THE LAST WORDS

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (Revelation 22:21)

HERE ARE THE FINAL words of the Bible – the last written words to Christ's body, which is the church. They are found in a book many have disassociated from "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." NO small number of people consider the book of Revelation to be filled only with lamentations and woes, accounts of unspeakable tribulations, and dreadful judgements that cause men to tremble in fear. It is true, such things are found in this book – but that is not all that is there.

REVELATION CONTAINS WONDERFUL PROMISES to those who overcome (2:7,10,11,17,26-28; 3:4,5, 10,12,21; 7:16-18; 11:18 21:3,4,6,7,24; 22;4-5). Who we are in Christ Jesus is proclaimed (1:5-6; 5:9; 7:14; 14:3-4). There are blessing pronounced upon those in Christ (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14). This book contains words like "salvation" (7:10; 12:10; 19:1), "redeemed" (5:9; 14:3-4), "washed" (1:5; 7:14), "faith" (2:13,19; 13:10; 14:12), "love" (2:4; 3:19), and "inherit" (21:7). The death of Christ is mentioned (5:12; 13:8), and His resurrection as well (1:5,18).

SETTLE IT IN YOUR MIND, therefore, the final words of this book are suitable, and in full harmony with the message it contains. Such a word could not be a fitting conclusion for a book devoid of grace, which was only filled with gloom and fearful events.

COMPARE THE WORDS of our text with the final words of the Old Testament prophets: "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (Mal 4:6). Malachi spoke of the introductory ministry of John the Baptist, affirming the necessity of a fundamental change in the character of the people. If this did not take place, the Lord would "smite the earth with a curse." Behold the effectiveness of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus! Rather than speaking to people that need to be reconciled, and of a need for moral and spiritual change, John addresses those who ARE reconciled, and in whom a fundamental change has already taken place. He can therefore bequeath a blessing upon them: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you ALL. Amen" (Rev 22:21).

IN THE REVELATION, the grace of God has been vividly depicted in the care and sustenance of the church, the overthrow of all of her enemies, and the proclamation of the glory of her future state. A place was prepared for her to be "nourished from the face of the serpent" – while she was in the realm in which Satan worked (12:14). For those who would hear His voice, and open the door to Him, Jesus promised, "I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Rev 3:20). To the faithful who were fatigued with fierce warfare He affirmed, "Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Rev 3:10). Three times Jesus speaks of His love for His people (1:5; 3:9,19). There is a lot of grace in this book!

WHY IS IT CALLED "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ?" Most of the time, we read of "the grace of God" (24 times). But ten times we read of "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom 16:20,24; 1 Corm 16:23; 2 Cor 8:9; Gal 6:18; Phil 4:23; 1 Thess 5:28; 2 Thess 3:18; Phile 25), and one time of "the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess 1:12). Once the Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of grace" (Heb 10:29).

THE FINAL WORDS of Scripture, however, associate "grace" with the Savior in all of varied capacities. He possesses and dispenses grace in the capacity of "Lord." When He gives it, none can reverse, delay, or void it. He also possesses and dispenses grace in the capacity of "the MAN Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 2:5). He gives it in tender consideration of those with whom His humanity identified Him. The grace is tailored for their situation by One who is touched by the feeling of their infirmities. He also possesses and dispenses grace in the capacity of "the Christ" – the One anointed to effect the great salvation of God. He gives us grace in strict accord with the will of God, and in keeping with the work His Father gave Him to do – bring many sons to glory.

IT IS CHRIST'S GRACE because He is the Cause and Dispenser of it. He alone has given God the Father a just reason to bless us, lavishing His love and favor upon us. It is ever true, "God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph 4:32). God has been favorably impacted by the death of His Son, and so can you! He is "well pleased" with the Son, and you can be also.

AS ETERNITY ROLLS its ceaseless cycles on, God will "show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:7). Throughout eternity, in honor of God and His great salvation through Jesus Christ, the saints will shout: "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb" (Rev 7:10). In this world, we come to believe and embrace that truth. In the world to come, we will see more fully the grandeur of what we have now known only in part. Just as our vision expands, so will our expressions–and it will all be to the glory of the conquering Lamb. It is He that satisfied God, destroyed the Tempter, and brought unspeakable joy to us. So after you have read the Scriptures, taken in its promises and solemn warnings, and determined top believe it all, don't forget the last words that are spoken!

– Given O. Blakely

THE PRIORITY OF PREACHING

"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (1 Cor 1:21)

A WORD SHOULD BE SAID concerning the priority of preaching. Our day – a day of falling away – is characterized by a devaluation of preaching. Bible Colleges and seminaries across the land are noted for an emphasis on things other than preaching. Counseling, youth work, and Christian entertainment are popular emphases – attempts of the contemporary church to become "more relevant."

MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT THIS: relevance to this world, as commonly perceived, necessarily involves alienation from "the world to come." God does not call us to put one foot in "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4), and one in "the world to come" (Heb 2:5). Rather, He calls us to occupy "heavenly places," calling upon our peers to "come up higher."

THERE IS NO NEED FOR CONFUSION on this issue. God has spoken plainly. "For the preaching of the cross . . . is the power of God . . . it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (1 Cor 1:18,21). Concerning the proclamation of the Gospel, "it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things" (Rom 10:15). God has accomplished the work. Man proclaims the work! The Gospel was accomplished by Jesus, it is preached by His ambassadors!

NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PREACHING
There is no substitute for preaching – proclaiming what the Lord has done. Every epistle is marked by such a proclamation. It made no difference what the issue was, the man of God brought the Gospel of Christ to bear upon it. Duty was not the primary message! The resolution of personal, domestic, and political issues was not the focus. The accomplishments of Christ and the blessing that flows from them were the heart of the Apostolic message – the "Apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42). Their emphasis was not the resolution of difficulties, but the establishment of people in the faith. Whenever they dealt with problems, they did so to bring people back to the place where they were sensitive to God. That is the place where real ministry begins!

GOD HAS PLACED THE EMPHASIS UPON "PREACHING"
Preaching is proclamation; the announcement of accomplished realities! The preacher is a reporter; someone who is letting the people know "what the Lord hath done!" (Psa. 66:16). These things have to be said to be appropriated, and preaching is the activity through which they are communicated!

PREACHING IS VITAL TO OUR ESTABLISHMENT
The establishment of believers has a high priority in the kingdom of God. If men and women are not established, they are sure to fall, drawing back to perdition. The preaching of Jesus Christ will ground and mature the saints! "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began" (Rom 16:25).

GOD'S WORD MADE KNOWN THROUGH PREACHING
By divine appointment, the Word of God is manifested by preaching, or proclamation. "But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior" (Titus 1:3).

THE SAVIOR WAS INTRODUCED BY PREACHING
John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ by preaching. His dynamic proclamations raised spiritual valleys and lowered moral mountains. "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea" (Matt 3:1).

JESUS CAME PREACHING
The primary activity of our Lord was that of preaching. His prodigious miracles complemented that chief work. "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people" (Matt 4:23).

PREACHING PROVOKED NINEVEH TO REPENT
The repentance of the city of Nineveh is one of the great occurrences of history. It was not accomplished by a brilliant strategy, but by preaching! "The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here" (Matt 12:41).

THE PEACE JESUS MADE IS PREACHED
Jesus made peace through the "blood of His cross" (Col 1:20). The liberating knowledge of that peace does not come by praying! It is not conferred by the miraculous laying on of hands! It comes through preaching! "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all") (Acts 10:36).

THE WORD THAT BEGETS FAITH IS PREACHED
The "word of faith" is the word that begets faith. It is the word through which the Lord "opens" the heart, enabling the hearer to "attend" to the Word of the Lord (Acts 16:14). How does this begetting Word come to the individual? Through preaching! "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach" (Rom 10:8).

PREACHING IS NEVER OUT OF ORDER
From heaven's perspective, the proclamation of the Word of God is always in order, never out of order. Proclaimers, or evangelists, are urged by the man of God to be noted for their preaching. "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim 4:2).

– Given O. Blakely

THE MARK

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:14)

"I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK," Paul confessed. "THE mark!" So far as he was concerned, there was no other worthy objective; no other goal so compelling and rewarding. "The MARK!" Something identifiable, not vague. It was something he could perceive and understand. When his heart was fastened upon it, he adjusted the course of his life appropriately. It allowed him to get his spiritual bearings. Elsewhere he used glorious phrases to denote its reality. He referred to a "blessed hope and glorious appearing" (Tit. 2:13). He mentioned an "anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19), and a "city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God" (Heb. 11:10). He spoke of receiving a "crown of righteousness" (2 Tim. 4:8), and "ever" being "with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17).

THE FUTURE WAS NOT AMBIGUOUS for Paul, and it should not be for you! One of the undeniable marks of a degenerate and failing church is its lack of confidence concerning the future. This is the dark spot on the horizon of the fearful and unbelieving – the future.

BUT WHAT OF "THE MARK" or "goal" toward which Paul pressed? Note that it is immediately related to "the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14). This is the objective of the heavenly calling. It is the reason for the remission of sins. It is the motivation for Christ saving His people from their sins (Matt 1:21). This is why people believe. It is why they obey God. It is why they perfect "holiness in the fear of the Lord" (2 Cor. 7:1). It is why they "run with patience the race that is set before them" (Heb. 12:1). It is why they "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12).

