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Book 1

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Copyright 2018. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this book may be
reproduced in any way without the written permission from the publisher,
except for brief excerpts in magazine reviews, etc.

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 52 Lessons Book 1
Note for the Teacher ..................................................................................... 5
Lesson 1: The Absolute Essentials ................................................................. 5
Lesson 2: Salvation ........................................................................................ 9
Lesson 3: Changing Identities: A Call To Holiness ......................................... 13
Lesson 4: The Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul .................................. 19
Lesson 5: The Behavior of Belief, Part 1 ........................................................ 23
Lesson 6: The Behavior of Belief, Part 2 ........................................................ 27
Lesson 7: The Behavior of Belief, Part 3 ........................................................ 31
Lesson 8: The Teachings of Grace ................................................................. 35
Lesson 9: The Fact of the Rapture ................................................................. 39
Lesson 10: The When of the Rapture ............................................................ 43
Lesson 11: Why the Tribulation, Part 1 ......................................................... 47
Lesson 12: Why the Tribulation, Part 2 ......................................................... 51
Lesson 13: Antichrist ..................................................................................... 55
Lesson 14: The False Prophet ........................................................................ 59
Lesson 15: The Fallen Angels ......................................................................... 63
Lesson 16: The Elect Angels .......................................................................... 67
Lesson 17: Millennial Sacrifices ..................................................................... 71
Lesson 18: King Hezekiah, Part 1 ................................................................... 75
Lesson 19: King Hezekiah, Part 2 ................................................................... 79
Lesson 20: King Hezekiah, Part 3 ................................................................... 81
Lesson 21: Doctrine of Man 1 ....................................................................... 85
Lesson 22: Doctrine of Man 2 ....................................................................... 89
Lesson 23: Doctrine of Man 3 ....................................................................... 93
Lesson 24: Doctrine of Man 4 ....................................................................... 97
Lesson 25: The Doctrine of Reconciliation .................................................... 101
Lesson 26: The Doctrine of Sanctification ..................................................... 105
Lesson 27: The Doctrine of Regeneration ..................................................... 109
Lesson 28: Military Warfare-The Call to Arms .............................................. 113
Lesson 29: Paul: The Soul Winner’s Example ................................................ 117
Lesson 30: Are the Heathen Saveable? ......................................................... 121
Lesson 31: A Brief Definition of Prophetic Words 1 ...................................... 125
Lesson 32: A Brief Definition of Prophetic Words 2 ...................................... 129
Lesson 33: Pity the Poor Prophets, Part 1 ..................................................... 133
Lesson 34: Pity the Poor Prophets, Part 2 ..................................................... 137

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Lesson 35: Jonah: The Runaway Witness ...................................................... 141
Lesson 36: Heaven ......................................................................................... 145
Lesson 37: Heaven’s Throne Room ............................................................... 149
Lesson 38: The New Heaven, Earth and Jerusalem ....................................... 153
Lesson 39: God’s Righteousness By Faith 1 ................................................... 157
Lesson 40: God’s Righteousness By Faith 2 ................................................... 159
Lesson 41: God is Holy ................................................................................... 161
Lesson 42: Why Do Good Men Disagree? ..................................................... 165
Lesson 43: Studying the Word ....................................................................... 169
Lesson 44: It Is Finished ................................................................................. 173
Lesson 45: Do the Work of an Evangelist ...................................................... 177
Lesson 46: Saved not OF Good Works, but UNTO Good Works .................... 179
Lesson 47: Separated Unto the Gospel ......................................................... 183
Lesson 48: Joy to the World But Not to Jerusalem, Part 1 ............................ 185
Lesson 49: Joy to the World But Not to Jerusalem, Part 2 ............................ 189
Lesson 50: The Christmas Tree ...................................................................... 193
Lesson 51: The Night of Christmas ................................................................ 197
Lesson 52: Reviving the Grace Message ........................................................ 199

TIPS TO HELP YOU TEACH THE LESSONS IN THIS BOOK:

 First of all, prayer.
 Read your lesson, look up the verses, know the information
thoroughly.
 A wide margin has been left on the edge of the page for your
notes and Scriptures that you want to read.
 Highlight sentences you want to read word-for-word, or cross
out paragraphs you may not have time to deal with.
 If a lesson takes you more than one week, it’s okay. The main
thing is that your class is engaged and learning.
 BDTLB has Bible Briefs or Tracts to go with all of these lessons. This
provides the opportunity for you to purchase the
accompanying material as a supplementary handout for your
students.

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LESSON 1:
You Must Believe In The Absolute Essentials To Be A Christian.

You Must Believe...There Is A God.

The Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that
cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of
them that diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). Please take note of what this
verse is teaching us about the Doctrine of God: (1) If you want to be
saved and become the possessor of eternal life, you must believe that
there is a God in Heaven to whom you are accountable. (2) You must
believe that God is a personal and loving God who reaches down to
man in answer to a prayer of faith and, (3) God actually cares enough to
respond and remunerate/“reward” those who seek Him. He is not some
impersonal “force” or some “influence” of nature that does not care (2
Pet. 3:9). He is a real person. He can answer prayer and perform miracles.
He is the all-knowing, power God who is, “a very present help in
trouble” (Ps. 46:1). He is a God who made us, loves us, hears us and will
answer when we call (Rom. 10:12-13). He is that kind of a God.
Unbelievers are without excuse! “Because that which may be known of
God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. 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” (Rom. 1:19-20). Faith is,
...seeing Him who is invisible” (Heb. 11:27; cf., 1 Pet. 1:8; 1 Tim. 6:16). You
cannot be a Christian without believing that there is a God.

You must believe...The Bible Is Verbally Inspired and Infallible.

The Bible is a divinely-inspired revelation from God. It does not simply

contain the Words of God; it is the Word of God! “All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). The Bible is not a
collection of “words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy
Ghost teaches” (1 Cor. 2:13). It is clear that God gave the very words of
the Bible so that there would be no misunderstanding. Originally God
gave His message of salvation and eternal hope in the star pictures of the
Mazzaroth - the twelve signs of the Zodiac, each of which brought forth in
their season, not by men, but by the Lord (Isa. 40:26).

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His
handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth
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knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not
heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the
end of the world. In them hath He set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is
as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong
man to run a race.

His going forth is from the end of the Heaven, and His circuit unto the
ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof” (Ps. 19:1-6).

In time, God updated His Word when He gave a spoken and written
revelation. The Apostle Peter said, “We have also a more sure word of
prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that
shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your
hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any
private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will
of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost” (2 Pet. 1:19-21). The Lord Jesus Christ said, “It is written, man shall
not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the
mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4). In the Book of Psalms, God connects the Word
of God with the “converting the soul” (Ps. 19:7). And again, the Apostle
Paul does the same thing saying, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and
hearing by the Word of God. 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” (Rom. 10:17-18).

God has said exactly what He means and means exactly what He says.
Why? Because the Word of God is the source of our salvation and hope!
If a man does not believe the Bible, he will not believe what the Bible
says about God, about Christ, about Heaven, about Hell, and about
salvation. You cannot be a Christian without believing the Bible!

You must believe...Man Is A Sinner:

Mankind has fallen from the image of God (Gen. 2:17). “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” (Rom. 5:12). For that
reason God declared the human race to be sinners. “For all have sinned,
and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). If that indictment will
not be accepted, then what is the explanation for sickness, warfare, evil,
death, and bloodshed in the world? How do we explain the big four
evidences of sin every time we look in the mirror - Baldness, Bifocals,
Bulges, and Bunions? The marks of sin are clearly evidence, universally,
around the world and the consequences of that sin are all wrapped up

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in the definition of the word “death” - both physically, spiritually, and
eternal (Rom. 6:23).

If death is real and if it is a true, undeniable fact, then death is

unavoidable and man is doomed and righteously damned because of
his sin and he must meet his Maker (Heb. 9:27) - has he forgotten that “It
is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31)? Has
he no fear? Should he not seek a pardon and forgiveness if one is
offered? God has said, “As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure
in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and
live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die” (Ezek. 33:11)?
You cannot be a Christian without first believing that you are a sinner!

You must believe...A Supernatural Regeneration Is Necessary.

Regeneration is the passageway to Heaven. There is no other way to

become a Christian! “Not by works of righteousness which we have
done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which He shed on us
abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; That being justified by His
grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal
life” (Titus 3:5-7). You must be regenerated or forever be lost in Hell (Rev.
20:14)!

Regeneration is the supernatural washing, cleansing and transforming

work of God the Holy Spirit by which eternal life is given to the person
who puts their faith in the blood of Christ (The death, burial and
resurrection of Christ - 1 Cor. 15:1-4). The Apostle Paul in describing the
conversion of the Corinthian Congregation said, “And such were some
of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in
the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11).
Reading further about the blood we read, “In Whom we have
redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the
riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7); “In Whom we have redemption through
His blood even the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:14); “But if we walk in the
light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the
blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 Jn. 1:7). When the
Lord Jesus was talking with Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, He likened
regeneration to being “born again” and added the warning that,
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (Jn.
3:3). You must be regenerated, you must have a new heart, you must
have a new nature, you must become a child of God or you will go to
Hell that was prepared for the Devil and his angels (Mt. 25:41). You
cannot be a Christian without first being regenerated.

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 Conclusion

The sad truth of the matter is that the vast majority of the human race is
rushing headlong into a Christless eternity (Mt. 7:13). They have rejected
what the Bible identifies as absolute essentials. If they want to be saved:

(1) You must believe that there is a God in Heaven that loves you.

(2) You must believe God’s Word.

(3) You must believe that you are a sinner in need of saving.

(4) You must be regenerated by faith in the blood of Christ.

S Lee Homoki

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LESSON 2:
Salvation

The most wonderful and most important matter that has ever been
presented to the human race to consider and experience is
“SALVATION.” Salvation has to do with the never-ending eternity, as well
as man’s spiritual existence on earth. Like all other spiritual matters, the
truth concerning eternal salvation is not primarily what man thinks and
decides about it, but what the Word of God says about it. Down through
the generations, people on this earth have heard the message, which
the Holy Spirit led the wise man of old to write, “There is a way that
seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of
death” (Prov. 14:12). Another very wise man of God, more than one-
thousand years later, was led to write: “The natural man receiveth not
the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; neither
can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor. 2:14).
“...because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to
the Law of God; neither can be” (Rom. 8:7).
Seeming right and being right are not the same. Neither is a man right
in his thinking and decisions because he is sincere. It is possible to be
sincerely wrong, as the natural man generally is, concerning spiritual
matters.

If there is anything that is clearly taught in the Bible, anything that

should be self-evident to man, if his heart were not deceitful and if he
were not deceived by Satan, it is the truth that man cannot save himself
and that salvation is God’s work. There is an awful penalty that will be
received by those who do not receive salvation. This is called “the wrath
of God,” “perdition,” “the second death,” “the judgment of God,” “the
damnation of Hell.” There is still another aspect or phase of salvation.
After a person is saved, in God’s way from the penalty of sin, then God
offers to that saved person salvation from the power and control of sin in
this life.
There is no more wonderful, startling and glorious news that any person
can hear - there is not another truth more vital and important that every
individual should receive at full face value and believe with heart, mind
and soul - than the truth found in God’s Bible, the Word of God. Salvation
from the wrath of God, and the damnation of Hell, is not by what man
does, or can do for God, but what God does for man. Pause long enough
to take this in, and believe that when God forgives and redeems the
believing sinner, it is according to the riches of His grace, which no
human philosopher can begin to measure (Eph. 1:6-7). With this great
truth, hear this great question, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so
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great salvation” (Heb. 2:1-3)? Remember that the GOSPEL OF CHRIST is
the “power of God unto SALVATION to every one that believeth” (Rom.
1:16).

“All things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by

Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 5:18).

“When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by

the death of His Son” (Rom. 5:10).

One planteth and another watereth, “But God that giveth

the increase” (1 Cor. 3:7).

“A man can receive nothing except it be given him from

above” (Jn. 3:27).
“According to God’s mercy, He saved us” (Titus 3:8).

“God, Who hath saved us and called us with an holy

calling, not ACCORDING TO OUR WORKS, but according to
His own purpose and grace” (2 Tim. 1:9).

In 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 we read one of the clearest and most

definite statements, of the way of salvation, to be found in all of the
Bible. Hear it: “God hath from the beginning chosen you to SALVATION
through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth … Whereunto
He called you by our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord
Jesus Christ.” God, by the Holy Spirit, saves the individual who believes
the truth of Christ and what He accomplished on the Cross of Calvary.
“For God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain
SALVATION by our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:9).

“He that believeth on the Son of God hath everlasting life;

and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the
wrath of God abideth on him” (Jn. 3:36).
“For the wages of sin is death but the [free] gift of God is
eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

In Hebrews 5:9 we read concerning Christ: “He became the

Author of ETERNAL SALVATION unto all them that obey
Him.”

In Hebrews 9:12 we read that Christ, by His own blood,

entered into Heaven, “having obtained ETERNAL
REDEMPTION for us.”

SALVATION is ETERNAL LIFE, which cannot be earned by good works or

religious endeavors. God surely desires and expects faithful, obedient
service, spiritual worship and practical Christian living from all who have
been redeemed by His infinite grace and by faith in the shed blood of His

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only begotten Son.
But here is God’s order: “By grace are ye saved through
faith; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES; it is the gift of God: NOT
OF WORKS lest any man should boast. For we are His
[GOD’S] WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus, UNTO
GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we
should walk in them” (Eph. 2:8-10).

There is a great difference between SALVATION “not OF good works”

and SALVATION by grace “UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before
ordained that we should walk in them.”
There is a great difference between SALVATION “not OF good works”
and rewards and crowns for good works. To those who have been
saved, without good works, the Bible has this admonition: “Be careful to
maintain good works” (Titus 3:8).
Now, if you are willing to be saved with God’s Salvation, if you will let
God save you in His way, God will accept you (grace you) in His Son, the
Lord Jesus Christ, and freely forgive every sin you have ever committed in
all of your days of sin. God will, by His grace, make you His child in Christ
Jesus and give you eternal life: the guarantee of everlasting glory. God
will give you the Holy Spirit as an earnest: “This is a faithful saying and
worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15).
Won’t you let Him save you? He died on the Cross, the Just for the
unjust to bring us to God (1 Pet. 3:18). Christ died for our sins, was buried
and raised again. This is the good news by which believing sinners are
saved (1 Cor. 15:1-4). But Christ is alive forevermore. Because in God’s
presence in Heaven Christ appears, and ever lives to make intercession
for all who are redeemed by His precious shed blood, He is able to save
unto the uttermost (all the way to the end) all who come unto God
through Him (Heb. 9:24; Phil. 1:6; Jn. 13:1; Heb. 7:25).
So, in your own personal salvation, you must consider and answer the
question that Pilate asked: “What then shall I do with Jesus which is
called Christ” (Mt. 27:22)?

