Category: Letters

Letters

Growing in Grace and Knowledge

Peter

The Glorious Appearing of Christ

Blessed be the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ for their enduring mercy given to the church called by His name. Peace and grace to the brethren, and may these words encourage all to grow in the grace and knowledge of God.

The coming of Jesus Christ with the Promise precedes and is distinct from the appearing of Jesus Christ in our walk. The second coming of the Lord for salvation initiates a new day, the third day, also called the day of the Lord, that we endure to finish our race and be perfected. There is great wisdom in understanding this, as nobody has arrived until we take our last breath in these clay vessels. We follow the example of Paul, who had the Living Christ working mightily in him, and he pressed toward the high calling of perfection.

Php 3:12  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 

Php 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 

Php 3:14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

One cannot hear the call to perfection and warnings against sloth and lasciviousness enough, given the weight of Scripture on those who fell away. Being called and chosen is a tremendous blessing, but now, if we are the elect of God, we press onward to be found faithful in our day of the Lord after receiving the Promise. A recent study on the Essential Doctrines of Christ revealed that the Hebrews in whom Christ had come were languishing and did not move on towards perfection and maturity. They should have already been teachers but were acting as babes in Christ, unable to partake of the strong meat that is the fiery trials and persecution that come from being holy and set apart in obedience from the world. It is a warning against apostasy for them and for us today, who have received Christ.

Heb 5:12  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 

Heb 5:13  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 

The Lord gives us parables to teach us the ways of the Kingdom of God, which is the same as the Kingdom of Heaven. Two of these parables are particularly applicable to the time and process needed to grow into the fullness and maturity of Jesus Christ. The ways, wisdom, and mysteries of God are revealed in these parables to those given spiritual eyes and ears.

Mat 13:31  Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 

Mat 13:32  Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. 

Mat 13:33  Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. 

The Holy Seed, the Living Spirit of Christ, the Commandments, once planted in the good soil prepared by the Baptism of John, grows into a mighty tree that represents the Kingdom of Heaven within us. The growing of the Living Christ in us is the growing of this tree and the spreading of the yeast throughout the whole lump. The growth of Christ in us is the growth of the Living Commandments and their manifestation or appearing in all our thoughts and behaviours. Bringing all to maturity in the faith is the role of those the Lord appoints as the elders in the congregation who serve the flock. Their labor is to bring everyone along unto the perfect man, no longer being deceived by the multitude of false doctrines.

Eph 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 

Eph 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 

Eph 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 

Whether or not we move on to maturity is up to the Lord. However, we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, pressing into what the Lord is given us. Once we taste the heavenly gift, there is no coming back in this age if we fall away and do not enter the promised land.

Heb 6:3  And this will we do, if God permit. 

Heb 6:4  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 

Heb 6:5  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 

Heb 6:6  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 

The Scriptures liken us to trees, and time is needed to grow a tree to maturity in the natural and the spiritual. Likewise, the parable of the leaven and flour meal speaks of the time and process required for the dough to rise. The Spirit of Christ takes time to germinate, sprout, and mature. The Living Word accomplishes the purposes for which it was sent to those prepared to hear the Gospel. The trees of the field clap their hands and sing praises unto the Lord in due time. No longer will the promised land bear thorns and briers, but trees that bear witness to the Lord.

Isa 55:11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Isa 55:12  For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 

Isa 55:13  Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. 

Our baptism of Christ, the receiving of the Holy Spirit of Grace, is not the end of the race; it is only the beginning of the true trials and tribulations, as those so blessed have entered their day of the Lord. The Holy seed, the Living Christ, the Commandments, now live in us, and henceforth the Kingdom of God is continually expanding as our carnal minds and thoughts [the fowls of the air] come to rest in obedience to the King who now sits in heaven. The Prince of Peace, who is the Living Christ, brings all carnal reasonings to rest, being in subjection to the Commandments of the Father. Here is Luke’s version of the parable.

Luk 13:18  Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? 

Luk 13:19  It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. 

Mustard plants are famous for growing very quickly, and so it is with the Spirit of Christ when He comes to save us from our enemies. The Lord, being a jealous God, makes a quick work upon the earth, as the Holy Spirit is greater in Power than the carnal thoughts and habits [the fowls of heaven] that have kept us in bondage our entire lives.  When Christ IS come, our earth is being judged in righteousness, and the end of all things is at hand.

Rev 19:11  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 

Rev 19:12  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 

Rev 19:13  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 

Rev 19:14  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 

Properly planted seed germinates and grows unto maturity in the natural, and so it is with the spiritual regarding the Holy seed of the Living Christ. The coming of the Promise that rebirths us is just the beginning of the race that ends with us becoming mature in Christ, having His mind, and receiving the fullness of our crown, according to the measure of our faith, before we depart these clay vessels. We preach the Gospel, the mystery now being revealed, which takes root and brings forth newness of life in the Spirit of the commandments. The elders labour to grow all the flock unto maturity and present them perfect in Christ Jesus.

Col 1:26  Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 

Col 1:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 

Col 1:29  Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. 

This parable of the Mustard Seed appears in all the Gospels except John and teaches us the vital lessons of growing into maturity. Here is Mark’s version, which offers a few more details.

Mar 4:30  And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? 

Mar 4:31  It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: 

Mar 4:32  But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. 

Mar 4:33  And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. 

As Christ, the Living Commandments in us increase, the fowls, representing our carnal thoughts, come to rest in the branches of the Tree of Life, which is the Living Commandments now growing in us. This is the peace of God that transcends all understanding coming into our heavens. The tiny mustard seed, representing the seed of Christ, grows to become greater than all herbs, as there is nothing more valuable to our spiritual health and sustenance than eating the Gospel, the Commandments that are the Living Christ. By eating the Gospel and given time, we grow in His knowledge and grace, and are weaned off the milk as we mature and learn to eat the strong meat of the Living Word.

Heb 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 

Strong meat is the suffering, reproach, and persecution we endure for standing for Christ and obeying the Commandments, being set apart from the world and its ways.

The tests of our faith and our proving faithful are what grow the tree and its branches unto the fullness of Jesus Christ. The great ones in the Kingdom of Heaven have humbled themselves by the hand of the Lord and put the fowls to rest, ceasing from their carnal works.

Mat 23:12  And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. 

Mat 18:4  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.      

The Lord finishes the work He started and remakes us into His Holy Temple until all things are made new. The living Christ works in us until all enemies are subdued and become a footstool under His feet. This is the process by which we are being perfected by the Spirit of Christ now dwelling in us. The Living Christ works in the Father’s Kingdom, molding, shaping, increasing our faith, building the Temple, where He and the Father dwell forever.

1Co 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 

We grow in the Spirit of grace as the Lord expands His occupancy within us. God’s grace, which is the Living Commandments now making their abode with us, uncovers all our hidden sins and secrets and burns them up. Nothing remains hidden; it all comes to the light in due time. As Christ increases, our old ways decrease, and we become holy in all of our behavior. Our remaking into the image of the Son is being accomplished. We are being made holy in all manner of our conduct, forgetting what was past.

1Pe 1:14  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 

1Pe 1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 

1Pe 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

Peter’s call to holiness was quoted from Leviticus and a chapter regarding the laws about our spiritual food, specifically the law of beasts. Many habits and ingrained behaviours are being changed as the seed of Christ germinates and grows into a Tree of Life. We stop eating, meaning taking into our minds unclean thoughts and inputs that defile us. In modern parlance, these are things that the world esteems that occupy our minds, taking our focus off obeying the Commandments. All these fowls of heaven come to rest, and we no longer spiritually eat them.

