[ Lesson. 36 ]. The Synopsis Of Our "Baptismal" Message . . .

2. The "purification" of the Ark is said by several writers to be a typical "Baptism." And, it is an anti-type of the "Baptism" the LORD JESUS went through in His death on the Cross of Calvary, { Read 1- Peter 3:18-22 }. This is a picture of the LORD's death "Baptism" that we brought out in a previous chapter of our message. Since we as GOD's true adopted Children took part in His death "Baptism" with Him, we have become Children of GOD the FATHER and partners with JESUS in His eternal inheritance!

3. As we have before stated, "Baptismal purification" was one of the ordinances as a ritual to be performed by the Israelites after it was commanded by JEHOVAH on the mountain at Sinai. This was the time the Mosaic law was instituted by the LORD to Moses as the leader of the Israelites. It must be remembered, that this took place after the figurative "Baptismal cleansing" was accomplished in the Red Sea when the Hebrews were identified as fellow brethren with Moses as their leader, see { 1- Corinthians 10:1-4 }. But, ceremonial "cleansing" really began at Sinai, and this is spoken of in { Exodus Ch. 19. }

4. The Hebrews themselves decided that JEHOVAH didn't go far enough so they added many of their own "purification" practices to their GOD-given religion which the LORD JESUS called "traditions of the elders" which in effect made void the commandment of GOD. CHRIST criticized the reinterpretation and debasement of the Law by the scribes and Pharisees who viewed oral tradition as more authoritative than the written law of the O.T. { Mark 7:8 }. He then illustrated the point in { Vs. 9-13 }. . . .

5. Scripture: "Aaron and his sons you shall bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall wash them with water, { Exodus 29:4 }."

6. The above { V. 4 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Moses listen to Me and follow My instructions . . . 'Aaron as the high priest' and his sons you shall bring unto the door of the tabernacle 'of the congregation, out where the laver is', and shall wash them with water, { Exodus 29:4 }."

7. Commentary . . . { V. 4 } above gives evidence that those mentioned were to be cleansed so as to enter into office as priests. The verses in this chapter of Exodus, describe the installation of the priests, which included washing, { V. 4 }, anointing { V. 7 }, clothing { Vs. 8-9 }, and offering sacrifices { Vs. 10-28 }. 'The priests' ears [ symbolized obedience to JEHOVAH' ], see { Exodus 21:6 }, 'thumbs and toes [ symbolized work for JEHOVAH' ] and were especially dedicated to JEHOVAH { 29:20 }, notice the sprinkling ritual. The ceremonies lasted 7 days { V. 35 }. According to { Hebrews 9:6-10 }, the priests were all to go through the purification ritual before they could enter into the office of a priest. The 'divers [ deferent ritual ] washings' were counted as purification cleansing."

8. The Scriptures teach infallibly that the Israelites, during the Millennial reign of CHRIST, will become a nation of priests! See { Revelation 1:6; - 5:20; - 20:6; - 1- Peter 2:5-10; - Isaiah 61:4-6; - Exodus 19:5-6; - & - Deuteronomy 26:19 }. The relationship specified in the covenant was that Israel being the "LORD's peculiar . . . [ i.e., a special protected treasure" ], . . . in a Kingdom whose Hebrew citizens will all be priests, and at that time they will all have access to the LORD, as a holy nation. Israel will be separated from all other nations and devoted only to GOD.

9. Incidentally, those who are spoken of in { 1- Peter 2:9-10 } are often spoken of, as us Gentiles who are Saints in the Body of CHRIST. The fact is, this is not true! This is actually speaking of the holy remnant of Israelis which in the future will become a nation of priests during the Millennial reign of MESSIAH on this earth after His second coming, and does not apply to the Body of CHRIST of this age! According to Scripture during the Millennial reign of MESSIAH Israel will be a nation that will be an anointed and purified nation. The LORD said to Israel concerning her future . . .

10. { V. 23 } Scripture: " . . . I will sanctify My great name, which was profaned among the 'heathen [ Gentiles' ], which you have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, says the LORD GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

11. The above { V. 23 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "And I will vindicate the holiness of My great name and separate it for its holy purpose from all that defiles; My name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them; and the nations will know, understand and realize that I am the LORD the Sovereign Ruler, calling forth loyalty and obedient service, when I shall be set apart by you and My holiness vindicated in you both before their eyes and yours."

