine, in faith. Eph. 4:13 

From a human standpoint it looks impossible, and certainly is. However we are not looking at works of the flesh, but that which is the divine purpose of the Lord Himself. The will of the Lord is well published in the Word. Jesus prayed that His people would be “one” with a union equal to that of the Godhead. John 17:11 

Then even more strongly in John 17:21. 

One in us. Glory to the Lord. What a marvelous unity, one with the Living Lord. Not only has He given His Word and His Spirit to the body, but He has given all the glory and splendor of the heavenly, the spiritual that there might be perfect accord in the amalgamation of the body of Christ. John 17:22 

Looking at such a possibility from the natural, the impossibility of such a happening looms largely. However, we are dealing with the Lord of the whole heaven and earth; when He has determined a matter, rest assured that it will be accomplished. 

The Lord showed His capability when promising Abraham that he would have a son. Then waiting until it was physically impossible before coming to them and promising that it would take place. He said to Abraham and Sarah, “is anything too hard for me?” Gen. 18:14 

He is the Lord who delights in shattering that which is impossible to man.
 


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THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD. 
A position in Christ to which all who would serve Him are called. 

A place where the called really come to know and understand Him, thoroughly and perfectly. An association that is the will and purpose of the Lord. There is a fellowship with the Lord that exceeds all other relationships which we may have with other humans; it is a living, spiritual communion and understanding that the Lord would have with each and every member of the body of Christ. 

The Lord, who is light, natural and spiritual, the one who spoke light into existence, now, causes His light to shine into our hearts bringing the revelation of His dear Son to us. He wants us to know and see the light of His glory which is reflected in the face of the Lord Jesus. If we will let Him, He will fill us with both the knowledge and the glory of Himself. 2 Cor. 4:6


SPIRITUAL COMPREHENSION IS IN THE SON. 
Jesus came into the world that He might make all to understand the true and the living God; a real perception of things spiritual may only be derived through an intimate association with the Lord Jesus. An open heart and mind is necessary to understand fully the scriptures, and that originates from the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:45 

Knowing and comprehending Jesus is a gift of the Father conveyed to us by the Spirit of the Lord, who is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. A revelation that exalts the Lord Jesus. Who among us has not had the scriptures suddenly come to life before us, causing us to rejoice in the light of His Word. Eph. 1:17 


JESUS IS THE SOURCE OF ALL SPIRITUAL WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE. 
Especially to a people who fit the standard established by the Word of the Lord, a community bound tightly together in the love of Christ; because their love is His love, they can truly love one another. This exemplifies the true nature and character of the body of Christ. 

They adhere both to Christ and to one another - because of His great love filling their hearts. They seek after the riches that are found in a true understanding of the Christ of God. In comprehension of who and what the Lord Jesus is, they lack absolutely nothing. 

They have arrived at that status where all that is involved in understanding Him, they have received. They know and enter into the mysteries that are found in the Word of the Lord. Col. 2:2 

Their unity with Him is perfect and they partake of all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge which are found in Him. Col. 2:3 

Paul stated that, “we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Cor. 2:16 

Therefore it is given to the people of the Lord that their thoughts be on an equal basis with the Lord Jesus. To be spiritual minded was the goal of Paul which means that by the Spirit of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, He can impart unto us His very own thoughts, wisdom and knowledge. 

The Lord is developing a people who will not only glorify Him but a people who will be so committed to Him that their thoughts are on an equal to His own.  




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THE LORD LOVES TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE. 
Humanity, born in sin and shapened in iniquity has no chance of reversing the sinful trend of their lives, outside of the Lord. Note Ps. 51:5 

Yet it is the will of the Lord, that those who are His come to the same perfections and maturity that is charactaristic of His own being. The impossibilities of man are the possibilities of the Lord. Luke 18:27 

While mankind is restricted by unbelief and sin, the Lord works the impossible. According to the doctrine of many the thought of a perfect church comprised of people who have reached the goal, of perfection, is an impossibility. 

Yet, the Bible plainly shows us that the Lord has established such a standard for His last day church. The projects of the Lord never fail or go unfinished, else why appoint a leadership such as the fivefold ministry. Eph. 4:13

SPIRITUALLY, CHILDREN OR ADULTS? 
The Apostle Paul called for the Ephesians to “grow up” - to cease being children led hither and yon by every “wind of doctrine” or teachings which sound good and promise much but in the end leave their adherents empty and void of faith, because they had been deceived. Hoodwinked by unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of their spiritual immaturity. Eph. 4:14 

Contrariwise, we are exhorted to embrace and proclaim the truth which must be declared in the love of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ is our example and the true objective of the body of Christ. We are called to bear His likeness and to exemplify Him in all things, exercising those things which create spiritual growth, reaching the status of being, as living members of the body of Christ. 

