HOUSE OF GOD - THE CHURCH

THE CHURCH - THE HOUSE OF GOD

The word “Church” does not appear in the Old Testament; however, in the Book of Acts reference is made to it in relation to an Old Testament event.
Acts 7:37-38

37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
KJV

This word “Church” is never used in the New Testament to describe a building, contrary to the popular usage today. This word is a translation of the GREEK> ekklesia (ek-klay-see'-ah); a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): translated in the King James Version of Scripture as – assembly or church. The first mention is in Matthew 16:18.
Matt. 16:18

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
KJV

The kingdom (that part of the kingdom which had been offered to Israel - that nation that God had chosen to establish His Theocracy; - the kingdom of the heavens, here called “the kingdom of God” in Matt. 21:43) was taken from Israel with a view to the previously mentioned Church being called into existence to be the recipient of the offer. This is what Paul was addressing in Rome, recorded in the Book of Acts:
Acts 28:28

28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
KJV

This is the same group Peter made reference to:

1 Peter 2:9-10

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
KJV

The term “House of God” is used by most Christians to describe the building that houses the meetings of the Church. This must be an incorrect expression as we see a strong rebuke given by Stephen to those who would build a “house” for God.
Acts 7:48-50

48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

50 Hath not my hand made all these things?
KJV

In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle as well as the Temple were referred to as the “house of God” because the symbolic presence of God dwelled there (the Ark of the Covenant). However, God now dwells in the believer and so he or she becomes the Temple/House of God.
1 Cor 6:19

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
KJV

1 Peter 2:5

5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices , acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
KJV

Satan has blinded the eyes of men to be misguided into thinking the building in which the Church meets is the “House of God,” and so much attention and money is put into it to even further his cause.

One may ask, “Is this really an important issue to understand?” It is most important because if we don’t we miss a very important truth.
1 Tim 3:15

15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God , which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
KJV
If the “House of God” is a building, then we need only to know how to behave ourselves when we are there; but if it’s the spiritual house of which the believer is a part, he must behave himself at all times.

Moses in the Old Testament was not arbitrarily told to build a Tabernacle, but to prepare a people: (See Deut. 32:1-21). A people whose failure to bear fruit and rejection of God’s kingdom brought about a “new people”; the Church which is predominantly made up of Gentiles. Jews can be a part of this Church but they have to put their faith in Jesus Christ to be recipient of this new creation.
2 Cor 5:17

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ , he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
KJV

When David desired to build a house for God, he was told by Nathan the prophet that God would build him – David a house (1 Chron. 17:1-15) and his seed, in (v. 12) was primarily fulfilled in his son Solomon, but the secondary reference had to be Jesus Christ, the only One with an eternal throne. Let us rejoice in the fact that we are apart of this house through David’s greater son, Jesus Christ. And may our behaviour in this house be one that will cause the Lord of glory to commend us at His Judgment Seat some day.
1 Peter 2:1-6
2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

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

3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
KJV

THE BRIDE TAKEN FROM THE BODY

THE BRIDE ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURE

Rom 5:12-14

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
KJV

The account of Adam and Eve in Genesis chapters one through three provides us not only with the one true account of man’s beginning, but the account also provides us with the original type of Christ and His bride. God has interwoven great spiritual lessons into the account of man’s historic beginning, reflecting upon the person and work of His Son.

Adam was the first man upon the earth. He was also a type of Christ, the Second Man, the Last Adam:
1 Cor 15:45-47

45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
KJV

The experiences of Adam and Eve prefigure the experiences of Christ and His bride. The basic principles relating to the formation of the bride and the redemptive work of the Son in relation to the bride are set forth in these chapters and remain unchanged throughout Scripture.

THE FORMATION OF THE BRIDE

Gen 1:27

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
KJV

Gen 2:18

18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
KJV

Gen 2:21-22

21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
KJV

1. OUT OF THE BODY

Eve was created in Adam at the very beginning, but was not brought into existence as a separate entity until a later point in time. Adam was put to sleep, his side opened, and from this open side God took one of his ribs and formed Eve. Eve was taken out of Adam and then presented back to Adam for “a helpmeet.” Eve a part of the very being of Adam; and now, a separate entity from Adam; deemed Adam incomplete without her. In this respect, Eve, being presented back to Adam for “a helpmeet,” completed Adam. In the highest sense, God looked upon the existing union as “one flesh”
Gen 2:21-24

21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
KJV

The bride of Christ has existed in the Son from eternity past. The bride’s existence and salvation dated from “before the foundation of the world”

Eph 1:4

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
KJV

Rev 13:8

8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
KJV

The bride, however, could not be brought into existence as a separate entity until after the Son had been put to sleep and His side opened.

This occurred at Calvary. The Son died, and His side was opened. Out of His opened side issued forth “blood” and “water” – the two elements necessary to bring into existence the bride, separate from the body, but still part of the body: [John 3:5 “Except a man be born of water and the Spirit…..]
John 19:34

34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
KJV
Once the complete, redeemed bride has been brought into existence through the means which God has provided, the bride will be presented back to the Son, completing the Son. In the highest sense, God will look upon the existing union as “one flesh.” (Eph. 5:26-32).

God’s past work of bringing Eve into existence and His present work (to be completed in the future) of bringing His Son’s bride into existence must be studied in the light of one and other. In Genesis 2:22 God took a rib from Adam’s side and “made he a women.” The Hebrew word translated “made” in this verse is banah, which means, “to build.” Eve was created in Adam at the beginning, later taken out of Adam, built into a bride, and then presented back to Adam. In Matthew 16:18 Christ said, “…upon this rock I will build my Church.” The Church (in the sense in which the word is used in Matt. 16:18), created in Christ from eternity past, is presently being called out of the body and built into a bride. And the time when this process will be completed and the bride presented back to the Son lies in the future.

(The word “Church” comes from the Greek word [ekklesia], which means “called out.” And this word is used in the New Testament in more than one way. It is used during the present dispensation relative to all of the saved, for the bride has yet to be singled out and set apart from the remainder of the saved. That is to say, the bride, though presently being called out of the called, has yet to be set apart as a separate entity [e.g. Rev. 1-3]. However, looking beyond this present dispensation [following the time when the bride will have been set apart in the preceding manner], the use of the word ekklesia becomes more restrictive in the way the matter is looked upon in the NT.

Referring to time beyond the present dispensation, the word ekklesia is used relative to those who will be placed as firstborn sons, adopted [“adoption” (Gk. huiothesia) means son-placing] – placed in a position to rule and to reign, for, within the human realm, firstborn sons alone can rule:
Heb 12:23

23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
KJV

And those sons, looked upon in another respect, will rule as consort queen with God’s Son, Jesus. These will be the ones who, in accord with Genesis chapter two, will be removed from Christ’s body, forming the bride of the Second Man, the Last Adam.

The “called out” being removed from the “called” is what is in view in Paul’s reference to an “out-resurrection” in Phil. 3:11 [“resurrection,” KJV; Gk. ex anastasis, “out-resurrection”]. Ex anastasis is a compound word which literally means “to stand up - out of.” It is one group standing up out of a single larger group – the “called out” being removed from the “called.” And this will result from issues and determinations emanating from the judgment seat of Christ.