12. { V. 24 }: For I will take you from among the 'heathen [ Gentile nations' ], and gather you out of the countries, and will bring you to your own land.

13. { V. 25 }: Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean: from all tour filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

14. { V. 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.

15. { V. 27 }: And I will put My spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall keep My 'judgments [ ordinances' ], and do them.

16. { V. 28 }: And you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and you shall be My people, and I will be your GOD, { Ezekiel 36:23-28 }."

17. Commentary of the above verses . . . We read here of the great message of restoration and blessing through Grace in that day when Israel's once rejected King returns and they bow before Him. The characteristic words in { Vs. 23-28 } are the words "I will do." These are the words of sovereign Grace. Eighteen times Jehovah says what He will do. They are the "I wills" of Israel's hope and coming glory. MESSIAH will gather them from among all the world's nations and return them back to their own land. Only a superficial expositor can speak of a fulfillment of this text and apply it to Israel's past return from Babylon. But, even if this were so, though it is not so, the verses which follow have never been fulfilled in the past.

18. The cleansing of the nations is next promised: "I will sprinkle clean water upon you and you shall be clean." This refers us to the water mixed with the ashes of the red-heifer, which was sprinkled with a hyssop on the unclean, typifying the precious blood of CHRIST in its cleansing power { Hebrews 9:13-14, - & - 10:22 }. Therefore, when the people of Israel believe on MESSIAH and look upon Him Whom they had pierced { Zechariah 12:10 }, they will be cleansed. "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness { Zechariah 13:1 }." Then follows the promise of the new birth of Israel.

19. "A new heart will I also give you, and a new spirit will I put within you." The stony heart is to be taken away and they will receive a heart of flesh. Our LORD had this passage in mind when He talked with Nicodemus about the new birth. Nicodemus, the teacher in Israel, was ignorant of the fact that this new birth for Israel is necessary in order to enter into that coming Millennial Kingdom of the returning MESSIAH and to receive its blessings. Therefore, the LORD said to him, "If I have told you earthly things [ about Israel and the new birth as the way into the kingdom ] and you believe not, how shall you believe if I tell you of heavenly things." [ The heavenly blessings which follow after His sacrificial death ]. The new covenant with Israel that will be inaugurated for them at the Second Coming of CHRIST, { Romans 11:26-27 } provides for the spiritual regeneration of those Jews living at that time. And, going back to the past again referring to O.T. purification methods, we continue with a commandment for the past . . .

20. { V. 15 } Scripture: "And every 'soul [ person' ] that 'eats [ an animal' ] that which died of itself, or that which was torn with beasts, whether it be 'one [ native born' ] of your own country, or a 'stranger [ a temporary resident' ], he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening: then shall he be clean. See { Acts 15:20 }. [ As we have mentioned several times the washings concerned ritual purification. ]

21. { V. 16 }: But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear 'his [ own' ] iniquity [ for it shall not be borne by the sacrifice of atonement ], { Leviticus 17:15-16 }."

23. { V. 6 } Scripture: "Seek [ inquire' ] you [ for ] the LORD 'while He may be found [ claiming Him by necessity and by right' ], call you upon Him while He is near . . .

24. { V. 7 }: Let the wicked forsake his ways, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have 'mercy [ love and compassion' ] upon him; and to our GOD, for 'He will [ multiply' ] abundantly [ His ] pardon.

25. { V. 8 }: For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the LORD.

26. { V. 9 }: For as the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

27. { V. 10 }: For as the rain comes down, and the snow from Heaven, and returns not there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

28. { V. 11 }: So shall My Word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that 'which please [ and purpose' ], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it, { Isaiah 55:6-11 }."

29. Commentary . . . concerning the "Baptism" that John the Baptist performed, there were two reasons for this ritual, one was to teach them that CHRIST, the promised MESSIAH, Who had been foretold so many times in the O.T. was finally present with the nation. John also gave a record of what he saw; see { John 1:29-34 }. As a type of John the Baptist's "Baptism," see { Exodus 29:4 }, when Aaron was "cleansed" and anointed as a high priest of Israel. The other was to make them acquainted with the soon setting up of the Millennial Kingdom here upon this earth.

