IT’S WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT YOU
AND NOT ANYBODY ELSE

     Many Christians are being assaulted every day. In Muslim countries we see how this new group of Mohammed’s follwers, ISIS is beheading Christians. Whether they are Orthodox or Catholic or Protestant the militants are equal opportunity tyrants. And those who obey Christ’s command to share the love of GOD through Jesus Christ are the special targets of Satan’s entourage of lemmings. But within this group there are those who are not settled on their lees. Many are not convinced that the path of sin is the best way to go. For these, the LORD works circumstances in their lives and tugs their heartstrings toward the light of His Grace. It is to these the LORD says, “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.” Mk.12:34.

     Throughout the Bible, we read words of GOD’S personal commendation given to select individuals. While some may think that these ‘chosen ones’ were the only ones deserving of the LORD’S compliments, a lovely doctrine of Holy Writ declares that all who stand among the great throng of the redeemed are equally worthy recipients of each of the LORD’S encouragements found throughout the sacred pages. Books have been written chronicling the promises of GOD for a better world: a world without struggle, betrayal and death.

     Why is it that man wants to hold to this idea of a godless creation? Why is it that men want to put the Creator of heaven and earth at arms length? To believe in a personal Creator naturally requires accountability to Him. But man runs from this accountability just the way the Bible describes that our Premier Father and Mother, Adam and Eve, hid themselves from GOD in the Garden of Eden when they adopted the foolish idea that GOD was a liar and could not be trusted. And that distrust led them to eat of the one fruit that GOD had personally warned them was spiritually poisonous and would bring death into the world. The denial of GOD’S Word is what began the whole cycle of death on earth, and this lies at the heart of all of man’s problems.

     It is a war against GOD’S Word: the Word spoken in perfect love that has caused this great tragedy for life. As a result every creature on earth has become victims to man’s disregard of GOD’S Word. And when men exalt lies, be they scientists, doctors, educators, lawyers, or priests, they are in fact serving a system of government that works against their own deepest aspirations; for GOD has given all men a psychological profile: an inherent desire for justice, mercy, and love. But men, by the tens of millions, have seared their conscience against this Heaven-born Love and the laws of government that support its perpetuation. These laws are the Ten Commandments. Within their sacred borders are bound everything that exists, whether of stars, angels, and men.

     When we cannot rest in the knowledge that our Creator truly loves us and only works to achieve our good we create other theories to give us a sense of value. And the theories are quite diverse. Including atheism there are 20 major world religions. Within them there are 270 large religious subgroups, and untold numbers of smaller groups. But the only way to discover true self-esteem is to search and to believe the scientific and moral truth of GOD'S supreme love for us. And once the principle of unselfish love is discovered as the leading attribute of our Creator, our value as individuals swells to a lofty summit; for we learn that GOD Himself lives to serve us no less than the naturally beating heart or the breathing lungs exist to serve. But how much greater is GOD than your heart! Symbiotic law, which is the cornerstone of heaven’s government proves both the existence of GOD and His self-emptying love towards His Creation.

     This doctrinal theme of GOD’S approbation is founded on the “rock” of the accredited righteousness of Jesus Christ, Who alone has provided “the heavenly gift” (Heb.6:4) through His sinless life as the “Everlasting Father” of man (Isa.9:6). It should be understood that the leading attribute of Jesus Christ according to the Bible is not that of Savior, but that of Creator. He is the Father of the human race. Over 800 verses testify to this fact that before His Incarnation as a man in sinful flesh JESUS CHRIST IS THE CREATOR OF STARS, ANGELS AND MEN. Said Christ Himself in the book of Revelation, “I am the Root and Offspring of David.” The prophet Isaiah wrote of Him, “And His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty GOD, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

     Only the Father of Adam could legally redeem the children of Adam. A created being or an angel could not legally redeem the lost race of men. This is because from the beginning of Satan's “war in heaven” his rebellion has centered on accusing “the Son of God,” by slandering the moral law that governs life, declaring it to be a form of slavery and not of liberty. And to think how so many men today take the devil’s side! These are the fruits of the sin-loving heart. Nevertheless, it has always been about killing Jesus and substituting himself in His place. And it will always be about killing Jesus as the LORD declared Satan's true agenda: “He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.” Jn.8:44. The LORD illustrated this in his parable:

“Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time. And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out. Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him. But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them? He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others.” Lu.20:9-16.

     The “certain man” represents the Father. The "servant" that was sent twice represents the prophets. And His “beloved son” represents Jesus Christ. In this parable we also see how all who stand associated with sin are guilty of the same sins that led to the murder Jesus Christ, and thus will not inherit eternal life.