Remaining within the future scope of the matter and the exact meaning of the word ekklesia [called out], the clear teaching of Scripture attests to the fact that those who will form the bride in the coming day are not those presently being removed from the world. Those taken from the world are the “called.” The “called out” are to be taken from the “called,” [the saved, the body].

So we see then, the Church in the coming day - will be the body of Christ [cf. Col. 1:18] in the same sense that Eve was the body of Adam. She was bone of his bones, and flesh of his flesh [Gen. 2:23]. ALL of Eve was Adam’s body, but she was not ALL of Adam’s body.

“We are members of His body, of His flesh, of His bones” [Eph. 5:30]. ALL of the bride will be of Christ’s body, but not ALL of His body will be the bride.)

Thus, contrary to that which is commonly believed in Christendom, the bride – in either the type or the antitype – does not constitute all of the body. Just as Eve was taken out of Adam’s body, the bride of Christ will be taken out of His Son’s body. The entire body over which He is the Head consists of all the saved during this present dispensation. But the bride consists of a smaller group which is presently being called out of the larger group, i.e. called out of the body.

All of the saved are “called” and form part of the body, but only the “called out” – those to be taken out of the body – will form the bride of Christ. The bride will be a selection out of a selected.
Matt 22:14

14 For many are called, but few are chosen [lit. ‘few are called out’]
KJV

The type has been set, and the antitype MUST follow the type in exact detail.

Note that man had no part in God’s work surrounding the formation of Eve – from the time of her creation in Adam; neither can man have a part in the formation of the Son’s bride. It was Christ, not man, Who said, “…I WILL BUILD my Church.”

CHRISTIANS OFF COURSE

THERE IS NO REAL FEAR FOR GOD

We are living in a time when almost anything goes, Christians today are making adjustments to be accepted in the world’s system; instead of setting standards that the world will admire and adhere to. Churches are now “sanctifying worldly acts” to make them acceptable in their services. A common phenomenon is “praise dance” and the so-call Scriptural bearing for that is: David danced before the Lord (2 Sam. 6:12-23). But has anyone taken the time out to look at that word “dance” in verse 14 and see if David was really doing what's done these days in our Churches?

The Hebrew: OT:3769 karar (kaw-rar'); a primitive root; to dance (i.e. whirl): -dance (-ing).

Let us look at some references that show how God deal with His people as it relates to sin and disobedience and consider if He deals differently today:

Cain:
Gen 4:8-13

8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?

10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;

12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
KJV

Saul:
1 Chron 10:11-14

11 And when all Jabesh-gilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul,

12 They arose, all the valiant men, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

13 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it;

14 And inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.
KJV

Uzzah:
2 Sam 6:4-7

4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.

5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.

6 And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.

7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
KJV

Moses:
Deut 34:1-5
34:1 And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

2 And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea,

3 And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.

4 And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.

5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.
KJV

Do you remember what Moses’ sin was?
Num 20:8-12

8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.

10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
KJV

The children of Israel:
1 Cor 10:1-11
10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

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


The Marriage Feast:
Matt 22:9-12

9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

10 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.

11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
KJV

The Five Foolish Virgins:
Matt 25:10-13

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
KJV

The Unprofitable Servants:
Matt 25:26-30

26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

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

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
KJV

The Unfaithful Servant:
Luke 19:20-27

20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

25(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
KJV

Where Sin Abounds:
Rom 5:19-21

19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
KJV

How Can We?
Rom 6:1-6
6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

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

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

6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
KJV

GOD RULES OVER ALL, BUT SOME ARE REBEL RULERS

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE EARTH

The peoples of earth long for good governants. Over the centuries we have placed out trust in men who make great promises; stating (when they get elected to power) how they will improve the lives of their constituences, and almost always - they prove to be untrue. It is inated in mankind to want "power" [well God made us to have dominion]; and someone says, "power corrupts and supreme power corrupts supremely."

In keeping with the line of Biblical teaching as it pertains to regality, (rulership) Lucifer [who later became Satan] – positioned by God as the earth’s ruler in the beginning (Ezek. 28:14) – has ruled the earth, uninterrupted, since that time even until now. And Satan’s rule has always been under God, though a rebel ruler under God following the fall.

Throughout Man’s Day, Satan has carried out this rule through nations. And he accomplishes this rule through a complete generation of powers and authorities within his kingdom – i.e., through angelic rulers (fallen angels), to whom power and authority has been delegated:

Eph 6:12
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. NIV

Particular angels have been placed over particular nations. Then, under each of these angelic princes placed over nations, there are numerous other angels assigned to occupy lesser positions of power and authority.

This is the manner in which the government under Satan, in the heavens, is revealed to presently exist; and this established government, with respect to individual nations, angelic princes, and lesser angelic rulers assigned under these princes, apparently corresponds to a complete gradation of powers and authorities within the various nations on earth (Dan. 10:13-20).

However, there is one exception to Satan’s rule in this respect. In Satan’s kingdom, there is no angelic prince and there are no lesser angelic rulers holding position over Israel. Israel is a separate and distinct nation, God’s first born son, and is not to be “reckoned among” the nations.

The angelic prince which exercises this type of power and authority over Israel during Man’s Day is revealed to be Michael, an angel not associated with Satan’s fall and his kingdom. And any angelic rulers under Michael would also, of necessity, be outside of Satan’s domain and rule:

Dan 10:21
21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

KJV

Note Rev. 12:1ff in this respect. Israel and the nations are in view on the one hand (vs. 1-6), and Michael and his angels, along with Satan and his angels, are in view on the other (vs. 7-9), with everything being regal in nature.

(In the preceding gradation of powers and authorities, the angelic rulers – whether those consisting of Satan and his angels, or of Michael and his angels – exercise power and authority from a heavenly sphere. All hold their positions under God [though Satan and his angels are rebel rulers], and all rule through those whom God has placed in position of power and authority on the earth.

“The heavens do rule” in this respect. This rule begins with God [in the heavens] and progresses through angels [also in the heavens] to men [on the earth]. “there is no power but of God,” and “the powers that be [whether in the heavens, or on the earth] are ordained of God” [cf. Dan. 4:17-26; Rom. 13:1, 2].

During the present day and time, angels – both within and without Satan’s kingdom – continue to hold previously appointed regal positions [appointed by God] in the preceding respect. Note that even those represented by the twenty-four elders in Rev. 4, 5 remain crowned and retain a regal connection with God’s throne until a particular, revealed time yet future. And that future time is associated with events immediately following the present dispensation, events occurring near the conclusion of Man’s Day anticipating Christ and His co-heirs taking the kingdom.

The things reiterated in the preceding three paragraphs form fundamental, foundational Biblical teachings surrounding the government of the earth – past, present, and future. And possessing a proper understanding of the government of the earth forms a fundamental, foundational basis for properly understanding numerous related things surrounding Israel and the nation seen occurring in the world today.)

Knowing the things surrounding how the present kingdom on this earth is established – which includes not only the nations but Israel as well – is the key to seeing and understanding the central and primary reason for Satan’s continuous hatred of the Jewish people down through the years. And this is something which has resulted in or has had a direct bearing upon all of the anti-Semitism over centuries of time, as well as the present unrest in the Middle East.