THE "MARK," FROM ONE POINT OF VIEW, is "eternal life." That is the sum and substance of the blessing. It is the "gift of God" (Rom. 6:23). That is a summary view of our involvement in "the world to come" (Mark 10:30). Your "continuance in well doing" will be rewarded with "eternal life" (Rom. 2:7). We are "justified by His grace" in order that we might "be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Tit. 1:2). The "exceeding great and precious promises" that have been given to us can be compressed into as single promise. "And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life" (1 John 2:25). The "eternal life" that we have now is a pledge of the fullness we will enjoy in the world to come. That is a "mark" worthy of consistent and unflagging effort!

FROM ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW, you might see "the mark" as life's finish line. It is the point at which the race ends. Paul caught a glimpse of it before he left his body. It prompted him to say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 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" (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

HIS WARFARE WAS GOOD! His faith enabled him to complete the strenuous course appointed to him. It had led him through perils (2 Cor. 11:26). It led him through weakness (2 Cor. 12:7-10). It led him through the rejection of many to whom he preached. He had to press on with infirmity (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Sometimes he had to press forward alone, with his brethren forsaking him (2 Tim. 4:10). Sometimes it led through discouraging incarceration (2 Cor. 11:23). Sometimes when he was isolated in the midst of a sea for a day and a night (2 Cor. 11:25). But "the mark" kept him going! It was a dominating goal with which the world simply could not compete!

HE WAS DOMINATED BY THE SAME SPIRIT as the patriarchs. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (Psa. 42:1-2). "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city" (Heb. 11:16). Every professed believer should ask himself if God is ashamed to be called his God!

IN OUR TEXT, Paul relates "the mark" with "the resurrection of the dead" (v. 11). He is not saying that he wants to simply participate in the resurrection of the dead; every one will do that (Acts 24:15). He desires that the resurrection be the answer to the dichotomy his regeneration produced. For believers, "the resurrection from the dead" is the culmination of faith. Then we will be made "every whit whole," and all adversarial relationships will be abruptly terminated.

SALVATION IS NOT AN END OF ITSELF!
It may come as a startling surprise to many to hear this. Salvation is the appointed means to the end! It prepares us for the future by removing our past and giving us power in the present. But it is "the mark" that is the real issue! It is "the mark" that must be reached. It does no good to enter this race if you do not finish it! A "heavenly call" offers no consolation prize for those who do not end up there!

"THE MARK" IS EXPERIENCED NOW in a firstfruits sense. The righteousness for which we "wait" will be fully experienced there, if tasted by faith now (Rom. 4:20-24). The presence of the Lord which will be "face to face" then. It is enjoyed by faith now as we "fellowship" with the Son (1 Cor. 1:9). The devil who will be banished there may be successfully resisted now! These firstfruits experiences are what keep us pressing. Without them, we would soon fall by the way.

– Given O. Blakely

THE PROMISES OF GOD

" . . . the promises of God . . . " (2 Cor 1:20; Gal 3:21)

The promises of God are an elixir for the soul wearied by "this present evil world." They lift the veil sin has spread over the future, causing the light of the glory of God to flood our souls. The promises of God, when believed, connect us with the glorious future. The Word of God is filled with promises, and they are intended to lighten the burden of life, bring assurance of participation in the world to come, and neutralize temptation. You should read the Word of God with the promises of God in mind! Look for them.

BECOMING PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURETo become like Jesus is not a moral goal, but a spiritual reality. This is the determined purpose of God – for His children to be "conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom 8:29). How does one become like Christ? How can we "participate in the Divine nature?" The promises of God are the appointed means to this realization. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that BE THESE ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Pet 1:4). The well from which the promises have come is God's "glory and excellence" (verse 3). The Lord has, in His promises, exhibited His most comely traits. More of His Person is in the promises. There His will for humanity is most precisely expressed. In the promises proper objectives for mankind are identified.The promises are "precious and magnificent," or, as the King James Version translates it, "exceeding great and precious." They dwarf everything with which they are compared. When placed beside the very best the world has to offer, they tower high above them. Once you see the "precious" promises, it is easy to abandon even "the treasures of Egypt," as did Moses (Heb 11:26), to obtain them. The promises are transcendent to everything that is made.

THE PROMISES OF GOD HAVE A VALUE OF THEIR OWNThey are not "precious" by comparison alone. Nor, indeed, are they "precious" because they are scarce. They are to be found in abundance, yet remain priceless. They are also "precious" because they enhance our spirits, gladden our hearts, and satisfy our inner thirst. No wonder they are the means through which we become like our Father! Contemplate the promises of God. Look for them! Feed upon them! Believe them!

ALL OF THE PROMISES ARE YES AND AMENThere is a universality to the promises. What Jesus brings is for "all men." The message of salvation is truly "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). With this in mind, the Spirit witnesses, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God" (2 Cor 1:20, NIV). If we wonder if the promise of remission of sin (Jer 31:34) is for us, the answer is "YES!" If you question if the promise of "seasons of refreshing" (Acts 3:19) is for you, the answer is "YES!" Dare to believe the promises are for you – that God says "YES!" to you! Then shout the "AMEN!" back to Him, glorifying Him for His grace!

THE PROMISES BECOME AN INCENTIVE FOR GODLINESSIf people are lagging behind spiritually, the promises become an incentive to recover from the devil's snare, and go on to perfection. How vividly this is depicted in second Corinthians. The words speak for themselves. "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore THESE PROMISES dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor 6:16-7:1)

IN CHRIST, YOU CAN SEE YOURSELF AS ABRAHAM'S SEEDIn Christ, you can see yourself as Abraham's seed. One of the aspects of God's marvelous promises is their total fulfillment in Christ. There are two verses in the book of Galatians that reveal this in a foundational way. Dare to believe these things are true – for you! "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." There is no question about the intended receivers of the promises; Abraham and his seed, or offspring. That Seed is particularly identified as Christ. However, the Spirit is not finished with this thought. He continues in the 21st verse. "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal 3:16,29).The people of God have every reason to rejoice in Christ Jesus and be full of hope!

– Given O. Blakely

THE WAY TO BLESSING

" . . . And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." (Genesis 32:26)

JACOB WAS ON HIS WAY to meet Esau. It had been a long time since he had seen his brother, and when they had parted, they were not on good terms. He brought some presents for Esau, and told his servants how to speak to him, smoothing the road before him. He had two wives, two women servants, and eleven children with him. Concerned about their welfare, he sent them "over the brook." Now, he was left alone. That night, however, would not be spent alone. It is written, "there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of day." The mysterious man did not prevail against Jacob. Confirming he was no ordinary person, he "touched the hollow" of Jacob's thigh, throwing it "out of joint." Still, Jacob wrestled on until the day began to break. The messenger then said, "Let me go, for the day breaketh." It was then that Jacob said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me" (NKJV). Later Jacob said of that night, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." He received the blessing he sought (Gen 32:20-30). To this day, the main thing is still to get the blessing.

A WORD CONCERNING THE DIVINELY APPOINTED MEANS of appropriating the blessing is in order. It is not enough to have an academic understanding of Scripture – particularly as it relates to Jesus. Mind you, we are not to despise such knowledge, but it is elementary, and incapable of bringing eternal benefits, or blessing to you.

HOW WONDERFULLY THIS IS EXPRESSED in God's Word. " . . . making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him" (Eph 1:16b-17, NASB). " . . . seeing that His Divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him . . ." (2 Pet 1:3, NASB). "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord" (2 Pet 1:2). "For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 2:20a, NASB).

THE "KNOWLEDGE" MENTIONED in these texts is not limited to intellectual knowledge. This is experiential knowledge. It speaks of spiritual involvement with the Son of God. The word "knowledge," in this case, means recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgment. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says, "to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly; to know accurately, know well." This is knowledge that comes from acquaintance with Christ Himself, not merely the record about Him. It necessarily includes Scriptural knowledge, but it extends beyond that. Faith goes further than the intellect. It is rational, but goes beyond rationality.

THIS MEANS THAT OUR EXPOSURE to the text of Scripture must be coupled with a believing heart. Jesus has promised identity with the individual who is intent upon knowing Him. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him . . . Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him" (John 14:21,23). This is the "knowledge" that characterizes the New covenant. " . . . they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest" (Heb 8:11).

THIS IS JOYFUL FAMILIARITY WITH THE LORD. It began with our exposure to God's Word. It was brought to a culmination by means of our faith, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no salvation without this type of knowledge. In fact, eternal life, which is salvation in its totality, is knowing the Lord. As it is written, "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent" (John 17:3).

BECAUSE THE SPIRIT WORKS with the Word of God (which is His "sword"), He has moved holy men to write frequently and powerfully of the Lord Jesus. In those sacred writings, Jesus will be proclaimed in His present exalted state, which is altogether glorious. Further, this proclamation will exert a compelling influence upon the hearts of men, drawing them into the circumference of Divine influence. There, in the light of the Son of God, recovery from all manner of departures and drawing back will be realized. These words will become the building blocks for our perception of Christ. That perception, if true, will be the vehicle through which the Lord will make Himself known to us. They are the chief means through which we will come know Him.