Pastor J.C. O’Hair

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14
LESSON 3:
Changing Identities...A Call To Holiness

The subject centers around the death, burial and resurrection of Christ
and the believer’s positional union with Him. Then comes an appeal for
the believer to make his experience compatible with his exalted position
in Christ. This is a call to holiness of life which is to be implemented as
illustrated by the putting off the “Old” Man and putting on the “New”
Man (Col. 2:11-3:25).

PUT OFF PUT ON

“In whom also ye are circumcised with "And have put on the new man, which is
the circumcision made without hands, renewed in knowledge after the image of
in putting off the body of the sins of the Him that created him” (Col. 3:10).
flesh by the circumcision of
Christ” (Col. 2:11). “Put on therefore, as the elect of God,
holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
“But now ye also put off all these: kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness,
anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy longsuffering” (Col. 3:12).
communication out of your
mouth” (Col. 3:8). “And above all these things put on
charity, which is the bond of
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye perfectness” (Col. 3:14).
have put off the old man with his
deeds” (Col. 3:9).

The following texts teach a similar, but not identical truth (Rom. 13:11-
13; Jn. 11:1-44; Mk. 5:1-20; Zech. 3:1-4).

Please observe:
….God never puts new wine in old bottles,
New cloth on the old garments,
New lump in with old leaven, and new on top of old.

….God wants a change of identity—a true conversion and

separation from the world.
THIS IS A CALL FOR HOLINESS!

O the best thing in my life I ever did do,

O the best thing in my life I ever did do,
O the best thing in my life I ever did do,
Was to take off the old robe and put on the new.

O the old robe was dirty all tattered and torn,

O the new robe was snow white and never been worn,
O the best thing in my life I ever did do,
Was to take off the old robe and put on the new!

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 Further observations:
(1) The “Old Man” to be put off is the “Sin that dwelleth in
me” (Rom. 7:14-23).

(2) The “Old Man” “with his deeds” is the enemy of God and
man, having made mankind his slave (Rom.8:6-8).

(3) The “Old Man” pays off his slaves with “death” (Rom. 6:21-23).

(4) The question all people need to ask is, “Who shall deliver
me?” (Rom. 7:24).

(5) The answer is: Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, on

behalf of lost sinners, destroys the “Old Man’s” control and
delivers the believer (Rom. 7:25; 6:6-14, 17-20).

(6) Christ’s liberating work and the sinner’s needs meet at the
point of faith in Christ and the baptizing work of God the
Holy Spirit (Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:9-15; Gal. 3:27).

(7) The believer, by Spirit baptism, is positionally joined to

Christ to have a new identity…i.e., the “New Man” (2 Cor. 5:17;
Eph. 2:15-16). The “New Man” is the Christ of the Mystery. The
Mystical Christ (Eph. 3:1-6). The “Head” and the “Body”
inseparably joined together; “…so also is the Christ” (1 Cor.
12:12).

(8) Here is what the “New Man” looks like (Col 3:10-11; Eph. 1:23;
Gal. 3:28).

(9) Problem: “How do believers live less like the ‘Old Man’ and more
like the ‘New Man,’ and a life that pleases God?”

Note: The Gnostics, Ascetics and the Pharisees, whose erroneous

teachings were being addressed by Paul in the Book of Colossians,
believed that was accomplished through:
“Rudiments of this world” (Col. 2:8, 20)
a. “empty and vain philosophies”
b. “traditions of men”
“Shadows” (Col. 2:17)
a. religious ceremonies and observances
b. asceticism
c. worship of angels/messengers/pastors
d. visions and mysteries – “things…not seen”
…These did not help to overcome the “Old Man” with his
deeds (Col. 2:23)!

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 (10) Believers make their experience (the way we live) more
like the reality of our position in Christ by following the Pauline
instructions – godliness by Grace, not Law.

Fill in the blanks using your KJV Bible.

1. Having the right (desire) _seek things above_________(Col. 3:1).
...We are to “Set” what? _affections__________ (Col. 3:2).
(The Greek word is elsewhere translated “mind.”)
2. Acknowledge your “new” identity and position.
Christ is your __life_____________________ (Col. 3:3-4).
3. Put off the “_old____Man” with his _deeds__Col. 3:8-9).
Note: how the “Old Man” behaves (Col. 3:5; also Gal. 5:19-21).
“_fornication__” = harlotry, incest
“uncleanness_” = physical or moral impurity
“inordinate affection” = depraved lusts
“_evil concupiscence” = worthless lusts and cravings
“_covetousness” = fraudulent greed
“_idolatry______” = image worship
4. “Put on the ‘_new_________’ Man” (Col. 3:10).

Note: how the “New Man” behaves (Col. 3:12-14; also Eph. 5:24-32).
(Use your English or Greek dictionary to look up the full meaning of these words.)
“bowels of mercy”__empathy_”a heart of pity”_
“kindness” _useful to another__________________
“humbleness” __the opposite of pride; humility
“meekness”___gentleness_____________________
“longsuffering”__forbearance; patience______
“forbearing”____lifting someone up___________
“forgiving”___pardon transgressions___________
“charity”_____love; benevolence______________
“Let the peace of God__calmness; rest________(Col. 3:15)
“Let the word of Christ_the message of Grace__(Col. 3:16)
“Do _all______in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17)
“Giving __thanks________ to God the Father” (Col. 3:17)

(11) The behavior of the “New Man” is to be practically

applied through the yielded Christian (Col. 3:18-22; 4:1).
Wives are to____submit____________________________
Husbands are to __love____________________________
Children are to ___obey____________________________
Fathers are to ____encourage (not provoke to discouragement__
Servants are to __obey as unto the Lord_____________
Masters are to ____be just and equal________________

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(12) The rewards for the “New” Man: “Knowing that of the Lord ye
shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord
Christ” (Col. 3:24).

(13) The wages for the “Old” Man: “But he that doeth wrong shall
receive for the wrong which he hath done; and there is no
respect of persons” (Col. 3:25).

S. Lee Homoki

The following page was included to copy and hand to your students.

18
 Fill in the blanks using your Bible.

1. Having the right (desire) _________________(Col. 3:1).

...We are to “Set” what? _________________ (Col. 3:2).
(The Greek word is elsewhere translated “mind.”)
2. Acknowledge your “new” identity and position.
Christ is your ________________________ (Col. 3:3-4).
3. Put off the “_______Man” with his _______(Col. 3:8-9).
Note: how the “Old Man” behaves (Col. 3:5; also Gal. 5:19-21).
“_____________” = harlotry, incest
“_____________” = physical or moral impurity
“_____________” = depraved lusts
“_____________” = worthless lusts and cravings
“_____________” = fraudulent greed
“_____________” = image worship
4. “Put on the ‘_______________’ Man” (Col. 3:10).
“Put on ___________________” (Rom. 13:11).

Note: how the “New Man” behaves (Col. 3:12-14; also Eph. 5:24-32).
“bowels of mercy”____________________________
“kindness” __________________________________
“humbleness” ________________________________
“meekness”___________________________________
“longsuffering”________________________________
“forbearing”__________________________________
“forgiving”____________________________________
“charity”______________________________________
“Let the peace of God___________________(Col. 3:15)
“Let the word of Christ__________________(Col. 3:16)
“Do _________in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col .3:17)
“Giving _______________ to God the Father” (Col. 3:17)

(11) The behavior of the “New Man” is to be practically

applied through the yielded Christian (Col. 3:18-22; 4:1).
Wives are to________________________________
Husbands are to ____________________________
Children are to ______________________________
Fathers are to _______________________________
Servants are to ______________________________
Masters are to _______________________________

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20
LESSON 4:
The Lord Jesus Christ And The Apostle Paul

Saul of Tarsus hated the Lord Jesus Christ as few men have ever hated
Him. After Saul was converted he became the Apostle Paul. He then
loved and served the Lord Jesus Christ as did no other man (1 Cor.
15:10). Something of Paul's affection and devotion is expressed in his
words in Acts [Link] “I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at
Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Concerning Paul (Saul) the
Lord Jesus said: “He is a chosen vessel set unto Me ... I will show him how
great things he must suffer for My name's sake” (Acts 9:15-16). After
suffering for Christ for a few years Paul said, “I bear in my body the marks
of the Lord Jesus” (Gal. 6:17). Some years later Paul wrote, “Remember
that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, according to my gospel,
wherein I suffer trouble as an evil-doer, even unto bonds” (2 Tim. 2:8-9).

Note this interesting testimony of Paul: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord,
Who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into
the ministry ... I obtained mercy that in me first Jesus Christ might show
forth all longsuffering, for a pattern” (1 Tim. 1:12-16). Paul obtained mercy
before Israel was set aside. The Gentiles obtained mercy after Israel was
set aside (Rom. 11:30). In 1 Corinthians 3:10 Paul declared that he was a
wise master-builder, or architect. In Galatians 1:11-12 Paul wrote that the
“Grace” gospel he preached was received by revelation of Jesus Christ.
In Ephesians 3:8 Paul wrote that he was given grace to preach to
Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. In Acts 22:17-21, the Apostle
Paul testified that he saw Jesus Christ in the temple at Jerusalem and
heard Christ say, “I will send you far hence unto the Gentiles.” When he
gave this testimony at Jerusalem the religious Jews said it was not fit that
Paul should live and they tried to tear him to pieces, but the Lord
miraculously delivered him out of the hands of his would-be murderers.
Later on Paul said the Lord stood with me and I was delivered out of the
mouth of the lion, “that by me the preaching might be fully known, and
all the Gentiles might hear.” At the time he wrote these words, Paul was
in jail for preaching a message, which he called “the Mystery” (Eph. 6:19-
20; Col. 4:3-4); therefore, he called himself “the prisoner of Jesus Christ for
you Gentiles” (Eph. 3:1). Note the difference between the prophesied
“gospel” of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and the unprophesied “Mystery of the
gospel” in Ephesians 6:19.

In Acts 13:46, 18:5-6, 28:25-28; Romans 11:15 and 11:30, the Apostle Paul
wrote that he went to the Gentiles with the gospel when and because
Israel refused his testimony concerning Christ. To Israel, Paul reasoned out
of the Old Testament Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 17:3; 18:5).
21
Then he wrote to the Gentiles that the Mystery among the Gentiles was
Christ in them the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). Quite a difference!

THREE INTERESTING AND SIGNIFICANT STATEMENTS

In Romans 15:8 Paul wrote that Jesus Christ was a Minister of the
Circumcision (the Jews) with a “confirmation” ministry and message. In
Romans 15:16 Paul wrote that he was Christ's minister to the Gentiles. In
Romans 16:25-26 Paul wrote that his message for the Gentiles, which he
called “MY GOSPEL,” was according to the revelation of the Secret and,
therefore, not a “confirmation” ministry. Quite a difference! Confirmation
ministry means a message prophesied in Israel's Old Testament Scriptures.

With these statements let’s read Romans 11:13 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-
17: “I am the Apostle of the Gentiles; I glorify mine office …..henceforth
we will no longer know Christ after the flesh; but if any man be in Christ,
there is a new creation.” Alienated Gentiles were far off, dead in sins,
alienated from the commonwealth of Israel (Eph. 4:18; 2:12-13; 2:5-6).
Because Israel was cast away, because of their unbelief, these far-off,
alienated, dead Gentiles, were reconciled, created in Christ Jesus, made
alive, and raised up and made to sit in the heavenlies in Christ (Rom.
11:15, 30; Col. 1:21; Eph. 2:10; 1:13; 2:5-6). This was all by grace (Eph. 2:8-
9). Therefore, the unbelief, blindness and casting away of Israel meant
grace, reconciliation and a new creation for Gentiles, and identification
with Christ in His death, burial, resurrection and ascension. And this
meant for the reconciled Gentiles membership in the Joint-Body of Christ,
one flesh with Christ, the filling-up of Christ, citizenship in the heavenlies,
and all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies (Eph. 3:6; 5:30-32; 1:3, 19-23;
4:13; Phil. 3:30-21).

JESUS CHRIST . . . THE JEWS . . . THE GENTILES

In Matthew 15:24-28 we learn that Jesus Christ, on earth, said to the

Gentile woman, it is not meet to take the children's bread and give it to
dogs. “Let the children first be filled” (Mk. 7:27). When the Twelve
Apostles saw that Gentile woman they did not have mercy on her
because of Israel's unbelief (Rom. 11:30) but, rather, said to Christ, “send
her away” (Mt. 15:23). Why? Christ told them not to go to Gentiles (Mt.
10:5). Christ said to the Gentile, “I am not sent but to Israel” (Mt. 15:24).
Christ called the Jews, “children”; the Gentiles, “dogs.” “Let the children
(the Jews) first be filled.” Years later we read in Romans 10:12, there is no
difference between the Jews and the Gentiles; but surely there is a great
difference between “children” and “dogs,” but read Ephesians 2:14-17.
In Acts 13:46 Paul declared to the children (the Jews) it was necessary
that the gospel should first be preached to them. He turned from the
Jews (children) to the “Gentile dogs,” because the “children” would not
receive the gospel. According to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus
22
Christ ministered to two Gentiles of “great faith,” while He was on earth
(Mt. 15:22-27; Mk. 7:22-27; Luke 7:1-12). Both of them were exceedingly
humble and acknowledged that Christ belonged to Israel, but
remembered “great faith.” Compare this with Ephesians 2:3-4: great love
for dead Gentiles.

Remember Romans 15:8 and 11:13 … Jesus Christ, the Minister and
Apostle of Israel ... Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles. Read concerning
Paul's ministry in 1 Timothy 2:7 and 2 Timothy 1:11. Paul declared that
Christ was born to be Israel's Savior (Acts 13:23; Heb. 2:16-17). He
declared that Christ was made under the Law to deliver them that were
under the Law (Gal. 4:4-5). Both Peter and Paul declared that Christ was
raised from the dead to be Israel's Savior (Acts 5:29; 13:31-37). The Word is
very clearly stated: “Christ came unto His own” (Jn. 1:11. His own was
Israel. They were the builders: Christ was the Stone rejected by the
builders (Mt. 21:42 and 43). The Gospel of Grace was sent to the Gentiles
because of Israel's unbelief and rejection (Rom. 11:30). When Israel
rejected Christ, in resurrection as well as in incarnation, God rejected
Israel and began a new Gentile program.

After the builders rejected the Stone, in incarnation, He prayed on the

cross that His Father would forgive them (Lk. 23:34). For this reason, and
the reason stated in Acts 3:18, we read the “therefore” in Acts 3:19. If we
do not understand the efficacy of Christ's prayer on the Cross for Israel
(Lk. 23:34), we cannot reconcile Matthew 23:33 with Acts 3:17, 3:25-26,
and the meaning of the “therefore” in Acts 3:19. If God did not give Israel
the opportunity to reject Christ, in resurrection, as well as in incarnation,
then there is no sense to Acts 5:29-32, 3:19-26 and 13:30-41; and the
“therefore” of Acts 3:19 is meaningless.