     So, of the vast multitudes of human beings that have lived on Earth (estimates ranging between 40 to 120 billion souls) only “the remnant” [a very small percentage] will receive the inheritance. From those who never heard His Good Name but who followed the leading of the Holy Spirit to those who believe in the death of Christ as their death, and His resurrection as their resurrection, they together have followed the path marked out by GOD our Saviour, following in His footsteps in accordance with the light they have received. This is why the science of eternity will forever be the Cross of Calvary.

     By Jesus becoming as one with his children, He lived the sinless life that we could not and He conquered the domain of death that its jurisdiction over the family of Adam would be forever ended for those who believe His good news of deliverance from the condemnation [our inherited death-sentence], the power [our sinful nature] and the very presence of sin [through being assaulted daily with temptations of devils]. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Ultimate Emancipation Proclamation!

     Our deliverance from the terminal cancer of sin is the sole purpose for the ever-beating heart of our LORD Jesus Christ. And everyone who loves Jesus and praise GOD for His Holy Word are “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Rom.1:16. To be “in Christ” is the finest gift that life can provide. 75 times the Apostle Paul wrote to the saints in a variety of ways of just what it is to be “in Christ.” And Jesus encourages us to see a precious glimpse of what lies ahead for the saints who stand in victory over sin “through him that loved us:” “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Rom.8:37; Rev.3:21.

     To think, even for a minute that the saints will share the very Throne of GOD. This is what Satan lusted for all along, as the LORD exposed his sole purpose for his rebellion that all may see: “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isa.14:13,14. This is why Satan hates the saints with such fervor because the very means he used to try to gain the throne (in the destruction of Adam and his family) the LORD ordained deliverance for those who were the victims of this supreme atrocity against life: to deliver them and bring them unto Himself—to share the very throne of GOD, that His Word might be fulfilled: “The LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee because the LORD thy God loved thee.” Deut.23:5. And to be adopted into the Triune of GOD was the only way to redeem the human race. Therefore, “Because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” Satan is ferocious in leading his allies among men to do all in their power to suffocate the message and destroy the messengers of the LORD.

     But those who follow the Lamb will not be disappointed in the end. Many have spilled their blood in doing Christ’s work. Many have had their testimonies slandered to halt the Gospel’s progression. And many have even been abandoned by their own families. When an orthodox Jew gives his heart to the LORD Jesus Christ, his or her family will actually hold a funeral service for their child. Also when an Amish man sees the Sabbath commandment as being eternal (Isa.66:22,23) and begins to obey it as Jesus obeyed it (Lu.4:16) his family disowns him, denies him any inheritance and takes away his home and land, enforcing a destitution on their own child while declaring eternal torment in hellfire awaits their perceived wayward child. Yes, religious tyranny is alive and well today in all ranks of religion, including atheism! Jesus addressed this as He did with every situation the devil heaps upon the saints:

“And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matt.22:1-14.

     The LORD looks down from above, and sees how His faithful ones all throughout history “had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise;” “and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.” Acts 11:36-39, 35.

     So, in the midst of the fiery trials and adversity of being the special targets of demons and their offspring among men the LORD has pierced the darkness with the bright beams of glory from His throne. And when His caressing light comes to us a precious respite is provided, to give us hope and patience. It is as it was “In the beginning:” “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” Gen.1:1,3. The light that pierced the darkness of the Earth was not that of the sun. No no! The light of the sun and moon did not appear on the Earth’s surface until the fourth day of creation week (Gen.1:14-19). And if the LORD can send light from His Throne to lighten a whole planet, surely He can send light from His Throne into our minds and hearts. In this light is wisdom. In this light is His promise. And one sure way for Him to pierce the darkness of our lives (while we endure the fiery darts of demons) is by gaining the knowledge of His encouragements and commendations to those who accomplished a specific work at a specific time to carry forward His great plan of salvation. And as men are able to receive it the light of GOD increases, becoming brighter and brighter. “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Prov.4:18. And for each of these immutable declarations of GOD, if we follow in the footsteps of these individuals, each of these commendations is for us, as they were for them.

     Let us begin with the grandest encouragement of all: the words of our Father to His Son Jesus Christ: “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mk.1:11. These words of the Father are spoken to every faithful believer of both men and women, “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.” II Cor.6:16-18.

     Let our study today close with a few of these promises, fully knowing that as they applied to the patriarchs and prophets to encourage them, they apply to us as well, as we enter the grand finale of Earth’s present history.

“And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.” Gen.7:1.

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” Job 1:8.

“Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” Ja.2:23.

“Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Gen.32:28.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.” Ex.33:17.

“As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Josh.1:5.

“And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.” I Sam.3:19.

“I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” Acts 13:22.

“Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent.” Dan.10:9-11.

“He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.” Acts 9:15.

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee…Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled…Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.” Isa.43:1-13.

     And these promises along with every other found in the Holy Bible have only one requirement: “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” I Jn.4:2-15.

     It is through faith “in Christ” that we are assured of His promise of “keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments” (Dan.9:4).