Lev 11:44  For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 

Lev 11:45  For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. 

Lev 11:46  This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth: 

Lev 11:47  To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten. 

Coming out and being separated from the carnal world requires us to stand and rest in the Commandments. As we grow in Christ, we grow in understanding and knowledge of Him and the narrowness of the way of life.

All Wait, Learning Patience

Everyone who calls on the Lord is learning patience and waiting for Him in some capacity. No matter where one is in our walk of faith and our maturity, all wait and hope in what is yet to come or be revealed.

Psa 130:5  I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Some wait for the Promise, which is the Lord coming to make His abode in them. Others, born again by the Spirit, wait for Christ to appear in all of their behavior. We all share in the wait and learning of patience. The waiting is part of the trials that prove our faith, whether we wait for Christ to come or for Christ to be revealed. Every one of the flock abides in the hope of what they do not yet see to come and be revealed to them and us.

Rom 8:24  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 

Rom 8:25  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 

We have to be reminded often of the need to wait and endure because growing weary led many to depart from the faith and fall away into disobedient pursuits of spiritual lusts, fornication, and murmuring. Take heed, stand, and wait [See all 1 Cor 10].

1Co 10:11  Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the age are come. 

1Co 10:12  Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 

Those waiting on the Promise are espoused to be married to Christ when the Bridegroom comes. Most of the epistles were written to churches where the flock was waiting for Christ to come, and thus their focus was on making themselves ready for the wedding feast. The church at Thessalonica is growing in faith and learning patience as they wait for the Son’s appearance from heaven.

1Th 1:3  Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 

1Th 1:10  And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 

This letter spoke in detail about the waiting:  Quietly Waiting for the Promise

Our faith establishes the hope of the Lord’s coming glory into our heavens. The Hebrews waiting for the Promise were reminded to finish their preparations, being washed by the Commandments, and be patient as they tarried in Jerusalem.

Heb 10:36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 

Heb 10:37  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 

Waiting for His Appearing, growing in Christ

Once the Promise comes, we are born again into the living hope of Jesus Christ, now dwelling within. We now grow into the mature man of Christ, being holy and blameless in all our behaviour. We do this by increasing in the peace and grace that lives in us. The Prince of Peace and glory of the Lord’s grace is multiplied within us, Lord willing.  We are warned about not remaining steadfast but rather to grow onwards into maturity.

1Pe 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 

2Pe 3:17  Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

2Pe 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

We get to know the Lord intimately in the whirlwind of judgment when the Living Commandments abide in our hearts, and the manifest trials perfect us. Those who have received the Promise, even the Apostles, wait for the fullness of Christ’s appearing in them as the race needs to be run to the end. The seed of Christ grows to maturity, and the Spirit that represents the yeast expands throughout the whole lump. The Apostles and elders wait for the Lord Jesus Christ to appear as they grow in the grace and knowledge taught by the anointing, the Holy Spirit that now lives in them.

Heb 6:11  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 

Heb 6:12  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 

The salvation of our souls is the end of the race, the completion of the Lord’s work in remaking the marred vessel into a vessel of honour in which He dwells. For Christ to be revealed to us, we have lots of growing and many tribulations to endure. Yet our incorruptible inheritance, salvation, is reserved for us in heaven, a Promise of God who cannot lie. We remain steadfast in the Gospel, the Living Commandments, and we fail not.

1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 

1Pe 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Proving ourselves faithful to the Commandments reveals Christ in our lives. Thus, the Lord brings us trials to prove our faith in the fire of many trials. When Jesus Christ appears, we receive God’s praise and manifest His Glory.

1Pe 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing [revelation] of Jesus Christ: 

1Pe 1:8  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 

Peter exhorted the elders who feed the flock through the preaching of the Gospel, telling them to faithfully execute their duties so they would become partakers of Jesus Christ’s appearing in glory. Glory is the appearance of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who appears when we are obedient to His Commandments.

1Pe 5:1  The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 

1Pe 5:2  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 

1Pe 5:3  Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 

1Pe 5:4  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 

The Apostle Paul always spoke of the hope of the fullness of the Promises yet to be revealed. We are to hold these beliefs close and rejoice not only in what we have already been given but also in the promises and hope yet to be revealed. We strive to not become slothful, but continue to abide and work in the kingdom of God.

1Ti 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 

Heb 3:6  But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 

The revelation of the Lord’s glory follows seasons of our growing and maturing, which are marked by manifest trials and temptations. Our suffering for Christ precedes the revealing of His glory, which represents our obedience to the Father’s Commandments.

1Pe 4:13  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 

We learn by trials to be aware and steadfast to the wiles of the devil, who roams our earth looking for opportunities to have us fall. If we endure to the end, the tree of life grows mighty and strong in our hearts, and then the Lord gives us overcoming, strengthens, and settles us in the faith of Christ.

1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 

1Pe 5:9  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 

1Pe 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 

The grace of God, the living Commandments, are what bring salvation. God’s grace is the chastening that teaches us to do righteousness and be holy and blameless in all our behavior. As we learn through our chastening, our hope is realized more and more as Christ appears in us as we overcome sin in our day of perfection.

Tit 2:11  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 

Tit 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 

Tit 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 

The appearing of Christ is our being clothed in the garments of righteousness. This signifies the mature man of Christ who is overcome their sin by the Power of God, the living Commandments by way of many trials and sufferings.

Rev 7:13  And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 

Rev 7:14  And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

Rebuilding a holy temple, wherein the Lord dwells forever, takes more than a 30-second prayer to accomplish. It takes many trials, tribulations, tests of faith, sufferings, and chastenings of our heavenly Father to bring about. Yet the Lord fails not to accomplish what He sets out to do. We were created to manifest the Lord’s glory, and that is precisely what He is bringing about in the appointed times.

Psa 102:16  When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. 

We are commanded to examine ourselves and measure the temple versus the Commandments [the plumbline] to see how we are doing and if we remain on track, walking in faith. Knowing the Lord is being a doer of His Commandments. The Spirit that dwells in us cannot lie, and we know where we stand and what work remains to finish the work of making us righteous and holy. Do we know Him? Are we in the Truth?

1Jn 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 

1Jn 2:4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 

1Jn 2:5  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

The mustard seed should grow rapidly into a fruitful tree as the Lord works quickly. Our carnal thoughts and behaviour change. We rest in the peace of the Holy Commandments, the true Sabbath rest of God. If we focus on the things of the Lord, the Commandments, we find the peace that transcends all understanding and come to know the Lord in Spirit and Truth.

Isa 26:3  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 

Hallowed be His Name that we pray daily means we hallow His Commandments and come to rest in them and do them. The mature in Christ is a man or woman of peace who has ceased from their own works and has grown in the knowledge and grace of the living Christ.

Eze 20:19  I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; 

Eze 20:20  And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God. 

Being justified by our faith, we rest in the peace of Christ living in us, standing in the grace [Commandments] of God, and rejoice in the hope of His glory yet to be revealed.

Letters

Asking the Lord for the Promise

Peter

Waiting Quietly for the Lord

Blessed be the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ for the mercy given to the church He has called.  Peace and grace to the brethren, and may these words encourage all.