ALLOW ME TO EMPHASIZE this important point. Our view of Christ is not based upon personal daily experiences. It is not what Jesus has done "for me" that makes Jesus clear, but how the Spirit declares Him in the Scripture. Without laboring this to the point of distraction, let me affirm it one more time. Our spiritual familiarity with the Person of Christ is the means through which we are being saved. In the Gospel, God is providing a lofty view of His Son – i.e. "The record that God gave of His Son" (1 John 5:10). That view is required to experience fellowship with the Son (1 Cor 1:9). There is no salvation without that!

IN KNOWING JESUS, the ultimate blessing will be experienced, for God has sent Him, to bless us (Acts 3:26).

– Given O. Blakely

LAY IT ASIDE!

" . . . let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us . . ." (Hebrews 12:1b)

THE "RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US" is possibly long, and leads through treacherous terrain. It requires agility of soul, and does not allow for excess baggage. Every believer will confront moral and spiritual "weights" that make it difficult to live by faith. Often, these "weights" are not unlawful of themselves. It is not so much that they contradict the Word of the King. Rather, they tend to detract from the goal, tempting the individual to make this world primary. These "weights" are personal matters, and thus are not precisely defined. Their identity requires the assessment of the hearer more than the writer.

THE NATURE OF THE FAITH-LIFE, or running the race set before us, demands that we run with as few hindrances as possible. A cross country runner who carries a backpack laden with rocks, in the key race, is not wise, to say the least. A fighter who places a hundred-pound weight on one of his hands should not expect to win the contest. Yet, I have witnessed people attempting to navigate from earth to glory with unnecessary weights and encumbrances. It was not long until they dropped out of the race from spiritual fatigue. That fatigue was owing more to the conflicting weights that they carried than the length or hardship of the race itself. Some will counter that runners do, in fact, practice with weights on their ankles. This is true. But none of them run for the prize with those weights – and you are running to "obtain" the prize (1 Cor 9:26), which is eternal life.

THE WAY LEADING TO LIFE is "strait (difficult) and narrow" (Matt 7:14). It will not allow for a lot of excess baggage. For one rich young ruler, his possessions proved too personally significant for him to follow Jesus (Matt 19:16-22). For another, wrapping everything up at home stood between him and discipleship (Luke 9:61-62). For Judas, thirty pieces of silver proved too large a weight to allow entrance into life (Matt 26:15-16). For Esau, a desire for food was a "weight" that disqualified him for the inheritance (Heb 12:16). Whatever makes it more difficult to run the race is a "weight." If it impedes your progress, it is a "weight." Things requiring attention and commitment that belong to God alone are "weights." Such things deplete your spiritual energy, but offer no corresponding spiritual value or resources.

AND WHAT ARE WE TO DO with such "weights?" We are to "lay aside every weight" (KJV, RSV, NASB). The NIV reads "throw off everything that hinders." The word translated "lay aside" or "throw off" means to be done with; take off. It is a strong one, and is not to be seen as a casual activity. In this form, it is used three other times in the Apostolic writings. (1) "Therefore, putting away lying . . . " (Eph 4:25). (2) "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness . . . " (James 1:21). (3) "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking" (1 Pet 2:1). The language suggests deliberation and firm resolve. This is not something done rashly or in haste. Neither, indeed, can it be done casually and with disinterest. Our perception of the nature of this race, together with the recollection of the saints who have gone before us, will compel us to discard what hinders us.

THIS IS AN INTENSELY personal thing. It is not something we are to apply to our brethren, but an activity in which we ourselves are to regularly engage. Our hearts are to be tender enough, and our vision clear enough to assess what is making it difficult for us to run the race that is set before us. Our decision is to be based upon spiritual understanding. We might suppose working for a living impedes our progress. Then, upon quitting our job, we find we have even greater hindrances. Live close enough to the Lord to be able to make this assessment, and receive strength to thrust impeding weights from you. Your effort to cast aside such things will be undergirded by Divine power!AND THE SINWe are also to "lay aside . . . the sin which doth so easily beset us,: or "easily ensnares" )NKJV), or "clings so closely" (RSV), or "so easily entangles" (NIV). Each of us have areas of especial vulnerability – areas where Satan can more easily make inroads into our thinking.

THE LANGUAGE OF THIS VERSE is arresting. It is the sin itself that is to be thrown off, aggressively cast away from us. We are not to allow it expression, suffocating it with the love of the truth and the shield of faith.

THE CORRUPT FOUNTAIN of nature must not be allowed to boil. It must be removed from the fire of preference, and smothered by an affection set on things above, and not on things on the earth (Col 3:1-3). This is HOW we put off the "sin that so easily besets us." As long as we allow our affection to be prostituted by the things of this world, sin will cling to us like an impeding weight, forbidding us to make progress to glory. Throw it off by saying "‘No' to ungodliness and worldly passions" (Tit 2:12, NIV). Grace will "teach" you to do this by giving you insight into "so great salvation" (Heb 2:3).

HOW MAN I HAVE SEEN who started the "race" with a burst of energy. They appeared to grasp great Kingdom truth rapidly, and soon put a distance between themselves and those who chose spiritual mediocrity. But, alas, after a time, they were "beset" in their race. Soon, "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Mark 4:19, NKJV). It all happened so "easily," because they did not "cast off" the weight and sin which so easily beset them. Take the admonition seriously!

– Given O. Blakely

WE ARE SURROUNDED!

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses . . . " (Hebrews 12:1, NKJV)

THE WORD "SURROUNDED," or "compassed" (KJV), means to lie all around, i.e. enclose, encircle. The expression denotes something presently experienced. It is not a historical perspective. We "ARE" compassed or surrounded by the witnesses of reference in our text. The imagery is that of a great amphitheater, with the arena of the runners, and the tiers upon tiers of seats rising up like a cloud. They form a circumference, and are among a gallery of witnesses that even include the holy angels, who themselves camp round those fearing the Lord (Psa 34:7).

WHILE THE ANGELS protect and minister to believers (Psa 91:11; Heb 1:13-14), the faithful who have gone before us testify to us. They do not do so person-to-person, but through the record of their faith. Their lives provide a resounding confirmation of the effectiveness of faith. It is as though they were shouting to those devoting themselves to the good fight of faith, "You can make it! Run! Fight! Don't give up! God is with you! Consider us! Consider us! We went through fire and water, and made it to the other side! We did the impossible! Divine power was given to us because we willed to believe God! Do not look at the circumstance, but to the Lord!" O, we need to hear these witnesses!

THESE ARE CALLED A "cloud of witnesses" because of the vast number of them. Millions kept the Passover, came out of Egypt, passed through the Red Sea, and drank from a rock in a wilderness! From Abel through the period of the Judges and the Kings, there have been people who lived by faith. In Elijah's day, there were "seven thousand" who, by faith, refused to bow their knees to Baal (1 Kings 19:18; Rom 11:4). Every age has had its "remnant" (Isa 10:20; Ezek 6:8; Amos 5:15; Micah 2:12; Zech 8:12; Rom 11:5), and God has never left Himself "without witness" (Acts 14:17). Now, they ALL surround us.

WE ARE TOLD OF MARTYRS who presently are conscious, active, observant, asking questions, and receiving answers(Rev 6:9-11).

THE "RICH MAN" who died and lifted up his eyes in torment knew about his brothers upon the earth. He sought their welfare from the region of the damned. Do you remember his words? "Then he said [to Abraham], 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 'for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.'" (Luke 16:27-28). Abraham himself had some awareness of things upon the earth. He answered the rich man. "'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.'" (Luke 16:29-31). Think! Both Moses and the prophets lived a considerable time AFTER Abraham. He knew nothing of either when he was in the world. Yet, he was fully aware of them on the other side.

NO PERSON, THEREFORE, should think it strange that we could be surrounded with a "great cloud of witnesses" who are intensely interested in the race to glory we are running. If the rich man could be interested in his brothers in the world, why could not departed saints have a vital interest in the warfare of fellow believers in the world? Are we not told that we have come into fellowship with a family that has representatives in "heaven" as well as the "earth" (Eph 3:15)? Is it not written that we are "COME . . . to the spirits of just men made perfect" (Heb 12:22-23)?

THIS CLOUD, OR VAST ASSEMBLY of witnesses, is very real. Their observation of us is very real. In a very substantial sense, they lived out their lives for us – as a testimony to us of the unwavering effectiveness of faith. A specific journey was laid out for each of them, and they traversed treacherous and threatening surroundings to complete it. You are in the same situation, and are called to hear their testimony!

LISTEN TO THEIR CONFESSION, and doubt not the ability of your faith to carry you through. "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive" (Joseph, Gen 50:20). "There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass" (Joshua, Josh 21:45). "Thus far the LORD has helped us" (Samuel, 1 Sam 7:12). "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (David, Psa 37:25). "There hath not failed one word of all his good promise" (Solomon, 1 Kgs 8:56). HEAR THEN, CHILD OF GOD! Hear them! They testify to the faithfulness of God and the victory of faith. They are witnesses that it is not vain to serve the Lord, and that He will not forsake His own. It is not necessary for you to suffer the same setbacks as those before you. Their record has been written to give us the advantage in the good fight of faith. You honor them by believing their record and running your race with patience, or endurance and perseverance. Run, saint of God, run!