GOD CHOSE ISRAEL

ISRAEL

Ex 4:22-23

22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:

23 And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.
KJV

Isa 43:1
43:1 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.
KJV

Rom 9:4

4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
KJV

The nation Israel is God’s “son” because of creation. God performed a special creative act in the person of Jacob (Isa. 43:1); and, as a result, not only Jacob, but his descendants through his twelve sons – forming the nation Israel – are viewed in Scripture as God’s “son.”

Then, the nation of Israel is more than just God’s “son.” This nation, because of a subsequent adoption, is God’s firstborn son. That is, God, at a time following His creative activity surrounding Jacob and a nation emanating from his loins, adopted this nation, placing the nation of Israel in the position of His firstborn son (Exo. 4:22, 23).

Note Isa. 43:5-7 relative to both creation and sonship:

Isa 43:5-7

5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

6 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;

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

The reference is to a future regathering of the Israelites from a worldwide dispersion. The Israelites, in connection with creation mentioned in verse one and seven, are referred to as God’s “sons,” with “daughters” used contextually within this same thought – i.e., within the thought of creation resulting in “sonship.”

(With respect to both males and females viewed in relation to sonship, the nation as a whole is almost always spoken of in the sense of a son, or in the sense of sons when referring to individuals comprising the nation [which would include both males and females].

For example, expressions used in verses such as Exo. 1:1, 7, 9 or Acts 5:21; 7:23, 27 to describe all those comprising the nation [both males and females] is “the sons of Israel” [NASB (The Hebrew word translated “sons” in Acts 5:21; 7:23, 27 and other similar NT passages is huios. These respectively are the Hebrew and Greek words for “son,” and both should be so understood and translated)].

Thus, the use of “daughters” in connection with “sons” in a verse such as Isa. 43:6 must be understood in the preceding respect. It must be understood in a similar respect to the way God’s wife [Israel] is also viewed – as God’s son.

The way in which the government in God’s kingdom was originally established, only sons could rule. Then, in relation to man and the earth, two things are seen in this respect: only firstborn sons can rule; and there has to be a husband-wife relationship within this rule. With the wife, of necessity, also being a firstborn son.)

Isa. 43:7 clearly states that every descendant of Jacob is himself a special creation, as Jacob is seen as a special creation back in verse one). Whether this is understood as a passing on of he sonship status through birth, or as God stepping in at the time of birth and performing an individual, creative act, is immaterial. The fact remains that, because of creation, Jacob is seen as a son of God; and, through procreation, all of his descendants are seen in Scripture individually as sons of God, with the nation as a whole seen collectively as God’s son (Exo. 4:22, 23).

This entire thought of creation and sonship, followed by adoption, is what separates and set apart both the Jewish people individually and the nation of Israel as a whole from all the Gentile (individually or nationally). Scripture makes a sharp distinction between Israel on the one hand and the Gentile nations on the other. The Jewish people comprise a separate and distinct nation which is not to be “reckoned among the nations” - the Gentile nations (cf. Num. 23:9; Deut. 7:6; Amos 3:1, 2).

Taken from Arlen Chitwood's book God's Firstborn Sons, pg. 11

GOD'S ELECTION Part 2

THE KEY TO ELECTION

George N. H. Peters, The Theocratic Kingdom of Our Lord Jesus, the Christ, 1:402 says:
The doctrine of the kingdom in its covenanted aspect gives us the key to the doctrine of election. The language referring to election based (1) on the Divine Purpose relating to this Theocratic Kingdom; (2) on the Plan embraced in that Purpose, of gathering out of a people, - whose character, etc., is predetermined – to whom it can be entrusted; (3) on the acceptance of the conditions by persons through which they come into the line of that purpose. The election then (a) is, so far as God is concerned, pre-ordained; such a people will be gathered (as even Moses predicted) for such a kingdom of kings and priests to be established and, as God changes not, it will most assuredly be carried into execution.; (b) on the part of man, he comes in the line of the predestined order, or elect, or chosen, just as soon as he accords or falls in with the determined process of engrafting through faith in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:14 speaks of Christ breaking down the “middle wall of partition” between Jews and Gentiles. Note that this is between Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ and not between Jewish nation and Gentile nations. No Gentile nation has been chosen in place of the Jewish nation, for this would violate God’s oath-given covenants. Israel as a nation rejected their Messiah, but in other that God’s promise and His purpose to establish His kingdom on the earth might be fulfilled to the elect nation, He continues the election by incorporating Gentile believers. He requires a certain determined number for the accomplishment of His purpose: This is “the blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in” (Rom. 11:25).

This plan for the Church and Israel is explained in Romans 9-11. Notice several important points:
1.The passage is dealing with the election of Israel, not the Church (9:3, 4).
2.It has to do with election to religious privileges rather than with personal salvation (9:4, 5).
3.It speaks of both national and individual election (9:4, 6-7).
4.The consequences are earthly; election is not said to be to heaven or hell.
5.This chapter reveals that corporate or national election does not save individuals. National election is to national privileges, but each individual person needs salvation, and Paul was burdened for his Jewish brethren.
6.This passage records and explains the fall and restoration of Israel (because they rejected their Messiah). They are being chastised in this age (Deut. 28:63-68; Acts 13:46; 18:6).
7.All Israel is not the true Israel – the unbelieving ones are excluded from the ministry and privilege (Rom. 9:6) as well as eternal life (9:31-32).
8.Isaac and Jacob were elected for the privilege of being the pathway of the seed from which Christ was born (9:7-13).
9.God overrules evil for His own purpose. Pharaoh is an example. Exodus says that on occasion God hardens Pharaoh’s heart, and that at other times He hardened His own heart. God hardened his heart by letting him exercise his own will, which became a little harder each time he resisted God. The word fitted in Romans 9:22 can be translated in the middle voice to read, “What if God, willing to show His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath [who have] fitted [themselves] to destruction.”
10.Whether for Jews or Gentiles, righteousness always comes by faith (9:30-32).



UNITED WITH CHRIST

God does not arbitrarily give away what He promised by an oath to give to Israel. By faith we are identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-4). “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection” (6:5). The words planted together, from a biological work in the Greek, are used to mean grafted into or joined with Christ. Because of our position in Christ, who is God’s Elect (Isa. 42:1), corporately we are also called elect (1 Pet. 1:2; Rom. 8:33; 2 Tim. 2:10; Tit. 1:1; Col. 3:12). And because of this union with the living Christ, we are said to be chosen “in him” (Eph. 1:4). This is positional truth. We are not said to be chosen and “put into him.” Because of our position “in him” we receive these blessings. Both individual Jews and Gentiles are being added to His body, the Church. We have unique privileges as “the body of Christ” and in Christ as “the seed of Abraham” (Gal. 3:6-9, 14, 16, 18).

The word predestination in its various forms only appears four times in the Bible (Rom. 8:29, 30; Eph. 1:5, 11). It is always used in connection with the saved and tells about the special character of blessing that is theirs: “to adoption,” “to the praise of his glory,” or “conformed to the image of his Son.”