Spiritual growth, increase in the knowledge and likeness of Christ until “fitly framed together,” we become that glorious and eternal holy Temple, the dwelling place of the Lord, “builded together,” indicating a process of the workmanship of the wise master builder. 

Unified, made to be one building, one church, one body Identified as the habitation of the Lord, through the Spirit. Eph. 2:21-22 

The calling is a high calling issued by the Lord through His Word. The road is made difficult by our own human nature which offers a constant resistance to the changes which are so necessary to be in the Bride of Christ. 

By performing “our reasonable service” unto the Lord we are helped by the Holy Spirit to accomplish that which we cannot do in our own strength. A total commitment, a full surrender to the Word and the will of the Lord will enable the true seeker to die out to self and the flesh. 

It is the beginning of a process that takes us from trying to be like this world, to a transformation that leads to the likeness of the Lord Jesus in our lives. This is our calling in the Lord. This is our right and inheritance in Him. Jesus desires a people, a bride like unto Himself and presents to us the divine requirements in the context of His Word. Rom. 12:1-2 

The Lord is never unreasonable in His dealings with us. With every directive that has been issued to us He has provided all the necessities and means whereby we may accomplish His perfect will in our lives.    




                          THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  97

IN THE IMAGE OF THE TEACHER. 
The ideas, the philosophy and the very actions of the teacher is imparted to the pupil. Especially so, when the teacher is the Lord Jesus. The sign of truly following the Master is the reproduction of the life of the Master in the pupil. Luke 6:40 

Those who adhere to His teaching are going to be formed spiritually into His image and likeness. John 8:31 

The thoughts, decisions and actions of the Lord Jesus were always direct and to the point. We never find Him in a state of double mindedness, or uncertainty. In bringing the body of Christ together we are introduced to a people whose attitude and thinking is in absolute line with His. They are perfectly joined together with one mind, one heart and purpose in the Lord Jesus. 1 Cor. 1:10 

They have the mind of Christ.


CHANGED INTO THE SAME IMAGE. 
The whole of the church is invited to participate in what is to be the greatest manifestation of His glory and power. Paul extended the open door to the Corinthians but it also reaches down to the end of the age. It is a place in Christ that the church has never achieved, for the time of its implementation had not arrived. 

It is an action that is to result in the manifestation of the Bride. The people of the Lord will gaze into the mirror of the Word with an openness which will bring about drastic changes in their spiritual life. 

There must be a willingness on our part to participate in the reflection seen in the glass, which is nothing less than the beauty of the glorified Christ. Once that vision has griped our hearts there is a tremendous longing, hunger and desire for the Lord Jesus. 

The longer we gaze into the mirror [the Word] the more our lives will be changed into His likeness and image. The transformation is from “glory to glory” and ever increasing might and power of Christ manifest in our lives. It is the result of the work of the Sprit in the spirit man. 2 Cor. 3:18


THE FULLNESS OF THE NEW CREATION. 
We dare not limit the creative powers of the Lord; that which is the natural creation surrounds us daily. The New Creation reaches to the very highest of the intent and purpose of the Lord. He will have a people who fit the pattern of His desires for true companionship, for they will have put off the old nature of sin and wickedness, a mode of living that was wicked and unclean. 

Now they have clothed themselves with that which is NEW. That which bears the righteousness and true holiness of the Lord. Making them to be a fitting companion for the Lord of heaven and earth. A bride who pleases His heart and is a joy and delight to Him. Eph. 4:22-24 

That New man goes through a spiritual process that completely alters the behavior, language and life of those who experience it. They come to really know the Lord Jesus in a very intimate and genuine fashion. 

They reflect His character and existence because He is dwelling in them. They have been transformed into the image and likeness of the glorious Lord who created them in the first place. They are His and very lovingly have committed their lives to Him. Col. 3:10




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DESTINATION. 
The Lord has definite and positive plans for His church in the end of the age; the process and guidelines are formulated for us in the Word of the Lord. 

Nothing but good can come to those who will recognize His sovereign will and allow it to work in their heart and life. The Lord will never come short of the complete fulfillment of His promises. He is seeking for a people who will hear the Word of the Lord and will submit themselves to it. 

It is His objective to give full spiritual form and substance to the body of Christ. Every spiritual need and power is committed to His own, that they might be witnesses of His splendor and glory to this world. A church to which He has been able to impart His very own perfection, until His divine will is consummated in them, when they will reach full age. They are mature Christians, fully developed, in whom the Word has become their constant guide and life. 2 Tim. 3:17


THE CREATIVE WORK OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
The inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord is that which illuminates the Word. It is a Word that is “God breathed,” NIV. Its source is directly from the throne of the Lord, is a living Word, filled with the complete plan and revelation of the scheme of the ages of time and of the eternity to come. 