While Christ and His Twelve Apostles were on earth they preached “the
Gospel of the Kingdom (Mt. 4:23; 10:5-9; Lk. 9:1-12). This was before the
Twelve Apostles had the slightest knowledge of the Gospel of 1
Corinthians 15:1-5. Read Luke 18:31-35 and John 20:9. There was much
grace in “the Gospel of the Kingdom,” but there is a difference between
“grace” in the gospel, and “the Gospel of Grace” (Acts 20:24; Eph. 3:1-4;
Rom. 4:4-5; 3:24). “The Gospel of the Kingdom” was preached when
Israel was in favor with God. “The Gospel of the Grace of
God” (reconciliation) was preached, and is preached when Israel was,
and is, in disfavor with God.

During the first eleven chapters of Acts we read that God chose one
mouth of the twelve mouths of the Twelve Apostles to preach to a
household of Gentiles (Acts 15:7; 10:1-46). Peter did not preach to the
household of Cornelius to provoke Israel to jealousy, because of Israel's
unbelief (Rom. 11:11, 30). The other Apostles condemned Peter for

23
preaching to Cornelius (Acts 11:1-5). Peter and the Eleven had the keys
of the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt. 16:18-19). For some reason the Twelve
Apostles, during the period covered by the Book of Acts, remained in
Jerusalem and the land of the Jews (Acts 8:1; 15:1-13). Acts recorded no
missionary journeys of the Twelve out of the land of the Jews. But in that
Book are recorded, several missionary journeys of Paul, the Apostle of the
Gentiles, to whom Christ said, “I will send you far hence to the
Gentiles” (Acts 22:17-21).

Paul was born out of due time. He was the only unbeliever who was
permitted to see Christ on earth after Christ was raised from the dead.
This is most significant. Note the agreement between Paul and Peter, in
Galatians 2:9; that Peter and his fellow-apostles were to go to the Jews
and Paul was to go to the Gentiles. In Matthew 28:19-20 Christ told Peter
and his fellow-apostles to disciple all nations. How could they do this by
remaining in the land of the Jews, preaching to Jews, and only one
mouth speaking to one company of Gentiles? Compare Peter's message
to that one Gentile, in Acts 10:32-37, with Paul's message to Gentiles, in
Romans 4:4-5, and you will say “what a difference!” Then compare
Galatians 3:8, and Romans 4:8-11, with Acts 3:12-26 and learn the
difference between Peter's Gospel of the Circumcision and Paul's Gospel
of the Uncircumcision (Gal. 2:7). Then compare Acts 17:11 and Ephesians
3:8 and learn the difference between the searchable (prophesied) riches
of Christ and the unsearchable (unprophesied) riches of Christ, and you
will learn why Paul was in jail for the Mystery and why Peter was not; and
why Paul is the only Apostle who wrote of the Church as “the Body” of
Christ, the fullness, or filling-up of Christ.

Thus, we see the great importance of developing and connecting

John 1:11 and Romans 11:30. His own received Him not, in incarnation.
But not until His own received Him not in resurrection did God usher in the
wonderful, glorious Dispensation of Grace in which we now live. Let's
never frustrate the grace of God or pervert the “Grace” Gospel by
adding anything to the perfect redemption work of the perfect Christ.
Salvation is God's free gift to every sinner, who will come by faith to Christ
on Calvary.

J.C. O’Hair

24
LESSON 5:
The Behavior Of Belief, Part 1

“I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these

instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how
one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the
church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1
Timothy 3:14-16).

You have, no doubt, heard the old adage, “Love and marriage go
together like a horse and carriage,” meaning, there are some things that
just naturally fit together. Well, that same thing may be said about the
relationship between the Christian’s behavior and his belief; they
compliment each other. One mother, too, had a proverb that often
gave her children pause to think when they had done something, or she
thought that they are about to do something that was not compatible
with a good Christian testimony. She would say, “Child, remember that
what you do speaks so loudly that people cannot hear what you say.”
Yes, belief and behavior go together.

The Apostle Paul, in our text, is so concerned over the growing need for
pure Grace doctrine to be adorned by a godly way of life and conduct
that he is inspired to write the churches rather than take a chance that
he may not have an opportunity to visit them later. The whole of 1
Timothy is taken up with this matter and is so stated in our text: “How
believers ought to behave in the household of God” - “The church of the
Living God” (not a place of public worship but an assembly of believers).
Just as there is a need for order and discipline in secular society, so there
is a need for the same in sacred society.

Here the Apostle Paul describes the role of the Church as the “pillar
and ground” of the truth. This is an important point that he is making and
one not hard to understand. The stability of any structure, even a spiritual
one, is dependant upon the quality of the foundation and its support. It is
in this role that behavior is so important. The Church’s role is to support or
hold high “the truth” for the entire world to see. “The Truth rests upon this
structure.

The relationships between sound doctrine and correct conduct is

addressed in Paul’s instructions to the Bishops (3:1-7) and Deacons (3:8-
13). Verse 9 is of special interest.

“Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.”

25
 I believe this connects with what he says about “the truth” in verse 15.
Let me explain. The Church is “holding,” in guardianship, “the faith / the
truth.” The Church being described here as a “pillar,” strongly implies
that, as such, it is responsible to hold “the faith / the truth” aloft for the
world to see, as one would display a precious possession. Paul does not
simply say we are to exercise care for the protection of “faith / truth,”
but, rather, calls for protection of “the faith / the truth.” I believe the
article “the” preceding the words “faith” and “truth” are to call attention
to a particular body of truth—hence, “the faith / the truth.” This also is the
explanation of his use of the word “Mystery” in connection with their use.

The “Mystery” is a thing hidden: a secret, purpose or counsel; in this

text it is a previously-hidden truth. We believe that this particular corpus
of truth was revealed to and through the Apostle Paul (Eph. 3:1-9; Col.
1:26). The elements of this truth / faith amounts to a doctrinal statement
that has become known as the Grace Message or what Paul called “my
gospel.” Some of its features include:

1. The Church is a distinct and separate agency from any other agency,
for the execution of God’s plan and purpose (Eph. 5:29-32).

2. All believers, Jew and Gentile, without distinction or exception, are

united to Christ and other believers in what is called “the Body of
Christ” and the “New Man” (Gal. 3:27-28; Eph. 2:5, 14-22; 4:24; Col.
3:10-11).

3. Christ has come to live out His life within all believers (Gal. 2:20; Col.
1:26-27).

4. Christ has a new identity and relationship with believers. He is the

“Head” and we as the “Body” are inseparably united to Him. Paul
calls this the “Mystery of Christ” (Col. 4:3).

5. Christians are citizens of Heaven (Phil. 3:20) and seated with Christ
(Eph. 1:3; 2:7).

6. Christ is the “fulness of the Godhead” - “the mystery of God” (Col.

2:2, 9).

7. Believers are given the hope of a Rapture and resurrection

transformation before the time of “Jacob’s Trouble” (1 Thess. 4:16-17;
1 Cor. 15; cf., Jer. 30:7).

8. The process by which godlikeness (godliness) is restored back to

believing men -”The Mystery of Godliness.”

It is over the issue of godliness raised in point number 8 that behavior

and belief are tied together. In the Old Testament, godliness was a
matter of external obedience to the Law (Jas. 2:10). With the revelation

26
of the “Mystery,” believers learn the process by which godlikeness
(godliness) is restored to believing man. That is why immediately following
Paul’s statement concerning behavior and belief in our text he exclaims,
“Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.”

Next week we will continue our study.

S. Lee Homoki

27
28
LESSON 6:
The Behavior Of Belief, Part 2

“According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God,

which was committed to my trust” (1 Timothy 1:11).

The Bible’s criterion for acceptable behavior has changed! In the Old
Testament it was the Law of Moses that set the standard of behavior. The
Law reflected the holiness of God and, therefore, was identified as “holy,
and the commandment holy, and just, and good” (Rom. 7:12). It was
concerning this righteousness - which is of the Law - that Moses said, “The
man which doeth those things shall live by them” (Rom. 10:5). However,
the Law could only demand! It could not perform because it was, “weak
through the flesh” (Rom. 8:3)! This was an insurmountable problem! Why?
Because, “For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the
curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things
which are written in the Book of the Law to do them” (Gal. 3:10-11).
Clearly, the Law justifies no one before God. It is equally clear that had
Christ not become our surrogate and made our righteousness through His
work on the Cross, there would have been no salvation or acceptance.
Thank God, the Bible says, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of
the Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one
that hangeth on a tree” (Gal. 3:13). Christ was, “the end of the Law for
righteousness to every one that believeth” (Rom. 10:4). Christ’s finished
work made a new provision for both salvation and the believer’s
behavior.

Performance of acceptable behavior is now a matter of faith in the

gracious provision of God. “For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus
hath made me free from the Law of Sin and Death. For what the Law
could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own
Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:2-4). The issue here, after
salvation, is clearly a matter of godly behavior to be empowered, not by
something so weak as the flesh, but by the indwelling, all-powerful God
the Holy Spirit. God has not relaxed the demands of the Law for holiness,
but, rather, has provided a new way for its execution.

We are reminded that the whole of the Apostle Paul’s Epistles to

Timothy and Titus are taken up with this matter of the believer’s doctrine
and conduct – “…that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave
29
thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the
pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). Furthermore, it is only through
the Apostle Paul that the distinctive nature of the doctrines of grace and
godliness are revealed and thoroughly explained. This is one of the
reasons that the Apostle Paul attaches the word “Mystery” to this issue (1
Tim. 3:9,16). The “Gospel of Glory / The Revelation of the Mystery” -
though “committed to his trust” and now “revealed,” - had not been
known before (1 Tim. 1:11; cf., 1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 3:1-9).

It is, “According to [the norms and standards of] the glorious gospel of
the blessed God, which [the Apostle says] was committed to my trust”
that the believer’s conduct is discussed in connection with “sound
doctrine”- (as seen throughout - 1 Tim. 1:3,10; 4:6,13; 5:17; 6:1, 3; 2 Tim.
3:10,16; 4:2-3; Titus 1:9; 2:1, 7, 10) We cannot divorce the two. Belief and
behavior go together. Behavior is obedience to doctrine! Let no man
claim to be Pauline in his theology that is not Pauline in his behavior.

Legalism is the Enemy of Grace Doctrine and Godliness

(1 Timothy 1:1-11).

It appears that the Apostle Paul had assigned Timothy to be the pastor
of a troubled congregation. He was instructed to “fight a good
warfare” (1:18) - which may indicate the high degree of bad doctrine
and behavior he was charged to correct. It must have been very difficult
and painful for the young preacher to watch as some had already
“made shipwreck” of their faith (1:19), and Paul had already “delivered
Hymenaeus and Alexander to Satan” (1:20). We know that Paul was
mindful of his “tears” (2 Tim. 1:4). Our concerns and prayers ought to be
for many modern-day preachers who face similar trials and tears in the
ministry.

We know that Jewish Legalists precipitated the problems in the

Ephesian Church in the congregation. Paul says that some desired to be
“teachers of the Law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof
they affirm”(1 Tim. 1:7). Legalism is always a disaster because it perverts
God’s grace by insisting there is something in addition to the finished
work of Christ - some work, ritual, ceremony, custom, ascetic or religious
practice – that is needed to win God’s approval or approbation for
salvation or holiness. Legalism feeds on and perpetuates itself by denying
the dispensational change that took place by (not at) the work of Christ
on the Cross. Such denials always lead to other departures from the faith
as demonstrated in our text. Here Paul tells Timothy that Legalists were
departing from the Dispensation of Faith by giving “heed to fables and
endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying

30
= rather than a dispensation of God which is in faith - ASV) which is in
faith - KJV” (1 Tim 1:4). That is why Paul condemns “any other thing that is
contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Tim 1:10).

It is important to note, in passing, that Paul is careful to say there is a

good and legitimate use of the Law, meaning that it was made “for the
lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and
profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for
manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with
mankind, for men stealers, for liars, for perjured persons” (1 Tim 1:9-10).
The Law brings the knowledge of sin and makes sin exceedingly sinful, all
with the end of bringing a man to Christ (cf., Rom 7:7-25).

We will conclude our study next week.

Evangelist S. Lee Homoki

31
32
LESSON 7:
The Behavior Of Belief, Part 3

“I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all
longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on
him to life everlasting” (1 Timothy 1:16).

The Biblical demand to maintain balance and connection between

good doctrine and good behavior should be obvious to all - its
importance is emphasized by its repetition. Please note:

DOCTRINE: BEHAVIOR:
1 Timothy 1:3,10; 4:6,13,16; 1 Timothy 1:4; 3:3; 3:1-15; 4:7,
5:17; 6:1-3 12-16
2 Timothy 1:13-14; 3:10,16; 4:2
-3 2 Timothy 2:22-25; 3:10

Titus 1:9; 2:1,7, 10-12

Show and Tell

Most people have been introduced to some information or skill that is

difficult to understand or execute. At that point they are thankful for an
instructor or friend who will tell and then show them how to execute or
understand what is desired. Such was the Apostle Paul’s ministry to
Timothy and Titus. Paul instructs both Timothy and Titus in “sound
doctrine” (1 Tim. 3:10; 2 Tim. 1:13; 2:2; Titus 1:9). He then challenges Pastor
Timothy to be “an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in
charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). He exhorted Pastor Titus to
“show thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing
uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be
condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed,
having no evil thing to say of you” (Titus 2:7-8). Truth needs to be
modeled!

Follow the Leader

This is a repeated and appropriate Biblical blueprint for the believer’s

execution in this Dispensation of Grace. Please note carefully:
“Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I
sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord,
who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as
I teach every where in every church” (1 Cor. 4:16-17).

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 “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not
ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man's bread for
nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might
not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but
to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us” (2 Thess. 3:7-9).

“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so

as ye have us for an example. For many walk, of whom I have told you
often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the
cross of Christ” (Phil. 3:17-18).

Paul describes himself as the “chief” of sinners who was saved because
the “grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love
which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 1:14). God not only saved him but also
counted him faithful and put him “into the ministry!” What grace! What a
glorious privilege! Think of it! God not only saved him but made him a
minister of the “Gospel of Glory!” Why would God do this? Because God
wanted to use Paul as an example, not only of saving grace but also of
godly behavior. Jesus Christ used Paul to show His patience and power in
bringing an “injurious, persecuting and blaspheming” sinner (1 Tim. 1:13)
from hopelessness into grace and godliness. Paul is a “pattern to them,
which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting” (1 Tim. 1:16). If
God showed such great longsuffering to save the Chief of Sinners - Praise
God! – There is hope of salvation and experiential sanctification for all
who believe! This is encouraging! With the repeated challenge for the
believer to behave in a godly manner, Paul’s success and example is an
encouragement set before us to “follow.”

The Power of Example

Evangelist Lee Homoki reluctantly uses a personal example to illustrate

these principles. He speaks of his father and the powerful influence of his
life as an example on him.

Lee’s father had, for many years, been in the rough and tough
cowboy/rodeo show business and had lived his life in a manner that was
typical of that profession. However, when he became a Christian and
began to read and study the Bible, his behavior was altered in relation to
the degree he learned and applied the Bible doctrine. The Bible says, “If
any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). This is true! Godliness is
not an idle dream. It is possible to be conformed into the image of Christ
(Rom. 8:29)! Lee’s father could have been described in similar terms as
Paul described himself. God did a radical overhaul of Lee Homoki’s
father! Lee states that he could never escape the example his father left
34
for him to follow. He expressed thankfulness and believes he entered the
gospel ministry, largely because his father was sound in doctrine and
godly in behavior! He saw Christ in his father’s life.

