1. If the readers desire to have a part in the LORD's work as soul workers, it would be great for them to begin their own Christian tract ministry by downloading our messages and send or give copies to others. What could be more important for you as an ambassador for CHRIST than to support the BODY OF CHRIST in this way? The messages are already written, so why not pass them on to others? It should be noted that practically all our Scriptures are taken from the "King James Version" unless we Paraphrase the text. We would also suggest that the Bible student begin his own web page which is free on the internet, and download many of our messages and add them to his own web page. It is possible that thousands of souls could be saved to CHRIST through your own personal Ministry. Think of the blessings that would be bestowed upon you for helping someone to get to know the LORD, and all of these souls will be added to the BODY OF CHRIST! See { 2- Corinthians 5:17-21 } which is the commission for you! And, we would hope that you will not make any changes in our messages because they have been thoroughly researched as to content!

No - 1. The verbal inspiration of the Word of GOD, { 2- Timothy 3:16 }.

No - 2. The Deity of JESUS CHRIST, and the Trinity of the God-Head, { Titus 2:13; - & - 2-Corinthians 13:14 }.

No - 3. The total depravity of man, and everlasting punishment of those who reject CHRIST, { Romans Ch. 3; John 3:36; - & - Revelation 20:15 }.

No - 4. Redemption by the blood of CHRIST, and by Grace, not of works, are we saved, { Titus 3:5; - & - Ephesians 2:8-9 }.

No - 5. Everlasting life and the security of the Child of GOD, { John 10:29 }.

No - 6. The personality and everlasting punishment of Satan, { Job Ch. 1; - & - Revelation Ch. 20 }.

No - 7. The imminent Rapture [ Resurrection ] of the BODY OF CHRIST, followed by the great 7 year Tribulation Period and the literal Millennial reign of CHRIST on this earth, { 1- Thessalonians 4:16-18; - 1- Corinthians 15:50-55; - & - Revelation 20:1-6 }.

No - 8. Each and every Christian is a member of the BODY OF CHRIST, { 1- Corinthians 12:27, } and this is our true denomination!

Suggestions For Biblical Study

9. We find that the so-called "Great Commission" is referred to in { Matthew 28:16-20; - Mark 16:15-18; - Luke 24:46-48; - John 220:21-23; - & - Acts 1:4-8 }.

10. Commentary . . . We do not use the expression "so-called," in any way to belittle the greatness of the Matthew Commission, but to call attention to the fact that there are other Great Commissions in the Bible. All of GOD's Commissions are great, and to call just one of them great is to belittle the others. CHRIST gave a Great Commission to His Apostles in { Matthew Ch. 10 }, which limited their preaching of the Kingdom to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. In the present context He gave a Great Commission to the same Apostles to carry the Gospel of the Kingdom to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Some years later JESUS gave another Great Commission, this time from Heaven, to the Apostle Paul. We need to carefully compare these Commissions to learn exactly what it is GOD wants us to be doing as members of the BODY OF CHRIST.

11. Usually the three Scripture references in this section are associated with each other as one and the same Commission. However, the wording of each of them are different, and they were apparently given at different places and on different occasions during the forty days between the LORD's resurrection and His ascension, { Acts 1:3 }. We know that the Commission in { John 20:21-23 } was given just a week after the resurrection, and in Jerusalem. The Commission in Matthew took place on a mountain in Galilee. There is no mention of the location where the Commission in the Book of Mark was given but Mark does state that immediately after the Commission . . .

12. { V. 50 } Scripture: "And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blesses them,

13. { V. 51 }: "And it came to pass while He [ the LORD ] blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into Heaven, { Luke 24:50-51 }."

15. Since there was no revelation about the BODY OF CHRIST until after Paul was converted and received this revelation, it is our understanding that all of these Commissions apply to the Kingdom Gospel and the Millennial Kingdom program. However, since they were given on different occasions, it is possible that there are some elements in one Commission which were to apply to different phases of the Kingdom program. For example, the Commission as related by Luke in { Acts 1:4-8 }, tells the Apostles how long they are to remain in Jerusalem, and then how they are to go first to Judea, then to Samaria, and then to the uttermost part of the earth. By piecing all of these Commissions together we discover the following features . . .

18. Scripture: "But JESUS said unto her . . . 'Let the children [ of Israel ] first be filled' for it is not 'meet [ i.e., becoming' or proper or right ] to take the children's bread, and to cast it to the 'dogs [ Gentiles' . . . heathen ], { Mark 7:27 }." See { Matthew 7:26. }

19. Scripture: "{ V. 25 }: You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which GOD made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed."