Hubert Lockyer in his book: All the Doctrines of the Bible, Pg. 153 says:

What must be born in mind is the fact that predestination is not God’s predetermining from past ages who should and who should not be saved. Scripture does not teach this view. What it does teach is that this doctrine of predestination concerns the future of believers. Predestination is the divine determining the glorious consummation of t all who through faith, and surrender become the Lord’s. He has determined before had that each child of His will reach adoption, or “son-placing” at his resurrection when Christ returns. It has been determined before hand that all who are truly Christ’s shall be conformed to His image (Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:5).

From The Kingdom Of God Visualized, Pg. 123

DOCTRINE OF ELECTION

GOD’S ELECT


If there is ever a question as to which Bible doctrine cause the most confusion and division in Christendom, surely it would be the Doctrine of Election. History, heresy, misconceptions and the misuse of terms have all contributed to the confusion. It is hard to believe that if a person was isolated on an island and studied by himself that he would come up with any of the usual elaborate systems. The following view is not presented for polemical purposes, but as an effort to make a contribution towards understanding this difficult doctrine and especially its relation to position and service in the kingdom.

Let us first examine the meaning of the word “election” and then trace the biblical usage as it develops, to compare the usage in the Old and New Testaments, as well as some historical interpretations that have influenced our thinking.

The word “election” and its cognates, elect, chose and chosen, all mean practically the same thing and often times are translations of the same word. Choosing, whether referring to God or man, is directly related to an act of the will. No one would question the fact that God is not limited in His choices by anything outside of Himself; in contrast, man sometimes limited by knowledge, power, ability, or some other restrictions. Creation is a good example of the many choices that God made. There are all kinds of created beings: men, angels, animals, fish etc. God could have chosen to create all creatures the same, but He didn’t.

OLD TESTAMENT USES

The Old Testament abounds in examples of God election or selecting for outward privileges. This electing can be divided into two classes: individual and corporate.

INDIVIDUAL ELECTION

One of the most important recorded choices is God’s selection of Abraham as the father of a new nation. Moses was chosen as the leader to deliver Israel (Exo. 3:10; Ps. 106:23); Aaron was chosen as God’s high priest (Ps. 105:26); and David was chosen as king (1 Sam. 16:12; 20:30). Christ is also prophetically referred to as God’s elect in Isaiah 42:1. All of these refer to ministry or outward privileges and not to salvation.

CORPORATE ELECTION

The nation of Israel is an example of corporate election:
Isa 45:4

4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
KJV

It was to this elect nation that the kingdom was offered, and the people were to be a kingdom of priests (Exo. 19:5, 6). God also choose Judah as the ruling tribe of Israel (1 Chron. 28:4).

The Old Testament Jew’s general understanding of election is: God choosing them to establish a kingdom that would be an everlasting kingdom (eternity).
1.They understood that they had been chosen (elected) as a special people, a
nation of priests.
2. The Word of God has been committed to them (Rom. 3:2).
3. The Messiah (represented by the star), was to be born of the Jews.
4. When the Messiah came, the dead would be raised and the kingdom
established.

NEW TESTAMENT USES OF ELECTION

Some Jews were trusting that their family relationship or membership in an elect nation would automatically give them a place in the kingdom without repentance. But John the Baptist warned them:
Matt 3:9

9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
KJV

This verse clearly illustrates “election” in the New Testament, following the same pattern used in the Old Testament. There are both individual and corporate elections, and being a member of a chosen (elect) nation does not guarantee individual election. Examples of individual election to ministry include apostles (Luke 6:13-16), the seventy witnesses (Luke 10:1), and missionaries (Acts 13:1, 2). Some, such as the apostles, had eternal significance in the kingdom (Matt. 19:28). An example of a corporate use is given in 1 Thess. 1:4, where the Church is called “elect”. At this point it must be noted that election is used in ways other than to eternal life.

Because of the rejection and crucifixion of their Saviour-King, elect Israel was temporarily set aside as a nation while God instituted a new program of election. He now is selecting from Jews and Gentiles a new assembly that He calls the Church. When this is completed, He will come to the earth a second time, raise the righteous dead, and establish His kingdom. The elect of both Old and New Testaments will have an important place in this great kingdom.

KEEP THE FAITH TO ENSURE THE CROWN

“FAITH” AS SEEN IN THE SCRIPTURES

Christians at the beginning of the present dispensation, before they were ever called “Christians” (Acts 11:26), were known simply as those “of this way” (c.f. Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). In each instance the word “way” is preceded by the definite article, and the expression could be better translated “the way.”

Acts 11:26

26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
KJV

Acts 9:2

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
KJV
Acts 19:9, 23

9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
KJV

Those believing the message proclaimed on the day of Pentecost and following were singled out through the use of this expression. They were believing Jews who followed a way different from that being followed by the remainder of the nation (which was looked upon by Israel’s religious leaders as a heretical way [Acts 24:14]), and the expression was later used within Gentile circles as well, though by Jews (Acts 19:9).

Acts 24:14

14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
KJV

The origin of this expression is rooted in believing the message being proclaimed to Israel relative to salvation in the first seven chapters of Acts, and this salvation has to do with deliverance in the kingdom, not with the eternal destiny (ref. Chapters 1-5, “Continuing from the Gospels,” “Restoration in the Kingdom,” “Restoration of all Things,” “Acceptance by Many,” and “Rejection by the Nation”).

Those “of the way” had believed the message being proclaimed, and they were seeking, through every means possible, to bring about belief (in the same message) on the part of an entire unbelieving nation, the nation of Israel.

Prior to his conversion, Paul was going about the country seeking to destroy that which he and numerous Jews viewed as a new, heretical Jewish sect by doing away with those “of the way”; and, on his journey from Jerusalem to Damascus, he had his eyes opened to the truth rejected by Israel. As a result, he became a follower “of the way” and subsequently exhibited the same urgency and zeal towards proclaiming “the way” as he previously exhibited towards trying to destroy “the way.”

Years later, writing to the Christians in Galatia, Paul described the message which he had sought to destroy by using the expression, “the way” (Gal. 1:23).

Gal 1:23

23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
KJV

And not only did Paul use the expression writing to the Churches in Galatia (to refer to the message surrounding the King and the proffered Kingdom, the message described simply as “the way”), but he used it numerous times throughout his ministry, referring to the same message (e.g. Acts 14:22; Rom. 1:5, 8; Eph. 1:15; Phil. 1:27; Col. 1:23; 1 Tim. 6:12, 21; 11 Tim. 3:8; 4:7 [“faith,” in each reference, is articular in the Greek text]). Please take note of the following passages and read them within this context.

Acts 14:22

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
KJV

Rom 1:5, 8

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
KJV

Eph 1:15

15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
KJV

Phil 1:27

27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
KJV

Col 1:23

23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
KJV

1 Tim 6:12, 21

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
KJV

2 Tim 3:8

8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
KJV

2 Tim 4:7

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
KJV

Luke (writing Acts) used it the same way relative to events prior to Paul’s conversion (Acts 6:7).

Acts 6:7

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
KJV

It was used the same way by those writing the other epistles (e.g. Heb. 12:2; James 2:14; 1 Pet. 5:9; 1 John 5:4 [also Rev. 2:13]; Jude 3).