30. John knew that the nation wasn't ready, because they were caught up in sinful traditions of which many were unscriptural according to GOD's Word. He taught them that "remission [ i.e., forgiveness" ] of sins could be accomplished by an operation of cleansing through the purification ritual. This ritual plus the circumcision ritual which was essential at that time naturally did not save them; see { Genesis 17:10-14 }, but it did show forth their faith in the teachings of the Scriptures; see { Hebrews 9:10-14; - & - 10:4 }. On the other hand, certain people such as the Pharisees and lawyers that refused John's "Baptism," rejected the counsel of GOD and remained unforgiven unless they later made a change in their life; see also { Luke 7:29-30 }.

31. { V. 3 } Scripture: "And 'he [ John the Baptist' ] came into all the country about [ 'the ] Jordan [ river' ], preaching the "Baptism" of repentance for 'the remission of sins, see { Matthew 3:1; - & - Luke 7:29 }.

32. { V. 4 }: As it is written in the book of the words of 'Esa'ias [ Isaiah' ] the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the 'LORD [ Elohim' the triune God ], make His paths straight, { Luke 3:3-4 }."

33. Commentary . . . { V. 3 } above mentions "preaching the "Baptism" of repentance for 'the remission of sins." This should not be confused with the "Baptism" of the HOLY SPIRIT "Baptism" of Christians today. Christian "Baptism," as explained by Paul in { Romans 6:1-4 }, pictures the death, burial, and resurrection in union with CHRIST. That meaning could only have been possible after the Cross, sense not even the 12 Apostles and the LORD's other disciples themselves understood everything emphatically about CHRIST having to die until after it was an accomplished fact, see { Matthew 16:21-23; - & - Luke 19:11 }.

34. John's "Baptism" was pictured as a cleansing of heart and a preparedness to receive the MESSIAH, as evidenced by repentance. John's converts could be saved, but they were saved just as any other Old Testament Saint was, such as Abraham, Job, Isaiah, or Daniel. John's ministry was to prepare the way for the MESSIAH's appearance. His message was that of repentance for sin, and of a resulting change in one's life. His "Baptism" was to picture the reality of that change, cleansing, and forgiveness of sins. His message was stern { Vs. 7-9 } and demanded a change in one's life { V. 8 }. John's message was also to prepare the way for CHRIST's ministry of eternal salvation. See { Matthew 3:3; - & - John 1:23 }.

35. People today are confused about the one "Baptism" mentioned in { Ephesians 4:5 }. "ONE Baptism" is the basis for Christian unity, but when we add "Water Baptism" to the text, this type of reasoning and teaching is the cause of great disunity in the Body of CHRIST. This is similar to the doctrine of the LORD's supper, all should be oneness in CHRIST or unity. The number "one" in our Bible always represents unity.

37. When we consider Paul, we have one Apostle for the one Body of CHRIST who are indwelt by the One SPIRIT of GOD, this should be easily understood. The fact is, the confused denominations of today will always find it impossible to keep the unity of the SPIRIT in the bonds of peace until their leaders know what the ONE "Baptism" really represents. Ever since the Body of CHRIST has been on this earth, it has been considered that "Baptism" refers to the water ritual. Because of the fact that men erroneously teach that there must be water "Baptisms" for us, this certainly causes disunity, as it has up to this very day! Nevertheless, it still isn't too late for Christians to accept and believe in the one "Baptism" of { Ephesians 4:5; - & - 1- Corinthians 12:13 } for this Grace age!

38. { V. 5 } Scripture: "JESUS answered, verily, verily, I say to you, Except a man be born of water: and of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.

39. The above { V. 5 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "JESUS answered, saying surly and truly, 'I say to you and assure you most solemnly', Except a man be 'born of water: the Word of GOD' and 'also of the SPIRIT of GOD', he 'cannot ever' enter into 'the earthly Millennial or into the Heavenly universal' Kingdom of God. Read again { Ezekiel 36:23-28 }.

40. { V. 6 }: That which is born 'of [ and from' ] the flesh is 'flesh [ of the physical is physical' ]; and that which is born of the [ HOLY ] SPIRIT is spirit, { John 3:5-6 }."