– Given O. Blakely

THE CAUSE OF CHANGE

" . . . but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2)

HERE, THE SPIRIT DECLARES the cause of our ultimate appointed "change." "We shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is" (NASB). When the Spirit says "see Him as He is," He does not suggest that the vision of faith is not accurate. Rather, it is not complete, being only introductory to what is to come. As powerful as faith is, it only introduces us to the glory of Christ. That does not mean faith is inferior. Faith can perceive whatever has been revealed. It only introduces us to the glory of Christ because we have an introductory revelation. This accents the greatness of the glory the Lord Jesus possesses.

HOWEVER, WE WILL YET SEE HIM in a new and indescribable way. God will yet show Him to us fully, withholding no part of His glory from us. That is involved in the promise, "Which in His times He shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen." (1 Tim 6:15-16).

IT IS THE SIGHT ITSELF that will change us! This should not surprise us, because we have already experienced an introduction to this kind of transformation. The new birth itself is effected by exposure to the glory of God. Here is how it is stated in the fourth chapter of Second Corinthians. "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 4:6). The means by which the transformation takes place is "the face of Jesus Christ." The One accomplishing it is "God." The objective is to give us "the light of the glory of God," or cause us to "participate in the Divine nature" (2 Pet 1:4).

THE ONLY EFFECTIVE UNDERSTANDING of God comes through Jesus Christ – "the face of Christ." Further, it is the Gospel that opens Christ Jesus to us. As we behold that glory, by faith, we "are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory" by the very "Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor 3:18, NIV). Just as the glory of God changed the face of Moses, so the glory of Jesus changes the character of the saints, who are exposed to that glory through faith and by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 3:7-9,18).

CONSEQUENTLY, THE LESS WE ARE EXPOSED to Jesus and His glory, the less spiritual change takes place, and the less we are conformed to the image of God's Son. We are not molded into Christ's image by human expression, such as praise or worship, but by exposure to glory. We do not become more like Jesus by following a set of rules and procedures, but by beholding the glory of God "in the face of Christ Jesus." When Jesus is preached, the door to moral and spiritual change is opened.

THIS SAME PROCESS will occur when Jesus comes again in all of His own glory, the glory of His Father, and the glory of the holy angels (Lk 9:26). Not only will the heavens and the earth flee from before His face (Rev 20:11), but all that has concealed the saints of God will also be removed. Then their transformation will be complete, and they will fully "bear the image of the heavenly" (1 Cor 15:49). Until that time, however far we may have advanced, we are still in a state of transition – of being conformed to the image of God's Son.

AS AN ADDENDUM to this observation, it is only to the degree that we see Christ NOW, that any effective change is wrought within us. The kind of change God has determined cannot be accomplished by moral disciplines, however hallowed they may be. Souls who refuse to look to Jesus (Heb 12:2) cannot be changed into His likeness. They have, by that refusal, shut themselves into a condemned state in which there is no spiritual change – there is only condemnation. The need for such a change is what condemned us in the first place.

IN VIEW OF THIS CIRCUMSTANCE, we should make much of Jesus in our preaching. His atoning death, effective intercession, and return in glory must be in the forefront of all our preaching and teaching. How succinctly this is stated in the ninth chapter of Hebrews. Three appearings are mentioned, all of which are imperative for our salvation. "For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to APPEAR in the presence of God for us . . . but now, once at the end of the ages, He has APPEARED to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself . . . To those who eagerly wait for Him He will APPEAR a second time, apart from sin, for salvation" (Heb 9:24-28, NJKV). His appearing to put away sin provided a righteous basis for our initial change – the new birth. His present appearing provides the means for our continued change "from glory unto glory" – sanctification. His "second" appearing will be the means of our final transformation, when we will "be like Him" – Resurrection.

THE CONSIDERATION OF THESE THINGS brings great grace and encouragement to the soul.

– Given O. Blakely

ENTANGLED AGAIN

"For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning." (2 Peter 2:20)

EARLY IN THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, well before the end of the first century, a spirit of lethargy began to settle over those who wore the name of Jesus. All manner of corruption began to surface among professed believers – corruption that required extensive Apostolic teaching and correction. There were division and carnality in Corinth, a reversion to Law among the Galatians, drawing back among Hebrew believers, and a lapse of memory concerning Divine manners among those to whom Jude wrote. James addressed those who pretended to have faith, yet were at enmity with God. Jesus Himself delivered personal messages to five churches who were on the decline, commissioning John to write the messages down and deliver them to the angels, or messengers, of those churches (Rev 2:4,14,20; 3:2,15).

RATHER THAN ADVANCING toward glory, the people began sliding backward to the very things from which they had been delivered. Rather than being changed from glory to glory, they began reverting to the flesh. Thus, Peter blows the trumpet of warning. People were headed for a state that was actually "worse" for them than the one from which Jesus delivered them in the first place.

IF THIS CONDITION were not possible, it would be preposterous to have extended teaching about it. Mind you, we are speaking of individuals who "escaped" the pollution of the world, again being entangled in Satan's net. This entanglement did not happen inadvertently. Through spiritual stupidity and dullness of soul, the transgressor "entangles himself" (2 Tim 2:4). Just as God's Word is "active," so is Satan's delusion. If men choose to live at a distance from Christ, they do, by that very decision, move closer to the ensnarements of the wicked one. There is just as much danger in the world as there is safety in the Lord Jesus Christ. All men choose which habitat they will occupy.

THIS WORD BRINGS TO MIND the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. After their departure, Pharaoh mistakenly reasoned, "They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in" (Ex 14:3). Other versions substitute "bewildered" (NKJV), "confusion" (NIV), and "aimlessly" (NASB,NRSV) for "entangled." There is an element of truth to all of them. The "entanglement" of reference is a term describing the powerful grip of delusion – a state in which the mind is thrown into spiritual confusion. The individual who once escaped the world's contamination is thus brought to imagine personal advantages can be realized from the world. This is even worse than the delusion experienced by Eve, for before deceived, she was not required to escape the world – i.e. to subdue any urge to eat of the friut of the forbidden tree. Here, in our text, however, is someone who has already "escaped," flirting with impurity, and finally being overcome by it. Therefore, all sound reason departs, and Jesus becomes incidental.

THINK OF THE DESCRIPTIVE EXPRESSION – "and overcome." Myriad of professed believers do not think such a thing is possible. I remember a word my beloved mother told me: "If what is above you does not control you, what is around you will!" To put it another way, if you are not an overcomer, you will be overcome! Jesus affirmed He had "over come the world" (John 16:33), and a disciple is not above his master (Matt 10:24).

HERE IS A STATE where people once joined to the Lord are again overcome by the world. Instead of overcoming evil, evil overcame them (Rom 12:21). Though once they overcame the wicked one (1 John 2:13-14), now they are "again" overcome by him. It is not possible to overstate the tragedy of the situation.

THE SPIRIT AFFIRMS, "the last state has become worse for them than the first" (NASB). Do not doubt that such a state is possible! To be entangled and overcome "again," thrusts one into a condition worse than the one prior to them being born again – i.e., "at the first!" These are the exact words spoken by our Lord concerning someone once delivered, then brought again into bondage (Matt 12:43-45). Those who are "again entangled" sink lower into the mire, and further from the Savior, than they were when they were alienated. They are less sensitive, more calloused, and harder in heart!

GOD MADE NO PLEDGE to retrieve such, nor, indeed, has He guaranteed recovery is even possible. Elsewhere, the Spirit affirms it is "impossible" (Heb 6:4-6). Wherever a sensitive conscience is found, and a will to return to the Lord, a return can be realized. Such have not yet been "overcome." But if they do not run with haste to Jesus, they will soon be "overcome." That is something to ponder!

– Given O. Blakely

PERFECTED!

"For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14)

THE SACRIFICE, OR VOLUNTARY DEATH, of Christ achieved the Divine objective regarding perfection. God's nature required perfection in His creatures, and Christ's sacrifice achieved it. This is the declaration of Scripture."For by one offering He hath perfected for all time those who are sanctified" (NASB). Do not hesitate to receive this affirmation, neither be tempted to explain it away. It is the truth of God.

ALL STANDARD VERSIONS of Scripture use the word "perfected" in this verse. To name a few, Revised Standard, American Standard, New International Version, Today's English Version, New American Standard, New Revised Standard, New English, and New King James. Other versions such as The Living Bible, Phillips Modern English, and the Jerusalem Bible, also use "perfection" or "perfect." Mind you, the consistency of versions is not necessary to establish the truth of Scripture. The point I want to make is that there has been no question among translators about the expression of the Spirit in Hebrews 10:14 – and there should be no question in our minds about it.