Now, it’s our turn to take the doctrine and behavior that we are
learning and commit it “to faithful men, who shall be able to teach
others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).

S. Lee Homoki

35
36
LESSON 8:
The Teachings of Grace

THE TEACHINGS OF GRACE

Titus 2:11-14

INTRODUCTION:

When we place the teachings of Grace in deliberate contrast with

what God taught in other dispensations, we find the teachings to be
really different.

There are many similarities and teachings that are common to all
dispensations. This we easily see, BUT, in doing so, we often miss seeing
the uniqueness of Grace teaching (cf., Eph. 3:1-9; 1:7; 2:7).
Grace teaches us that now God is no respecter of persons. Compare:

Titus 2:11 with Matthew 10:5-6

Romans 2:11 with Matthew 15:24
Romans 1:12 with Romans 15:8

Romans 11:32 with Romans 3:1

Galatians 3:22 with Romans 1:16
Romans 3:22 with Acts 13:46
Grace teaches us that now men are saved entirely by grace, apart from
the agency of the Law. Compare:

Romans 3:22, 28 with Luke 3:10-14

Ephesians 2:8-10 with Luke 10:25-29
Titus 3:5-6 with Mark 10:17-22

Acts 16:31 with Acts 2:37-38

Note: This is a contrast between the “Gospel of the Uncircumcision”

and the “Gospel of Circumcision” (Gal. 2:7). Also, Dr. C. I. Scofield has
some very good notes on the different forms of the Gospel on page 1343
of the Old Scofield Reference Bible.

37
Grace teaches us that now believers operate under the commission of
Ambassadorship. Compare:

2 Corinthians 5:14-21 with Matthew 28:19-20

Mark 16:15-20

Matthew 10:6-15
Grace teaches us that now God executes His plan through the Church,
the Body of Christ. Compare:

Ephesians 2:13-18 with Romans 9:18-33

Ephesians 4:4-16 with Romans 11:1-2, 11-15, 25

Grace teaches us that now there is only one baptism associated with the
Body of Christ. Compare:

Ephesians 4:4-5 with Hebrews 9:9-10

1 Corinthians 1:17; 12:12-13

Romans 6:3-5
Galatians 1:17-18
Grace teaches us that now believers have a heavenly position and
calling. Compare:

Ephesians 1:3 with Abrahamic, Davidic, and

Ephesians 2:6 Palestinian covenants of
Philippians 3:20 Genesis 12; 2 Samuel 7;

Colossians 3:1-4 Deuteronomy 30; cf.,

Isaiah 60; Jeremiah 23:5-6
Grace teaches us that now Christ’s coming will be IN THE AIR to deliver us
from this “present evil world.” Compare:

1 Thessalonians 4:14 with Acts 3:19-21

1 Thessalonians 5:9 with 2 Peter 1:16-17
Matthew 16:28-17:6

38
CONCLUSION:

A failure to know these teachings of Grace causes great theological

calamities.

A failure to teach salvation by grace, must of necessity make salvation

a works program.

A failure to understand the Commission of Ambassadorship opens the

door to the flood of Charismatic confusion.

A failure to see the distinctive nature of the Church, the Body of Christ,
robs Peter to pay Paul. The Church then becomes Israel.

A failure to teach the one baptism destroys the basis for Spiritual unity
among believers and further splinters the Body of Christ into fighting
segments.

A failure to believe in the Rapture of the Church is to rob the believer of

his “Blessed Hope.” God help us to know the teachings of Grace!

S. Lee Homoki

39
40
LESSON 9:
Rapture Part 1: The Fact Of The Rapture

“It may be at morn, when the day is awaking, When

sunlight thro’ darkness and shadow is breaking, That Jesus
will come in the fullness of glory, To receive from the world
His own.

“O Lord Jesus, how long, how long, Ere we shout the glad
song, Christ returneth! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Amen,
Hallelujah! Amen.”

(H. L. Turner)

The Rapture of the Church is called “the Blessed Hope!” “Why?” you
ask. Because, in the words of the song writer: “One glimpse of His dear
face, all sorrow will erase...when we see Christ.” Furthermore, it is the
believer’s only hope of deliverance from the awful holocaust of man’s
destructive devices and the wrath of God that is coming upon this world!
The time is coming when the whole world, especially the ancient land of
Israel, will be caught in the grips of a life and death struggle with the
Antichrist. Our prospect of being delivered from this is the resurrection
and Rapture. In view of the pain, suffering, war and bloodshed that lies
at our door, this is indeed a “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13)!

The revelation, reality and rhapsody of this marvelous hope is found

only in the doctrine of the Mystery! It is here that the Apostle Paul gives
the world divine information of God’s secret plan concerning the Church
which is the Body of Christ (Eph. 3:5-10; Col. 1:25-26; Rom. 16:25; 1 Tim.
1:16; 1 Cor. 9:17, cf., Gal. 3:23). One of the major features of the Mystery
is the disclosure of a coming of Christ not mentioned before (1 Thess. 4:16
-17): a coming that is independent and separate from Christ’s coming to
rule as King of Kings on earth.

READ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Beginning in Verse 13, the student finds the Apostle Paul discussing the
future of the believing dead. It is in this context that he delivers the good
news of verses 16 through 18, that:

“The Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout,

with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God;
and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are
alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in
the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever
be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with
41
 these words.”

Several observations come to mind, at this point, which will help identify
the blessedness and uniqueness of this event:

(1) That “Jesus died and rose again” (Vs. 14) is the basis for the Grace-
age believer’s blessed hope (i.e., “hope”/elpis = confident assurance of
future good: the Rapture).

(2) The Apostle Paul’s remark, “...by the word of the Lord” (vs. 15 cf., 1
Cor. 15:51), is of special interest since Paul never received any of his
apostleship, authority or apocalypse from Christ while He was on earth.
Rather, any “word”/revelation that Paul received and passed on to us
was from the living, resurrected and glorified Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:11-
20 - some eight to ten years after Pentecost)! If this information about the
Rapture was not unique, Paul could have cited some Old Testament
Scriptures to make his point.

(3) The phrase “in Christ” (vs. 16) identifies the participants in the
Rapture. There is only one place and event, in all the Bible, that explains
the mechanics of the believer being placed into the Body of Christ (1
Cor. 12:12-13). It is that marvelous work of God the Holy Spirit, Who, as the
baptizer, places the believer into the receiving element, i.e., the Body of
Christ. This baptism by (not with) God the Holy Spirit was absolutely
unheard of in the pre-Pauline Epistles. Paul is drawing fresh waters from
the pool of Mystery revelation.

[Note: It is true the Old Testament saints were in Christ, but only in the
sense that they were in a saving relationship to Christ and citizens of a
Kingdom over which He is King. But Church-age saints are in Christ, in the
sense that they are in His Body, over which He is the Head, and thusly,
made citizens of Heaven and saved for eternity (Phil. 3:20).]

(4) The events described in Verses 16 and 17 may accurately be

likened to a long-awaited, joyous, comforting, praise-filled reunion (cf., 1
Thess. 2:19), when the Church is gathered together to “meet the Lord in
the air!” As Christ comes for the saints, the action moves from earth to
Heaven. However, by way of contrast, Christ’s return with the saints, as
referred to by the Old Testament prophets, shows the movement to be
from Heaven to earth (Zech. 4:4-7; Jude 1:14).

(5) The living and the dead saints are linked together in resurrection,
transformation and translation at Christ’s coming. There is no equivalent
for this teaching outside of the Pauline Mystery (vss. 13-15, cf., 5:10; Phil.
3:21; 1 Cor. 15:51-53).

42
 (6) The absence of specific signs, time qualifiers or intervening events
concerning this promised hope, distinguishes it from the pre-Pauline
teachings concerning Christ’s second coming (Lk. 21; Mt. 24). The
exception to this might be Paul’s warnings about the deteriorating
spiritual condition of the Church as found in 1 Timothy 4:1-4 and 2 Timothy
3:1-7.

Our world is speeding out of control and toward judgment! The thinking
man cannot watch TV, read the newspaper or rub shoulders with the
man on the street, and not wonder, “What’s going to happen next?”

There was a time when preachers were ridiculed as “Doomsday

preachers” for their warnings of impending judgment. Today, however,
his voice is not heard alone. The air is charged with growing tension and
anxiety. He is joined in concert with many educators, scientists, politicians
and military men who believe that we are heading toward a suicidal
world war. However, it is in this tense atmosphere that we are reminded
of the reality of the “Blessed Hope” (1 Cor. 15:51-52). We cling to that
hope and need not fear the future (1 Tim. 1:7-15).

S. Lee Homoki

43
44
LESSON 10:
Rapture Part 2: When Of The Rapture

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

1 Thessalonians Chapter four establishes the fact of the Rapture. Now 1

Thessalonians Chapter five documents the when of the Rapture.
Premillenarians have often disagreed and debated the “when” of the
Rapture. The three most common viewpoints that compete for attention
are all tied to the Tribulation Period with either a “pre,” “mid” or “post”
chronology. The Christian community could have been spared this
contention, if only all had come to understand clearly the implications of
the Mystery which God had provided for the “obedience of faith” (Rom.
16:25-26).

The “but” separating Chapter four from Chapter five sets up an

important contrast between the Day of Christ and the Day of the Lord -
between “comfort” and “sudden destruction” - between “children of the
night” and the “children of the day” - between Mystery and “times and
seasons”/prophecy: a contrast between what had been prophesied
and what had not.

“But” concerning the “times and seasons,” Paul said, “ye have no
need that I write to you.” “Why?” you ask! Because the Old Testament
Scriptures spoke often of the prophetic “times and seasons” of which the
“Day of the Lord,” with its children of night and sudden destruction, was
a part. The Old Testament saints and these Thessalonian “brethren” had
“perfect” knowledge of this since this was an oft-repeated subject of
prophecy. Also, Paul had rehearsed these prophetic facts in time past
with these saints (2 Thess. 2:5).

What they didn’t know before! What had been a total mystery, now
revealed to them, was news about a coming of Christ in the air, wherein
the dead believers would be raised and the living saints would be
transformed and together translated! And now for the first time, they find
out the when of the Rapture! Paul, according to the revelation of the
Mystery, tells them that they were not appointed to wrath but to obtain
salvation (Rom. 5:9; 1 Thess. 5:9; 1:10)! This “wrath” of God is the chief
characteristic which describes the whole of the Tribulation Period, not just
a portion thereof (Zeph. 1:15, 18; 1 Thess. 1:9-10; Rev. 6:16-17; 11:18; 14:19;
15:1, 7; 16:1, 19). And now, thank God, the Body of Christ will not be
touched by the storm-tossed seas of judgment any more than God’s
wrath affected those who were safe inside of Noah’s Ark.

45
 It is worth pointing out that those to whom Paul is writing are already
saved, i.e., their souls are saved; therefore, the salvation spoken of here
must refer to a physical salvation or bodily deliverance (Phil. 1:19): i.e.,
members of the Body of Christ will be physically/bodily delivered from the
wrath of God before the Tribulation.

The Apostle Paul picks up on this theme in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17,

because the concern of the Thessalonians was their welfare and future in
view of the pending judgment. Some had even been “shaken in mind”
and “troubled,” mistakenly thinking that they had missed the Rapture (Vs.
2)! The contest here is entirely and unquestionably Daniel’s Seventieth
Week (Dan. 9:24-27). Paul reassures the saints that the “Day of the
Lord” (The Greek text points to the word “Lord” not “Christ.”) “shall not
come” except “first” there must come “a falling away” (2:3). If this
“falling away” is the unexpected and unannounced Rapture, it would
explain how the “Day of the Lord,” could follow immediately on the heels
of the Rapture “as a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:2). This chronology is
important and is reemphasized in 1 Corinthians 15:23-24.

The Greek word from which “falling away” (2:3) is translated, is

Apostasia and is preceded by the definite article HA. This, therefore, must
be referring to a particular, definite, recognizable incident. The idea that
this refers to some gross departure from Spiritual truth simply does not fit.
As bad as things are now or shall be in the future, it is not likely that things
could become worse than they were in the “dark ages,” so as to be
identified as “the Apostasy.”

No! The departure here is not one from truth but, rather, a departure of
the Body of Christ from earth “to meet the Lord in the air!” This is why the
Apostle Paul says he is “thankful.” Paul is excited and rejoicing that
believers were, “from the beginning chosen,” to be “delivered” from the
dark and dreadful “Day of the Lord.” This choosing occurred in the
normal way that any believer is chosen, i.e., “through sanctification and
belief of the truth” (vs. 13).

These chosen ones represent the one and only obstacle to the
manifestation of the “man of sin.” Referring to believers, Paul reminds us,
“you know what [Body of Christ] withholdeth that he [man of sin] might
be revealed in his time” (vs. 6) and “only he [Body of Christ] who now
restrains will do so until he be taken out of the way [delivered out of
‘wrath”] (Vs. 7)...” then shall that Wicked One be revealed” (vs. 8). Just as
surely as Lot had to be removed before the fire could fall on Sodom, the
Church, too, must be removed from earth before the “wrath” of God
falls!

46
 Furthermore, the chosen ones are “called by our gospel.” This is not a
generic gospel but, rather, by “our” gospel: a specific gospel which Paul
owns, i.e., the Gospel of the Grace of God - the Gospel of the Mystery.
The purpose of this calling and deliverance is “to the obtaining of the
glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Vs. 14) - not wrath - not the terrors of the
Day of the Lord!

Why is it hard for some to accept the uniqueness of God’s Mystery

program for the Body of Christ - a program that is distinctive in its calling,
administration, deliverance and destiny? Why must so many in
Christendom labor to fit their prophetic thinking into God’s prophetic
design for Israel - a time uniquely fitted for Israel’s discipline and ultimate
salvation, i.e., “the time of Jacob’s Trouble” (Jer. 30:7) the Seventieth
Week of Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27)? When believers fail to apprehend the
truth of the Mystery, it places many precious truths for the Body of Christ
in jeopardy, including the truth of the Rapture.

In verse fifteen, Paul tells us to “stand fast and hold the traditions which
ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle.” The preciousness
of this wonderful truth is evident by Paul’s assurance that it came to us
because God “hath loved us” and given us reason for “everlasting
consolation and good hope through grace” (vs. 16).

The exhortation to “comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess.

4:18; cf., 5:11) and “comfort your hearts” (2 Thess. 2:17) would seem to be
both a little late and inappropriate to give to someone after or during
Daniel’s Seventieth Week of Tribulation. Rather, the thing that comforts
believer’s hearts now is the imminent, Pre-tribulational return of Christ. We
eagerly await the return, rest and reward! This is our comfort! This is our
incentive for godly living and soul winning. Praise God, we are listening
for the “shout” when we shall see the Lord Jesus and our loved ones who
“sleep in Jesus!”