It is a practical book, a text that when followed, will lead one to the way of everlasting life. The teachings and the doctrines of the Lord are contained in the book, instructions that the Christian cannot ignore. 

It is a living Word, which can (and does) strike conviction of wrong doing in the hearts of humanity. 

It is the sword of the Spirit which plunges deep into the heart, creating a rebuke of great strength and authority against sin. 

Its corrections bring joy and peace when adhered to and followed. Its power, its washings, train one to walk in the paths of righteousness. The importance of the Word can never be overemphasized. 2 Tim. 3:16-17


HE HAS PURPOSED TO SANCTIFY A PEOPLE UNTO HIMSELF. 
Our acceptance or rejection of such a thesis is immaterial as far as the Lord is concerned. He has promised it - and will do it. It is our joy and blessing to conform to His perfect will. He will persistently work through His Word to accomplish that which pleases Him. 

As the sword of the Spirit, the Word is constantly being wielded by the Lord to separate His own from the works of the flesh. Its sharpness cuts away the corruption and works of the carnal flesh. Eph. 6:17 

In spite of the theories of religionists who attempt to spoil and denigrate the teachings of holiness and righteousness, the Word of the Lord remains steadfast as TRUTH. John 17:17 

Submission to the Word results in a cleansing that is Godlike. 

The real roots of revival are found in a broken spirit and humility brought about by seeing ourselves in the light of the Word. Where there is a deep hunger to follow the Word and to embrace all of its teachings there is a manifestation of the presence and glory of the Lord. He will have a church of purity. Eph. 2:26




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  99

THE DESIRE OF PAUL TOWARD THE CHURCH. 
Where in this world can there be found a church leader who would not express the same wish. The perfection of those whom he is leading and pastoring. A situation where the whole of the church is equipped with all the fullness of the Lord. 2 Cor. 13:9b 

The scriptures are constantly calling on the believer to recognize the goal that has been set before us. The mind of the Lord is not hidden in this matter. It is a theme that was constantly expressed throughout the writings of the Apostle Paul. 

Take for instance his appeal to respond to the promises which the Lord has delivered and separate ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit. Breaking off with the works of the flesh while “perfecting holiness,” in the fear of the Lord. 

Remember, that with every challenge issued by the Lord, He will provide a way whereby we may achieve His desire. Our part is to have an appetite, an earnest desire to participate in His program. 2 Cor. 7:1


PAUL, CONCLUDED HIS MESSAGE TO THE CORINTHIANS. 
Once again with a brief reminder of the goal established by the Lord. His statement that we are considering was brief but to the point; he said to them, “Be perfect.” It was a message addressed to the brotherhood of the saints. 

The results of such an accomplishment are proclaimed by Paul. They are, be comforted, there is no greater place of security and comfort like that of having done the will of the Lord. Perfection, cultivates unity. That type of unity that can only be found amongst a people who are totally Spirit led. 

There is no greater place of peace than that which is found in the Lord Jesus. Perfection produces contentment and peace. The peace of the Lord that exceeds any and all peace that may be achieved outside of Christ. 2 Cor. 13:11


LEAVING THE PRINCIPLES OF THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST. 
These are excellent principles. They are vital and most necessary for the founding of the Christian life in His people. However, they are foundational and the building can never be completed if they are the complete focus of our spiritual efforts. 

Thus, Paul exhorted that, having completed and established them, leave them. They are completed and have been well established, now go on, progress on to the completion of the building. 

The goal which he set before them is that of perfection. A maturity which will bring us into full fellowship, and likeness with all that is Heavenly, eternal and Spiritual. Heb. 6:1 

It is impossible to establish an objective, a purpose, an aim, that is higher than what the Lord Jesus has already established. Paul did let us know the secret of his spiritual drive. He had caught a vision of the high calling of the Lord that was manifest in the Lord Jesus. 

That then became his drive. He saw the beauty, the majesty of all that pertains to the Lord Jesus and was determined to ”press on” reaching out for the high prize that is in the Lord Jesus. Phil. 3:14 

That vision and its accompanying prize are still available to all who will pursue it.   




            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  100

AIM FOR PERFECTION. 2 Cor. 13:11 NIV. 
An excellent goal. Actually the only one that counts with the Lord, because it is the designation that He has placed before His people. The word, perfect, in the Greek language, as used here, refers to things being arranged properly, to be set in order, to join together. The unity accomplished by the Spirit is the only way for the church. 