THE WORD "PERFECT" comes from a word meaning to complete, i.e., accomplish, or consummate (in character): consecrate, finish, fulfil, (make) perfect (strong). For what it is worth, Liddell and Scott define the words "to make perfect: to inaugurate, consecrate, to complete, bring to accomplishment: to make successful . . . generally, to fulfill, accomplish, effect." While doctrine cannot be built upon the lexical definition of words, I give this to show you the strength of the word.

IT MAKES LITTLE DIFFERENCE how you look at "perfection," Hebrews 10:14 is an arresting statement of what Jesus accomplished in His death. What is more, that accomplishment, namely the perfection "forever" of those who are "sanctified" is scarcely known among the people with whom I have companied in the past!

I WANT TO STATE THIS as strongly as I can; namely, that Christ's vicarious death "perfected forever them that are sanctified." Jesus has done everything that is necessary for your acceptance by God! He has met God's requirement for perfection in your behalf. God has received you in Christ "without sin," having forgiven you of "all trespasses!" Nothing more needs to be offered to God for your acceptance! You are not working for Divine approval, nor are you commanded to do so! Your work is to "abide" in His love and acceptance, fully aware of your endorsement by Him! You are fully justified in Jesus!

BY SAYING "PERFECTED FOREVER," the Spirit provides God's perspective of the situation. By the grace of God, that view – which is the true one – can also be ours! Christ, through His death, removed everything that stood between God and man. The lack of perfection is nothing more than the presence of sin, which is the only inhibiting factor in our universe. Were there no sin, there would be no imperfection! When Jesus "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb 9:26), He did, by that very act, "perfect forever" those that are "sanctified." Here, the word "sanctified" is synonymous with "made holy." The idea is that holiness, or acceptance and recognition by, God, proceeds from the effective removal of our transgressions – all of them.

NOTE, THE PERFECTION is "forever." As you must know, this does not mean "once in grace always in grace," nor is such an absurdity ever suggested in God's Word. The "forever," like remission, is only "in Christ." It is Christ, and Christ alone, who enables us to be "sanctified" – and only those who are "sanctified" are "perfected forever." It is written, "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, Who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Cor 1:30, NASB). Simply put, "abide," or remain, in Jesus (John 15:4,7), and you are fully accepted by God, perfect and complete in Him (Col 2:10).

TO ENSURE THAT YOU can abide in Him, the Holy Spirit of God is given to you to tutor you in the truth revealed in Scripture, and help you distinguish false prophets from true ones (1 John 2:27,28). If you do not "grieve," "quench," or "resist" the Holy Spirit of God, "ye shall abide in Him!"

FORGIVEN OF ALL TRESPASSESBecause God requires perfection, ALL of your sins had to be forgiven, blotted out, and cast into the depths of the sea. Believe that this does occur in Christ! " . . . having forgiven you all trespasses" (Col 2:13). From this standpoint, your present perfection consists of the remission of all of your sins! This truth is affirmed repeatedly for our confidence. "And by Him all that believe are justified from ALL things" (Acts 13:39). "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from ALL sin" (1 John 1:9). "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will NOT impute sin" (Rom 4:7-8.

SIN IS EITHER FORGIVEN in its totality, or not at all! There is no such thing as partial remission, incomplete acceptance, or fragmented righteousness. Blessed is the one who sees this! For those who imagine that situation can be exploited by men without impunity – thing again!

– Given O. Blakely

PERFECTING THE WORK

"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21)

PAUL PRAYS THAT THE FATHER, working through the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ, will "make you perfect in every good work to do His will." Other versions read, "make you complete in every good work" (NKJV), and "equip you with everything good for doing His will" (NIV). Where spiritual maturity and involvement in the good will of God is found, the "great Shepherd" has been leading. That is the evidence of His activity!

WHERE SPIRITUAL JUVENILENESS and a lack of involvement in God's will are found in professed believers, only three conditions are possible. First, in such a case, it is possible that the person has never been born again, and thus has not been able to see or enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3,5). Second, the individual may be a new convert, in which case this prayer is in order. Third, such a person may actually have been born again, but through quenching and grieving the Holy Spirit, has become obstinate and spiritually ignorant. For whatever reason, it is never acceptable to be in a condition that is not advancing toward being perfect in every good work.

MARK IT WELL, the "great Shepherd of the sheep" is engaged in bringing His people to maturity, perfecting them "in every good work." His objective is to involve us in the "good and acceptable, and perfect will of God," so that we become "laborers together with God" (1 Cor 3:9).

JESUS WARNED ONE OF THE EARLY CHURCHES, "for I have not found thy works perfect before God" (Rev 3:2). This is an unacceptable condition because God is able to make us perfect in every good work through Jesus Christ. That is one of the reasons He gave Him to us in the capacity of a "great Shepherd."

THE WORD "PERFECT" comes from a word which means "to complete thoroughly . . . perfect . . . prepare, restore" (Strong's). For example, a "perfect" fruit is one that has been brought to full maturity, and is suitable for consumption. From another view, "perfect health" is a condition in which disease and debility are not found.

AN IMPERFECT WORK is one that comes short of the Divine requirement. It misses the mark, and is like an aborted child. It is not recognized by God because it does not comport with His objectives. A "perfect" work is one that meets the Divine objective. It pleases the Lord because it harmonizes with His purpose, and is thus accepted by Him. God is not glorified by flawed, juvenile, and partial works, or by perpetual simplicity and juvenility.

GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE every human expression measure up to His expectations! He accomplishes this through the "great Shepherd of the sheep," not rules or procedures. If our works are not "perfect," we cannot excuse ourselves on the basis of our humanity. God has provided the Shepherd to lead us out of the infirmities of humanity into the strength of the Lord, and the power of His might.

PLEASING TO GOD
God the Father, through the "great Shepherd of the sheep," works within us things that are pleasing to Him. Although we enjoy the things of God, the primary purpose of these works is not our pleasure, but His! It is essential that this be comprehended in a time when personal advantage is heavily promoted in religious circles. There is, of course, no greater personal advantage than being under the care of the "great Shepherd of the sheep." However, we must ever keep in mind that our benefit flows from our involvement with God and the promotion of His glory. Our benefit is never an end of itself.

I FIND AN INTOLERABLE trend developing in the Christian community. There is altogether too much talk about "fun" and having an enjoyable time. No one of sound mind will oppose having an enjoyable time, but everyone should oppose this being a primary objective. Whole assemblies are orchestrated today to accommodate the pleasure of the people. What is more, those who do not measure up to the lusts of the people are judged as unworthy of attention. All of this may seem quite bearable, but God is not well pleased with it. God's attitude toward our works commends or condemns them, regardless of the response of our peers. If something is not pleasing in His sight, any other pleasure is inconsequential.

WHEN WE WERE GIVEN a Shepherd – a "great Shepherd" – we were given One who will lead us to do what is "well pleasing" to God. Therefore, our gatherings must welcome the "great Shepherd of the sheep" to work in this manner while we are assembled together. Our mindfulness and care for one another must be within the context of our preoccupation with Jesus Himself.

– Given O. Blakely

A BETTER COVENANT

"But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also Be is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Heb 8:6)

THE NEW COVENANT IS GLORIOUS. It is established upon "better promises" (Heb 8:6) and yields a better harvest. There is a general lack of awareness of the uniqueness of the New Covenant. I regularly hear teachers and preachers address the people of God as though they were like the recalcitrant Israelites of old. Hearty nods of approval follow the expression of such persuasions. The assumption that those in Christ operate with the same limitations as those under the Old Covenant is altogether false! There is no truth in such assertions. In Christ Jesus, and under the New Covenant, we are in a new and better situation. We have a "better covenant."

THE PROPHETS MADE IT CLEAR that a new era was going to be inducted. It would be one marked by transformation. Willingness and obedience would characterize that time. Obstinance and disobedience would find no place in the New Covenant. Hear the Word of the Lord! "Moreover, the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live" (Deut 30:6). "And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; and I will put the fear of Me in their hearts so that they will not turn away from Me" (Jeremiah 32:40, NASB). "I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be My people, and I will be their God" (Ezek 11:19-20, NIV). "My servant David shall be king over them; and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall follow my ordinances and be careful to observe my statutes" (Ezek 37:24, NRSV). " . . . for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD" (Jer 31:34). "I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD; and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart" (Jer 24:7). "I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances" (Ezek 36:27). "At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord" (Zeph 3:9).

THESE ARE NOT EXPRESSIONS OF MERE DESIRE, or the statement of an ideal or goal for which men are to strive. These are promises of what God had determined to occur. They describe the effects of the new birth. They depict the result of being justified. They set before our minds the impact of being sanctified. They shout to us of the superiority of the New Covenant. If some imagine that these have no reference to the New Covenant, let them think again! Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets. That is what He came to do (Matt 5:17). These promises, therefore, find their fulfillment in the Lord Jesus Christ and the New Covenant that He is presently mediating.

JESUS FULFILLED THE LAW by embodying all of the types and figures contained in it, as well as perfectly obeying its moral code. He at once became the Lamb, Altar, and High Priest. He is the Deliverer, Builder, and holy Habitation. He made the sacrifice and Himself was the sacrifice. He was the slain goat and the one taken into the wilderness. He is the Deliverer and Lawgiver, the Means of cleansing and the way of Divine direction. Everything in the Law and the Prophets pointed to Him!