Heb 12:2

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
KJV

James 2:14

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
KJV

1 Peter 5:9

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
KJV

1 John 5:4

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
KJV

Rev 2:13

13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Jude 3

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
KJV

Then going back behind both the epistles and the Book of Acts, it was used the same way by Christ during His earthly ministry (Luke 18:8 [“faith,” in each preceding reference, is articular in the Greek text]).

Luke 18:8

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
KJV

In this respect, it can clearly be shown that “the faith” was a commonly used expression, seen throughout the New Testament, to refer to teachings surrounding the proffered kingdom. Those “of the way” in Acts were those who held to “the faith.” Though Paul used the expression “the faith,” extensively throughout his epistles after this fashion, he was far from alone in so doing. Other writers of the Scriptures are also seen using this expression in the same manner Paul used it.

Thus, the expression, “the faith,” refers, not to belief in general (i.e. as often expressed, “all the great Biblical doctrines of the faith [referring to the Virgin Birth, Blood Atonement, etc.],” but belief in particular. This is what the article shows, used to point out something particular, something which would be evident by the context. To say that verses such as 1 Tim. 6:12; 11 Tim. 4:7; or Jude 3 (among many others) refer to holding to that which is looked upon as “all the great Biblical doctrines of the faith” is not only textually wrong but theologically destructive. Let’s take another look at these verses:

1 Tim 6:12

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
KJV

2 Tim 4:7

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
KJV

Jude 3

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
KJV

Is there a possibility then, that many who expects to hear on that day of Judgment, “….I have finished my course and have kept the faith”-did not really keep it and as a result will not hear such words?

Scripture is to be interpreted in light of Scripture, “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:13); and when this is done, going back to the Book of Acts and carrying the matter through into the epistles, it can be clearly demonstrated exactly what the expression “the faith,” refers to.

1 Cor 2:13

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
KJV

To misinterpret and teach contrary to that which Scripture clearly reveals about “the faith” not only obscures that which is taught in one realm but also invariably results in false teachings in anther realm.

Rom 10:17-21

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.

21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
KJV

Hebrews 11 verse one is often used as the definition for "faith", actually it's not a definition in the proper sense of the word. Now that we understand that "faith" is not just a strong "belief" but a "particular belief"; we will see Hebrew 11:1 as a directive or counsel.

Heb 11:1

11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

KJV

"Belief" is not a thing hoped for, the evidence of things not seen - Instead it is: "A confident assureance...." that the promise that God has given will come true. Read the remainder of Hebrews chapter eleven and see if the light isn't much brighter.

Taken mostly form Arlen Chitwood's works with his permision:

FOR THE HUSBAND IS THE HEAD OF THE WIFE

HUSBAND LOVE YOUR WIFE

One of the ancient rabbis of Jewish history stated, “The secret of Adam is the secret of Messiah.” To come to an understanding of the entire panorama of Biblical truths, one must view them after the same fashion in which God gave these truths. And to do this, one MUST go back to the very foundation upon which these truths rest – the Book of Genesis – and ascertain the same truths relative to Adam.

Scripture MUST be interpreted in light of Scripture, and Scripture MUST be interpreted after the manner in which it was written (types, shadows, word pictures, etc.). All other methods of Scriptural interpretation can only lead to a multiplicity of pseudo thoughts and opinions originating from and held by man today. And because we are “convinced” that we are correct, we are passionate about what we teach; let us put all our “passion” and “convictions” aside and ensure that what we believe aligns with the Word of God. Then we can reaffirm our beliefs if they are in accord with the Word, or abandon, if they don’t. In Acts we are told that the Bereans were more noble than the Thessalonians because the searched the Scriptures for themselves:
Acts 17:11

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
KJV

The Church is to one day reign with the last Adam in the same position that Eve was to reign with the first Adam. But during the time when the effects of the fall are present, prior to this reign, the Church is to occupy the same position to Christ that Eve occupied relative to Adam following the fall. Eve, following the fall, was no longer in the position of co-regent with Adam but was placed in subjection to Adam:
Gen 3:16

16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
KJV

Be reminded of the purpose for which God made man:


Gen 1:26-28

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
KJV

In like manner, the Church today is not in a position of co-regent with Christ but, rather, is subject to Christ:
Eph 5:24

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
KJV

This statement of “subjection” of a wife to her husband has sparked many debates, ignited many disruptions, divert many well intended relationships that otherwise might have ended in marriage, and even dissolve many marriages; that if the proper understanding was ascertained might well be averted.

Without further ado, the operative word that settles this story is the word LOVE. The Scripture says, “Husbands, LOVE your wives” and it is even strengthened by the following phrase, “as Christ LOVE the Church.” When a couple gets married, the two becomes ONE. Eve could not reign while subject to Adam; nor can the Church reign while subject to Christ. The completion of the redemption of Christians must occur first (body and soul). Then, and only then, can they be placed in a position which Eve occupied in relation to the first Adam prior to the fall. Then, and only then, can they reign as “joint-heirs” with Christ in the kingdom (cf. Rom. 8:16-23; 1 Pet. 1:9-11; 4:12, 13).

The Book of Ephesians teaches that the Church is the body of Christ, and in chapter 5 Paul’s argument seems to be that because the Church is His body, she is “one” with Christ (vs. 25-33). This is what is pre-figured in the relationship shown between Adam and Eve:

Gen 2:23-24

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
KJV

It is unnatural for one to abuse his own flesh in any form or fashion. And it is understood that if one is normal he will “love” his own body. Just imagine that it was possible for you to be at one point and your hands are at another, how concerned we would be as to how our hands are doing in our absence. We would not want to do anything that would affect the shoulders to which the hands are connect, that on the return of the hands they would be put back together without any difficulty.

According to Eph. 5:25-27, Christ “gave Himself” for the Church [past v. 25], “that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word [present v. 26], “that He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, nor wrinkle, or any such thing” [future v. 27].

If one will make the comparison according to proper exegesis of the text; between the husband being “the head” of the wife and the wife “being in subjection” to her husband; it will be evident that there is no place for male dominance and female subjugation.
Eph 5:22-23

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
KJV

The wife is asked to look beyond her husband and see the Lord, “…..as unto the Lord.” The husband is “head” of the wife “…..even as Christ is head of the Church.” The first thing that comes to mind about Christ’s relationship with His Church is that He “died” for her. And that was a literal death. The Love that Christ has for the Church never hurts the Church, Christ is the one that is hurt for her.

The word “head” kephale

NT:2776 (kef-al-ay'); from the primary kapto (in the sense of seizing); the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively:
KJV - head.

Men, being “head” means you are responsible for everything and you have to not only see that things go right, but when they go wrong you are responsible. You are responsible for what your wife does, for what the pet in the house does, for the working condition of the foist in the laundry room, for rodents in the garage, for molds in the lawn; and the list goes on. As I hinted earlier, you are responsible for your wife’s happiness no matter what is the cause of her sadness. With a proper understanding of these requirements, many of us men would do better having the wife’s role to play – “the head as that part most readily taken hold of”.