20. Scripture . . . { V. 26 }: "Unto you [ Israelites ] first GOD, having raised up His SON JESUS, sent Him to bless you . . . { Acts 3:25-26 },"

21. The above { Vs. 25-26 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . { 25 }; You are the 'descendants [ sons' ] of the prophets and the heirs of the Abrahamic covenant which GOD made and gave to your forefathers, saying to Abraham, And in your seed [ Heir - JESUS CHRIST ], shall all the families of the earth be blessed and benefited. See { Genesis 22:18; - & - Galatians 3:16. } . . . { 26 }: It was to you Hebrews first that GOD sent His Servant and SON JESUS, when He raised Him up [ provided, and gave Him ] to bless you in turning every one of you from your wickedness and evil ways.

21. Scripture: " . . . It was necessary that the Word of GOD should first have been spoken to you, [ Israelites ] . . . { Acts 13:46 }." . . . [ In this BODY OF CHRIST Dispensation we are not called upon to follow any such order ].

23. Scripture: "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, { Mark 16:16 }." Peter preached under this Commission at Pentecost . . . when he said . . .

24. Scripture: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the remission [ forgiveness ] of sins, and you shall receive the 'gift of the HOLY SPIRIT [ Greek text . . . NOT ghost' ], { Acts 2:38 }."

26. D. The Israelis Kingdom Commission commanded the teaching of all things which CHRIST had commanded while He was here on the earth preaching, { Matthew 28:20 }. This included a number of things related to the Mosaic Law, such as bringing gifts and sacrifices to the altar { Matthew 5:24 }, and obedience to those who sat in Moses' seat { Matthew 23:2-3 }. The Kingdom was to be a Theocracy in which the religious, political, and social life would all be governed by the King. It is evident that in this present Divine order there is no Theocracy. Efforts to enforce theocratic rules on society today have always resulted in failure and in frustration of the Gospel of the Mystery of the grace of GOD.

27. E. The above mentioned { Matthew 28 } Commission concerns the Kingdom Gospel. And, the Kingdom Gospel taught "the good news that CHRIST is going to set up His Kingdom of righteousness and peace here upon this earth." The promises for the Millennial reign includes spiritual, material and physical blessings and the restoration of nature from the effects of the Adamic curse upon mankind because of mans original sin. The Kingdom will never materialize until CHRIST returns as the King of Kings. On the other hand, the Epistles, that concern the BODY OF CHRIST, reveal that instead of the BODY OF CHRIST bringing in the Kingdom on earth, spiritual and moral conditions will continue to worsen culminating in the revelation of the man of sin, the Antichrist.

30. G. Where then, do we find GOD's instructions for the BODY OF CHRIST? Naturally they are found in the Apostle Paul's Epistles where the truth about the BODY OF CHRIST is revealed. Numerous passages might be cited as Commissions for us today, but in this message we will show only two of them, { Romans 16:25-26 - & - 2-Corinthians 5:14-21 }. There is a similarity between the BODY OF CHRIST Commission for today and the former Kingdom Commission. The Gospel today is to be preached world wide. Its objective, however, is not the establishment of the Kingdom on Earth, but the out-calling from the Earth of a Heavenly Christian BODY of Saints.

End Of The First Message On Commissions.

Message No. Two ...

2. He commanded the Israelites to stone to death the Sabbath breakers, the witches, the harlots and many other sinners, but in today's world with all its sophistication, this would be called murder, whereas GOD commanded many things to be accomplished by Abraham, Moses and the Children of Israel during the Old Testament period and even on to the close of the Book of Acts Period. He also commanded that "the Gentiles observe no such thing { Acts 21:25 }." Before the Flood of Noah, the LORD commanded the people to eat only herbs.

4. { V. 14 } Scripture: "But Peter said, 'Not so [ by no means' ] LORD; for I have never eaten any thing that is common [ and unhallowed ] or [ ceremonially ] unclean.

5. { V. 15 }: And the voice spoke unto him again the second time, what GOD has cleansed, that call not you common, { Acts 10:14-15 }."

6. The above { V. 15 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "And the voice of the LORD spoke to Peter again the second time saying: What the LORD GOD has cleansed and pronounced clean, that you must not defile and profane by regarding and calling common and unhallowed or unclean."

7. Commentary . . . The Mosaic Law prohibited the eating of certain animals that GOD counted as being unclean { Leviticus Ch. 11. } GOD was teaching Peter about people, see { Ch. 11:12. } Peter had been used to eating the food that all Israelites had been commanded to eat during the Law period but now a new Dispensation was dawning and the New Administration would change with the times. In all Dispensations when the unsaved are convicted of sin and of everlasting judgment and there comes the desire to be saved, it is definitely necessary to know which command to follow from our Bible such as . . .