42. [ A ]: Some believe that it refers to "water Baptism" as a requirement for salvation. However, this would contradict many other N.T. passages such as { Ephesians 2:8-9 }, or . . .

45. [ D ]: It means the word of GOD, as in { John 15:3 }, or . . .

46. [ E ]: It is a synonym for the HOLY SPIRIT and may be translated, "by water even the SPIRIT." The clear truth is this: the new birth is from the LORD through the HOLY SPIRIT, and the water ritual has absolutely nothing to do with salvation. JESUS spoke of spiritual water 7 times in the book of John, therefore, why would the student insist that it was literal water in { V. 5 } above that JESUS was talking about? In { Ch. 4:10 }, JESUS speaks of 'living water [ the Word of GOD' ] that would lead to salvation, and last forever. There is no reason whatsoever to insist that JESUS was speaking of literal water.

47. The two verses above were written by John the Apostle "NOT" John the Baptist, therefore, it would be best to read { V. 5 } again and accept the parenthesis we inserted into the verse. Israel was to be blessed above all the nations of the world as a nation of priests, and to be restored as such . . . the ritual of water "Baptism" was a necessary ingredient to achieve this fulfillment.

48. Nowhere does the Scriptures emphasize the fact that salvation could be achieved by any ritual. And, the same thing applies for the Body of CHRIST in our own age of Grace. John the Baptist, the 12 Apostles and others, performed this ritual several years before the Dispensation of the Mystery for this age began. Naturally, this left the old order of the Mosaic law and Kingdom with all its ordinances behind, and Paul makes this very clear. . . .

49. { V. 19 } Scripture: "For I through 'the [ Mosaic ] law' am dead to the law, that I might live unto GOD.

50. { V. 19 }: above paraphrased: "For I through the Mosaic law . . . under 'the operation [ of the curse' ] of the law . . . 'have [ in CHRIST's death for me ] myself died to the law and all the law's demands upon me, so that I 'may [ henceforth' ] live to and for the LORD.

52. { V. 20 }: I am crucified with CHRIST: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but CHRIST lives in me: and the life which I now live by the faith of the SON of GOD, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.

53. The above { V. 20 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "I have been crucified with CHRIST . . . in Him I have shared His crucifixion; it is no longer I who live, but CHRIST the MESSIAH, Who lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith . . . by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in the SON of GOD, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. [ Vs. 19-20 teaches eternal security. Remember, we live in CHRIST and He lives in every Child of GOD. ]

54. { V. 21 }: I do not frustrate the grace of GOD: for if righteousness come by the law, then CHRIST is dead in vain, { Galatians 2:19-21 }."

55. The above { V. 21 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Therefore I do not treat the LORD's gracious gift of salvation as something of minor importance; I do not set aside and evaluate and frustrate and nullify 'the Grace - i.e., the unmerited favor' of GOD. For if 'justification, righteousness, and acquittal from guilt' comes through observing the rituals of the old law, then CHRIST , died groundlessly and to no purpose and in vain." . . . His death was then wholly superfluous.

58. It must be realized that when JESUS was born He was born under the old mosaic covenant of works. All the rituals of that covenant were still in force and was to be obeyed as long as that covenant was in force! The blood that was shed from animals as offerings was a type of CHRIST's blood that would later be shed on His Cross for our sins. The question is, "did JESUS die in vain?" If it is "water Baptism" that was under the law that saves us, then why would it have been necessary for JESUS to die like He did, and for the reason Paul says He did? Please read again { V. 21 } above. The Apostle said in his Epistle . . .

59. { V. 23 } Scripture: "Being 'born [ regenerated' ] again, not of 'corruptible seed [ false doctrine' ], but of incorruptible, by 'the [ true ever living and everlasting' ] Word of GOD, which lives and abides for ever. See { 1- Thessalonians 2:13; - John 3:5: - Titus 3:5; - & - 2- Peter 1:4 }.

60. { V. 24 }: For 'all flesh [ of mankind' ] is as grass, and all the 'glory [ and honor' ] of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower thereof falls away:

61. { V. 25 }: But the Word of the LORD endures for ever. And this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached to you, { 1- Peter 1:23-25 }."