All faith is proven by the Lord, as faith without works is dead. All members of the Body of Christ, regardless of their status of baptism or maturity, are commanded to act in faith and pray for the Lord to come. We pray for more of what we already have, and if we wait for the Promise, we pray fervently for the Lord’s kingdom to come. This is indeed the purpose of the daily prayer the Lord has given.  The Lord’s will is for all men to be saved from their sins by His coming to dwell within them.  Thus, we come to know the Lord in Spirit and in Truth.

1Ti 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 

Learning to wait for the Lord to come is an immediate test of our faith.  As we wait for the power of the Promise, we struggle against the works of the flesh, which include covetousness and envy.  The Lord commands us not to covet what another man has been given.

Deu 5:21  Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour’s. 

We are commanded to be content with our pay and where the Lord has us, always asking for more of what we have.  Godliness with contentment is a great gain.  It is unwise, as Paul tells us, to measure and compare ourselves to others [see 2Co 10:12 and this study here].  We are not to concern ourselves with others’ talents, be they less or more than we have.  Ultimately, every man gets the same prize, the mind of Christ, and we are to run the race set before us and not worry about others standing in the Lord’s order.

Joh 21:21  Peter, seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man [John] do? 

Joh 21:22  Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. 

The parables of the talents and the Minas both reveal the Lord’s ways, which reward those faithful with what they are given with even more, and take away from those who are unfaithful with their portions.

Luk 19:15  And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 

Luk 19:16  Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 

Luk 19:17  And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 

These parables warn us to be faithful with our gifts and not lose what we have by comparing ourselves, leading to sloth, envy, strife, and many other works of the carnal mind.  Such thoughts lead to less abundance of fruit.

Mat 25:29  For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 

Desiring more is hungering and thirsting for righteousness, which is a blessing.  But the way is narrow to walk.  Desiring more, the Lord tells us to pray persistently for the Promise to come. Christ guarantees us that if we do this, with persistence, He will come.   We need lots of bread, the Living Commandments, to endure the journey to the end.  Persistence in asking yields success, says the Lord.  Here is the parable that reveals this, teaching us to persistently ask for all the Living Bread we need.

Luk 11:5  NKJV And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; 

Luk 11:6  for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 

Luk 11:7  and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? 

Luk 11:8  I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. 

The Lord gives us as much bread as we need when we believe with our whole hearts and ask persistently.  Praying persistently proves our faith and is rewarded with answered prayer.  An earthly father does not fail to give good gifts to his children if they ask for something they need. Our heavenly Father, the Lord from heaven, is even better than any father of the earth.

Luk 11:9  “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 

Luk 11:10  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 

Luk 11:11  If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 

Luk 11:12  Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 

Luk 11:13  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” 

We need to ask the Father to give us the Holy Spirit. How many of us have been asking persistently? Every day or even multiple times a day? How long has one been praying for the Lord, the living bread of life, to come?  If one thinks they already have something, they are unlikely to keep praying for it. Ask daily, in faith, and it shall be done for you. Remember that all faith is tested; thus, a wait is also required.  Pray and be patient, waiting on Him to come with the rain that is the Promise.

Jas 5:7  Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 

Jas 5:8  You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 

Heb 10:36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the Promise. 

Heb 10:37  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 

Order and Process

The will of God we do first is our sanctification [1Th 4:3], which is being washed by the water of the Word, meaning the completion of John’s baptism. As we are sanctified, the Lord comes and glorifies Himself in us by the coming of the Promise.  We have been prepared, made ready as the Bride for every good work.

2Ti 2:21  Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 

There is an order and sequence to the Lord’s plan.

Rom 8:30  Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. 

Waiting for the Lord is the same as waiting for salvation to come. The Lord’s ways have not changed, and even the Old Testament tells us to pray and trust that the Lord hears us and comes in the Father’s perfect timing.

Mic 7:7  Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. 

Lam 3:26  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. 

None of our waiting is wasted.  In fact, it is needed time,  as the Bride of Christ needs time to prepare herself for the wedding of the Lamb. John’s baptism prepares the way for Christ’s coming and is completed before He comes with the fire and grace.  Truth and Grace come by way of Jesus Christ.

We grow into the knowledge and Wisdom of Jesus Christ, not the man, but the Living Word of commandments. We are blessed to be instructed on the Commandments and then wait at the Lord’s gates for Him to come. He shall come, and we are finding great favor with the Lord as we wait in faith.

Pro 8:34  Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 

Pro 8:35  For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. 

Everybody is Waiting for Something

Everyone in the flock is waiting, those with the Promise and those still waiting for their baptism of Christ.  Everyone has to wait and be patient. Some wait for the Promise, and the rest wait to be established for the fullness of the purchased possession when we depart the clay.  Our whole life in these clay vessels involves some waiting as we groan within ourselves, even after the Promise comes, as we wait for the fullness of our redemption.  With or without having the Promise, we are being saved by our hope in the Lord to fulfill all of His precious promises.  All brethren are to hope in the Lord’s promises and patiently wait for them to come.

Rom 8:21  Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 

Rom 8:22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 

Rom 8:23  And not only they [waiting for Christ], but ourselves also [who already have the Promise], which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 

Rom 8:24  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 

Rom 8:25  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 

The Scriptures tell us that some waited patiently and in accordance with God’s instructions. Many did not, creating strife, envy, and sedition in the congregations, causing hardships that Paul and the other Apostles had to confront. Let’s look more at both extremes and learn some lessons of instructions preserved for us in the Scriptures.

Making Ourselves Ready

The Lord spoke many words about waiting for Him to return with the Promise.  Many miss the Lord because they are not ready or watching when He comes for them.  Do not miss the Lord; be ready and watch. The Lord tells us of His second coming and contrasts those who are ready and waiting with those who are not.  Here is the parable.

Luk 12:34  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

Luk 12:35  Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 

Luk 12:36  And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 

Luk 12:37  Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat and will come forth and serve them. 

Luk 12:38  And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 

Luk 12:39  And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 

Luk 12:40  Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. 

The Lord comes as a thief when our carnal minds are not expecting Him.  Therefore, one is always on guard and reminded to watch until the Lord enters our heaven, as flesh leads us away into other pursuits.  Focus on the things of God, the commandments that light our path, is how we watch and prepare ourselves.  Our treasure is the wisdom of the Lord, in which we meditate day and night, watching for His return.  The Lord comes in different watches to the brethren.  We are to stay focused, avoiding envy, following our instructions, and wait for our watch to arrive.  If we disobey, we begin to walk naked and sin.

Rev 16:15  Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 

Not Watching nor Preparing

The Lord also spoke about those who do not wait properly in another parable.

Mat 24:46  Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Mat 24:47  Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

Mat 24:48  But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming;

Mat 24:49  And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

Mat 24:50  The Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

Mat 24:51  And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The temptation of the carnal mind after hearing the Gospel and being told to wait is to revert to the old ways.  This causes some to revert to the old ways, that is, drinking the older wine, which tastes better to the flesh.  This is drinking the wine of knowledge and not focusing on the Living Commandments in our studies and meditations.  The result of excess wine is that we get spiritually drunk and, as the parable shows, begin to smite our brethren. Spiritually speaking, this means accusing and excusing them [carnal arguments, strife, throwing stones, etc.] under the law of sin and death.  Doing so makes no one righteous, and is us having only a form of godliness.  If the Lord comes and we are not ready, we cannot enter through the door that is the Living Christ.  Paul cited this happening in the “last times”, being the time just before the Lord comes.  Do not miss the Lord, be ready, and turn aside from such.