8. Should we strive to enter in at the Strait Gate { Luke 13:24 }? Or should we be given the rich rulers answer in { Matthew 19:17 }? . . . "But if you will enter into life, keep the commandments." Do you suppose that it would be better to obey the Apostle Paul's command to the Philippian Jailer . . . "Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and you shall be saved" And if one did this, would his whole house be saved? Should one be circumcised according to the command in { Genesis 17:10-14 }, or should he be baptized for the "remission [ forgiveness" ] of sins according to { Luke 3:3; - Mark 16:16; - & - Acts 2:38 }? Could it be that all should be obedient to CHRIST's command in { Matthew 10:5 } where Scripture states . . .

9. { V. 5 } Scripture: "These 'twelve [ Apostles' ] JESUS sent forth and commanded them, saying, 'Go not [ i.e., nowhere' ] into the way of the Gentiles, and into the city of the Samaritans enter you not,

10. { V. 6 }: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel . . .

11. { V. 7 }: And as you go, preach, saying, The 'Kingdom of Heaven [ the thousand year reign of CHRIST' ] is at hand!

12. { V. 8 }: Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: 'freely [ without pay' ] you have received, freely [ without charge ] give, { Matthew 10:5-8 }?" . . . Also, should we during this age of Grace go forth and obey the LORD'S above commandment, and for our own benefit . . .

13. { V. 9 } Scripture: "Provide neither gold, or silver, not brass, in your purses,

14. { V. 10 }: Nor 'script for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat., { Matthew 10:9-10 }."

15. The above two verses paraphrased in commentary form . . . { 9 }: "Provide [ for yourselves while you are traveling: ] neither gold, or silver, 'nor brass, or copper money' in your 'purses [ belts' for your own convenience? Remember: take no means of support with you, . . . { 10 }: And, you as the LORD's ministering ambassador must "NOT" take along a prevision bag, Nor 'script - money' nor a wallet or a collection-bag for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet 'staves [ a staff' ] for every workman is worthy to be paid for his hire { Matthew 10:9-10 }." [ Should we today do this in obedience to these verses?" Or, should one obey the command of the same JESUS as the following states . . .

16. Scripture: "Then said He to them, But now, he that has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip [ i.e., and his prevision bag ]: and he that has no sword, let him sell his 'garment [ i.e., likely a mantle which is a loose sleeveless cloak' ] and buy one?" { Luke 22:36 }? . . .

17. Commentary . . . A good question is: "Should a Minister go forth and preach the Gospel of the Millennial Kingdom that John the Baptist, the 12 Apostles and the LORD JESUS taught before Pentecost? . . . Should he heal the sick, cleanse the lepers and raise the dead according to { Matthew 10:7-10 }? Or should he preach Paul's Gospel of the Mystery that we are to preach today?

18. It should be evident that many Bible students who profess to be obeying every command of the Bible are not acquainted with the various Dispensational programs that have been set forth by GOD since the creation of men. It is true that many are brain- washed by Denominational Doctrines and in many cases teaching pure foolishness. What we have said in the introduction was to show the need for a clear understanding as to whether or not the so called Great Commission in { Matthew 28:19-20 } stands for us today, unabridged, and unaltered, as the supreme and final commandment for the BODY OF CHRIST in this age. Or does the Scriptures reveal that another Commission has been given to "Supersede the Matthew Commission?"

20. The first Commission was given to the eleven Apostles on the evening of the resurrection day in Jerusalem. And this is recorded in { John 20:19-23 }. The Apostles were baptized "With the HOLY SPIRIT" that would give them the power and the authority to forgive and to retain sins. The second Commission was given to the eleven Apostles as they sat at meat . . .

21. { V. 14 } Scripture: "Afterward He appeared to the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen.

22. The above { V. 14 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Afterward He appeared to the eleven apostles themselves as they reclined at the table; and He reproved and reproached them for 'their unbelief [ their lack of faith' ] and their hardness of 'heart [ minds' ], because they had refused to believe those who had seen Him and looked at Him attentively after He was risen from death.

23. { V. 15 }: And He said to them, go you into all the world, and 'preach [ publish openly' ] the [ good news of the ] Gospel to every creature [ of the whole human race ]:

24. { V. 16 }: He that believes 'and is [ water' ] baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be 'damned [ condemned' ].

25. { V. 17 }: And these [ attesting ] signs shall follow [ and accompany ] them that believe; in My name shall they cast out 'devils [ Demons' ]; and they shall speak with 'new tongues, [ foreign languages' ].

26. { V. 18 }: They shall take up serpents; and [ even ] if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover, { Mark 16:14-18 }."

28. { V. 16 } Scripture: "Then the eleven Disciples went away into Galilee, to a mountain where JESUS had [ directed and made an ] appointment [ with ] them:

29. { V. 17 }: And when they saw Him, they [ dropped down and ] worshipped Him: but some doubted:

30. { V. 18 }: And JESUS came and spoke to them, saying, 'all power [ of rule and authority' ] is given to Me in Heaven and in Earth. See { Isaiah 9:6-7 }.