JESUS FULFILLED THE PROPHETS by authoring, or causing, all of the changes of which they prophesied. They spoke of His sufferings and glory (1 Pet 1:11). His "sufferings" related to the expiation of sin and the reconciliation of sinners to God. The "glory" has to do with the impact of His salvation upon the hearts and lives of people. It is the effect of His salvation. The change of heart, the presence of willingness, and the preference of holiness all take place in Him. Waywardness is no longer the manner of the people of God! Where waywardness is found, unbelief is present. We have a "better covenant," and it has produced better results. In fact, those results are the undeniable confirmation that it is, in fact, a "better covenant."

TO FURTHER ILLUSTRATE this grand truth, John wrote, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). NOTICE: he does not say "when we sin," but "IF we sin." Sin is the exception, not the rule, in the New Covenant! Those in Christ do not have a basic propensity to sin, but a secondary one. The "law of sin" is "another law" that is resident in their "members" (Rom 7:20-23), not the primary one. It is not representative of their primary persons in general, or their "new man" in particular.

– Given O. Blakely

A PRINCIPLE

"If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us." (2 Tim 2:12)

THE PATH TO GLORY through the valley of suffering. It is only as we "suffer with Him," or to that exact degree, that we will "reign with Him." That is the solemn announcement of this text. If men can receive it, and not pervert it, suffering enables us to be "worthy of the kingdom of God," for which they suffer – that is the express statement of Scripture (2 Thess 1:5). This is the perspective that prompted the Apostles to rejoice when they were harshly punished for preaching the Gospel. "So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41). They associated suffering here with reigning there, and it proved to be a most happy prospect.

OUR LORD JESUS referred to this principle when He said, "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt 5:10-12). Let those who are oppressed because of their faith be courageous and bold. They are being tested. Their faith is being refined. They are actually being suited for a glorious future. Their suffering can become the means through which they obtain their reward in heaven.

LOOKING AT THIS PRINCIPLE from another perspective, we can see the righteousness of God. We are apprized that at the judgement, the saved will inherit the Kingdom prepared for them from the "foundation of the world" (Matt 25:34). Peter affirms that the inheritance is reserved for us in heaven, and is not fading away (1 Pet 1:4). That inheritance, however, will not be given indiscriminately. It has been purchased at great price, and men must be suited and prepared for it. When you suffer for righteousness sake, or are put through difficult and painful tests, you must reason in this manner. "I have a great inheritance reserved for me in heaven. The Lord has given me these difficult times in order that I may qualify for the prize." Some will view this as glorifying works, but it is not so. Suffering is not a work, it is a fellowship – the "fellowship of His sufferings" (Phil 3:10)! It is not something we achieve, but something we endure. Sufferings are not something we accomplish, but are evidence of something God is accomplishing.

THIS TRUTH SHEDS LIGHT on a remarkable word from the Spirit. "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ" (Col 1:24). There is no justifying power in the sufferings we experience "for righteousness sake," nor are they the subject of the prophecies of old (1 Pet 1:11). These are sufferings "left behind" – a residue, as it were, which allows us to fellowship more deeply with Christ. There is a unity realized with Christ in such suffering than cannot be accomplished in any other way.

THIS TYPE OF SUFFERING leads to reward. Once this facet of spiritual life is seen, holy resolution grips the soul. How wonderfully Paul expressed it. "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death" (Phil 3:10, NIV). Jesus suffered because He was not of this world. He came to this world, but He was never a part of it. To His critics Jesus said, "Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world" (John 8:23). This circumstance was the root from which all opposition to Christ sprang.

THE WORLD OPPOSES the people of God because it senses they are of another order. They cannot fully explain that circumstance, but they can sense it. As our Lord said, "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. It is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you" NIV (John 15:19). Whether intentional or otherwise, the course of this world chaffs against the spirit of the redeemed, and the saved are irritating to the world. For believers, the world is like a contrary wind that makes it difficult to row to a distant shore (Mark 6:48).

OFTEN THE ENVIRONMENT of the world and flesh becomes like the burning fiery furnace to the three Hebrew children. It puts us to the test, revealing our true character. Scripture informs us that enduring these tests results in the development of godly character (Rom 5:3-4). True character is not developed by mere discipline, but by opposition, stress, and difficulty. Fortitude, or endurance, is matured in the crucible of hardship! Thus we become acquainted with the principle of suffering.

– Given O. Blakely

DELIVERANCE FROM MEN

"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith." (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2)

THERE ARE TWO SIDES to the coin of this requested prayer. First, that the message that is proclaimed will be quickly received and spread rapidly. Secondly, that opposing forces will be decidedly neutralized, and rendered ineffective. God has chosen to work salvation in the midst of Satan's empire, for he is "the god of this world" and the "prince of this world" (2 Cor 4:4; John 14:30). The "whole world," we are told, "is under the control of the evil one" (1 John 5:19, NIV). That "control," however, is not the ultimate control. It has been given to Satan by God, and God can take it from him, frustrating his most cunning plans and powerful influences, and effectively limiting the scope of his efforts.

THIS TEXT SPEAKS OF those who are working for the wicked one – those who have been deceived by him, who are taken captive by him at his will (2 Tim 2:26). Some of them are powerful political entities, like Pharaoh, Herod, and the Caesars. Others employed by the devil are religious officials, like Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, and rulers of the Jews. Some are religious zealots who group together for the purpose of restraining the Gospel of Christ, like "certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium," who provoked the stoning of Paul (Acts 14:19), and "certain Jews from Asia," who tried to stop the spread of the Gospel in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-28).

ONE ONLY HAS TO PONDER the words of this text to catch a glimpse of the complexity of the Kingdom into which we have been translated (Col 1:13). Here is the powerful Word of God, sent and empowered by Him, restrained by wicked men! The restraint is of such a nature that it requires Divine deliverance All of this is by God's own arrangement.

DELIVERED
The presence of these men is so significant that it requires deliverance from God Almighty. They cannot be confronted in the energy of the flesh or carnal wisdom. They can be so aggressive that disciples will be forced to lower Paul over a wall in a basket to escape their malice (Acts 9:25). They can force the expulsion of Paul from the coasts of Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:50). Such men cannot be neutralized by human strategies. Divine deliverance is required! Elsewhere Paul referred to some "that do not believe in Judea," asking the saints to pray he would be delivered from them (Rom 15:31). The constant trouble to which Paul was exposed became occasions for deliverance. He testified, "But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; Ye also helping together by prayer for us" (2 Cor 1:9-11). What a blessed privilege to "help" the work of God through our prayer, thereby bringing deliverance from enemies.

DO NOT MISS the glorious nature of the praying of reference. It is for the spreading of the Word itself, and for those who declare it as well. Blessed, indeed, are the people who see the breadth of prayer, and extend themselves to call for Divine intervention at every critical point. The message must spread, and those who declare it must be delivered.

UNREASONABLE MEN
Other versions read "perverse men" (NASB), "wicked men" (NIV), "foolish men" (BBE), and "bigoted people" (NJB). Such men are, in a sense, insane. Their thoughts are out of place and improper. They are actually a crime, for they are against the Lord. These men are also aggressive, and will go to any lengths to suppress what they do not understand.

WE LEARN FROM THIS that sound reason does not naturally triumph over foolishness. Men are not basically reasonable, and they are not turned to righteousness by mere logical approaches. Nor, indeed, can their foolish opposition be struck down by humanly conceived arguments. Those who carry the truth must be delivered from such men, for they are too foolish to withdraw from their aggressiveness against the Gospel.

WE ALSO LEARN THAT unbelief causes men to become foolish, and foolishness is promoted by unbelief. Additionally, the Gospel of Christ is an aggressive message that brings out the folly of unbelief, actually inciting the opposition of those with corrupted minds. Such men will seek to kill Jesus (John 7:1), imprison the bearers of good news (Acts 5:18), stone Stephen (Acts 7:58), stone Paul (Acts 14:19), and exile John (Rev 1:9).

WICKED MEN. The opponents of the Gospel are more than "unreasonable." They are also "wicked," or "evil" (NIV). Not only is their mind corrupted, their character is debased and perverted. They bare in their very persons the trait of the devil, who is "the wicked one" (Matt 13:19). Regardless of their outward appearance, their opposition of the Gospel reveals they are evil, corrupted by Satan, and unsuitable to stand before the Lord of glory. The word "wicked" means harmful and unprofitable, as well as evil and malicious. From the highest view, men lose all usefulness when they set themselves to restrain the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ. There is no more wicked person than the one who objects to the preaching and belief of the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ! Let us be faithful in praying for deliverance from such people.

– Given O. Blakely

ALL DO NOT HAVE FAITH

"And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith." (2 Thessalonians 3:2)

OTHER VERSIONS READ, "for all men have not faith" (KJV), "for not everyone has faith" (NIV), and "for faith {is} not {the portion} of all" (DARBY). Here all men are divided into two categories: those who have faith, and those who do not. Notice the gracious way in which this is stated. The Spirit does not say, "only a few have faith." Nor, indeed, does He say, "most men do not have faith." He speaks in such a manner as to accentuate the blessing of having faith at all. By these words, He also explains why men seek to oppose the Gospel and restrain those who declare it. This is the condition requiring that we are to pray for the rapid and effectual spread of the Word of God, and for the deliverance of those who preach it from the hands of unreasonable and wicked men.