2Ti 3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 

2Ti 3:6  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 

2Ti 3:7  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth

It is the spiritual Jews who have walked a long time seeking Christ who have the hardest time receiving the Gospel.  It is because they are already rich and think they need nothing, as the parable of the rich young ruler declares.  Most of the contention against the Gospel and those who preach it came from the circumcision, meaning the Jews, with all their knowledge.

The disciples in Samaria are an excellent example of Gentiles who prepared themselves and waited for the Promise, without envying others.  The Samaritans received the two Apostles the Lord sent them to lay hands on them [to preach and teach the Gospel], which completed their baptism of water [John] and brought the baptism by fire, that is, the Holy Spirit, coming.

Act 8:14  Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 

Act 8:15  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 

Act 8:16  For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [baptism of John]

Act 8:17  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. [received the baptism of the Spirit]

When we see the laying on of hands, the Scriptures read as if this happened instantly.  But the Scriptures are parables speaking to the process of tarrying together in fellowship, while being taught by ministers of the Gospel that the Lord establishes and sends to us.  We do not know the time or how long; it is all in the Father’s hands, but we pray for it to come as we do now for the Lord’s flock.  Faith comes by hearing, both our faith in John and also the faith of Christ that comes with the Promise.  We need to hear the Gospel preached till the Lord comes.

Rom 10:14  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 

Rom 10:15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 

It is helpful and reassuring to see this waiting in the New Testament Scriptures, which confirms we are where the Lord has us and that we just need to have faith and wait on Him to perform.  The early church in the Scriptures portrays gatherings of brethren, some having the Promise and some not having.  This is how we gather today, with one another, tarrying for one another, all working together until we all come to the unity of the one true faith in the Living Christ.  We all have a role or are in the process of being prepared for our role as we grow together in faith.

Eph 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

Eph 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 

A review of the various churches described in the New Testament reflects the variation in the makeup of the baptisms and the level of maturity.  This is all written for us to learn the lessons and gain understanding.

Corinthians:  The church at Corinth had not received the Promise and was still waiting, having only John’s baptism.   They were yet carnal and struggled, not eating the Lord’s supper worthily, and being puffed up one against another.  Paul wrote to encourage them as they waited and rebuke them for their errors.  This is all part of the process of learning and growing together as one church, to be made into One Spirit when the Lord comes.  Here is some encouragement and an example of a rebuke.

1Co 1:5  That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

1Co 1:6  Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

1Co 1:7  So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1Co 1:8  Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here is a rebuke.

1Co 3:3  For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 

Thessalonians: The assembly in Thessalonica had received the Promise, as they knew how the day of the Lord comes upon them.

1Th 5:2  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

When the Promise comes, we need no man to teach us as the Spirit teaches us all things.  Yet we often remind one another of the Commandments and the way in which we are to walk.

1Th 4:9  But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 

We still have to grow unto maturity, grow in the grace and knowledge of the Commandments to become mature sons of God and holy in all our behavior.  The seed of Christ takes time to work its way through all aspects of our lives.  We still await the appearing of Jesus Christ in the power and the hope of overcoming our sin.

1Th 1:9  For they themselves [the other churches] shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 

1Th 1:10  And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 

2Th 3:5  And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 

Philippians:  The church at Philippi was waiting for the Promise; they were waiting for the day of Jesus Christ, another phrase for the Promise coming.  Paul encouraged them to wait and be joyful in waiting.

Php 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 

Php 1:10  That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 

Paul teaches them to adopt the mindset of Jesus Christ while they wait for it to come in the power that is the Promise.

Php 2:4  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 
Php 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 

Paul had labored much to have Christ formed in these brethren and was looking forward to rejoicing in the day of Christ, meaning the day Christ comes to them by way of the Promise.

Php 2:15  That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 
Php 2:16  Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 

Galatians: The church at Galatia had already received the Promise, Christ had come to them in the Spirit. They had been released from the law and the schoolmaster and now were walking in the faith of Jesus Christ. Much of the book warns against false gospels, where they had begun well with the Spirit but were being led astray and back into bondage of the carnal law by some who had come into their assembly. Paul was none too pleased.

Gal 3:2  This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 

Gal 4:9  But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 

They had the Spirit to walk in the Spirit, and the concern was their falling away and not making their calling and election sure.

Gal 5:7  Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 

Gal 5:16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 

In all these letters, there is talk of the Gentiles who are joint heirs of the Promise who were yet to come into the assembly. What this means is that in every church, in every generation, there is going to be a new influx of lost sheep being found.  Therefore, our assemblies are expected always to have a mixture of brethren with differing degrees of baptism.  This creates trials, and we need to be on guard so we always walk the more excellent way.

Ephesians:  Many at Ephesus had the Promise, as we saw their Pentecost moment when we looked at Acts 19 a while back. Paul addresses them in the past tense, describing how they used to walk before the Promise came.

Eph 2:1  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 

Eph 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Eph 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 

Eph 2:11  Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 

Eph 2:12  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of Promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 

Eph 2:13  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 

Colossians: If we look at the words in this epistle,  they had received the Promise.  Christ had come to them and was risen in them.

Col 1:5  For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 

Col 1:6  Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: 

Those given the Spirit are exhorted to walk in the power

Col 2:6  As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 

Col 2:7  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Col 3:1  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 

Hebrews:  The Book of Hebrews was written to those having the Promise and had the power of the Holy Spirit, the throne of grace established within them.  Jesus had passed into their heaven already.

Heb 4:14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 
Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 
Heb 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

The bar is raised when the Promise comes. The Lord is not speaking from the earth anymore; He is speaking from our heaven. The day of the Lord has come when Christ is speaking from heaven.

Heb 12:25  See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 
Heb 12:26  Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 

John’s and Peter’s Letters:   John and Peter’s epistles were written in a tense showing the intended readers had already received the Promise.    Those born of God have been born again, completing both baptisms of John and Christ, and have the Living God, the Father and Son living in them.

1Jn 3:9  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 

When the Promise comes, we have the annointing which is another term for the Promise.  We now have the Living Truth living inside and are being made perfect.

1Jn 2:20  But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 
1Jn 2:21  I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 

The anointing we receive is the Holy Spirit, which teaches all men in the right ways of the Lord.

1Jn 2:27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 

A Key Principle:  The Lord always speaks of things that are not yet as if they already were accomplished.  Therefore, the Scriptures apply to both those who wait and those who have already received.

Rom 4:17  (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 

The ways of God are higher than ours.  We are credited with righteousness just for having faith.  We walk by faith in what we do not yet see, believing in the Lord to bring it to pass.    The witnesses to support this principle are endless in the Scripture.  Abraham [YOU], believed God and it was credited him for righteousness.

This is to be our attitude [as we are to be like God]  while we patiently wait for the Promise to come.  We are to reckon ourselves already dead, even though we wait for the power of salvation.  Those with John’s baptism of repentance are to act as if they have received the indwelling Christ.

Rom 6:11  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Rom 6:12  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 

Peter referred to this reckoning, that we already have Christ while we wait, as hastening the coming of the Lord. We know the old heavens and earth will be dissolved when the power comes, and thus, we hasten its coming by striving to be holy right now, the best we can, while we tarry. The day of the Lord begins the day we receive the Promise.

2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 

2Pe 3:11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 

2Pe 3:12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 

Those who are not watching or are unprepared, meaning they did not complete the baptism of John [learning all the true doctrines and the commandments],  fail to answer the door when Christ comes.  They are not ready for their hour of visitation and do not recognize Jesus Christ coming in the forms of His servants and angels.  Christ and His Christ weep when the Gospel of good news is rejected by those not given eyes to embrace the Living Words that save them.