“Oh, joy! Oh, delight! Should we go without dying,

No sickness, no sadness, no dread and no crying,
Caught up thro’ the clouds with our Lord into glory,
When Jesus receives His own.”
O Lord Jesus, how long, how long
Ere we shout the glad song,
Christ returneth! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Amen, Hallelujah! Amen.” (H.L. Turner)

[Link] Homoki

47
48
LESSON 11:
Why The Tribulation? Part 1

Zephaniah 1:14-17

War! War! The storm clouds of war hang heavy over the Middle East.
The Middle East has been the site of hostilities due to the hatred between
the Arabs and the Jews. We know, according to Bible prophecy, war will
eventually encompass the entire Middle East. I speak, of course,
concerning the great culminating battle of Daniel’s “Seventieth
Week” (Dan. 9:24-27) - the battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:16).

If your thinking is along the same lines as many Christians when the
subject of war, Armageddon, or the Tribulation period is discussed, then
you will be asking: Why? Why? Why must there be bloodshed and war?
Why must there be a Tribulation period and a battle of Armageddon?
Why is the world in such a mess? How did it get that way?

IT’S A LONG STORY

It didn’t happen overnight, nor can all the blame or responsibility be

placed upon one person or nation. However, if we view the world’s
history through Bible spectacles, with the understanding that a major
part of history and the role for world peace lies in the hands of God’s
chosen people, Israel, then we realize that we can’t understand history
or where the future will take us by ignoring God’s dealings with Israel.

Israel was the “apple of God’s eye” (Deut. 32:10). They were the
“head” nation (Deut. 28:13) and as such, they were God’s
“witnesses” (Isa. 43:10). The ball was in their court. It was their chance to
impact the world for God’s glory, but little by little they abdicated their
responsibility and privileged position (Rom. 3:1-2; 9:3-4) in the world
because of sin and unbelief.

Please note:

(1) Israel’s Military superiority was lost with the blinding of

Samson (Jud. 16:21).

(2) Israel’s Political superiority was lost with the blinding of

King Zedekiah (cf., Ezek. 21:25 with Jer. 52:11).

(3) Israel’s Spiritual superiority was lost with the blinding of

Bar-Jesus (Acts 13:4-13).

49
 At that time, Paul declared, “...we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). The
gradual growth of Gentile domination over Israel was complete. These
“times of the Gentiles” (Lk. 21:24) will continue until the end of the
Tribulation and Christ's return to establish His Kingdom. Then regenerate
Israel will be restored to a place of power and glory (Isa. 2:1-5; Mic. 4:1-
7).

BECAUSE THEY HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE LORD

Our text (Zeph. 1:14-17) tells us plainly that Israel “sinned against the
Lord.” It is not that the nations and peoples of the world have not sinned;
of course they have and they are accountable to God (Ps. 9:17; Prov.
14:34). Sin is man’s worst blunder; it must be punished no matter where it
is found (Gal. 6:7-8). It is entirely possible that God’s judgment of the
awful, wicked conditions of today’s world will prove to be the setting of
the stage for the Tribulation period: the “time of Jacob’s trouble.”
However, the specific, pointed, simple reason for the Tribulation period is
that Israel, as God’s chosen vessel for the execution of His plan, had
sinned.

The “fire of God’s jealousy,” spoken of in our text (vs. 18), is Israel’s
“baptism of fire” (Mal. 3:2-3; 4:1; Mt. 3:11-12). God uses this fiery baptism
to cleanse the land of sinners and to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus
Christ and His Kingdom.

Many people, those who are closer to apostasy than they are to the
truth, speak about the baptism of fire as though it were some spiritual
experience to be desired for themselves and others. Well, nothing could
be further from the truth! The baptism of fire is associated with judgment
and it is the Tribulation period! It would be foolish for one to pray, “O
God, baptize me with the Holy Ghost and fire!” They had better hope
that God doesn’t answer that prayer! Running Bible references to the
“Day of the Lord” will manifestly prove just how terrible this “Time of
Jacob’s Trouble” really is and how desirable it would be to avoid it.

WHAT WAS ISRAEL’S SIN?

Israel’s sin! Herein lies the reason for the Tribulation. It will not suffice to
say simply that Israel sinned. What we need to do is to see and learn
what the sins are, for which cause, there must be a Tribulation. As I see it,
there are several.

Israel had:

(1) Rejected the Word of God (Jer. 13:10; Zech. 7:4-14). One of the most
damaging indictments against Israel is that they were “destroyed for lack

50
of knowledge” (Hos. 4:6). A knowledge of God’s Word, more than
anything else at their disposal, was neglected and refused. This would
have strengthened the men and stabilized the nation.

(2) Abandoned the Lord (Jer. 35:13-15; 2 Kings 17:13-23). If a person

rejects the Word of God, a rejection of God is sure to follow, as surely as
night follows day!

(3) Deserted the Sabbath (Ezek. 20:12-24; 22:8, 26; 23:38). The seventh
day, like the seventh year, taught a lesson in grace; namely, that God
rested from the work of creation on the seventh day, and, thusly,
hallowed the Sabbath day/year; the intent being that the believer
should rest his soul entirely on the completed work of God. The reason we
do not set aside the seventh day or year in this Dispensation of Grace is
because God’s plan was for man to rest the eternal welfare of his soul
entirely in the redemptive work that Christ finished on the Cross (Rom.
10:4). For the Grace believer in this dispensation, every day is a Sabbath!
The rejection of the Sabbath was tantamount to the Jews saying, “Please
God, we'd rather do it ourselves,” or “we reject Christ!” or “we reject
grace.”

(4) Trusted in foreign alliances (Jer. 2:17-19; Hos. 8:8-10).

(5) Depended upon man (Jer. 17:5-9). Reasons 3, 4, and 5 are similar.
They teach that the unregenerate man or carnal man, whether he be
Jew or Gentile, will always seek the solution to his problems and the very
meaning of life, independent of God. This proves once again that,
“There is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the
ways of death” (Prov. 16:25). The heart of man is incurably diseased and
hopelessly corrupt (Jer. 17:9).

(6) Turned to idolatry (Isa. 2:8, 20; Jer. 17:1-4). Israel’s gods of stone,
wood, precious metals or mammon were a poor substitute for Jehovah
God, Maker and Ruler of Heaven and earth. The Psalmist has rightly said
of Israel and their gods, “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s
hands. They have mouths but they speak not: eyes have they but they
see not: they have ears, but they hear not: noses have they but they
smell not: they have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but
they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that made
them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them” (Ps. 115:4-
8).

(7) Relied upon human viewpoint (Jer. 17:9-11). Having departed from
the wisdom and strength of the Word of God, the Israelites, like today’s
Modernists, were left to stand upon the shifting, sinking sands of

51
emotionalism and subjective thinking. They trusted their “vain
imaginations” for direction. The wisdom of this world had turned them
into fools.

We will continue looking at the Tribulation next week.

S. Lee Homoki

52
LESSON 12:
Why The Tribulation Part 2?

Zephaniah 1:14-17

The Tribulation period is associated with God’s dealings with the Nation
of Israel, not the church which is the Body of Christ. This tribulational week
of years is “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:7). Understanding this
should answer, once-and-for-all the question, “Will the Church, which is
the Body of Christ, go through the Tribulation?” NO!! The “Seventieth
Week” is not called the time of the Church’s trouble.

Remember, it was Israel who said, “His blood be on us, and on our
children” (Mt. 27:25). This, along with the other reason listed in this study,
brings the wrath and judgment of God upon Israel’s head. The Tribulation
period will be an awful time of judgment. The bloodshed and warfare will
be so intense and widespread that, “except those days should be
shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those
days shall be shortened” (Mt. 24:22).

The good news is that the Tribulation will have a cleansing and
sanctifying effect. The Jews, living at that time, will acknowledge their sin
(Zech. 12:10), and “all Israel will be saved” (Rom. 11:25). Praise God!

Now, we shall pick up our study where we left off when we terminated
Part 1.

(8) Followed a faulty value system (Isa. 2:7-8). Israel was entrapped by
the kind of thinking and living that sacrificed the eternal for the temporal.
Their priorities were all wrong. God’s commandment, “Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
might” (Deut. 6:5) had been set on the back shelf. Israel was content to
pay lip service to God, while their hearts were moving farther and farther
from Him (Isa. 29:13). The mistake Israel made was to think that they
needed something more than the Word of God, It may be their thinking
was like that of modern man who believes that his security or success
depends on having more money, more possessions, or more government
control, etc. The Apostle Paul would have reminded them, as he does us,
that in all things Christ must have the “preeminence” (Col. 1:18).

(9) Hardened their heart (Jer. 19:15; Hos. 5:4; Ezek. 3:7). Like the hands of
a working man, the heart of the rebellious Israelite grew calloused with
the passing of time. They hardened their hearts as in the days of the
“provocation in the wilderness” (Heb. 3:8) until they were “past feeling”
for God. God gave them up (Acts 13:46; 18:6; 28:28), even as He “gave

53
up” the Gentiles because unbelief had hardened their hearts (Rom. 1:24,
26, 28).

(10) Succumbed to drunkenness and drug addiction (Jer. 13:13; Isa. 28:1,
7). An escape from reality! Drunkenness proved to be the perverter of all
moral conduct and character for Israel.

(11) Apostasy in the pulpit (Jer. 23:9-40; 2 Chron. 15:3; Isa. 56:9-12; Lam.
4:13-14). The profane prophets and priests taught what the people
wanted to hear, not what the people needed to hear. The people
needed truth and compassion to bind up their wounds and make them
strong. BUT, the pagan pastors of Israel destroyed and scattered the flock
“by their lies and by their lightness.” These ancient theological liberals,
like their modern counterparts, taught the lying imaginations of their own
heart and not the council “out of the mouth of the Lord.” For these, God
reserves His worst condemnation (Hos. 4:9).

(12) Corrupt political leadership (Isa. 3:12-15; 9:16; Ezek. 22:6-7). Israel was
dead at the top. If the head is corrupt, then the body becomes corrupt.
Everything rises or falls on the quality of leadership! A tried and true
principle—then and now! It is true in all walks of life—business, home,
sports, etc. It is certainly true in politics and government. As goes the
national leadership, so goes the nation.

(13) Widespread crime and violence (Ezek. 7:11, 23-24; Hos. 7:1; Isa. 1:21).
Death, mischief, destruction and fear stalked the streets of the ancient
world.

(14) Complete moral and spiritual breakdown in all segments of society

(Hos. 4:2; Ezek. 22:1-12, 24-31; Jer. 7:8-10). Character, justice, honor and
righteousness are gone. The foundations of Israel’s society and nation are
gone. Corruption, like leaven, infuses the whole nation from top to
bottom. No one is exempt, not even those most thought of as being most
impeccable.

(15) Failed to keep the conditional clauses of the covenants (2 Kgs. 17:15;
18:12; Isa. 24:5-6; Jer. 34:18-20). The Nation of Israel has been given
specific guidelines for the operation of the Kingdom. These guidelines are
called the Covenants, which had two divisions—unconditional clauses
and conditional clauses. In the conditional clauses, God said in effect
that “if you will do this, then I will do this.” This is illustrated in Deuteronomy
27 and 28 and 30:1-6. The history of Israel is replete with Israel’s cycles of
obedience and disobedience. The Tribulation represents the final cycle
in Israel’s disobedience and judgment (Lev. 26).

54
(16) Fallen into pride (Jer. 13:17; Ezek. 16:49; Isa. 2:9-17). The proud heart
will not bend even when it knows the consequences of its disobedience.
God’s Word proves this to be true: “Pride goeth before destruction, and
a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).

(17) Neglected evangelism (Isa. 43:1-28; 56:3-8, cf., Mk. 11:17-18). Israel
had been given the custodianship of the truth that would set men free—
not just the Israelite but all men. The Nation of Israel was elected of God
to be a “Kingdom of Priests” (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6) to the whole world.
However, Jesus said that the appointed place and people for the
worship of God had deteriorated into a “den of thieves.” Evangelism was
the thing closest to the heart of God. He said He “was not willing that any
should perish.”

(18) Turned to the cults and the occult (Isa. 2:6; 2 Kgs. 17:17). This was
strictly forbidden and was a manifestation of the depth of Israel’s
departure into spiritual darkness.

Does this partial list of Israel’s sins bother you? It bothers me! I am
deeply concerned. These are the sins that provoked God to wrath! One
day, in the not-to-distant future, Israel and the whole world will be placed
into the “winepress of God’s wrath” (Rev. 14:19-20; 19:15) during the
Tribulation. All the references in this study are in some way, either directly
or indirectly, connected with the “time of Jacob’s trouble.” God will use
this strong disciplinary action to cleanse Israel for their future role in
Christ’s Kingdom.

Somewhere near the middle of the “week” /seven years of Tribulation,

Israel “...will look upon Him Whom they have pierced” (Zech. 12:10). God
has promised that “before they call, I will answer” (Isa. 65:24; 58:8-9).
Praise the Lord! The Apostle Paul says, at that time, “...all Israel will be
saved” (Rom. 11:25-26).

CONCLUSION

Only a blind man would fail to recognize that this list of Israel’s sins
paints an accurate picture of the sins of the world we live in today!
Question: If God has and will judge Israel for their sin, will He dismiss the
sins of this Christ-rejecting world? I guarantee you, He will not. If they do
not repent, they “shall likewise perish” (Lk. 13:3-5).

S. Lee Homoki

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56
LESSON 13:
Antichrist

1. The Apostle John warned that there would be many

“antichrists” (1 Jn. 2:18-19; 4:3; 2 Jn. 1:7). However, the Apostle John
seems to have in mind a specific person, who would arise to worldwide
power during the Tribulation period, when he said “that Antichrist shall
come” (1 Jn. 2:18, cf., Mt. 24:5, 24; Jn. 5:43).

2. The Antichrist is a part of an unholy trinity just as Christ is a part

of the Holy Trinity. The members of the counterfeit trinity are:

a. Satan, he imitates the works of God the Father

(Rev. 12:9; 20:2);

b. Antichrist, he imitates the work of God the Son

(Rev. 13:1; 19:20); and

c. The False Prophet, he imitates the work of God the

Holy Spirit (Rev. 13:11; 19:20).

3. The Greek word “anti” can be translated to mean either

“instead of” or “against.” That means that Antichrist is both against Christ
and one who usurps Christ’s name and authority, offering himself to
humanity instead of Christ.

4. Besides being called the Antichrist (1 Jn. 2:18), this evil person is
also identified in Scripture by such names as :

a. King of Babylon (Isa. 14:4)

b. Lucifer (Isa. 14:12)

c. The Little Horn (Dan. 7:8; 8:9)

d. King of fierce countenance (Dan. 8:23)

e. The prince that shall come (Dan. 9:26)

f. The willful king (Dan. 11:36)

g. Man of sin (2 Thess. 2:3)

h. The son of perdition (2 Thess. 2:3)

i. Wicked one (2 Thess. 2:8)

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 j. The beast out of the sea (Rev. 13:1)

k. Rider of the white horse (Rev. 6:2)

l. Beast with seven heads, ten horns (Rev. 17:8-13).