The word “submit” hupotasso

NT:5293 (hoop-ot-as'-so); from NT:5259 and NT:5021; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey:

I would like to emphasize the word “reflexively” and it shows that it’s not forced. It might sound like a contradiction, but it’s not. It just shows that the wife being a part of the body, enjoys the way she is treated to the extend that she allows herself to be guided by a “head” that is in “one” accord with her.

Therefore, both being the “head” of the wife and the wife being in “subjection” to the husband is the garentee for a happy and long-lasting relationship in marriage. It is a type here on earth to show what Christ has in store for His bride. We have a responsibility to make the example that Christ intends be evident to the world that’s looking on:
Gen 2:24

24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh .
KJV

SAD STATE OF THE CHURCH

SHADDOW OVER THE CHURCH

There are more and more believers that are coming to the conclusion that the Church age has ended, or at least very close to its end. I believe we are experiencing the times that the epistle of Jude prophesied.

Arlen Chitwood in his book entitled Jude has expressed this very well. He said, “The present dispensation has its beginning in the Book of Acts with the Acts of the Apostles; and the dispensation will end, as described in the Epistle of Jude, with the Acts of the Apostates.”

Much of what’s happening in our Churches, among Christian people that have been gradually gaining acceptance is nothing short of disgraceful. At a time when Christians should be standing for righteousness, we are making adjustments to align with the expectations of the world. We have lowered our standards so far, mainly to get the recognition of men; that the Church is hardly looked at any longer as the moral authority it once was. The Church is seen just as another organization vying for its part of the 'economic pie'. Christians are no longer respected as we once were, instead we are seen as hypocrites.

I wish I could say with a clear conscience, that the world’s observation of us is wrong. I am afraid, they are right; we have lost our way. Just like some teachers and preachers of the precious century were shown things in the Scriptures that were relevant meet the needs of that generation, things that disturbed the Ecclesiastical minds; so today we need teachers and preachers that will dig deep into the Scriptures and meet the needs of the Church in the state we now find ourselves in. We need preachers that will be fearless and vigorous in presenting, “…thus saith the Lord.”

What we are left with in our pulpits and classrooms are mostly scribes, peddling the wares of those we follow, many of whom with all good intentions, were mislead and short-changes as far as their understanding of Scriptures are concerned. We need to move away from the stale ideas and phrases we inherited and search the Scriptures for ourselves to see if what we are doing and teaching line-up with what God says in His Word. We need fresh messages from God, directly from the Word and even if it means that we will have to unload some of what we’ve held to and be persecuted by those with whom we long associated; we must please God rather than man.
Admit that what we are often called to be party with are not Scripturally-based, instead are things that the denominations indulge.

This is not going to be easy taking a stand for God and His Word. Peter and the other disciples sought to do that in the early Church and they got strong opposition, that which we will come under could be much stronger; but we can use the same principles that Peter and the other disciples used:
Acts 5:27-29

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men .
KJV

SCRIPTURE OVER CALVINVINSM AND ARMENIANSM

WHY I DISAGREE WITH ALL FIVE POINTS OF
CALVINISM


The term “Calvinism” is a loosely used term by some people who do not hold Calvin’s teaching on predestination and do not understand exactly what Calvin taught.

Dr. Loraine Boettner in his book, “The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination” , says, “The Calvinistic system especially emphasizes five different doctrines, these are technically know as: ‘The Five Points of Calvinism’ and they are the main pillows upon which the superstructure rest.” [Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing Co., 1932].

Dr. Boettner says: “The five points may be more easily remembered if they are associated with the word TULIP. T-Total Inability; U-Unconditional Election; L-Limited Atonement; I-Irresistible (efficacious) Grace; and P-Perseverance of the Saints.”

These are the five points of Calvinism. I have heard preachers say, “I am a one point Calvinist.” I have heard them say, “I am a two or three point Calvinist.” I want us to look at the five points of Calvinism taught by John Calvin, and see what the Bible has to say on each point.

TOTAL INABILITY

By total inability Calvin meant that a lost sinner cannot come to Jesus Christ and trust Him as Saviour, unless he is foreordained to come to Christ. By total inability he meant that no man has the ability to come to Christ, and unless God over powers him and give him that ability, he will never come to Christ.

The Bible does teach total depravity, but it’s not the same as “total inability”. Total depravity simply mean: “there is nothing good in man, he is incapable of earning; and does not even deserve salvation.” The Bible says in Jer. 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.”


A preacher brought a wonderful sermon on the depravity of the human heart. When he was finished his message, someone came to him and said, “I want you to know that I can’t swallow that ‘depraved heart’ that you just spoke about.” The preacher smiled and said, “You don’t have to swallow it, it’s already in you!”

While the Bible teaches the depravity of the human race, it nowhere teaches his total inability. The Bible never hints that people are lost because they have no ability to come to Christ. The language of Jesus was, “Ye will not come to me that ye might have life” (John 5:40).

Jesus looked over Jerusalem and wept and said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem…how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matt. 23:37). Here again notice, He did not say, “How often would I have gathered you and ‘you could not’. No. He said “you would not!” It was not a matter of whether or not they could, it was whether or not they would.

The last invitation of the Bible: Rev 22:17

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

If it is true that no person has the ability to come to Christ, then why would Jesus make statements like that He made in: John 5:40

40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

Why didn’t He simply say, “ye cannot come to me ”?

The only thing that stands between the sinner and salvation is the sinner’s will. God made every man a free moral agent, and God never burglarizes the human will.

D. L. Moody addressed a large group of skeptics. He said, “I want to talk about the word believe and the word take.” When Mr. Moody had finished his sermon, he asked, “now who will come and take Christ as their Saviour?” One man stood and said, “I can’t.”

Mr. Moody wept and said, “don’t say I can’t.” Say, “I won’t!” And the man said, “then I won’t .” Another man said, “I will!” And another and another until scores came to trust Christ as Saviour.

Some Calvinist use John 6:44 in an effort to prove total inability.
John 6:44

44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

But the Bible makes it plain in John 12:32 that Christ will draw all men unto Himself: John 12:32

32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

All men are drawn to Christ, but not all men will trust Christ as Saviour. Every man will make his own decision to trust Christ or to reject Him. The Bible makes it clear that all men have light: John 1:10

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Romans 1:19, 20 indicates that man was created for this specific purpose. Rom 1:19-20

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Romans 2:11-16 indicates that sinners are called through their consciences, even when they have not heard the Word of God. Rom 2:11-16

11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

13(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

In the final analysis, man goes to Hell, not because of their inability to come to Christ; but because they will not come to Christ. John 5:40

40 And ye will not come to me , that ye might have life.

The teaching that man, woman, and children are totally unable to come to Christ and trust Him as Saviour is not a Biblical doctrine, the language itself is not scriptural.

UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION

By unconditional election, Calvin meant that some are elected to Heaven, while others are elected to Hell, and that this election is unconditional. It is wholly on God’s part and without condition. By unconditional election Calvin meant that God has already decided who will be saved and who will be lost, and the individual has absolutely nothing to do with it. He can only hope that God has elected him to Heaven and not to Hell.