Luk 19:41  Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 
Luk 19:42  saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 
Luk 19:43  For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 
Luk 19:44  and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” 

It is by the Father’s choosing to whom mercy is given.  Blessed are the eyes of anyone given to see these things, as they will not miss the hour of visitation when the Lord comes.

 

Letters

The Hidden Mystery of the Promise

Peter

The Revelation of Christ – The Holy Spirit of Promise

Blessed be the Father of all mercies and His Son from heaven who cleanses us from all of our sins and saves us by the coming of His Promise.

Many different words and phrases both hide and reveal the Promise of salvation.  If the Lord has mercy and opens our eyes, one can see the Promise throughout the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation and be amazed that we never saw it before.  The same Promise is the Gospel, the same hidden mystery now being revealed to the saints chosen to receive it.

Mat 13:16  But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 

Mat 13:17  For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

The Lord sends an angel to remove the seal and bring the true Gospel to those who have been prepared to receive it.  Jesus Christ comes this way to every man in the appointed time.

Rev 5:2  And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 

Rev 5:3  And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 

Rev 5:4  And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 

Rev 5:5  And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 

The seals have been removed from those who can read, hear, and understand what is being spoken of by God’s Elect.  Let them who have ears to hear, hear the Word of the Promise of the Lord.

Rev 1:3  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 

This letter has been written to reveal the Promise of the Living Christ to those ordained to receive it.  The Promise is the hidden wisdom of God that is the Living Word.  The Word of God is spoken in dark sayings and similitudes to hide it until the Lord opens our ears and eyes to see it.   Come and hear the living law of God that is Jesus Christ.

Psa 78:1  Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 

Psa 78:2  I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old

Hos 12:10  I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. 

Herewith, we explore fifteen additional words and phrases that speak to the Promise that brings salvation from sin.  These are some, but not all of the terms used to describe the Promise in the Scriptures.  These Scriptures all pertain to the same topic, namely, the Promise that comes and dwells inside of us and saves us from our sins.  May our eyes be enlightened with understanding as we receive the truth.  The Promise is far more important than we ever knew; it is the essence of the Gospel and the Scriptures.  The Promise is well worth waiting for and tarrying to receive, as it is the consummation of our walk, meaning salvation is come.

The Wisdom of God:  Wisdom is the Living Christ, the Promise.  The hidden wisdom is Jesus Christ.  Those in whom Wisdom lives speak the Wisdom that makes them perfect now, and it is not the world’s wisdom.

1Co 2:6  Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 

1Co 2:7  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 

The living commandments and their reproof of our sins bring the wisdom of Jesus Christ to the children of God.  This Wisdom is salvation, and without it we remain in our sins.

Pro 29:15  The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. 

The Scriptures literally tell us Jesus Christ is the Wisdom of God.

Luk 11:49  Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: 

Anytime we see the word “wisdom” that does not speak of worldly wisdom, then Jesus Christ, the Gospel, and the Promise are the topic.  When the Promise comes to us, we are given the gift known as Wisdom.  When wisdom comes, we have become the Lamb of God as Jesus Christ is now living in us, and we are dead, being crucified with Him.  Wisdom coming is how savours are made who judge Mt. Zion.  Those in whom wisdom dwells are the Lord’s kings and priests who bring the Gospel and open spiritual eyes and ears to receive it.  When the Promise comes, divine promises are given, including power, riches, wisdom, strength, glory, and blessing.

Rev 5:10  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 

Rev 5:11  And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 

Rev 5:12  Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

The Gospel:  The Gospel is the Promise, the good news of the Living Christ coming to make His abode with us.  The Gospel, the Living Christ, enters our life when a messenger is sent before Christ to prepare the way.

Mar 1:1  The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 

Mar 1:2  As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 

We need to repent, be granted repentance, and be given faith in the Promise of the Gospel now being preached.  The kingdom of God being at hand is also another sign of the Promise we address later.

Mar 1:15  And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel. 

We are to seek first the Promise [the kingdom of God within us] and then all things are added unto us when He comes.  The great commission given to those who receive the Promise is to spread it to others.  That is how the Lord builds His church,

Mar 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. 

Mar 16:16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 

The Gospel is the mystery, the hidden wisdom that is also the Promise.  If the Promise is hid from our eyes, we remain lost, and the Lord has blinded our eyes.  Believe the Gospel, believe the Promise, and pray persistently for it to come, and tarry till it comes.

2Co 4:3  But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 

2Co 4:4  In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 

The Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven:  All who labour to bring the Promise, the Gospel to others are also known as fellow workers unto the Kingdom of God; there is no difference.

Col 4:11  And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. 

The Promise that is the Gospel and the Kingdom of God is not in word but in the power of the Living Holy Commandments of the Father now living inside of us.

 1Co 4:20  For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 

When we lay hands on others to receive the promise as occurred at Ephesus, we are persuading our hearers of the Promise of God and the Gospel that saves every man.  Preaching the Promise of the glorious Gospel is preaching the Kingdom of God.

Act 19:8  And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. 

Preaching “repent and believe the Gospel” is the same as preaching “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, it is all about the Promise coming.

Mat 3:2  And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 

The Sabbath:  The true Sabbath of the Lord is the Promise.  When this Sabbath rest comes to us, we have received the Promise, and the Gospel now dwells in our hearts.  We have ceased from our own carnal works.  The Lord gives us the rest, it is a gift like the Promise, faith, the Gospel, etc.

Mat 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [the Promise]

Mat 11:29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

Mat 11:30  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

This is the consummation of our walk and what brings us into the kingdom of God, giving the land, our earth, the promised rest.

Lev 25:2  Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the [PROMISED] land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD. 

Lev 25:3  Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 

Lev 25:4  But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. 

We now rest in the Promise, and the Spirit of God works to bring salvation and remake a new heaven and earth.  Abiding in the Sabbath, we are dead to the world and the carnal mind that had held us in bondage all our lives.  The toiling and sweating are over and the man child Christ has come forth.  Our work is to believe on Him that the Father has sent to us.  Many fall because they do not believe.

Heb 4:9  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 

Heb 4:10  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 

Heb 4:11  Let us labour [have faith and wait]  therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 

The Coming of the Lord:  The coming of the Lord is the coming of the Living Word, that is, the Promise.  We tarry for this, believing and waiting patiently for the former and latter rain, which is also the Promise, the coming of the Living Lord into our hearts.

Jas 5:7  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Jas 5:8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

We pray for the Lord to come and the Promise to come until it comes.

 Rev 22:20  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.  Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 

The Lord Promises – I Will Come Again:  The Lord cannot lie and tells us He will come again; this is The Promise that brings the power of salvation.  We don’t fall back into perdition while waiting; we watch and pray as commanded.  We hold fast to what we have, persistently and daily asking for the Lord to come.

Joh 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Rev 2:25  But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

Rev 3:11  Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 

Many grow weary and begin to grumble and murmur, so we have all the admonitions about what happened to Israel wandering in the wilderness in search of the Promised Land.  Take heed of the lessons.

Second Time Coming:  The coming of the Lord spoken about is the second coming of the Lord, not the first coming.  The first coming is the baptism of John, and the second coming is the baptism of Christ, which is also a reference to the Promise.  The Lord comes the second time for salvation apart from sin, and this is when the Promise is given and the Living Word dwells within us.

Heb 9:28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. 

It is expedient that Christ go away for a season because that is when He goes and prepares a place for us and comes back with the Promise in due time.