5. The Antichrist’s career and conduct is appropriately described

in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 as one “who opposeth and exalteth himself above
all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he, as god, sitteth in
the temple of God, showing himself that he is god.”

6. The major source of information concerning Antichrist’s career

is found in the following Scriptures: (Ezek. [Link]; Dan. 7:7-8, 20-26; 8:23-
25; 9:26-27; 11:36-45; 2 Thess. 2:3-10; Rev. 13:1-10 and 17:8-14).

7. Antichrist will appear during the last days of Israel’s history (Dan.
8:23).

8. Antichrist will not appear until after the departure of the Church
(2 Thess. 2:3, 13).

9. Antichrist is a Gentile. He comes out of the Gentile “sea” (Rev.

13:1; 17:15).

10. Antichrist is a ruler of the people who destroyed Jerusalem in

70 A.D. (Dan. 9:26).

11. Antichrist is a worldwide dictator (Dan. 8:24; 11:36; Rev. 13:1,

8 ; 17:12).

12. Antichrist eliminates three other rulers in his rise to power (Dan.
7:8, 24).

13. Antichrist seizes control of the world through a gigantic peace

program (Dan. 8:25).

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 14. Antichrist is such an intelligent and persuasive political
personality that he is almost unanimously “drafted” into power (Ezek.28:6;
Dan. 7:8, 20; 8:23; Rev. 17:13).

15. Antichrist makes a peace treaty with Israel which lasts only 3
1/2 years (Dan. 9:27).

16. Antichrist sets himself up to be worshipped as God (Dan. 11:36

-37; 2 Thess. 2:4, 11; Rev. 13:5).

17. Antichrist becomes the great persecutor of Israel (Dan. 7:21,

25; 8:24-25; Rev. 13:7).

18. Antichrist, who was apparently elevated to power by the help

of the apostate church, in time tries to dominate him so he destroys this
religious system (Rev. 17:3).

19. Antichrist is removed from power during the Battle of

Armageddon by the Second Coming of Christ (Ezek. 28:6-10; Dan. 7:22,
26; 8:25; 9:27; 11:45; 2 Thess. 2:8; Rev. 19:19-20).

S. Lee Homoki

59
60
LESSON 14:
The False Prophet

(Instructor Note: Read all the verses for this lesson.)

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and
he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him,
and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to
worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come
down from Heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of
those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the
beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should
make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a
sword, and did live.
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast,
that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause
that as many as would not worship the image of the beast
should be killed.
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free
and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their
foreheads:
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark,
or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the
number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his
number is Six hundred threescore and six.”
Revelation 1:11-18

1. The False Prophet is mentioned four times in Scripture: as the beast

that comes out of the earth (Rev. 13:11), and by name in Revelation:
16:13, 19:20 and 20:10.
2. The False Prophet, having come from the earth, is apparently a Jew
(Rev. 13:11).
3. The False Prophet is “like a lamb” in his imitation of Christ, but speaks
“like a dragon.” (Rev. 13:11, cf. Mt. 7:15 - “Beware of false prophets,
which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are
ravening wolves.”)
4. The False Prophet is a mouthpiece for the Devil (Rev. 13:11).

5. The False Prophet is subservient to the Antichrist and operates under

his delegated authority (Rev. 13:12).

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6. The False Prophet is the great, demon-possessed (Rev. 16:13) priest of
the Tribulation Period (Rev. 13:12, cf. 2 Thess. 2:3-13).

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not
come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin
be revealed, the son of perdition;
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God,
or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of
God, shewing himself that he is God.
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these
things?
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in
his time.
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now
letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall
consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the
brightness of His coming:
Even Him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all
power and signs and lying wonders,
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that
perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they
might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they
should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but
had pleasure in unrighteousness.
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren
beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning
chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and
belief of the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-13

7. The False Prophet duplicates the fire miracle of Elijah (1 Kgs. 18:36-39)
in an effort to prove divine origin for himself and Antichrist (Rev. 13:13,
cf. Ex. 7:11).
8. The False Prophet’s miracles are designed to deceive (Rev. 13:14, cf.
Mt. 24:24 - “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and
shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible,
they shall deceive the very elect.”). See 2 Peter 1:19 as the example
of what the Tribulation saints WERE to hold on to.

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9. The False Prophet will build a Nebuchadnezzar-like image (Dan. 3)
and cause the world, over whom he holds the powers of life and
death, to worship. (Rev. 13:15; 20:4 - “And I saw thrones, and they sat
upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls
of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the
word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his
image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their
hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”)

10. The False Prophet will use the mark of the beast (Antichrist) to control
the economics of the world (Rev. 13:16-18).
11. The False Prophet is cast into the Lake of Fire. (Rev. 19:20 - “and the
beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought
miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received
the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These
both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

Rev. 20:10 - “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake
of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and
shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”)

S. Lee Homoki

63
64
LESSON 15:
The Fallen Angels

“Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart
from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil
and his angels:” Matthew 25:41

It will be an awful revelation when the judgment reveals the secrets of

men’s hearts (Rom. 2:16). What an awful menu of sin and rebellion will be
brought to light in that day (Jer. 17:9)! Truly man will be manifested to be
the children of disobedience and wrath (Eph. 2:2-3). Oh, the shame of it!
The shame of it! But no vile sin or rebellion of man can compare to the
black slough of angelic evil.

THE FALL OF SATAN

In Luke 10:18, the Lord Jesus declared that He had “beheld Satan, as
lightning, fall from Heaven.” Satan governed the angelic creation for
God. He was the bright and shining one (“Lucifer”), “perfect in
beauty” (Ezek. 28:12), until his heart was lifted up with pride (Ezek. 28:17).
His pride led him to rebel against Divine authority, declaring that he
would “be like the most High” (Isa. 14:14). Thus, Satan fell from his exalted
position, guarding the very throne room of God Almighty, as the
“anointed cherub that covereth” (Ezek. 28:14).

This fall is in contrast to his fall to earth during the Tribulation Period (Isa.
14:12; Ezek. 28:17, Rev. 12:9), and his final fall into the Lake of Fire (Isa.
14:15; Ezek. 28:18; Rev. 20:10 ).

THE FALL OF ANGELS

Apparently, the angels were originally under the commandership of

Lucifer and when Lucifer rebelled, a full one-third of all the angels
rebelled with him (Rev. 12:4, 7-12); thus making them the “Devil’s
angels” (Mt. 25:41; Rev. 12:9, cf., “messenger” in 2 Cor. 12:7).

TWO GROUPS OF FALLEN ANGELS

The fallen angels are divided into two groups. The first group makes up
that awesome host who serve to carry out Satan’s destructive designs
against the human race (1 Pet. 5:8) and the plan of God (Eph. 6:12; 1
Thess. 2:8); these are the demons (1 Cor. 10:20-21; 1 Tim. 4:1).

Briefly these fallen angels have been responsible for such things as:

(1) tormenting people (Ps. 78:49),

(2) physical sickness (Mt. 9:33),

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 (3) mental sickness (Mk. 5:4-5),

(4) moral sickness (Mt. 10:1),

(5) false doctrine (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Thess. 2:2),

(6) waging warfare against believers (Eph. 6:12),

(7) control of human beings and animals (Mt. 4:24; Mk.

5:8-14),

(8) miracles (2 Thess. 2:9), and

(9) these demons often work behind the scene as they

manipulate both men and nations.

In Daniel 10 we learn of Michael the Archangel having been delayed

in his coming to the aid of Daniel because he was in conflict with a
demon identified as the “prince of the kingdom to Persia.”

Ephesians 6:12 and Colossians 2:15 make it clear that the fallen angels
are a highly organized fraternity of evil, under the direction of the “god
of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4); “the Prince of the Power of the Air” (Eph. 2:2;
6:12); “the Prince of this World” (Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).

Dr. C.I. Scofield, on page 1342 of the Old Scofield Reference Bible, says
that the Devil’s “world-system is imposing and powerful with armies and
fleets; is often outwardly religious, scientific, cultured, and elegant; but
seething with national and commercial rivalries and ambitions, is up-held
in any real crisis by armed force, and is dominated by Satanic principles.”
This will give you some idea of what the fallen angels are busy doing all
day!

The second group of angels are those angels “who kept not their first
estate, but left their own habitation” and are now imprisoned; “reserved
in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great
day” (Jude 1:6, cf., 2 Pet. 2:4).

These imprisoned angels seem to have been involved in some other

unspeakable, additional sin, other than the original rebellion. The
passage in 2 Peter seems to connect their sin to the time of Noah, and
may have been in cohabitation with the female members of the human
race, resulting in a mongrelized race of giants (Gen. 6:1-12). Noah, by
way of contrast, is said to have been “perfect in his generations” -
perfect in his pedigree (Gen. 6:9)!

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 FALLEN ANGELS AND THE LAKE OF FIRE

There will yet be a mighty conflict between the holy angels and the
fallen angels (Rev. 12:7-10), a last ditch attempt to save the satanic
cosmos, but to no avail. The fallen angels are finally reprobated to an
eternal destiny of torment, anguish and pain in the “Lake of Fire
prepared for the Devil and his angels” (Mt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10, cf., Isa. 24:19
-22; Mt. 8:29).

ANGELIC SALVATION?

Whether or not a form of angelic salvation was ever offered in times

past, to give the fallen angels an opportunity to be restored to the
position of “holy,” is a matter of debate.

It may be that some form of angelic salvation was previously offered to

the fallen angels for the following reasons:

(1) The word “elect” (1 Tim. 5:21) implies a choice on God’s

part and it may imply a choice on the part of the
“elect” angels.

(2) “Where there is no law, there is not transgression”

(Rom. 4:15; 1 Jn. 3:4). The fallen angels are said to
have “sinned” (2 Pet. 2:4). They must have been under
some law of God. The fallen angels obviously chose to
disobey and are, therefore, chargeable with sin.

(3) It is certain that the creation of man and the

subsequent provision for his salvation, following his fall, is
of great interest to the angels (Lk. 15:7,10; 1 Cor. 4:9;
11:10; Eph. 3:10; 1 Tim. 5:21; Heb. 12:1; 1 Pet. 1:12).

(4) Why?? Perhaps it is because every time a man chooses

for or against Christ, the angels learn why they are elect
or non-elect!

(5) Hebrews 2:2 may also refer to an angelic gospel which

was delivered and subsequently rejected by some
angels and accepted by others.

(6) Hebrews 9:23-24 implies not only a need for the

shedding of Christ’s blood for the salvation of the souls of
men but also for the purification of the heavenly
sanctuary (cf., Col. 1:20).

(7) What caused the impurities in the heavenly Temple?

Angelic rebellion, perhaps. Was there a form of salvation
offered? Who knows! Regardless, the angels choice has

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been made and their destination is now secure, whether it be Hell for the
disobedient angels that followed Lucifer or Heaven for the obedient
angels that remained faithful to their Creator God.

CONCLUSION

One thing is certain. God uses the fallen angels to show every member
of the human race the awful consequences of rebellion and the
certainty of judgment.

If God did not hesitate to judge those disobedient members of a higher

creation, will God hesitate to judge those who are made “lower than the
angels”?

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7-8).

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 16:
The Elect Angels

(Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26;

1 Timothy 5:21; Revelation 14:10)

Heaven and eternity will surely hold some wonderful revelations for the
believer in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul said that he knew a man who
was “caught up to the third heaven...into paradise, and heard
unspeakable words, which is not lawful [possibly] for a man to utter” (2
Cor. 12:2-4).

ANGELS INTRODUCED

I am certain that one of the things which will capture our attention will
be our introduction to God’s Holy Angels. The Holy Angels are called “His
Angels” (Ps. 91:11; 148:2; Mt. 4:16; 13:41; 16:27; 24:31; Mk. 13:27; Lk. 4:10;
Rev. 3:5). Some Scriptures call them “Angels of God” (Gen. 28:12; 32:1;
Mk. 12:25; Lk. 12:8-9; 15:10; Jn. 1:51; Heb. 1:6), thus making clear their
special relationship to the Creator. They belong to God!

Furthermore, because of this relationship, they are preserved in a state

of holiness forever. Jesus Christ taught that the angels “do always behold
the face of My Father which is in Heaven” (Mt. 18:10), and that the will of
God is always done in Heaven (Mt. 6:10). Their communion and
fellowship with God is unbroken (Lk. 1:19). They live forever and cannot
die (Lk. 20:36).

The great company of angels is beyond number (Dan. 7:10; Ps. 68:17;
Mt. 26:53; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 5:11), and they have as the central object of
their devotion the Lord Jesus Christ. He is their “head” (Col. 2:10), and “all
the angels of God worship Him” (Heb. 1:5-8; cf. Eph. 1:20-21; Col. 1:16).

ANGELS UNDERSTOOD

Angels, like humanity, may be made up of different races, nationalities

and languages. They apparently do not have the same function or
equality. Please note the difference even in physical description as
recorded in Ezekiel 1:6 and 41:18 (cf., Mt. 12:24, 26; 17:19-21; Mk. 5:9).

The highest order and most intelligent of all angel races seems to be
the Cherubim (Gen. 3:24; Ex. 25:18-22; 2 Kgs. 19:15; Isa. 37:16; Ezek. 1:1-28;
10:1-20; 28:14-16; Ps. 18:9-10; 80:1; 99:1).

Out of their ranks were chosen the ruling dignitaries who are called
archangels or “principalities” (Col. 1:16; Eph. 1:21). The Greek word
ARCHA means the “highest dignitaries of state.”
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 Lucifer was a Cherubim and, no doubt, the chiefest among the ruling
angelic hierarchy before his fall, being the elected (anointed) Cherub.
Ezekiel 28:14 says, “I have set thee so” / I have appointed thee.

Michael seems to be the Divinely-appointed replacement for Lucifer

since he is the only angel specifically identified as an archangel. All of
the other elected angels seem to be under Michael’s commandership
(Rev. 12:7-9; 1 Thess. 4:16; Jude 1:19). Daniel 10:13 says that Michael is
“one of the chief princes,” implying that there are other archangels. The
Apocryphal Book of Enoch 20:1-7 names seven archangels: (1) Raphael,
(2) Uriel, (3) Zariel, (4) Raguel, (5) Ramiel, (6) Gabriel, and (7) Michael. If
this is true, then the archangels would be the Chief Justice of Heaven’s
Supreme Court.

The next order and rank of angels are the Seraphim (Isa. 6:2, 6; cf., Rev.
4:6-9; 5:8, 14). While the Cherubim seem to be primarily concerned with
the administration of the affairs of state, the Seraphim seem to be
primarily engaged in an ecclesiastical ministry. They minister continually
in the heavenly sanctuary with acceptable worship and holy service. You
might say that the Seraphim are the Heavenly Priests.