31. { V. 19 }: Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY SPIRIT:

32. { V. 20 }: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, LO, I am with you always, even unto the end of 'the [ i.e., that particular ] world [ Age' ]. Amen," { Matthew 28:16-20 };

34. Scripture: "And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come, { Matthew 24:14 },

35. Commentary . . . End of what? This will end the Hebrew Age! It has nothing to do with the end of the world. Never will this world come to an end! See { Isaiah 45:17; - Ephesians 3:21; - & - Luke 1:33 } concerning this world. The Scripture in { Luke 1:30-33 } refers to the Millennial Earthly Kingdom!

36. This Gospel will be taught during the great Tribulation. The above Commission concerns the same Gospel of that of { Acts 1:8 }. The forth Commission was given immediately preceding the ascension of CHRIST and is recorded as follows . . .

37. { V. 46 } Scripture: "And [ JESUS ] said to them, thus it is written, and thus it behooved CHRIST to suffer, and to rise from the dead the "Third Day:"

38. { V. 47 }: And that repentance and 'remission [ forgiveness' ] of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

39. { V. 48 }: And you are witnesses of these things." { Luke 24:46-48 },

40. Commentary . . . The LORD as we know was resurrected on the "Third Day" and this is a type of Israel also being resurrected as a nation at the Second Coming of CHRIST. . . . From the birth of CHRIST until His Second Coming according to other Scriptures will be two one thousand year days. This means that JESUS will likely return sometime in the years shortly after the year A. D. 2000, and Rapture the BODY OF CHRIST - and approximately seven years later, He as the Great MESSIAH will end the battle of Armageddon which will be the beginning of the third 1000 year days since His birth. Naturally, no one can be certain of the precise year of His return! When He returns the Israelites will be brought forth from the nations of the world and restored to the land of their inheritance as an everlasting sovereign nation. See { Hosea 6:2. }

41. Scripture, "But you shall receive power after that the HOLY SPIRIT is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Sama'ria and unto the uttermost part of the earth, { Acts 1:8 }."

45. A careful study of the Scriptures will prove that the only Gospel preached from the time of John the Baptist till the time when the Apostle Paul received the knowledge of the Dispensation of the Mystery along with the Gospel of the Grace of GOD in { Ephesians 3:1-9 }, was the Kingdom Gospel. It was several years after the previous Gospel Commissions were given that Paul was saved, and that there was given to him by revelation from the ascended CHRIST the message of the Gospel of the Mystery of the Grace of GOD called "Another Gospel." { Galatians 1:6,11,12 }, which Paul called "My Gospel, { Romans 16:25 }."

46. Paul also called this Gospel the "Gospel of the Un-circumcision" in contrast with the "Gospel of the Circumcision" which the 12 Apostles were authorized to preach by their Gospel Commissions. Because of the fact that the LORD JESUS gave another Gospel to be preached after He gave the Kingdom Commission to Israel, wouldn't one think that it would appear rather peculiar to insist upon ministering the new Gospel under the old Commission? Especially since Paul's Gospel was for the Dispensation of the Gentiles where-as the previous Gospels were for the Hebrews. It is very true that a Gospel was given to Cornelius, but Peter states that it was the same Gospel message that GOD had sent to the Children of Israel and as Cornelius was an Italian, a semi-Proselyte to Judaism who had been joined to the Hebrew Kingdom order and he was still under the Kingdom order at that time. { Acts 10:34-38 }.

47. Scripture: "And the Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the 'end [ of that particular Age' ] come, { Matthew 24:14 }."

48. Commentary . . . We are aware that we have quoted this verse before and have said that this Scripture pertains to the Millennial Kingdom when the Kingdom Gospel will be completely fulfilled. In { Matthew 3:2 } John taught that the Millennial Kingdom was at hand. On the other hand, when MESSIAH has finely established His future Kingdom it will no longer be only at hand - it will be fully established and the words - "at hand" will obviously be excluded from the kingdom pronouncement! Naturally, before the Kingdom has been established, the Kingdom Gospel will be taught during the seven year Tribulation Period. And, then it will be taught on into and through the thousand year reign of the MESSIAH with the slight change in the wording we have mentioned. This Gospel will be taught during that age while the 12 Apostles are sitting on 12 thrones judging the 12 Tribes of Israel. The verse states that after the Kingdom Commission is carried out "then the end will come."

50. { V. 7 } Scripture: "But 'the [ present' ] heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire [ 'being kept ] against [ i.e., until' ] the day of judgment and 'perdition [ destruction' ] of ungodly men.

51. { V. 8 } But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that 'ONE DAY' is with the LORD as a 'THOUSAND YEARS', and a 'THOUSAND YEARS' as 'ONE DAY.' See { Psalm 90:4. } . . .