ALL MEN DO NOT HAVE FAITH! It is, therefore, the lack of faith that creates an environment of opposition.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF modern day teachers who affirm that all men DO have faith – that it is a principle that is in all people by nature. This perverse doctrine says that faith is released by the individual when they choose to believe, thereby enabling them to take hold of the things of God and do great exploits. This is aggressively taught by the "health and wealth" exponents, and is more widespread than one dares to imagine. It is based upon the statement of Romans 12:3: " . . . God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." However, that text is not speaking of every man in the world, but of every man who is in Christ Jesus – particularly, who is in the body of Christ. The point is that every member of the body of Christ has been equipped with the ability to edify the saints (Rom 12:3-8). As the text says, ""For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you [believers] . . ." The same language, i.e., "every man," is frequently used to identify all who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 14:5; 1 Cor 3:5.8,10; 4:5; 2 Cor 9:7; Gal 6:4; Eph 4:25; Phil 2:4; 1 Pet 4:10; 1 John 3:3).

OUR TEXT DECLARES that "not all have faith" (NASB). There is, then, no question about faith NOT being resident in men by nature. It is not something that Adam passed to his progeny. Only a modicum of intelligence is required to confirm this is the case. Think of what is said of faith, and see for yourself that it is NOT in every mortal. The "just live by faith" (Rom 1:17). The righteousness of God is received by faith (Rom 3:22). We are "justified by faith" (Rom 3:28; 5:1). We have access to the grace of God by faith (Rom 5:2). We stand by faith (Rom 11:20; 2 Cor 1:24). We receive the promise of God by faith (Gal 3:22). We are children of God by faith (Gal 3:26). We wait for the hope of righteousness by faith (Gal 5:5). Christ dwells in our hearts by faith (Eph 3:17). If everyone has faith, then all of these benefits can be found in them – which thought is utterly insane. All men do NOT have faith. Faith is not "released," as these false teachers affirm. It is rather "obtained" (2 Pet 1:1), or "comes" (Rom 10:17; Gal 3:20,23).

THIS TEACHING SHOWS US that those who do not have the glorious benefits mentioned are prone to oppose the Gospel. The only difference in such people is the degree to which they oppose and reject it. Our text refers specifically to those who are determined to stop the spread of the Gospel. These are individuals whose unbelief has flooded their hearts, causing them to become unusually calloused toward the Gospel.

FAITH COMES FROM GODI never tire of being reminded that faith comes to us from God – that is why all men do not have it. Bear with me while I once again cite these marvelous passages, which were so long hidden from my understanding. "Faith comes . . . " (Rom 10:17; Gal 3:23). "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ . . . to believe on Him" (Phil 1:29). "Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by [through] Him do believe in God" (1 Pet 1:20-21). "Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph 6:23). " . . . who [Apollos], when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace" (Acts 18:27). "And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 1:14).

HOW COULD THE MARVELOUS BENEFITS received by faith be attributed to something that is in us by nature and "released" at our will. How could it be possible for the natural man, by an exercise of the intellect, to appropriate such things. If such a thing is possible, in what sense has man sinned and come short of the glory of God. Why is it necessary to save men at all if they possess such an effective aptitude. It should be abundantly clear to us: "all men HAVE NOT faith!"

IN OUR TEXT BELIEVERS to join in prayer for the rapid spread of the Word, that the it might be glorified, and that its proclaimers may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men. This type of prayer is for kings and priests. It is a means by which we presently reign with Christ Jesus. This is a proper means of deploying Divine power, and we must enter aggressively into it. Do not imagine that the spread of the Word and the deliverance of those who proclaim it will all happen without our involvement. We have not been called into a Kingdom that operates in that manner. Our new hearts, spirits, and minds have been given to us for participation in the wonderful working of the Lord.

– Given O. Blakely

POWER OVER ALL FLESH

"As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him" (John 17:2)

THE LORD JESUS is not anticipating authority over the entire human race when He comes again; He already has it! If this does not comport with appearance, we must believe it anyway! It is a matter of revelation. God has given Jesus power, or authority, over all flesh. It makes little difference whether it is political flesh, religious flesh, wealthy flesh, or common flesh. Christ has power over it all.

FOLLOWING HIS RESURRECTION, Jesus announced to His apostles that "all authority" had been "given unto" Him in heaven and on earth (Matt 28:18). That is all the authority there is. This is not authority He is expecting to receive, but authority He has already received. He has all authority in heaven! Nothing comes from heaven to earth without His approval. Nothing is received in heaven from earth without the recognition of Him. God looks at the world through Jesus. He has all authority in heaven! The angels are at His beck and call! The Holy Spirit is given because of Him, by Him, and in order to illuminate Him to the hearts of men.

HE HAS ALL AUTHORITY IN EARTHNothing can transpire in this world without His authority. No circumstance occurs in this realm without His approval. He is the King of kings, and the Lord of lords! He is the "Governor among the nations" (Psa 22:28). Ultimately, the affairs of men are not determined by vote or by the imposition of powerful individuals. Daniel prophesied to king Nebuchadnezzar "to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men" (Dan 4:17).

WHAT IS THE divine intent behind Jesus receiving "power over all flesh?" It is not for managing a visible government in this world. Jesus reveals the purpose Himself. It is not made known in a discourse to men, but in a prayer to God. It is not prayed at a time of unusual blessing, but on the eve of His own cursing by God (Gal 3:13). Our Lord said these words in anticipation of the "glory that should follow" His vicarious death (1 Pet 1:11): "That He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him" (John 17:2). Note, the power was not given to Him to subdue His enemies – although will surely be done! His enemies will all bow at His feet.

THE MIGHTIEST DISPLAY of Divine power is not the subjugation of those aligned against God! Rather, it is giving eternal life to those that the Father has given to the Son. And what is involved in "giving eternal life to as many as" God has given to Him?

NOMINAL CHRISTENDOM has oversimplified the matter of salvation. Too often they equate it with shrewd evangelistic techniques, oratorical presentations, and disciplined procedures. God associates it with "power over all flesh!" It takes more than a little power to get people from earth to heaven; out of sin into righteousness; delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son! Such dramatic results require "all power in heaven and on earth." The magnitude of salvation has simply not dawned upon the masses of professed believers. That is why they find is easy to entertain futuristic views of a reigning Christ.

OPENING THE DOOR OF FAITHFor 1,500 years, the Gentile nations had been cut off from God. Appropriately, they were described as "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 2:12). How would people in such a hopeless condition come to have faith in God? They were the "heathen" God had pledged to give the Son for an "inheritance" (Psa 2:8). Nevertheless, they were dominated by the devil, enslaved to sin, and blinded. How could they ever be able to believe?

IF BELIEVING was difficult for the Jews, who had been cultured to do so by Moses and the prophets, what hope is there for the Gentiles? The "King of heaven" will open the door of faith to them. In spite of their addiction to idolatry and blindness to truth, they will be enabled to believe. "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how HE HAD OPENED THE DOOR OF FAITH unto the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27). Jesus had been given power over all flesh, to give eternal life!

OPENING THE HEARTThe key of David can be used to open men's hearts! Once, it is recorded that the Lord opened a woman's heart so she could respond to the glorious Gospel proclaimed to her. "And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshiped God, heard us: WHOSE HEART THE LORD OPENED, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul" (Acts 16:14). As always, Satan attempted to blind the mind of Lydia, but He could not do it! She had a genuine interest in the words she heard, and Jesus saw to it that nothing hindered her from comprehending and responding to the truth of the Gospel. Nothing in Scripture suggests that this experience was uniquely confined to her.

YOUR OWN SALVATION, initially and in its completion, is owing to Jesus' power over all flesh.– Given O. Blakely

UPHOLDING ALL THINGS

"Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Hebrews 1:3)

AS THE "CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION," Jesus is the Upholder, or Sustainer, of all things. That is, all orderliness and precision, whether in nature or grace, is traced back to Him. If it were not for "the word of His power," the universe would spin out of control, and there would be no such thing as a productive environment or relationship. Neither nature nor grace is operating on automatic pilot. They are not merely sustained by natural laws that have been put into place, operating independently of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is presently "sustaining all things by His powerful word" (NIV).

IT IS TRUE, Christ sustains the individual, but His ministry is much larger than that. Having been "delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son" (Col 1:13), you occupy the realm of "all things." You are in a world destined for destruction. You are also in a moral universe, in which good and evil are locked in mortal combat. The god of this world is aligned against you, together with his diabolical hosts, including "principalities and powers, spiritual wickedness in high places, and the rulers of the darkness of this world" (Eph 6:11). These are some of the things that are "present." Besides this, there are "things to come," and the larger context of "life and death" (1 Cor 3:20-21).