The status of possessing one mind is something that can only be reached by His Spirit dwelling in the whole of the body of Christ. It is through the Prince of peace, the Author of peace, that we may have perfect peace. His body will be unified in a blending together never before seen in this world. 

The Word of the Lord will be accomplished to the full degree. He will have a church, the members of which will all be speaking and teaching the same doctrine. Without a division of any sort, for they have the mind of Christ. Phil. 1:27 

They are perfectly joined together, they move in absolute synchronization, as one. They have one and the same mind and that is the mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 1:10 

The unity of the body is by the Spirit. Therefore, peace reigns in the body. Eph. 4:3  


HIS GOAL FOR US. 
This is not a secret wish that will never be accomplished. It is the declaration of His will and desire for His people. Rest assured that He will find a people, however small in number, who are so excited about Him and so in love with Him that they will seek to do His pleasure. We will come to the unity the faith. We will possess a full and integral comprehension and knowledge of Christ. 

Having gained the perfection of Christ, which is His goal and ours, His church will become His bride, for eternity. The consummate figure shown us in the scriptures, is for His people to be precisely what Jesus is. Like Him in every aspect of that glorious eternal life. Reaching the very stature, the maturity, the age, the wisdom and knowledge of Christ, with their ability to comprehend things eternal, being made equal to the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

They are filled with all the fullness of the Lord. His copious blessings and power are shared with them, to the fullness. They are measured according to His standard and are proven to be equal with Him. Eph. 4:13 

They are what He has desired and that which He will choose to be His Bride. Every aspect of His nature, glory, power and majesty will be displayed in them. Christ will not marry a bride who is inferior to Himself. She must be what He is, in all holiness and purity. 

It is His great love which motivates His people to reciprocate His Love. It is that love which causes the church to surrender herself fully and completely unto Him. It is that consecration which will bring the last day church to that blessed place unto which she has been called by the Lord. Eph. 3:19 

Love, the love of the Lord, motivates. It is the great power that has produced the whole plan of salvation. For God so loved... When His love is in our hearts we are filled with the Spirit of love and have the capability of loving the lost, the unlovely like He loves them. We too were once the unlovable and the unloved, but now He has brought us unto Himself, and all is changed.



            THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD  101

TRUE SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE. 
Understanding the truth of the Word of the Lord liberates the whole man, body soul and spirit. It is therefore, our privilege to know and understand the truths of the Lord. It is His knowledge of spiritual and eternal things which He imparts to us, that light and knowledge of Himself which produces a very real comprehension in us of His perfect will. 

In this manner He creates, in us, a true perception of Himself and all that He can and will accomplish in His people. For we are to be in Him and He will manifest Himself in us. What a glorious and wonderful relationship is ours and we are not taking full advantage of it. We are to dwell in Christ, who is the very embodiment of truth and to know the true God, the possessor of eternal life. 1 John 5:20


MOTIVATED BY THE LOVE OF CHRIST. 
Not only are we moved upon to seek a deeper understanding and relationship with Christ, by His great love, but fellowship within the body of Christ is intensified. A strong spiritual unity is the ultimate design of such love, truth and enlightenment. His love is proclaimed to be beyond the ability of man to fully understand. 

Even today, after two thousand years of the preaching of the gospel of Christ, mankind is still astonished at His tremendous love manifest by His death, burial and resurrection. Even beyond that, members of the church have difficulties with the grand ultimate of His perfect love, that is that the love of Christ will fill and flood the heart of a people who will embrace and receive the very fullness of all the divine nature. 

A body of believers who, in every way, shape and form are made to be exact replicas of Himself. Not clones, not robots, but a bride with whom He has perfect unity. Eph. 3:19


FOR THE BODY IS ONE. 
Yet that one body has many members. This would seem to allow for the divisions we find in the church of today. Using our own bodies as an example, we must recognize the fact that there must be a working together, a coordination of all the members, or the body will not function properly. The unity and harmony of a healthy body is amazing and its capabilities manifold. 

However, let just one part misfunction and the whole is effected. Organized religion is a source causing the body serious difficulties. The body can only grow and perform as it is in Christ, founded and constructed on the Lord Jesus Christ. 

His love and His Spirit are the life of that body. If its actions do not originate from the working of the Word and the Spirit it most certainly cannot do the will of the Lord. That there will be a coordinating of the true body of Christ, that is His bride, there can be no question; His Word has declared it to be so. 

We may anticipate that from within the corporeal body of the church the Lord will bring forth the members of that true “one body of Christ.” A church enjoying full unity and oneness with the Lord Jesus. She is His true bride. 1 Cor. 12:12-14 

What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. Jer. 23:28













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06:49 15/02/2005 formatting edited 
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