62. The above { V. 25 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . But the 'Word of the LORD the Divine instruction, of the Gospel of CHRIST and salvation' endures for ever. And this is the 'Word - the good news' which by the Gospel is preached to you, { 1- Peter 1:23-25 }." { Be sure to read Isaiah 40:6-9. }

63. Commentary . . . In { V. 23 }, the living Word of GOD is the instrument used by the SPIRIT of GOD to impart principles of the new life, see { Hebrews 4:12 }. Peter quotes from { Isaiah 46 } and following in praise of the Word of GOD, which unlike any human or created thing continues its beauty, effectiveness, and life forever. Everything else in the world is like grass; its beauty is only temporary. The grass dies, and its beauty fails. "GOD's Word," however, is living and effective forever.

64. Note the synonyms for the Word: in { V. 23 } it is the "Word of GOD," in { V, 25 } it is first, "the Word of the LORD," and then "the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you." It is interesting that four different expressions are used here in the Greek. Regardless of how others teach, Peter makes clear that salvation is by the LORD's Word, and you notice that he doesn't add any ritual in these verses. Notice what the prophet Isaiah says when he looks forward into the future . . .

65. { V. 1 } Scripture: "And in that day, you shall say, O LORD, I will praise You: though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comforted me.

66. The above { V. 1 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "And in 'that day - i.e., day of the LORD, the 7th Millennium when MESSIAH is reigning as King over the earth', you shall say, O LORD, 'I will give thanks and praise You: though You were angry with me,' Your anger is henceforth turned away from me, and You have comforted me.

67. { V. 2 }: 'Behold, [ observe carefully' that ] GOD is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the 'LORD JEHOVAH [ JESUS' ] is my strength and my song [ yes ]; He also is become my salvation.

68. { V. 3 }: Therefore with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation.

69. { V. 4 }: And in that day shall you say, Praise the LORD, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted.

70. { V. 5 }: Sing unto the LORD; for He has done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

71. { V. 6 }: 'Cry [ aloud' ] and 'shout [ joyfully' ], you inhabitants of Zion: for great is 'the [ LORD JEHOVAH,' the ] Holy One of Israel in the midst of you, { Isaiah 12:1-6 }."

72. Commentary . . .[ He will be reigning in their sight ] . . . See { Hosea 6:2 }. So certain were GOD's promises of future blessings for Israel in that future Millennial Kingdom day, that Isaiah composed this song of praise in anticipation of the Millennial Reign to come. Concerning "The Day Of The LORD," it is mentioned several times in the Scriptures. Sometimes it refers to the 7 year tribulation Period. Other times it refers to the Millennial reign of CHRIST on this present earth. It can also refer to both the tribulation period and the future Kingdom reign of CHRIST when it is voiced by the LORD or one of His prophets!

74. { V. 8 } Scripture: "Now when I passed 'by you [ again' ], and looked upon you, 'behold, [ take notice,' and remember that you were maturing and ] your time was the time of love; and I spread My skirt over you, and covered your nakedness: 'yes, I swore [ and plighted My troth ] to you,' and entered into a covenant with you, says the LORD GOD, and you became mine.

75. { V. 9 }: Then I washed you with water; yes, I thoroughly washed away your blood from you, and I anointed you with oil, { Ezekiel 16:8-9 }."

76. Commentary . . . The Israelites were cast out of their land in A.D. 70. as we have mentioned many times, and these verses are a picture of the nation in the form of a girl child having now grown up after she had been thrown out into the field of this world. She had been left to die, but now she has been found and rescued, thus, redeemed by the LORD. The young lady now becomes the Bride of the LORD, which literally takes place at His Second Coming. He says: "I spread My skirt over you." This is an act which to the Hebrews, symbolized marriage, see { Ruth 3:9 }.

77. What is the point here? it's just this . . . When JESUS returns at His Coming, He will pick her up out of the nations of this world, and she will be cleansed as a bride to be prepared for the marriage of the LAMB of GOD. See { Revelation 19:7 } where Israel as the Bride of CHRIST has made herself ready for the Bridegroom. The Body of CHRIST is ready and perfected from the beginning but Israel as MESSIAH's bride will ready herself during the Tribulation Period for her Betrothed, see { Matthew 25:10. } Read { V. 9 } again where she is washed and anointed as the Bride of CHRIST. You should be aware that CHRIST will not take the whole nation of Hebrews and 'wash [ purify' ] them to become His Bride. He will only take the remnant that have become Children of GOD, and this remnant will take the place of the nation as a whole.