Now the Twenty-Four Elders appear to be the angelic Chief Priests

among the heavenly courses of angelic priest (Rev. 15:8). The Twenty-
four Elders (Rev. 4:4, 10: 5:5-6, 8, 11; 14:7, 11, 13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:2-4) comes
from the Greek word PRESBUTEROS which is an official title such as
Governor, President, Premier, Chancellor, or Chief Priest. In this case it is
translated Elder.

Many Bible teachers believe the Twenty-four Elders to be a select

group made up of twelve Old Testament and twelve New Testament
saints. However, a careful investigation of Revelation 4 and 5, especially
of Revelation 5:9-10, will reveal them to be angels. Check the Greek,
which reads: “Thou wast slain and hath redeemed to God by Thy blood
out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast
made them unto our God kings and priests: and they shall reign on the
earth.” The Twenty-four Elders are speaking here, not of themselves as is
commonly supposed, but, rather, of saved members of the human race.

King David may have used these Holy Angels and their function in the
Heavenly Government of God (the Cherubim, the Seraphim, and the
Twenty-four Elders) as a pattern, after which he fashioned everything
about the earthly government of God. This is best understood when we
remember that the earthly House of God and everything about it, was
fashioned after the heavenly pattern (Heb. 8:5; 9:23; 1 Chron. 28:11-13).
(For more information, see “A Critical Lexicon and Concordance,” by E.W. Bullinger, pg.

70
246, and “Theology Outlines,” by Floyd H. Barachman, pg. 90.)

Evangelist Lee Homoki speaks concerning the Throne Room: “As I see
the Throne Room of God in Heaven (Rev. 7:11 and other Scriptures like
Ezek. 1; Isa. 6; and Rev. 4), I see it suspended somewhere in space, the
center of attention being the Throne of God. The Throne is both
enshrouded and encircled by the beautiful, bright, rainbow-like cloud of
God’s Shekinah Glory (Ezek. 1:24-28; Rev. 4:3). Closest to the Throne are
the four mysterious Cherubim angels called “living creatures” and
“beasts” (Ezek. 1:5; Rev. 4:8); the archangels. Directly in front of the
Throne are the Twenty-four Elder Angels sitting on their thrones (Rev.
11:16; 4:4). Underneath the Throne stand the remaining company of
Cherubim angels (Ezek. 1:26; 10:1, 20; 11:22). Over the Throne stand the
Seraphim Angels who fill the halls of Heaven with worship (Isa. 6:2, 6).
Finally, on the outskirts, completely surrounding the Throne, stand the
great host of rank-and-file angels (Rev. 5:11; 7:11).

“It is not difficult for me to see that the sons of Levi were apparently
patterned after the Seraphim, to lead the congregation of Israel in daily
worship (1 Chron. 23:26-32). Likewise, the four sons of Aaron (Eleazar,
Ithamar, Nadab, and Abihu) are like the archangels (1 Chron. 24:1-3),
the “four living creatures.” Then the Twenty-four Governors of the
Sanctuary and House of God (1 Chron. 24:5-19) were, no doubt,
patterned after the Twenty-four Elder Angels.”

Next in line are the Throne Angels (Col. 1:16). This comes from the Greek
word THRONOS, which means a high seat with a footstool. These angels
are apparently angels who are filling positions of great authority or regal
power.

Colossians 1:16 next mentions Dominion Angels. This comes from the
Greek word EXOUSIA, which has to do with delegated authority. These
angels apparently have certain authority delegated to them by the
higher-ranking angels. Perhaps these angels are the: (1) Evangelizing
Angels (Rev. 14:6); (2) Bible-teaching Angels (Acts 7:38, 53; Gal. 3:19;
Zech. 1:9-11); (3) Guardian Angels (Heb. 1:145); (4) Judgment Angels
(Rev. 7:1-2; 8:2; 9:1; 14:18; 2 Sam. 24:16; Rev. 16:5; Mt. 13:39, 49-50); (5)
Soldier Angels (Isa. 13:1-5); (6) Lawyer Angels (Dan. 4); (7) Conductor
Angels (Lk. 16:22); (8) Servant Angels (1 Kgs. 19:5, 7; Mt. 4:11; Lk. 22:43). (9)
Observing Angels (1 Cor. 11:10); (10) Sentry Angels (Rev. 21:12); and (11)
Prophet Angels (Rev. 22:9).

ANGELS TEACH

Yes, angels teach us! What little we know of the angelic creation gives

71
us a new sense of God’s greatness and resourcefulness.

Furthermore, it is awe-inspiring to know that these super beings have

willingly devoted themselves to the execution of the Divine purpose
without question or hesitation.

Then, finally, a knowledge of angels helps us conceive the

boundlessness and glories of our future existence. The believer in Jesus
Christ is, presently, positionally higher than angels (Eph. 1:3; 2:5-8; cf., 1:18
-20). In eternity, however, every believer will be experientally higher than
angels (Rev. 20:4, 6; Dan. 7:18; 2 Tim. 2:12, at which time the government
of God will undergo a change. The elect angels will resign their offices
(Rev. 4:10) and others, more worthy than they (by grace) will take their
place (Heb. 2:5-8). We will even judge angels (1 Cor. 6:3; cf., Rev. 20:4;
Dan. 7:9, 22)! There is a sense in which saved humanity will not only
receive a body like the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:21), but we will be like the
angels (Lk. 20:35-36).

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 17:
Millennial Sacrifices

Ezekiel 43 - 46

The prophet Ezekiel is the Millennial prophet. It was to him that God
revealed the details concerning life and worship during the 1000-year
reign of Christ. In this prophecy concerning the Millennium and its
Temple, we see a restoration of the Levitical system, including the
sacrificial system.

This presents a problem to the Bible student. The problem is clearly

defined by J. Dwight Pentecost when he states that it is:

...the necessity of reconciling the teaching of the Old

Testament that bloody sacrifices will be offered in the
Millennium with the New Testament doctrine of the
abolition of the sacrifices of the Old Testament order
because of the sacrifice of Christ. (Things to come, p. 517.)

To help come to grips with such passages as Ezekiel 43:18-27 and 46:1-
18, let us note the following points.

NORMAL LITERAL INTERPRETATION

The basis of literal interpretation is to “explain the original sense of the

speaker or writer according to the normal customary and proper usages
of the words and language” of the author (Paul Tan, The Interpretation of
Prophecy, p. 29). There can be little doubt that the normal meaning of
Ezekiel is of literal sacrifices. To reduce them to symbolic language must
be done only if there is good reason in the context to do so. There seems
to be no evidence to do so in these passages.

CONFIRMATION OF OTHER SCRIPTURES

Ezekiel is not the only prophet to see animal sacrifices in the Millennium.
The sacrificial system is also seen in Isaiah 56:6-7, 60:7, Zechariah 14:16-21,
and Jeremiah 33:15-18.

In the New Testament, both Christ and Paul see the reinstitution of
Jewish ritualism in the end times. In the Olivet Discourse, Christ tells the
disciples to pray that these events do not happen on the “Sabbath” (Mt.
24:30). He warns of the Abomination of Desolation to take place in the
holy place of the Temple (24:15), which, according to Daniel 9:27 will
cause the sacrifices to stop. Paul, likewise, sees the Temple in connection
with the “Man of Sin” (2 Thess. 2:4). If the Temple is literal, so must be the
sacrifices.

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 Scripture taken in its normal, customary and proper usage of language,
teaches that end-time events center around Jerusalem, the Temple, and
the sacrificial system.

THE PURPOSE OF THESE SACRIFICES

This point strikes at the heart of the issue of Millennial sacrifices. Those
who reject the idea of literal sacrifices, do so on the grounds that Old
Testament sacrifices were efficacious. Oswald Allis attacks the literalness
of these future sacrifices on this very ground. He writes:

...they were not memorial but efficacious in the days of

Moses and of David; and in the Millennium they must be
equally efficacious if the Dispensational system of
interpretation is a true one. And this they cannot be unless
the teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews is completely
disregarded (Prophecy and the Church, p. 246).

It is error, however, to teach that Old Testament sacrifices were

efficacious (took away sin). The Epistle to the Hebrews does not teach
that animal sacrifices were efficacious. In fact, it declares “IT IS
IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND GOATS TO TAKE AWAYS
SINS” (Heb.10:4). Animal sacrifices in any dispensation (past or future)
NEVER can take away sin. Paul Tan reminds us that “If animal sacrifices
were really efficacious during the Old Testament days, there would have
been no necessity for the Cross of Christ” (p. 295).

What then was the purpose of the Old Testament sacrifices? It was an
exercise of faith pointing to the Cross. These sacrifices only served to
cover sin until the Cross of Christ once-for-all perfected all the saints. Their
value was that they pointed to the Cross of Christ and its work.

According to Romans 3:25, until Christ was made our propitiation, God
passed over our sins in His forbearance. The Greek word for
“remission” (KJV) is “paresin” and it is used only here in the New
Testament. It means a passing of debt or sin that was affected by the
bringing of one’s sacrifice in faith, but the sin was not actually paid for
until the Cross. Griffith-Thomas reminds us that the sacrificial system itself
showed us this. He writes:

The incompleteness of the Divine attitude to sin is also seen

in the Old Testament ritual, which clearly taught that the
problem of righteousness could not be solved except in
God’s own time and way. In those sacrifices there is a
remembrance again made of sins every year, for it is not
possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away
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 sins” (Heb. 10:3-4). Under the old covenant, sinners were
forgiven, but their sins were not absolutely taken away. But
when Christ came, there was a complete removal of
everything that hindered the Divine forgiveness (Romans, p.
116).

What then will be the future purpose of animal sacrifices? If the Old
Testament sacrifices were incomplete, and the sacrifice of Christ, the
True Lamb of God was complete, why renew the system? There are two
answers to that question.

First, the most simple and logical is that they serve the same purpose as
they always did - pointing to the work of Christ on the Cross. In the Old
Testament, they pointed forward to that work. In the future, they will point
backward to the Cross. Burlington Wale put it this way:

...the bread and wine of the Lord’s super are, to the

believer, physical and material symbols and memorials of a
redemption already accomplished on his behalf. And this
will be the case of the reinstituted sacrifices at Jerusalem.
They will be commemorative as the sacrifices of the old
were anticipative. And why should they not be? Was there
any virtue in the legal sacrifices which prefigured the
sacrifices of Christ? None whatever. Their only value and
meaning was derived from the fact that they pointed to
Him. And such will be the value and meaning of those
future sacrifices which God declared shall yet be offered in
that future Temple (The Closing Days of Christendom, p.
485).

Second, they will be renewed because they are connected with the
Theocracy of the Millennial Kingdom. Note well, that the Millennial
sacrifices are NOT connected with the Mosaic covenant and order;
rather, Jeremiah (33:15-18) connects it with the Davidic covenant. The
Davidic covenant is the foundation of the Theocracy. The Mosaic
covenant and sacrifices were temporary, thus, came to an end with the
Law. But the Davidic covenant is eternal. Thus, when it is renewed so will
the sacrifices. The Davidic covenant is the authority behind the future
renewal of the sacrificial system in the Millennium.

It is vital that the student of the Word understands that Israel will be
restored as the people of God. Their fall was only temporary (Rom. 11:15-
26). The Church, the Body of Christ, will not and does not fulfill the
theocratic promises given to that nation. When the Church is raptured (1
Thess. 4:13-18), and the “fullness of the Gentiles” is completed (Rom.
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11:25), then Jesus Christ returns to set up the Theocracy. Israel will be the
head nation and will realize the fulfillment of the Abrahamic, Davidic,
and new Covenant in their completeness. Then the literal fulfillment of
Ezekiel’s prophecy will become a reality - including these sacrifices.

Pastor James R. Gray

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LESSON 18:
King Hezekiah, Part 1

INTRODUCTION:

When we think of King Hezekiah, it may be said: (1) He was a rare

character; (2) He was an honorable character; and (3) He was a blessed
character. His name means “Jehovah is Strength.”

In Israel’s darkest hour, God raised up King Hezekiah as a Divine

illustration of what the Davidic Kingdom used to be, what it ought to be,
and would become if His people would only keep the conditions of the
covenants.
There are many lessons to be learned from a study of Godly Kings. In
this three-part study we want to consider (1) The true destiny and
character of the Davidic Kingdom; (2) The mechanics and principles of a
spiritual revival or growth; and (3) what a believer should or should not
do in a time of crisis.

King Hezekiah was the 13th King of the Southern Kingdom. He was a
great King who ought to provoke us to greatness also.

KING HEZEKIAH’S KINGDOM

Politically:

1. He inherited a Kingdom from his father, Ahaz, who was a vassel to the
Assyrian Empire.
2. During the early years of his reign, King Shalamanser took most of the
Northern Kingdom captive (2 Kgs. 18:9-12).
3. As the yoke of bondage grew tighter around the Southern Kingdom,
he must have attempted to strengthen himself against King
Sennacherib, now the king of Assyria (2 Kgs. 18:14).

4. This revolt of King Hezekiah cost his Kingdom dearly in terms of its
riches and glory (2 Kgs. 18:15-16).
5. The increased tribute apparently was not enough for the King of
Assyria, or he reasoned that the southern Kingdom was ready for the
kill, because he returned and called for an unconditional surrender.

6. King Hezekiah prayerfully entreats the Lord concerning this impending

military invasion (2 Kgs. 19:1-5, 14-19).
7. The Lord graciously intervenes (2 Kgs. 19:34) by (1) Killing 185,000
Assyrian soldiers (2 Kgs. 19:35); (2) Promising the Assyrians would not
come into the city (2 Kgs. 19:32-33); (3) Promising the Assyrians would

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 return to their own land (2 Kgs. 19:7, 33); and (4) Promising the
Southern Kingdom a measure of peace and prosperity (2 Kgs. 19:29-
30).

8. The Kingdom of Hezekiah was marked by great prosperity (2 Chron.

32:27-29).

9. King Hezekiah reigned for 29 years.

10. King Hezekiah died at the age of 56 and received great honor at his
death (2 Chron. 32:33).

11. King Hezekiah was succeeded in the Kingdom by his son, King
Manasseh (2 Kgs. 21:1).
Religiously:

King Hezekiah also inherited a religiously wicked and corrupt Kingdom.

His father, King Ahaz,, had filled the temple with “filthiness” (2 Chron.
29:5) and “uncleanness” (2 Chron. 29:16).
According to 2 Chronicles 29:6-7, Ahaz had been responsible for the
spiritual decline in the Kingdom because he had: (1) “Shut up the doors”
- this took away the opportunity of worship; (2) “Put out the lamps” - this
took away Bible Doctrine’; (3) “No burned incense” - no prayer; (4) “No
burned offerings” - this resulted in no worship or fellowship with God.
There had been no observance of the Passover for 260 years (2
Chron. 30:5, 26). King Hezekiah apparently came by his religious
convictions through the teachings of his mother, Abijah, the daughter of
Zechariah (2 Chron. 30:5, 26). Zechariah is said to have had
“understanding in the things of God” (2 Chron. 26:5).