52. { V. 9 }: The LORD is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance . . .

53. { V. 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 a fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up:

54. The above { V. 10 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "But the "DAY OF THE LORD will come as a thief in the night; in the which [ i.e., afterwards at its completion and fulfillment ]; the [ starry ] heavens [ plural ] 'shall vanish' and pass away with a 'great noise as a thunderous crash,' and 'the material' elements of the whole star systems shall 'melt - be dissolved' with a fervent heat, annd the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" . . .

55. { V. 11 }: Seeing then that all 'these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and Godliness . . .

56. The above { V. 11 } which concerns the end of time as we already know it . . . paraphrased in commentary form . . . Seeing then that all 'these things { the outer crust of the earth, and all the Stars, all the Galaxies, which Satan and his demonic hordes have had access to in the past' ] . . . shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and Godliness . . .

57. { V. 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?

58. The above { V. 12 } which concerns the end of time as we already know it . . . paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the END of the Millennial reign of CHRIST on this earth, the White Throne judgment, and afterwards the beginning of the eternal: "DAY OF GOD," wherein the heavens being on fire 'shall be dissolved, and thus, after the White Throne judgment of the nations have ended,' the 'elements [ of the first and second heavens' will be destroyed - they will melt into nothing because of the "fervent [ hot; burning; glowing" ] heat?

59. { V. 13 }: Nevertheless we according to His purpose, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness,

2- Peter 3:8-13 }."

60. The above { V. 13 } which concerns the end of time as we already know it . . . paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Nevertheless [ after the earthly Millennial Reign of MESSIAH and after the white throne judgment has been completed ] we according to His purpose, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness [ forever ], { 2- Peter 3:8-13 }." [ For the conclusion of these verses read { Revelation 21:1 - on through 22:21. }

61. Commentary . . . A great revelation follows from verse 7 above. To repeat part of { V. 7 }: "The heavens that are now, and the earth by the same word have been stored up, reserved for fire against a day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." Then in { V. 10 }, "But the day of the LORD will come as a thief; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, an the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up." . . . As the earth was once judged by water so shall it be judged by fire in the future, and not the earth only but also the heavens, surrounding the earth.

63. The question arises: "what event is it of which Peter speaks of here?" He speaks of "THE Day OF The LORD." What phrase of that coming day is it? It certainly is not the coming of the LORD for His Saints as revealed in { 1- Thessalonians Ch, 4 }. Nor is it the day of the LORD in its beginning, when the LORD appears in power and great glory. At this present time it is still "man's day," and when CHRIST appears at His Second Coming the Day of the LORD begins. One day, Peter tells us, with the LORD is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. And we have mentioned this fact already in this message.

64. From the Book of Revelation we learn that CHRIST will reign over the earth with His Saints for a thousand years and that is "the Day of the LORD." The beginning of it will come as a thief { 1-Thessalonians 5:2-4 }, and it will bring fiery judgment, for He will be revealed "in flaming fire." But what Peter speaks of here is not so much the beginning of the day of the LORD as it is the end, when the thousand years have expired. When the thousand-year reign of CHRIST as MESSIAH and King is over there follows a little season during which Satan is loosed from his prison in Hell; the revolt of which { Revelation 20:8 } speaks is followed by fire falling from GOD out of Heaven, and after that we see the great white throne, the judgment of the wicked dead.

65. Scripture: "And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heavens fled away, and there was found no place for them, { Revelation 20:11 }."

66. Commentary . . . It is this of which Peter writes, when the day of the LORD is ended, the earth and the surrounding Heavens passes away; it will be through a mighty conflagration from beneath and from above. When Peter writes in { V. 13 } of new Heavens and a new earth, he states what John beheld in his vision . . .

67. Scripture: "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were past away; and there was no more sea, { Revelation 21:1 }."

68. Commentary . . . In view of such a future the Apostle exhorts from { 2- Peter 3:11-18 } to holy living and godliness , "waiting for and earnestly desiring the coming of the Day Of GOD." The thought which is often expressed in the words "hastening the coming of the day of GOD," that we might act and serve, sending the Gospel to the heathen, and do other things, thus hastening the coming of the LORD, is not warranted by the text, nor is it true. GOD cannot be hastened by the creature, nor can He be delayed in the execution of His eternal purposes.

70. Scripture: "For, behold, I create new Heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." [ This promise is found in: { Isaiah 65:17. }

71. Commentary . . . This is not the millennium, which in this chapter of Isaiah is described in { Vs.. 18-25 }, but that which comes into existence after the earth and the surrounding heavens have passed away through the great conflagration. Once more Isaiah speaks of the earth and heavens which will remain forever.

Repetition . . .

The Mosaic Law And Its Gospel, Which Was Until John The Baptist. . . .