79. { V. 22 } Scripture: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water, { Hebrews 10:22 }," [ What will the LORD do with His Hebrew Bride when He returns to this earth? ] . . .

80. The above { V. 22 }: paraphrased: in commentary form . . . "Let us come forward and draw near with true honest and sincere 'hearts: [ minds' ] in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction 'engendered by faith. Faith that is, by that leaning of the entire human personality on the LORD in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness.' Thus, having our 'hearts - our minds' sprinkled and purified from a guilty evil conscience and with our bodies cleansed with pure water."

81. Scripture: "Therefore, my brethren, you also are become dead to the law by 'the [ crucified physical' ] body of CHRIST; that you should be married to another, even to Him Who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit 'unto [ the triune ] GOD,' { Romans 7:4 }."

83. { V. 2 } Scripture: "For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one 'husband, [ Adonai, master' ] see { Genesis 24:9 }, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to CHRIST, { 2- Corinthians 11:2 }."

84. The above { V. 2 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "For I am 'zealous [ ardently devoted' ] over you with a godly eagerness and a Divine jealousy, for I have caused you to be engaged to 'one [ Adonai, master' ] that I may present you as a chaste virgin to CHRIST." See also { Ephesians 5:24; - & - John 13:13 }.

86. { V. 25 } Scripture: "Husbands love your wives, even as CHRIST also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it;

87. The above { V. 25 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Husbands love your wives, even as CHRIST also loved the 'Church which in the Greek is "Ecclesia" and is here referred to in the past tense' as: [ 1 ]: the Kingdom Congregation, and [ 2 ]: 'present tense the Body of CHRIST' in type ], and gave Himself for it;

88. { V. 26 }: That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of "water [ of the HOLY SPIRIT ] by the 'Word, [ of GOD, "N0 literal water is referred to here" ].

89. { V. 27 }: That He might present it to Himself a 'glorious church [ Ecclesia: meaning from the "Greek: Assembly" ] not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish, { Ephesians 5:25-27 }."

91. The above illustration in { V. 25 } clearly involves the love of husbands to their wives. Anyone who does not see the lesson that this has nothing to do with the Bride of CHRIST that is mentioned in { Revelation Ch. 19 }, should clearly comprehend that husbands should love their wives in any age. It is clear that CHRIST loves the "Body of CHRIST, and gave Himself for it "HIM masculine" ]. Anyone who misunderstands this, has not read this passage carefully or with an unbiased mind. And, concerning { 2- Corinthians 11:2 } above, who can miss the analogy with { John 3:29 }? Just as John the Baptist sought to get Israel to fall in love with CHRIST, their MESSIAH here on earth, so Paul sought to get the Corinthians to fall in love with the exalted CHRIST in Heaven. As those in the Body of CHRIST is subject to CHRIST their Head . . . read on . . .

92. Scripture: "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh, { Ephesians 5:24 }."

93. Commentary . . . This is speaking of that concerning a married couple in any age. But the called out Body of CHRIST while here on earth, is a part of CHRIST's inheritance. And when we are called up into Heaven we become Adopted Sons in our completeness as "the One New Man [ Masculine," ] see { Ephesians 2:15; - Colossians 1:18, - & - 3:10-11 }. We find in the book of Genesis, Satan's appearance in Eden, then in the Book of Revelation, Satan's doom in the lake of fire. In Genesis we are told about the entrance of sin, and in Revelation about GOD's final judgment upon sin, in Genesis the curse pronounced; in Revelation it is removed. In Genesis the tree of life is denied to the fallen pair, while in Revelation it is restored for the healing of the nations. In Genesis we have the marriage of the first Adam; and in Revelation the marriage of the 'last Adam [ CHRIST' ].

97. { V. 4 } Scripture: "Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of Grace, but of debt.

98. { V. 5 }: But to him that works not, but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

99. { V. 6 }: Even as David also described the blessedness of the man, unto whom GOD imputes righteousness without works,

100. { V. 7 }: Saying blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered, { Romans 4:4-7 }."