This teaching so obviously disagrees with the oft-repeated invitation in the Bible to sinners to come to Christ and be saved that some readers will think that I have overstated the doctrine. So I will quote from John Calvin in his institutes, Book 111, chapter 23:

…..Not all men are created with similar destiny but eternal life is foreordained for some, and eternal damnation for others. Everyman, therefore, being created for one or the other of these ends, we say, he is predestined either to life or to death.

Calvin teaches that it is God’s own choice that some people are to be damned forever, and He never intended to save them. He foreordained them to go to Hell, and when He offers salvation in the Bible, He does not offer it to those that are foreordained to go to Hell. It is offered only to those that are foreordained to be saved.

This teaching insists that we need not try to win men to Christ because men cannot be saved unless God has planned for them to be saved. Therefore, if God’s plan for them is that they be eternally lost, there is no way that they will be saved.

There is the Bible doctrine of God’s foreknowledge, predestination, and election. Most knowledgeable Christians agree that God has His controlling hands in the affairs of man. They agree that according to the Bible, He selects individuals like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David as instruments to do certain things He has planned. Most Christians agree that God may choose a nation – particularly that He did choose Israel, through which He gave the law, the prophets, and eventually through whom the Saviour Himself would come – and there is a Biblical doctrine that God foreknows everything (Deut. 7:6-11).

I have often said, “did it ever occur to you that nothing ever occurs to God?” God in His foreknowledge knows all who will trust Christ and He has predestined to see that they are justified and glorified. He will keep all those who trust Him and see to their glorification. But the doctrine that God elected some to Hell, they were born to be damned by God’s own choice, is a radical heresy, not taught anywhere in the Scriptures.

I have a booklet entitled, TULIP written by Vic Lockman. In this booklet Mr. Lockman attempts to prove the five points of Calvinism. Under the point, Unconditional Election, he quotes Eph. 1:4, but he only quote the first part of the verse. “He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world.” However that is not the end of the verse. Mr. Lockman like most other Calvinists; stopped in the middle of the verse. The entire verse reads: “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” The verse says nothing about being chosen for Heaven or Hell. It says that we are chosen that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. The verse is actually addressing believers.

Under the same point, Unconditional Election, Mr. Lockman quote John 15:16; “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it to you.”

The verse says nothing about being chosen for Heaven or Hell. But it says we are to go out and bring forth fruit (believers again). Fruit bearing has to do with the doctrine of the kingdom, and how one seeks after the salvation of his soul. Prov 11:30

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Nowhere does the Bible teach that God wills for some to go to Hell and others to Heaven. Instead, the Bible teaches that God would have all men to be saved: 2 Peter 3:9

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

1 Tim 2:4

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

Those who teach that God would only have some to be saved, while He would have others to be lost, are misrepresenting God and His Word. Does God really predestinate some people to be saved and predestinate others to be damned so that they have no free choice? Absolutely not! Nobody is predestined to be saved, except as he chooses of his own free will to come to Christ and trust Him for salvation. And nobody is predestined to Hell, except as he chooses on his own free will to reject Christ and refuses to trust Him as Saviour: John 3:36

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Nothing could be plainer. The man who goes to Heaven, goes because he comes to Jesus Christ and trust His as his Saviour. The man that goes to Hell does so because he refuses to come to Jesus Christ and trust Him.

LIMITED ATONEMENT

By limited atonement, Calvin meant that Christ died only for the elect, for those He planned and ordained to go to Heaven: He did not die for those He planned and ordained to go to Hell. Again I say, such language is not in the Bible, and the doctrine wholly contradicts many, many, plain Scriptures.

For instance, the Bible says in 1 John 2:2

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

The teaching of Calvinism on limited atonement contradicts the expressed statement of Scripture. 1 Tim. 2:5, 6 says, “The man Christ Jesus who gave Himself a ransom for all…..”

The Bible teaches that Jesus is the Saviour of the world. John 4:42

42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

1 John 4:14

14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

The Bible makes it plain that Jesus came to save the world: John 3:17

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

No man will ever look at Jesus Christ and say, you didn’t want to be my Saviour. No! No! Jesus wants to be the Saviour of all men. As a matter of fact; Timothy says:

1 Tim 4:10

10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

The Bible teaches that Christ bore the sins of all people. Isa 53:6

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

There are two “alls” in the verse. The first “all” deals with the universal fact of sin. “All we like sheep have gone astray…” And the second “all” deals with the universal atonement – “….and the Lord has laid the iniquity of us all.” The “all” in the first part of Isaiah 53:6, covers the same crowd that the “all” in the last part covers.

Not only did He bear the sins of us all, but the Bible plainly teaches that He died for the whole world. 1 John 2:2

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

If that isn’t plain enough, the Bible says, His death was for every man.
Heb 2:9

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Nothing could be plainer than the fact that Jesus Christ died for every man. 1 Tim 2:5-6

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Rom 8:32

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Look at the statements – statement after statement; “that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man”; “who gave Himself a ransom for all”; “delivered Him up for all.”

John 3:16 has often been called “the heart of the Bible.” It has been called “the Bible in miniature.” “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus died for the whole world. He suffered Hell for every man that ever lived and who will ever live. No man will ever look out of Hell and say, “I wanted to be saved, but Jesus didn’t die for me.”

Some argue that if Jesus died for the whole world, the whole world would be saved. No! The death of Jesus Christ on the cross was sufficient for all, but it was efficient only for those who believe. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross made it possible for every man every where to be saved. But only those who believe that He died to pay their sin debt and who trusted Him completely for salvation will be saved.

Again I quote John 3:36

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Everybody is potentially saved, but everybody is not actually saved until he recognizes that he is a sinner, believe that Christ died on the cross to pay his sin debt, and trust Him completely for salvation.

The atonement is not limited; it is as universal as sin. Rom 5:20

20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Isa 53:6

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

A famous English preacher spoke in an English town, then rushed to catch a train for London. A sinner who heard him preach felt that he must immediately settle the matter of salvation, so he followed the preacher on the train. Just as the train pulled into the station, he took hold of the preacher’s lapel and said, “I need to be saved! Tell me how!”

The preacher said, “I must catch the last train to London. Do you have a Bible?” Look at Isaiah 53:6 and it has it all.

Well he thought to himself, I can certainly go in at the first all. I have gone astray. I am a poor, lost sinner. Then he read the last part of the verse, “and the Lord had laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” He said to himself, “if I come out at the last all, I must believe that all my sins were laid on Christ, that He took my place and paid for my sins. And if I rely upon that, I will be saved. That’s what the preacher meant".

He then trusted Christ and was saved. He believed that he was a sinner, and that all his sins were laid on Christ.

IRRESISTIBLE GRACE

The forth point of Calvinism is irresistible grace. By irresistible grace, John Calvin meant that God simply forces people to be saved. God elected some people to be saved, and it is for this elect group that Jesus died. Now by irresistible, He forces those elected and those for whom Christ died to be saved.

The truth of the matter is, there is no such thing as irresistible grace. Nowhere in the Bible does the word “irresistible” appear before “grace.” That terminology is just not in the Bible. It is a philosophy of John Calvin, not a Bible doctrine. The word “irresistible” does not even sound right in front of the word “grace.”