75. { V. 16 } Scripture: "The Law and the Prophets were until John; since that time the Kingdom of GOD is preached, and every man Presses into it..

76. The above { V. 16 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "The Mosaic Law and the 'Prophets [ i.e., the Old Testament prophetic teachings' ] were until John the Baptist; since that time the Millennial Kingdom of GOD is preached, and every man is trying to force his way into it.. [ I.e., every man had a desire to immediately enter MESSIAH's kingdom even though they did not realize that JESUS was the real MESSIAH. ]

77. { V. 17 }: And it is easier for heaven and earth 'to pass [ away' ] than one title of the [ Mosaic ] Law to fail, { Luke 16:16-17 }."

=========================

78. Commentary . . . [ jot or title ]. The jot is the smallest Hebrew letter "yodh," which looks like an apostrophe ( ' ). A title is a very small extension or protrusion on several letters which distinguish these letters from similar ones. In the Greek Text the same two verses as those above are given in this manner . . .

79. Scripture { 16 }: "The Law and the prophets are as far as John: thence forth the 'evangel [ Gospel ] of the Kingdom of GOD' is being preached and every one is violently forcing into it, and the violent are snatching it. . . . { 17 }: Yet it is easier for heaven and earth to pass by then for one ceriph of the Law to fall."

80. Commentary . . . The Mosaic Law and the prophetic utterances that proclaimed it was in abeyance until the beginning of the Ministry of John the Baptist. The only message the Old Testament Saints received was the Law through the teachings of Moses and the other 0.T. prophets. From the very first time John began to teach the Kingdom Gospel it must be understood that a new order and a new Gospel had come into being. John announced that the long awaited Millennial Kingdom Reign of Israel's MESSIAH, was now at hand, { Matthew 3:2 } or as having come near.

81. As we will see latter, even after John the Baptist went to prison and left the picture altogether, JESUS was still heralding the good news that the Kingdom of Heaven had not yet arrived, but was "at hand" { Mark 1:14-15 }. "And every man presses into it." Since the Hebrews rejected CHRIST's offer of the literal, physical Kingdom Age and His reign over them, that Dispensation and ministry was to be later set aside at the end of the Acts Period but will once more be taught after the translation [ Rapture ] of the BODY OF CHRIST. See { Matthew 24:29-31; - Revelation 19:11; - & - 20:6 }. Notice that the Kingdom in these verses "CANNOT" allude to this present Age because the wording is representative of the Millennial Kingdom which is foretold by practically every Old Testament prophet. . . . Notice that the following text from Matthew states practically the same thing as that from Luke above. Matthew states . . .

82. { V. 12 } Scripture: "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of heaven [ the future earthly Kingdom, its Gospel and its works ] suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

83. { V.13 }: For all the prophets and the [ Mosaic ] Law prophesied until John { Matthew 11:12-13 }."

84. Commentary . . . To the prophetic student these verses should be very easily comprehended. Those under the Mosaic Law were now entering into a transitional change of dispensational order and teachings of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and His Millennial Kingdom Gospel, with and at the beginning of the Ministry of John the Baptist. Peter was given the keys to this Kingdom Gospel which meant that he was to be the leading Apostle during the entire time that this Gospel was taught to Israel exclusively. If one will notice after { Acts Ch. 12 }, the Apostle Peter along with the other eleven Apostles fade from view and the new appointed Apostle Paul becomes the leading figure. Please pay close attention now to the following paragraph . . .

85. The Mosaic Law ended when John the Baptist began his Ministry and the Kingdom, and its Gospel began at that very moment. But even though the Law ended it was not fulfilled until the death of CHRIST. When the LORD said "It is finished," with His last breath as He died, in { John 19:30 }, there was more than one meaning to that phrase. He meant that His war with Satan was won, He also was saying that the END of the Mosaic Law and its ordinances had just been completed, fulfilled, see { Colossians 2:14. } Therefore, from the calling of John the Baptist four years before the Cross until JESUS spoke His last words was a Transition Period. Even though the Law had ended with John, it was now fading from view even though the hard-hearted Hebrews insisted on trying to keep the Law plus their own man-made commandments.

87. Scripture: "Having therefore, obtained help from GOD, I continue unto this day [ A .D. 62, - 31 years after Pentecost ], witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those [ prophecies ] which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That CHRIST should suffer, and that He should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light [ knowledge ] unto the people, [ Hebrews first ] and to the Gentiles [ later ], { Acts 26:22-23 }." Notice that the Hebrews were to receive this knowledge first and never did any of the 0.T. prophets refer to this present Grace period in any way.