Joh 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 

When He comes again, where Christ is, there we will be also, which is in heaven with the Father.  It is foretold throughout the Old Testament as well.

Isa 11:11  And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. 

After He comes the second time with the Promise, we are sent to preach.

Jon 3:1  And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, 

Jon 3:2  Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. 

The second coming is to give us the power and strength to preach and endure the journey to the end.  We see in the story of Elijah being sent to King Ahab to repent.

1Ki 19:7  And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat [the Gospel]; because the journey is too great for thee. 

1Ki 19:8  And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. 

Other Variations of His Coming:  Salvation is at the Lord’s coming.  The disciples asked Christ when the time of the end was and how He would come.  He comes by way of the Promise, which comes in the clouds of His witnesses who preach the Gospel and speak the words of power that bring the Lord to life when heard with God given ears to hear.

Mat 24:30  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 

Act 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?  this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner [in the cloud out of their carnal sight] as ye have seen him go into heaven. 

The coming of the Lord as the Promise brings the Gospel that we obey, which is the Living Commandments [the Gospel, the Promise] spoken by His Elect that now are judging us and remaking all things.

Mal 3:2  But who may abide the day of his coming?  and who shall stand when he appeareth?  for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: 

Mal 3:3  And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. 

While we wait for the power, having not the Promise, we prepare ourselves in the baptism of John.  We focus on the commandments and strive to be holy in all of our behavior.  This is having oil in our lamps, and we are not ashamed when He comes.  John speaks to them waiting.

1Jn 2:28  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 

Many lose faith and patience and begin to eat and drink with the drunkards, as the old wine is better to the carnal mind than the new wine that is the Gospel and the Promise.   Some become scoffers and mockers of the Promise.

2Pe 3:4  And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

We are to do business until He comes with the power.  Do not depart Jerusalem, do not let any man steal the crown that is coming for you.

Luk 19:13  And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 

Luk 12:45  But and if that servant say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

Luk 12:46  the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 

The Comforter:  The Promise or Holy Spirit is also called the Comforter.   The Comforter coming is the Lord coming, who is the Living Gospel.

Joh 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Joh 15:26  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

The promise of the Comforter begins in the Book of Genesis and is seen throughout the Scriptures.  A comforter is promised, and as Solomon writes, is very much needed to overcome the oppression of the carnal mind.

Ecc 4:1  So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. 

We stay in the city Jerusalem to wait for the Comforter, the Promise to come.

Isa 66:13  As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. 

Luk 24:49  Behold, I send the Promise [the Comforter] of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

When we are laden in sin, we lament for the Comforter to come and deliver us.

Lam 1:9  Her filthiness is in her skirts; she remembereth not her last end; therefore she came down wonderfully: she had no comforter. O LORD, behold my affliction: for the enemy hath magnified himself. 

The Comforter is also hidden in the Hebrew language, in which the Old Testament is written.  The Lord’s repenting is the Lord sending us the Comforter.  The Hebrew word “repent” is the same word translated as comfort and Comforter.  The Lord repents of His judgments and wrath against our sins, which is the same as sending us the Comforter for salvation.  It is hidden in the shadows of the Old Testament.

Joe 2:13  And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth [sends the Comforter] him of the evil. 

Psa 106:45  And the Lord remembered for them his covenant, and repented [sent the Comforter] according to the multitude of his mercies. 

The Comforter coming is the turning away of the Lord’s anger against our sins.  Salvation is come to our flesh.  The living God in us has become our strength and salvation.

Isa 12:1  And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me

Isa 12:2  Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 

Spirit of Truth:  We know His Word is the Truth, but the Living Word inside us is the Spirit of Truth and the Promise we pray, watch, and wait for to come and dwell within us.

Joh 14:17  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Joh 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

The Spirit of Truth is the Spirit of God; it is through Christ that all things, including us, have been created for His purposes [See Col 1:15-18].  The Spirit of Truth creates the former heaven and earth and also the new earth when He comes with the Promise.

Gen 1:1  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

Gen 1:2  And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.  And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 

We have been redeemed when the Lord comes the second time as the indwelling Spirit of Truth.  We are mere clay in His hands, and we know it.

Psa 31:5  Into thine hand I commit my Spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. 

After we hear the Gospel of our salvation, the truth, the Living Words of Christ, we come into the true faith of Jesus Christ.  The truth of this is subtly hidden in all the words of Scripture.  Truth and Spirit are always in view together as they are the same, the power of the living Word.

1Pe 1:22  Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

The coming of Pentecost is the coming of the Promise, which brings forth true worshippers who worship in Spirit and in Truth.

Joh 4:23  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 

Joh 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth. 

Day of the Lord or That Day:  The day of the Lord is the third day for every man, the day in which they, like Christ, are made perfect.  This day represents the day the Promise comes to us.  Like the Holy Spirit, the faith of Christ is one of the many terms that describe the same experience of receiving the Gospel, which is the Lord’s Promise, that we have waited our entire lives to be revealed.   The day of the Lord is a wonderful day or a horrible day, depending on whether the new man or the old man is in view.  Here is the negative of the Promise coming, the end of flesh and sin.

Isa 2:12  For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: 

Isa 13:9  Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. 

Joe 1:15  Alas for the day!  for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. 

This day, the Promise comes, is the beginning of the wedding feast of the Lord. It is a great and glorious day for the new man, Christ in us, has been formed by our redemption by the Promise.

Zep 1:7  Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.

Zep 3:14  Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. 

Zep 3:15  The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. 

The day of the Lord is when the new earth and new heaven come forth.  All things are made new and in very short order, a quick work the Lord does when His Promise comes.

2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 

While the old is passing away quickly, we have faith in the Promise and behold the new creation coming forth.

2Pe 3:13  Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 

To avoid making this study too long, the last few are abbreviated in the Scripture witnesses, but the point is made.

The Faith of Christ:  The faith of Christ is also the Promise, the power of the resurrection now living within us

Php 3:9  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 

Php 3:10  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 

The Grace of God:  When grace has come, the Promise has come, and all rejoice.

1Co 1:4  I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 

 Act 11:23  Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 

Eph 3:7  Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

The glory of God:  The Promise is the glory of God, that lights our path and brings judgment, and thus fills the temple we are with smoke.  It emanates from inside of us to the outside and is seen of all men.

Rev 21:23  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 

Rev 15:8  And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; [from the indwelling Promise] and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. 

The Holy Spirit:  The Spirit of God is well known as the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of Christ, is the Promise and the Gospel which saves every man in their appointed time.  It is God’s will to give it the Holy Spirit of Promise to all who ask of Him.

Luk 11:13  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? 

The Holy Spirit is even called the Holy Spirit of Promise.

Eph 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 

Divine Power: The Promise is the divine power that provides everything we need to be saved from sin and manifest God’s glory.

2Pe 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 

With this power that comes from the Promise, also known as the Spirit of Holiness, we are declared the sons of God. It is how we are raised into the newness of eternal life, knowing the Lord.

Rom 1:4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

2Sa 22:33  God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

Psa 145:11  They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; 

We could continue, as there remain several additional phrases  [knowing the Lord,  the love of God, the chief shepherd, Spirit of Christ, Spirit of Holiness, Latter Rain, and even the word Salvation itself],  that hide the Promise in the Scriptures.  But the point has surely been made if anyone has read this far and has their eyes open to see the Truth.  May the Lord have mercy.

If we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we should be desirous to look into all aspects of the Promise and be diligent to watch and pray for it to come. We pray that all so chosen become zealous for the things of the Lord and the coming of the good news that is now being revealed unto them.