Grace means “God unmerited favour”. Somebody said G-R-A-C-E- is God’s riches at Christ’s expense. Grace is an attitude, not a power. If Calvin had talked about the irresistible drawing power of God, it would have made more sense. Instead, he represents grace as the irresistible act of God, compelling a man to be saved, who doesn’t want to be saved, so that a man has no choice in the matter at all; except as God forcibly put an action in his heart. Calvinism teaches that man has no part in salvation, and cannot possibly cooperate with God in the matter. - In no sense of the word and at no stage of the work does salvation depend upon the will or work of man or wait for the determination of his will.

Does the Bible say anything about irresistible grace? Absolutely not! The Scripture shows that man does resist and reject God. Prov 29:1
29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Notice the word “often” in this verse. Then how could it be that God only gives one opportunity to be saved? The Bible says, “He that being often reproved….” This means the man had been reproved over and over again. Not only is he reproved many times, but he was reproved often. The Bible also says, “He hardeneth his neck” and “shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy". That certainly doesn’t sound like irresistible grace. The Bible teaches that a man can be reproved over and over again, and that he can harden his neck against God, and as a result will be destroyed without remedy.

Prov 1:24-26

24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

Here the Bible plainly says, “I have called you and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no man regard; but ye hath set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof.” That doesn’t sound like irresistible grace to me. God calls, and man refuses, is that irresistible? God stretches out His hands, and no man regards it. Is that irresistible grace? The Bible makes it plain that some men do reject Christ, and refuse His call. John 5:40

40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

This like many other verses plainly teaches that man can and do resist God and refuse to come to Him.

In Acts, chapter 7, we find Stephen preaching. He says in verse 51, “Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” To the Jewish leaders Stephen said, “Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost.”

Notice the words of Stephen in verse 51, “Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did so do ye.” So it’s not only the Jewish leaders that were resisting the Holy Ghost, but their fathers did before them as well. Stephen said that all the way from Abraham, through the history of the Jewish nation, down to the time of Christ, unconverted Jews have rejected the Holy Spirit.

There is absolutely no such thing as “cant-help-it” religion. God doesn’t just force man to be saved with a so-called Irresistible Grace.

God offers salvation to all men. Titus 2:11

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

But man must make his own choice and either receive or reject Christ.

John 1:12

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

When Jesus wept over Jerusalem He said: Matt 23:37

37 O Jerusalem , Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Here the Bible clearly indicates that God would have gathered them together, but they would not. They certainly show that they could reject and resist Christ.

“I would, but I could not” does not fit the teaching of irresistible grace. People do resist the Holy Ghost, they do refuse to come to Christ; they do harden their necks and refuse God’s call.

That means, those who are not saved could have been saved. Those who reject Christ, could have accepted Him and that God offers salvation to those who will have it; but does not force it upon anyone who doesn’t want it.

PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

The Bible teaches, and I believe in the eternal security of the believer. The man who trusts Jesus Christ as his Saviour, has everlasting life and will never perish. The spirit that is saved, is a gift from God; in other words, God did it and only He could undo it. Therefore, the believer does not depend upon his perseverance to keep this gift that is given to him by God.

I do not know a single Bible verse that says anything about the saints’ persevering, but there are several Bible verses that mention the fact that the saints have been preserved. Perseverance is one thing, but preservation is another. The saint does not persevere to maintain a saved spirit, that is the gift of God. He perseveres in realizing his soul’s salvation – the purpose for which he was created. Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13, are all in reference to soul’s salvation and not spirit’s salvation. The salvation of the soul relates to the realization of the purpose for which man was made; (to have dominion) to be co-heirs with Christ in the kingdom.

Jude 1
1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

1 Thess 5:23

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Recently, I opened a jar of peach preserves. I don’t know how long the peaches have been in this jar. But the jar was sealed some time ago, and the peaches were preserved. When I took the peaches out and ate them, they were as good as they were the day they were placed into the jar.

But wait a minute! The peaches had nothing to do with it, they were not fresh and good because they had persevered, but because they were preserved. The Bible makes it plain that the believer is kept, and does not or can not keep himself.

1 Peter 1:4-5

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

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

The Bible says in, John 10:27-29

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

That doesn’t sound like the perseverance of the sheep or saints. Here the sheep are in the Father’s hand, and they are safe, not because they persevere; but because of whose hands they are in.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “I don’t believe in the perseverance of the saints, I believe in the perseverance of the Saviour.”

There is the belief that if one does not teach universal salvation, he must either be a Calvinist or an Arminian. In his book, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, Dr. Loraine Boettner says on page 47, “there are only three systems which claim to set forth the way salvation through Christ [and names them].”

(1) Universalism, that all will be saved. (2) Armininanism, which holds that Christ died equally and indiscriminately for every individual…, that saving grace is not necessarily permanent, but that those who are loved of God, ransomed by God, and born of the Holy Spirit may (let God wish and strive ever so much to the contrary) throw away all and perish eternally; and (3) Calvinism.
He continues:

Only two are held by Christians, the Calvinist position and the Arminian position.

Calvinists would like to make people believe that if one does not teach universal salvation, he must either be a Calvinist or an Arminian. Since the Arminian position does such violence to the grace of God, many prefer to call themselves Calvinists. But a person doesn’t have to take either position.

I am neither Arminian nor Calvinist. I believe in salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ. I believe in the eternal security of the believer. I believe that Jesus Christ died for all men, and I believe what the Bible says, “That whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

But I disagree with the five points of Calvinism as John Calvin taught it.

In conclusion, let me say that Calvin and those who follow him claim to believe and follow the Bible. They claim to find at least a germ of the Calvinist doctrine in the Scriptures. But a careful student will find that again and again they go beyond the Scriptures, and that Calvinism is a philosophy developed by man and depending on fallible logic and frail, human reasoning, with the perversion of some Scriptures, the misuse of others and the total ignoring of many clear teachings of the Word. Calvin did teach many wonderful, true doctrines of Scripture, but this is not one.

It is true that God foreknows everything that will happen in the world. As a matter of fact He has permitted many with the intention of using them to teach other important lessons, (they are there as examples). Therefore, God definitely ordained and determined some things ahead of time and selected some individuals for His purposes. It is certain that people are saved by grace, and kept by the power of God. That far Calvinist may well prove their doctrine by Scripture. But beyond that Calvinism goes into the realm of human philosophy.

It is not a Biblical doctrine, but a system of human philosophy, especially appealing to the scholarly intelligent, the self-sufficient and proud minds. Brilliant, philosophical, scholarly, preachers are apt to be misled on this matter more than humble hearted, Bible believing ones.

Let us prayerfully consider the position we take and ensure that we are “rightly dividing the Word of truth.”

The passage in Romans 9,that is often used to support Calvinism; a proper exegesis of this text will show that the names Jacob and Esau were not in reference to individuals, but to the nations that they represented. [You may have a further study on the issue of Rom. 9 on request].

This was not intended to cause controversy, but to genuinely seek after truth. I do appreciate your criticism and correction, because being a believer and promoter of the doctrine of the kingdom; (the Doctrine of Accountability), I don’t afford to be wrong, because to whom much is given, much is required.

Much of this work was taken from a work done by Dr. Curtis Hutson, a well known fundamentalist preacher and Bible scholar. I have done some additions, derived from my personal experiences and belief.