88. Most Ministers will teach that the Gospel that CHRIST, John, the 12 Apostles and the Apostle Paul taught was the same Gospel after Pentecost as before. And in some ways it was. Before the Cross, the Kingdom Gospel was taught { John 3:1-2 }. We see Paul all the way though the Acts Period, going to the Hebrew first and secondly to the Gentile, { Acts 13:46; - 18:6; - & - 28:28 }. This has to be the Millennial Kingdom Gospel that he was teaching because he was teaching the message that the prophets and Moses taught! We are not stating that Paul was teaching the Mosaic Law, but that he was teaching Millennial Kingdom Doctrine first to the Hebrews and secondly to the Gentile. The Gospel at that time was always to be taught to the Hebrew first and only then to the Gentiles. Several Hebrew teachers went . . .

89. Scripture: "Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice and Cyprus and Antioch, preaching the Word to none but unto the Jews only, { Acts 11:19 },"

=========================

90. The above { V. 19 }: paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Meanwhile those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose in connection with Stephen had traveled as far away as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, without delivering the message [ concerning the attainment through CHRIST of salvation in the kingdom of GOD ] to any one except Jews." [ As the reader can see many of the Hebrews were still following after the Mosaic Law many years after Pentecost. ] . . .

91. Scripture: ". . .They glorified the LORD, and said unto him [ Paul ], you see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the [ Mosaic ] Law, { Acts 21:20 }." But, Paul taught . . .

92. Scripture: "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: [ i.e., the Messianic Gospel ] for it is the power of GOD unto salvation; to the Jew first, and also to the 'Greek [ Gentile' ], { Romans 1:16 }."

93. { V. 9 } Scripture: "Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that does evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

94. { V. 10 }: But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that works good, to the Jew first, and also to the gentile, { Romans 2:9-10 }."

95. Commentary . . . Salvation has three facets: past salvation from the penalties of sin { Luke 7:50; - & - Ephesians 2:8 }; present salvation from the power of sin in the daily life { Romans 5:10 }; and future salvation from the actual presence of sin { in Heaven; 1- Corinthians 3:15; - & - 5:5 }. This salvation comes to everyone who believes. We receive and experience it through faith, which is both assent to the truths of the Gospel and genuine confidence in the Saviour Himself. The words: "to the Jew first," was a chronological priority that Paul followed in his ministry { Acts 13:5; - 14:1; - 17:2; - 18:4; - & - 19:8 } but that Jewish rejection abrogated so that Paul and others turned to the Gentiles { Acts 13:46; - 18:6; - & - 28:25-28 }. Read { Romans 1:17 }. The reader can see that the above Scriptures prove that the order of things have changed considerably since the Acts Period. No longer is the Hebrew to be first in anything, for in this present age the BODY OF CHRIST is all oneness in CHRIST. CHRIST was in the Kingdom Gospel of John the Baptist as the King of the Jews. Today He is in the Gospel of the Mystery as the head of the BODY OF CHRIST. In the Millennial Gospel, we do not find the Blood of CHRIST mentioned.

96. In the Gospel of the Mystery, we are saved by the Blood of CHRIST. Before the Cross, the HOLY SPIRIT did not baptize one into the BODY OF CHRIST, but He does today. Before the Cross, the sins of man had not been paid for on the Cross, today they have. In John's Gospel the Kingdom of Heaven [ Millennium ] was at hand and was being offered to the world, to the Hebrew first and later would be offered to the Gentiles as is in the case of Cornelius. In our present Gospel of the Mystery, we teach no such thing. It is true, CHRIST is present in both Gospel's and that is why the Apostle Paul could say that the Gospel was not another, { Galatians 1:6-7 }.

98. Scripture: "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of JESUS CHRIST, even we have believed in JESUS CHRIST, that we might be justified by the faith of CHRIST, and not by works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified, { Galatians 2:16 }."

99. The above { V. 16 }: paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Yet we know that a man is justified or reckoned righteous and in right standing with GOD, not by works of Law but only through faith and absolute reliance on and adherence to and trust in the Anointed CHRIST, therefore, even we ourselves have believed on CHRIST JESUS, in order to be justified by faith in CHRIST and not by works of the old Law . . . for we cannot be justified by any observance of the rituals of the Law that was given by Moses; because by keeping the old legal ordinances and rituals of works no human being can ever be justified . . . declared righteous and put in right standing with GOD." See { Psalms 143:2. }

100. The Kingdom Gospel during the Acts transition period, along with the Nation of Israel's promise of an Earthly Kingdom, was not fulfilled or annulled, but it was set aside because of the nations refusal to obey the Kingdom Commission and because they had refused their own MESSIAH, the Anointed King of promise. This took place in A.D. 70 when their Temple was destroyed and their promise of the Kingdom was postponed for two thousand years when CHRIST would again return to this earth { Zechariah 14:4 }, to renew His promise and fulfill His Covenant to the Hebrew remnant, { Jeremiah 31:31-34 }.