IN ADDITION TO THESE THINGS, we are a sort of miniature cosmos within ourselves. We have "another law," or principle, within our members, warring against the law of our renewed mind (Rom 7:23). Our natural "members" must be mortified through the power of the Spirit, because they are not subject to the Lord (Rom 8:11-13; Gal 5:24; Col 3:5). The Spirit and the flesh wage relentless war within us. As it is written, "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." (Gal 5:17).

THROW INTO THIS SCENARIO that we "are come" to a society of staggering proportions. Included are all the redeemed currently "in the body" 2 Cor 5:6; Heb 13:3), the "spirits of just men made perfect," an "innumerable company of angels," "God the Judge," and "Jesus the Mediator of a new covenant" (Heb 12:22-24).

WE DO WELL TO stretch our minds and hearts to be more aware of these surroundings than those monitored by our fleshly senses. This aggregation of personalities are all alive, acutely aware of things transpiring in the earth. We are even told of the martyrs, who laid down their life for Christ Jesus. They are portrayed in association with the heavenly "altar" aware that their blood has not yet been avenged. "I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, wilt Thou refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"" (Rev 6:9-10, NASB).

BLOT FROM YOUR MIND the notion that, in Christ, you have merely adopted a new pattern of living, or "way of life." You have been made to "sit together" with Christ "in heavenly places," surrounded by a moral cosmos in which intense activity is now taking place. There is a sense in which we, like the Apostles, are "exhibited . . . as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men" NASB (1 Cor 4:9, NASB). The battlefield into which faith ushers us is seen by both men and angels – the "world" into which regeneration has inducted us.

HOW IS IT THAT THIS complex spiritual environment has not been our undoing? Why has faith been able to survive the relentless onslaughts of the evil one? Why have we not become victim of the war between good and evil? How is it that the waves of circumstance have not been our undoing, washing us away in a tide of trouble and iniquity? How have you managed to survive the many testings and trials through which you have passed? Why has the mysterious unknown been unable to throw you to the ground in utter defeat?

IT IS BECAUSE JESUS is holding everything together, sustaining it by the Word of His power. But this means more than merely keeping things from spinning wildly out of control. These things are all being upheld for the good of His people. To put it another way, the Lord is working "all things together for our good" (Rom 8:28). To work them "together," He must be able to control them – and He does! He is marshaling all Divine resources and power for your good, to ensure you remain a part of His eternal purpose. All of these "things" are being sustained in the interest of your salvation – for your perfection and ultimate glory.

– Given O. Blakely

WHAT IS GOD DOING?

"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." (1 Peter 5:10)

THE FIRST WORD of this sentence is important: "But!" The Spirit has just finished reminding us of our adversary the devil, and of his wicked intentions. We are to set ourselves to resist him by steadfastness in the faith. But the Spirit will not leave us contemplating our enemy. He introduces the triumph-factor: "But God!" (v 8-9). In this expression he is telling us God is accomplishing His will in the midst of our conflict with the wicked one. The devil is seeking to devour us, but look what God is doing! Thus, we have Peter's intercessory prayer, uttered to God, and written for the consolation of the saints.

GOD OF ALL GRACE. In this expression, the Spirit traces all true benefits back to a beneficent God. It is similar to saying "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). Also, the idea of limitlessness is conveyed. Believers are in a situation where grace is abundant and exhaustless. There is no extent to which God will not go to bless those who believe in His Son. He will withhold no good thing from them. As it is written, "no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Psa 84:11).

CALLED TO HIS ETERNAL GLORY. Because there are "many gods" (1 Cor 8:5), the true God is identified. It is the One who has called us to participate in HIS "eternal glory." This parallels with the Spirit's words, "whom He justified, them He also glorified" (Rom 8:30). This is the glory into which we are being changed, from one stage to another (2 Cor 3:18). Any form of religion that comes short of this is spurious and worthless.

AFTER YOU HAVE SUFFERED A WHILE. The way to our appointed reign is through the crucible of suffering. Only "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him" (2 Tim 2:12). Our suffering, however, is only for "a while." From the standpoint of faith, it is "but for a moment" (2 Cor 4:17). The duration of our hardship is not known to us, but it is known to God. It will not extend one second beyond the point where it is of eternal benefit. Our "times" and our sufferings are in the hands of our gracious God (Psa 31:1; 1 Cor 10:13). We are "appointed" to our afflictions (1 Thess 3:3), and they are strictly governed.

MAKE YOU PERFECT. Our sufferings do not "perfect" us automatically. God Himself MAKES us "perfect" by means of them. Here, perfection means to complete the preparation for an appointed role and place. Elsewhere it is called "finish the work" (Rom 9:28), or completing the work He has begun in us "until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil 1:6). In the sense of this text, we will be perfected when we are ready to leave this world.

STABLISH YOU. To be established is to be made firm, reliable, and stable. It is to cease to be tossed to and fro by the circumstances of life and the doctrines of men (Eph 4:14). This is something God Himself does "after" we have "suffered a while." Working through our faith and in His grace, the Lord brings us to a point where we are "no more children." Life does not jostle us as it once did, and we are able to "stand in the evil day." Surely, God "is of power to stablish you" (Rom 16:25). This is having "root" in ourselves (Mk 4:17).

STRENGTHEN YOU. Being established is being firmly fixed or anchored in the appointed place. "Strength" has to do with personal solidity and integrity. It is being able to extend ourselves in the wilderness-journey of life without giving up. It is spiritual stamina, where we do not become "weary in well doing" (Gal 6:9). To be strengthened is to recover from spiritual fatigue (Isa 41:10). It is to be made equal to the battles of life and the challenges of the wicked one (Eph 6:10). Strength results in refusing to yield to the temptations of the wicked one, and declining to "quit" (1 Cor 16:13).

SETTLE YOU. To be settled is to be stable and grounded. It speaks of an aspect of spiritual life that is slightly different from being made perfect, established, and strengthened. Settling has to do with being firmly planted on the appointed foundation – blended, as it were, with that foundation. This is the process of reference in Ephesians 2:20-21. "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord." That is being settled, and is the work of God!This is all "the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes" (Psa 118:23).

The extent and effectiveness of this indispensable work is worthy of your extended consideration.– Given O. Blakely

EVERYTHING IS READY

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

AND WHY DOES THE POWER OF GOD "keep" us? Why is it necessary to keep us? First, we must see that the whole of salvation has not yet been experienced. We have but "the firstfruits of the Spirit" (Rom 8:23). The bulk of our salvation is yet to come.

THE COMPLETION OF OUR SALVATION, or, more precisely, the revelation of it, is an emphasis of Scripture. "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed" (Rom 13:11). "Are they (the holy angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Heb 1:14). "Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life" (Rom 5:9-10).

WE ARE EN ROUTE TO GLORY, and have not yet arrived. We have received the "earnest," or pledge, of our inheritance, and not the whole of it (Eph 1:14). We are to conduct our lives in an acute awareness of this reality, not living as though we have already finished the course and were already in the promised land. We are still in the journeying posture!

HERE IS A MESSAGE faith requires: the salvation is "ready to be revealed." While we are working out our own salvation (Phil 2:12), we are contributing nothing to it. We were born again to obtain the inheritance. It is not obtained by our work, though we will not enter into it without "the work of faith" being fulfilled in us "with power" (2 Thess 1:11).

HERE IS A GREAT MYSTERY. There is a sense in which our labors determine the measure of our inheritance. As it is written, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things" (Matt 25:21). And again, "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (2 Cor 9:6). It is possible to "suffer loss" in the day of the Lord (1 Cor 3:15). However, the inheritance itself is already in tact. It but remains to be seen how much of it we will possess.

THE GREAT SALVATION" (Heb 2:3) brought to us by Jesus is infinitely larger than ordinarily conceived. Throughout the centuries, the people of God have been subjected to minuscule views of this salvation, and thus have not extended themselves to obtain its fulness. Our hearts must take hold of these words: "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Tim 2:10). Paul extended himself because he knew the saints could "come short" of the "rest" reserved for them (Heb 4:1).

SALVATION IN ALL OF ITS FULNESS is "ready to be revealed." In a very real sense, the "kingdom" you will inherit was "prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt 25:34). Just as the land of Canaan was reserved for the children of Israel, so our inheritance is reserved for us. The only question is whether we will possess it or not. It is possible to be a "castaway," forfeiting the inheritance altogether (1 Cor 9:27). It is also possible to "suffer loss," not possessing the fulness of our inheritance. However, if our hearts are convinced of its greatness and worthiness, and if we remain strong in faith, we will obtain more than we have dared to imagine. If God can do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" now, in this time (Eph 3:20), what can be said of the "salvation that is ready to be revealed?" The only question that remains is our capacity to receive and handle the inheritance reserved for us, and the salvation ready to be revealed.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS TEACHING is to nourish hope, assisting us to look forward to "the last time." Those living in aloofness from the Lord fear "the last time." Those living in fellowship with Christ, and in the energy of faith, look forward to it. Our text is strongly affirming that when everything temporal is brought to a conclusion, everything that is eternal will be made known. In the interim, it is only to the degree that we are not distracted by the seen that we obtain any significant awareness of the unseen. As we take hold on the promises and nourish our faith, God, will keep us from the wicked one, and enable us to develop a large capacity for the "salvation ready to be revealed."

– Given O. Blakely