101. { V. 8 }: Scripture: "For by Grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD:

102. { V. 9 }: Not of works, lest any man should 'boast [ glory' ], { Ephesians 2:8-9 }."

103. { V. 8 } Scripture: "Be not you therefore ashamed of the testimony of our LORD, nor of me his prisoner: but be you partakers of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of GOD;

104. { V. 9 }: Who has saved us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and Grace, which was given us in CHRIST JESUS before the world began,

105. { V.10 }: But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour JESUS CHRIST, Who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the 'Gospel [ of the mystery' ], { 2- Timothy 1:8-10 }." And for the forth time we repeat these next 3 verses . . .

106. Scripture: { V. 5 }: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT;

107. { V. 6 }: Which He shed on us abundantly through JESUS CHRIST our Saviour;

108. { V. 7 }: That being justified by His Grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life, { Titus 3:5-7 }."

109. { V. 27 } Scripture: "Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that 'meat [ Scriptural knowledge' ] which endures unto everlasting life, which the SON of MAN shall give unto you: for Him has GOD the FATHER 'sealed, [ with the seal of GOD the HOLY SPIRIT ' ].

110. { V. 28 }: Then said they to 'Him [ CHRIST' ], What shall we do, that we might work the works of GOD?

111. { V. 29 }: JESUS answered and said to them, This is the works of GOD, that you believe on Him Whom He has sent, { John 6:27-29 }."

112. { V. 15 } Scripture: "That whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

113. { V. 16 }: For GOD so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life, { John 3:15-16 }."

116. And now we must leave the student with a thought for the future: "The fact is that "water Baptism" today in any form represents a complete failure to appreciate what CHRIST has done for us and what we are in Him. Why should a Saint, already given new life in CHRIST, and made to sit in Heavenly places in CHRIST { Ephesians 2:4-7 }, now put on "Baptismal" garb and submit to immersion in water, or be "Baptized" in any other "water Baptism," in a ceremonial "burial with CHRIST?" Surely "water Baptism" was a work of righteousness, as were all the other religious ceremonies and ordinances which GOD ever commanded. Paul states: it is not by any such works which we have done, but it is altogether by His mercy that He has saved us. Please remember the following . . .

117. Scripture, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget GOD, { Psalm 9:17 }." [ See also { Revelation 20:11-15 }, which concerns the wicked of this world. What do you the reader think of all this? ]

Please make up your own questions to ask the class concerning the above lesson.

The Sinners Prayer . . .

120. Scripture { V. 16 }: "For GOD so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten SON, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

121. { V. 17 }: For GOD sent not His SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved, { John 3:16-17 }."

122. Scripture, { V. 8 }: "For by Grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD. . .

123. { V. 9 }: Not of works, lest any man should boast, { Ephesians 2:8-9 }."

124. Scripture, { V. 9 }: "But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD has prepared for them that love Him,

125. { V. 10 }: But GOD has revealed them to us by His [ HOLY ] SPIRIT, for the SPIRIT searches all things, yes the deep things of GOD, { 1- Corinthians 2:9-10 }."

126. Commentary . . . The signs indicating the seven years of tribulation has already become evident before the Tribulation on a smaller scale, while increasing in intensity as the tribulation approaches. The signs serve the purpose of a clarion call to the Body of CHRIST to prepare for the coming of CHRIST as the Head of the Body in the air, and also to the unrepentant world not to continue shunning the Grace of GOD { Hebrews. 2:3 }.

127. When we today see signs that indicate that the Tribulation Period must be close at hand, we should make sure that we are ready for the Rapture. As a matter of fact whether we observe signs or not we should always be prepared for the end of this Grace age to take place. Concerning Israel during the Tribulation Period according to prophecy, they must ready themselves for the Second Coming of their Bridegroom MESSIAH { Luke 21:28; see also Revelation 19:7-8 }. Both classes of people, the Body of CHRIST first and later Israel and the nations are to lift up their heads because their redemption is drawing near. We have given a list of final signs that indicate the nearness of the Rapture first, and seven years later the Second Coming at the end of the seven year-long tribulation. Are you waiting and watching for this time to culminate?

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