104. { V. 14 } Scripture: "For the love of CHRIST constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

105. { V. 15 }: And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.

106. { V. 16 }: Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yes, though we have known CHRIST after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more.

107. { V. 17 }: Therefore if any man be in CHRIST he is a new creature: [ Lit; "there is a New Creation ];" old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new:

108. { V. 18 }: And all things are of GOD, who has reconciled us to Himself by JESUS CHRIST, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

109. { V. 19 }: To wit, that GOD was in CHRIST, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

110. { V. 20 }: Now then we are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you by us: we pray you in CHRIST's stead, be you reconciled to GOD.

111. { V. 21 }: For He has made Him to be sin for us, [ CHRIST ] who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in Him, { 2-Corinthians 5:14-21 }."

112. Commentary . . . This is the Commission for us today. A proclamation of the greatest message ever sent by GOD to man. { V. 18 } makes very clear that we become Ministers of GOD the second we are reborn into the BODY OF CHRIST. Remember this, you as a saved Child of GOD, are just as much a Minister as any Preacher or Theologian on this earth! You have been baptized by the SPIRIT of GOD, into the BODY OF CHRIST [ not by literal water but by a Spiritual baptism ] and at the same time you were ordained by that same SPIRIT into GOD's ministry program! Further more, now that you are a Child of the FATHER, you have become a righteous individual of the household of GOD. All Christians are righteous! Abraham's nephew Lot was a righteous man, as all GOD's Children are, see { Genesis 18:23-28, - & - 2- Peter 2:6-9 }.

113. { V. 20 } tells us that we [ Are ambassadors for CHRIST's stead! ] Your dictionary will tell you that an "Ambassador" is a diplomatic agent of the highest rank, sent by one sovereign as a representative, an authorized messenger. And that is what every Christian, little, big, young or old is, and that is our office as long as we live on this earth! Read again your commission in the verses portrayed above!

114. We have been given the The "Ministry of reconciliation," that we might reconcile all lost sinners to CHRIST if at all possible! Under this Commission we are no longer to differentiate between Hebrew or Gentile for "Henceforth know we no man after the flesh." Nor are we even to know CHRIST after the flesh for, "Now henceforth know we Him [ CHRIST after the flesh ] no more," { V. 16 }. Rather the Apostle Paul prays most earnestly that we might know Him . . .

115. Scripture: "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come, { Ephesians 1:21 }."

116. Commentary . . . In this present new Dispensation all is of GOD, there are no sacrifices, feast days, or ritual baptism; no works for man to do to gain acceptance with GOD. Salvation is by simple faith in what JESUS has done for us. According to Paul, CHRIST's Commission presented to Paul, is the Commission for the BODY OF CHRIST of today . . . { 2- Corinthians 5:14-21 }. We are made righteous by "GOD in CHRIST" { V. 21 }. Rather than demanding anything of those who are lost, we are to "PRAY" for them and earnestly beseech them in "CHRIST's stead," to be reconciled to the FATHER { V. 20 }. This is infinite Grace indeed! Finally, obedience to this - our - Great Commission brings believing Hebrews and Gentiles alike into a "New creation" . . . "Therefore, if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creation" see { Ephesians 2:10; - 4:24; - & - Colossians 3:10 }.

117. Pay attention now, the Apostle is stating that this is our Great Commission! Scripture. . . "{ 2- Corinthians 5:18 }: GOD . . . HAS GIVEN TO US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION." And again in { V. 19 } . . . "GOD . . . HAS COMMITTED UNTO US THE WORD OF RECONCILIATION."

119. { V. 20 } Scripture: "Now then we are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you by us: we pray you in CHRIST's stead, be you reconciled to GOD.

120. { V. 21 }: "For He has made Him to be sin for us, [ CHRIST ] Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in Him."

The Life Of CHRIST On This Earth. . .

123. Scripture: "Therefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren . . ., { Hebrews 2:17 }." . . .

124. Commentary . . . No. 1: JESUS is declared to be human by . . . His human name, it is related to His human life, His body, His death, and the acquired glory bestowed because of His redeeming grace { Philippians 2:5-9 }. Several times He is called "The man CHRIST JESUS," and about eighty times He is called "The SON OF MAN." This latter title was the name He most often gave Himself. It was as though, from the Divine standpoint, the human aspect of His person needed most to be disclosed.

127. Scriptures: "Hereby know you the SPIRIT OF GOD: every spirit that confesses that JESUS CHRIST is come in the flesh is of GOD: and every spirit that confesses not that JESUS CHRIST is come in the flesh is not of GOD: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come, { 1-John 4:2-3 }; "Then said He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death, { Matthew 26:38 };" "When JESUS had thus said, He was troubled in spirit, { John 13:21 }."

End.

HOME