A final consideration is to know that the day of the Promise, the day of the Lord, will not come until the man of sin in all of us is revealed first.  This is far more than the outward sins we clean up when Christ comes the first time.

Rev 17:8  The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 

We must be shown the abomination of desolation still standing in the Temple where the Lord wants to come.  There is nothing to do except quietly wait on the Lord to perform and come.  Study, pray, and wait is the commandment.

2Th 2:1  Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 

2Th 2:2  not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 

2Th 2:3  Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 

Pray for the Lord to come.  Pray for the Promise and wait on the Lord.  Anyone who does will not be disappointed.

 

 

 

 

Letters

Created for Glory by the King of Glory

Peter

Glorifying God, Our Earth is Made Perfect

Thank you, Father, for creating us and for the many wonderful works being accomplished that manifest your glory. We praise your Holy Name and rejoice in these blessings you have bestowed upon your children.

We have been created and called to bring forth glory to God. This is the sole reason we exist and why the Lord bestows us the gifts and the many wonderful works that bring salvation.  Our salvation glorifies God.

Isa 43:7  Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. 

Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works [obedience is the glory], which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

The Father of whom are all things is called the Father of Glory, and the Lord by whom are all things is known as the King of Glory. Without the King, the power of the Holy Commandments ruling in our hearts, salvation is elusive, and so is the Father’s glory. But when the King of Glory comes, via His Promise, salvation comes, and the war with flesh is won.

Psa 24:8  Who is this King of glory?  The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 

Psa 24:9  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 

Psa 24:10  Who is this King of glory?  The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.  Selah. 

John’s baptism prepares us for the King to come with glory as we embrace the Gospel and wait as commanded for the Promise. The preparation phase cannot be skipped, as being washed with water of the Word comes first. The Bride of Christ is those who receive the Promise, and they are prepared and then told to watch and to pray until the Lord comes.

Mar 13:32  But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 

Mar 13:33  Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Glory Springs forth from Judgment by the Living Word

When the King comes, judgment has fallen upon our house. Judgment comes through the Living Word, that is, chastening and making all things new on our third day. The glory of Christ is established within us and manifests salvation in very short order. The King of Glory is revealed in His Holy Temple.

Eze 39:21  And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them. 

Eze 39:22  So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward. 

When the Lord comes, His glory that is holiness dwells in the Promised Land and is seen on the earth, meaning in our actions and deeds.

Hab 2:14  For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Psa 19:1  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 

With Christ and the Father sitting in our heavens, God’s righteousness is declared, and God’s glory shines from the inside to the outside. God’s enemies, our sins, are burned up, and all behold God’s glory.

Psa 97:3  A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. 

Psa 97:5  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 

Psa 97:6  The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. 

When the Lord comes, everything in our lives is being made straight. All men see it in due time, it comes to pass, and the glory of the Lord is revealed to all flesh.

Isa 40:4  Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 

Isa 40:5  And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. 

Vessels Ordained and Prepared Unto Glory

Our first created vessel, the man Adam, is a vessel of dishonor and needs remaking, as the man of flesh cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The second vessel made, the new man from heaven, is made in the image of the Lord. This second vessel is created to bring honor and glory to God. It is by the remaking process that the power of God and the riches of His glory are made known to us who previously did not understand. It is all preordained for the chosen of God and is a gift to those on whom it is bestowed.

Rom 9:21  Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Rom 9:22  What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

Rom 9:23  And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

While we suffer many afflictions, they are light compared to the eternal weight of God’s glory. Therefore, we do not lose hope as this painful transition occurs. With the Living Christ in our temple, all our experiences become the grace of God, working to manifest God’s glory.

2Co 4:15  NKJV For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 

2Co 4:16  Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 

2Co 4:17  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,  

When the faith of Christ comes, we are justified in God’s eyes. Given this gift of His faith, we begin to rest in the peace of Jesus Christ. We know we are mere clay in the Potter’s hands. All the years of bondage and sweating, doing our own work to save ourselves, are over. Being justified by the gift of His faith, we believe and wait on the Lord to finish the work, following the lead of His indwelling Spirit, rejoicing in the hope of Glory still to be revealed.

Rom 5:1  Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Rom 5:2  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

The error we all make before the Promise comes is thinking it is up to us and our power to stop sinning. It is not up to us, as God works in us to will and to way according to His good pleasure. The Lord does a quick work in establishing us and strengthening us in the faith, so we begin to be perfected as our Father, now sitting in our heaven, is already perfect. We are being remade into a true son of God, that is the Father’s glory.

Mat 5:48  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. 

Christ dies for us while we are yet sinners. Christ does not wait for us to clean ourselves up before He comes; He is the one who causes us to repent, and is the one who comes to clean us and to make us perfect. It is always I will say the Lord.

Eze 36:25  Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 

Eze 36:26  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 

Isa 49:3  And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. 

Our glorification is about His namesake and His glory, never our own.

Isa 48:11  For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted?  and I will not give my glory unto another. 

Eze 36:23  And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 

Both baptisms, John’s of the water and the latter of Christ by the Spirit, are the Lord’s Work. Every aspect of salvation is His work, even when our progress is hindered or nonexistent. Every step a man takes is ordered by the Lord working all things. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing. Every breath we take, every thought, every deed; there are no exclusions to what the Lord is not working. Our being, our existence, is in the Lord, and as a result, He is always near.

Act 17:28  For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 

When Christ comes, we are set free from the law of the accusing and excusing carnal mind and enter into the promised rest of Christ. The Spirit of the Living God, the King of Glory, is now doing the work of salvation. Christ’s coming to us has set us free by the perfect law of liberty, the law of Christ that is our measure of His faith. Now, we are led by the Holy Spirit, being born again of water and the Spirit. We see immediate changes wrought by God’s Spirit as we become His Glory. The purpose for our creation and election is now being accomplished right on time.

2Co 3:17  Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 

2Co 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 

Glory Always is Seen in Power

Salvation has come to our house, and while we still have struggles, abiding in weak flesh, we overcome as we have access to the throne of grace of the Living God living in our hearts. The suffering is not over, as we suffer to cease from sin. With the love of God now in our hearts, the power of obedience works mightily. The Glory of the Father and the King of Glory is always seen with Power. It is not our power; it is the Divine Power of the Living Commandments, the Gospel that lives in us. In due time, more and more glory of the Lord is being manifested.

2Pe 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

God’s Glory is seen in Power when the enemies of God, our sins, are dashed to pieces.

Exo 15:6  Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. 

When the Promise rests upon us, God’s Power is working within the kingdom of God. Obeying Christ in a dark world, we are evil spoken of by those bound by their carnal mind, yet happy are we as the Spirit of Glory rests on us and we walk in obedience, glorifying God.

1Pe 4:14  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 

The Resurrection of Christ Reveals the Glory  

We fail to grasp the power and measure of the Lord’s majesty and greatly underestimate His absolute sovereignty in working of all things for the counsel of His will. We grow in this understanding as we mature in the faith. All the miracles performed by Christ were to reveal the glory of God. These events, all done in parables, show that our rising from the spiritually dead, being healed of blindness, deafness, and dumbness, and the casting out of many demons [lies], are all done to reveal the glory of the Father. It ties back to what was said at the beginning of this letter: we have been created to bring forth glory to God. The work of Jesus Christ and now His Christ, the elect in this age, is to bring that glory forward in those chosen to receive the Gospel. Let’s look at a few miracles, starting with the healing of the man born blind.

Joh 9:2  And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 

Joh 9:3  Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 

Joh 9:4  I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 

The work of the Father is to believe in Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent. It is the faith of Jesus Christ that reveals and declares the Father’s Glory. The ten lepers were cleansed, so the Glory of God would be declared, yet only one returned to do so.

Luk 17:17  And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed?  but where are the nine? 

Luk 17:18  There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 

The Father’s Glory is revealed when we are given eyes to see, cleansed of our leprosy, and raised from spiritual death into newness of the Spirit.

Rom 6:4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 

Rom 6:5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 

Our baptism of Christ plants us into the death of Christ and then raises us in the Spirit. This is the mystery of salvation, the power of God, and the act that declares the Glory of God. It fulfills the purpose for our being created.

Isa 46:13  I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

Lastly, we have the resurrection of Lazarus, a parable showing that hearing the commandment to “arise and come forth” is the power of God raising us from the dead to reveal the glory of the Father in us.

Joh 11:3  Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 

Joh 11:4  When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God,  that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Jesus reminds Martha that He told her that if she believed, she should see God’s Glory. God’s Glory is revealed when Lazarus comes forth upon hearing the commandment. That is the Power of God through the commandments to raise men from the dead.

Joh 11:40  Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 

Joh 11:41  Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.  And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 

Joh 11:42  And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 

Joh 11:43  And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 

Joh 11:44  And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin.  Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 

When Christ says “Come forth” or “Come up hither”,  [Rev 11:12] we have received the Promise. We are commanded to rise from the spiritually dead and be loosed from the bondage of the law, which are the grave clothes that kept us abiding in spiritual death our whole lives. These mighty miracles and the raising of all men in their appointed time from the spiritually dead are to reveal the Glory of God. The glory of God had risen on Lazarus and does for us when we are called to come forth.

Isa 60:1  Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 

The Lord’s Glory is Seen in a Cloud

The Lord and His Power and Glory are always coming and seen in a cloud. This is spiritual speak for Christ appearing in those who have become His witnesses when the Promise is received.

Luk 21:27  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 

The Lord is no longer in flesh, as He now is Spirit and abides in the heavens of those redeemed from the earth. His coming is into the hearts and minds of His chosen Christ. This cloud of many witnesses is Jesus Christ, through whom the greater works are done right now in the lake of fire.

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

This cloud, individually and collectively, is the angel of the Lord, the elect, the saviours in whom the Lord comes, who leads Israel out of the world, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land. Christ, the cloud leads Israel on the way and stands behind them to fight against the Egyptians [lusts of our flesh, see Exo 14].

Exo 16:10  And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. 

In Ezekiel’s vision of the cherubim, the holy angels of the Lord appeared in a cloud, likened to the bow seen back in Noah’s days. The Glory of the Lord seen in them is the glory of the risen Christ who lives in them as they are children of the resurrection and now the angels of God.

Eze 1:28  As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about.  This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.  And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake. 

The angels of the Lord are the children of the resurrection, as the parables of Matthew 22:30 and Luke 20:36 show. In turn, the angels become shepherds, ministers, and teachers, also called cherubim and seraphim. Glory is always in view when an angel is spoken about. It is not the angel’s glory, but the Lord’s glory dwelling in them. The symbolism of this means they are obeying the Lord, being Holy as their Father is Holy, and this is the manifestation of the Glory of the Father.

Eze 10:4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’S glory. 

The parable of the Ascension shows Christ appearing in two witnesses, the two angels who stood nearby and instructed the disciples on how Christ would return to them. Christ ascended into a cloud they could not see physically; it was out of their sight.

Act 1:9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 

Act 1:10  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 

Act 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?  this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 

Christ returns the same way, coming in a way He is not recognized, being out of sight. Christ comes in His glory, which dwells inside the Holy Angels, who are the resurrected Christ in this world and have been since Pentecost.

Mat 25:31  When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 

Angels of the Lord ascend and descend the ladder into heaven, communing with the Living Christ and bringing messages of good tidings, the Gospel, to those to whom they are sent. Their earth is lighted with the Glory of God.

Rev 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with His glory. 

Great is the mystery of godliness now being revealed to the saints. The Living Christ is being received into glory in all those who share a like-minded faith of Jesus Christ.

The Throne of Glory

When the Promise comes, we sit in the throne room in our hearts with Christ and the Father. This is the hope of glory we tarry for in Jerusalem until it comes. Our appointed time comes to follow Christ and be born again of the Spirit [regenerated], becoming one with Christ and the Father. Then we sit in the throne of glory, constantly bathed in the power of the Living Word of Commandments.

Mat 19:28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 

Isaiah’s vision of the throne room confirms the theme of the resurrected Christ manifesting God’s glory. This event, a parable, confirms how the Baptism of Christ, the Promise, comes by way of God’s angels. Those with the Promise, the resurrected Christ in them, have an earth full of the Lord’s glory.

Isa 6:1  In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 

Isa 6:2  Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 

Isa 6:3  And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 

Seraphim is another term for angel, such as a cherubim, and even children of the resurrection. It is those who have received the Promise of the Lord who, in turn, are used to give it to others. The same Hebrew word for Seraphim [H8314] is used when Moses made a serpent [seraphim] and set it on a pole to stay the plague of serpents. Seraphim is spiritual speak for the resurrected Christ in us becoming a living sacrifice for the Lord. When we look to the resurrected Christ, the living commandments in us, we live, and the plague of the many serpents [carnal mind] is stopped [See Numbers 21].

A seraphim in the throne room comes to Isaiah and spreads the fire from the altar, which is the Living Gospel of Commandments that brings the baptism of Christ to those brought into the throne room. Those living commandments of fire purge our sins and bring salvation to every man.

Isa 6:6  Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: 

Isa 6:7  And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. 

The change happens in an instant, in a twinkling of an eye. Those given these coals of living fire have received the Gospel. The Gospel has now been put on their lips, and they are then sent to preach it and spread it some more.

Isa 6:8  Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?  Then said I, Here am I; send me. 

Receiving a Crown of Glory

Receiving the mind of Christ is the crown we are given. Having the same mind as Christ has us thinking and doing the Holy Commandments with all of our heart, mind, and soul. This is the first commandment on which everything else is based. When the Promise comes, the chief Shepherd has appeared, and we receive His crown of glory that fades not away.

1Pe 5:4  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 

At the end of the race, we are given to run in these clay vessels, then we receive the fullness of the crown. Paul wrote about finishing his course and getting the crown because he had kept his faith. All who love Christ appearing in them are set to receive the same crown.

2Ti 4:7  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 

2Ti 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 

We are faithful to death, crucifying the lust of the flesh, before the crown of life comes. This is how we are completely saved from our sins and made perfect. We run the race to obtain the prize of the incorruptible mind of Christ.

Rev 2:10  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 

The will of God, not man’s will, determines to whom and the timing of when Christ in us, the hope of glory, comes. Those ordained to receive the Father’s glory in this age are predestinated before the world was formed. It is all the work of God and none of our own. Yet our justification and subsequent glorification with the King’s of Glory is guaranteed. It is Promised.

Rom 8:29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 

Rom 8:30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 

We have much to be thankful for and to look forward as the Lord finishes the good work He started. God’s glory IS BEING revealed in us; that is the reason for our existence and our creation.

1Pe 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 

1Pe 5:11  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.  Amen.

We pray that all the brethren receive this blessing of the Lord and encourage everyone to continue to be prepared and to watch.