King Hezekiah was apparently strengthened spiritually by the ministry

of such prophets as: Hosea (Hos. 1:1); Micah (Jer. 26:18, Mic. 1:1); Isa. (2
Chron. 32:20). Spiritual revival prevailed throughout the long 29-year
reign of King Hezekiah (2 Chron. 31:20-21).
Prophetically:

Everything about the Davidic Kingdom (past, present, and future) is

based upon the Covenant Promises (Deut. 4:29-31; Lev. 26:40-42). (1)
Abrahamic (Gen. 12:1-3, 7; 13:14-17; Gen. 15:18-20; 17:1-8); (2) Davidic (2
Sam. 7:12-16); (3) Palestinian (Deut. 30:1-8); (4) New (Isa. 32:15; 61:1;
Ezek. 37:26; 39:29; Hos. 2:18; Joel 2:28-29).
Many of the Kingdom Promises have had a partial fulfillment, but the
ultimate fulfillment of these Covenant Promises await yet a future date
(Deut. 4:30). Therefore, there is a special place for the life and ministry of
King Hezekiah in helping us to understand the events of the Book of Acts
and the events that will transpire in the Tribulation period and Kingdom.

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 Please note the following comparisons:
The call to national repentance

a. King Hezekiah’s call: 2 Chron. 31:1-9

b. John the Baptist’s call: Mt. 3:2

c. Jesus’ call: Mt. 4:17

d. Peter’s call: Acts 2:38-39; 3:19

The Progressive nature of the Call to the Kingdom

a. Hezekiah’s call: Jerusalem and Judea: 2 Chron. 29:3-11;

Samaria: 2 Chron. 30:1, 6, 10; Strangers: 2 Chron. 30:25

b. The Great Kingdom Commission: Acts 1:8...Jerusalem and

Judea, Samaria, uttermost
c. The Apostles ‘ call: Jerusalem and Judea: Acts 1-7; Samaria:
Acts 8; Strangers: Acts 10
The rejection of the Call to the Kingdom

a. Rejection in Hezekiah’s day: 2 Chron. 30:10

b. Rejection in Peter’s day: Acts 7:54-58; 13:4-6; 18:6; 28:28

c. Opposition to the Kingdom: In Hezekiah’s day: Sennacherib

(2 Chron. 32:1-2); The Great Tribulation: Antichrist: Rev. 13:7
d. The slaughter of the Kingdom enemies: Hezekiah’s day:
185,000 by the “angel of the Lord: 2 Kgs. 19:35; In the Great

Tribulation: “Blood unto horses bridles without the city”:

Rev. 14:20, cf., 2 Thess. 2:8
Please note that the conditions for Kingdom blessings were met in King
Hezekiah’s day...even as they must be met by the Jews in the future in
order to enjoy the blessings of the Messianic Kingdom.

a. Teaching of the Word: 2 Chron. 29:15; 30:12, 16, 18; 31:3

b. Prayer: 2 Chron. 32:20, cf., 2 Chron. 7:14; Isa. 63:11-64:1
c. Water baptism: 2 Chron. 29:15; 30:17-18.

d. Law observance: 2 Chron. 30:16

e. Giving: 2 Chron. 31:3-19, cf., Isa. 58:1-12

S. Lee Homoki

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80
LESSON 19:
King Hezekiah, Part 2

KING HEZEKIAH’S REVIVAL

Hezekiah’s revival represented a return from spiritual decline to

spiritual potency. This return represents the believer of that day living up
to his spiritual position and privileges. It meant that as a citizen of a
Kingdom, he was living in the Kingdom and enjoying Kingdom blessings.

The Blessed Means of King Hezekiah’s Revival

a. A work of God: 2 Chron. 29:36

b. A matter of faith: 2 Kgs. 18:5

c. A matter of setting things in order: 2 Chron. 29:35

d. A matter of Godly leadership: 2 Chron. 29:3-5; 32:3
e. A matter of conviction: 2 Chron. 29:10; 30:19; 31:21

f. A matter of challenge: 2 Chron. 2:11

g. A matter of separation from the world:

2 Chron. 29:12-15, 18; 31:18
h. A matter of setting priorities: 2 Chron. 29:20
i. A matter of Bible preaching and teaching:

2 Chron. 30:6-9; 22, 27; 32:6

1. The instructions: 2 Chron. 30:6-9
2. The music: 2 Chron. 29:25-30

3. The ceremonies: 2 Chron. 30:2, 13

4. The timing: 2 Chron. 30:1

5. The congregation: 2 Chron. 30:1

j. A matter of Grace not Law: 2 Chron. 30:17-19

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The Blessed Results of King Hezekiah’s Revival

a. There was music: 2 Chron. 29:25-40; 30:21-22.

b. True worship: 2 Chron. 19:28-30

c. Thanksgiving: 2 Chron. 29:31

d. Cooperation in serving the Lord: 2 Chron. 29:34

e. Joy and rejoicing among believers:

2 Chron. 29:36; 30:4, 23, 26

f. Concern for the spiritual welfare of others:

2 Chron. 30:1-12, 18-20

g. Unity of spirit: 2 Chron. 30:12

h. Increase in numbers: 2 Chron. 30:10, 25
i. Whole congregation involved in the work of God:
2 Chron. 30:13-14; 31:1
j. Prayers answered: 2 Chron. 30:27; 32:20
k. Giving is increased and there is no lack in the support of the

Work: 2 Chron. 31:4-19

… this brings encouragement and blessings: 2 Chron. 31:8,

10
l. Everyone in the Kingdom prospers: 2 Chron. 31:10, 26
m. God’s work executed faithfully and orderly:

2 Chron. 31:12-14
n. The whole land is cleansed of filthiness and uncleanness:
2 Chron. 31:1

o. Revival will bring adversity and opposition: Within: 2 Chron.

30:10; Without: 2 Chron. 32:1;

and some drag their feet: 2 Chron. 29:34
p. Revival brings victory over adversity and opposition:
2 Chron. 32:20-23

q. The nation is militarily secure: 2 Chron. 32:1-8

The blessings of King Hezekiah’s Revival were accomplished without

compromise or any dependence upon the flesh: 2 Chron. 32:8.

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LESSON 20:
King Hezekiah, Part 3

KING HEZEKIAH’S CRISES

A. There were three great crises in the life of King Hezekiah:

1. A national or military crisis:

2 Kgs. 18-19:37; 2 Chron. 32:9-22; Isa. 36-37

2. A physical crisis: 2 Kgs. 20:1-11; 2 Chron. 32:24; Isa. 38:1-22

3. A mental crisis: 2 Kgs. 20:12-21; 2 Chron. 32:31; Isa. 39:1-8

B. We will do well to observe King Hezekiah and learn how we
should or should not handle a crisis in our lives since …

1. Crisis will come in your life: 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12.

2. Crisis will reveal your character: 1 Pet. 1:7; 2 Chron. 32:31
3. Crisis will either make you or break you.
C. King Hezekiah’s crises came the hardest when …

1. He was attempting to fully follow the Lord:

2 Chron. 32:1; 2 Tim. 3:12

2. He was at the peak of his prosperity: 2 Chron. 31:20-21,

cf., 32:1; 26:16; 2 Cor. 12:1-10
D. King Hezekiah’s first crisis was a national crisis:

2 Kgs. 18-19; 2 Chron. 32:9-22; Isa. 36-37

1. This crisis came in the form of two military invasions by the
Assyrian armies of King Sennacherib.

(1) 2 Kgs. 18:13-16. Here King Hezekiah failed miserably

because of unbelief, compromise, and prayerlessness,
and this was costly: 2 Kgs. 18:15-16.
(2) 2 Kgs. 18:17-19:37. Now King Hezekiah is learning how to
face successfully the storms of crisis: He trusts God and
prays: 2 Kgs. 19:1, 14-19; and he enlists the prayers and
help of Isaiah: 2 Kgs. 19:2-4; 2 Chron. 32:20.
2. The Lord graciously intervenes: 2 Kgs. 19:34. Killing 185,000
Assyrian soldiers: 2 Kgs. 19:35; promising the Assyrians would not
come into the city: 2 Kgs. 19:32-33; promising the Assyrians would
return to their own land: 2 Kgs. 19:7; Promising the Southern
Kingdom a measure of peace and prosperity: 2 Kgs. 19:29-30.

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 3. The victory did not come easy for King Hezekiah. He had to
learn some lessons, but in the end, he found the “way of
escape”: 1 Cor. 10:13, and prosperity: 2 Chron. 32:22-23.
E. King Hezekiah’s second crisis was a physical crisis:

2 Kgs. 20:1-11; 2 Chron. 32:24; Isa. 38:1-22.

1. This crisis came in the form of deadly boils: 2 Kgs. 20:7.

2. Hezekiah is on his death bed and told to put his house in
order: 2 Kgs. 20:1.

3. Hezekiah prays: 2 Kgs. 20:2-3; Isa. 38:2-3, being sorrowful and

pleading for his life because he did not want the revival to stop;
He had no son at this time to carry on; and he wanted to be alive
when Messiah came to earth to set up His Kingdom : Isa. 38:11.

4. The Lord again graciously intervenes: 2 Kgs. 20:4-11; Isa. 38:4-8.

He gave Hezekiah 15 additional years to live: 2 Kgs. 20:6; His
recovery is so complete that he is promised in 3 days he’ll go to
the Temple: 2 Kgs. 20:5. The sun’s shadow will return 10 degrees as
evidence of God’s intervening grace: 2 Kgs. 20:10-11...the power
of prayer: 2 Kgs. 20:11.
5. Again, the Lord provided a “way of escape” and King
Hezekiah availed himself of God’s grace.
F. King Hezekiah’s third crisis was a mental crisis.

1. This crisis comes in the form of an innocent friendly visit from the
ambassadors of the King of Babylon: 2 Kgs. 20:12.
2. In this crisis, King Hezekiah will become a monument to
human frailty: 1 Cor. 10:12.
3. This crisis is ordained of God to test Hezekiah and to reveal his
sinful nature to him: 2 Chron. 32:31; 1 Pet. 1:7.
4. King Hezekiah’s sin does not appear to be very great (“a little
sin”). On the surface it appears that he is simply being courteous
and extending royal hospitality to those who showed him kindness:
2 Kgs. 20:12-13.
5. In reality, King Hezekiah’s sin was the great sin of pride: 2
Chron. 32:25-26.

King Hezekiah sought his own glory: 2 Kgs. 20:13. He wanted to be

feared and he also wanted his alliance to be sought after. He
should have realized that all the things that he boasted of were
earthly and temporal; things that are empty, worthless and
temporal (2 Cor. 4:18., especially since he had been so close to
death! He had a wonderful opportunity to be a soul winner. He

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 could have told the Gentiles, (1) what God had done for Israel in
former times; (2) what God had most recently done in the
Southern Kingdom; (3) His own personal testimony about being
delivered from the jaws of death by God; (4) and that God , Who
is the Almighty God, could not only create the sun but make it
move backward 10 degrees and could save their souls.
King Hezekiah did not seek the good of his friends: (1) Gentiles
were to be blessed (saved) through the agency of the Jews: [Jn.
4:12; Isa. 49:5-12; 56:1-8; 66:18-19]. (2) Hezekiah‘s boasting of s e l f
hindered these Gentiles from finding salvation. (3) Hezekiah’s
sin here is not unlike the sin of Bar-Jesus: Acts 13:6-11. (4) He utterly
forgot the necessities of their souls and was promoting his own
glory rather than their eternal welfare. Millions of Gentiles might
have been saved had King Hezekiah not failed in this crisis.
G. King Hezekiah’s sin brought the heavy judgment of God:

2 Kgs. 20:14-18.

1. He lost his nations riches and glory.

2. His sons emasculated and made slaves in the Babylonian
King’s Palace.
3. His whole nation eventually were led into captivity. It is true King
Hezekiah did humble himself and repent, nor did he attempt to
hide his sin as did Saul: 1 Sam. 15:20-21 but it came too late.
H. In view of this crisis and the failure of King Hezekiah, let us be mindful...

1. That we, too, have an old sinful nature: Jer. 17:9; 1 Cor. 10:12

2. That “little sins” have disastrous results.

3. That the crises of life are ordained of God to test us.

4. That it is important to honor God in all things.
5. That we ought to catch the birth of sin in our heart.

6. That sin greatly offends God.

7. That God must judge sin.
8. That if we do sin, to confess it and not hide or excuse it.
9. That we have an advocate with the Father: 1 Jn. 2:1.

10. That God gives us the victory through Jesus Christ:

1 Cor. 10:13; 15:57.

S. Lee Homoki

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86
LESSON 21:
Doctrine Of Man 1: What Is Man?

“What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? And the son of
man, that thou visitest Him? For Thou hast made him a little
lower than the angels, and hast crowned Him with glory and
Honor. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of
Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under His feet” (Ps. 8:4-6).
(See also Jn. 2:24-25; Job 7:17; Ps. 103:15-16; 144:3-4; Heb. 2:6-8.)

With this study, we begin a series of outline studies on the subject of

holiness. It is truthfully said that, “The salvation of the soul is a miracle that
takes only a moment of time, but to be experientially conformed to the
image of Christ takes a lifetime.”
Godliness is the result of God’s ability and will to glorify Himself by
reproducing His holiness in the believer. In order for the believer to
understand, pursue, and acquire a measure of sanctification-holiness-
godliness in his life, he must first know something of man’s nature or
makeup. He must know how God made man. He must know what assets
God gave man in order for God’s holiness to be reproduced in man, i.e.,
to be godly. A godly person is one that has experientially set himself
apart to the correct use for which he was created.

1. Man was created with a body, soul and spirit: (1 Thess. 5:23). This is
called a “trichotomy.”
A. Man is one part material (body...Ps. 139:13-17; 1 Cor. 15:44) and
two parts immaterial (soul and spirit...1 Sam. 1:15; Job 7:11; Isa.
26:9; Heb. 4:12).
B. Though each part of man is distinct and separate (Job 14:22;
Dan. 9:15; Mt. 10:28; Acts 2:31; 1 Cor. 6:20; Jas. 2:26), they are
sometimes used and spoken of interchangeably depending on
the context (called a Synecdoche).

C. Man was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). The image of
God is the ability to know, love, appreciate, worship and serve
God “in spirit and truth.” Note: You can’t have eternal life without
the “image” of God.
1. The “blood” is to the body what the “image of God” is to
man (Gen. 9:6); i.e., you can’t have life without the “blood.”
2. The “woman” is to the man what the “image of God” is to
the man (1 Cor. 11:7); i.e., the “woman” completes the man.

3. Man is completed by the “image of God.”

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 D. The “image of God” gave to man the dominion, authority, and
headship over all the earth” (1 Cor. 11:1-16).
2. The Human Body is the house for the soul and spirit: (1 Cor. 5:1) … a
temporary dwelling place.

A. The body is not the real person. The real person (personality) is
inside. That with which we are most familiar and what we behold
most often in the mirror is not the most important part of man. The
body is only the coffer which holds the jewels (Mt. 16:26).

B. The body is a vehicle with which man can communicate

externally that which is inside of him (Lk. 6:45). The soul and spirit
design our behavior and the body executes it.
3. The soul is that part of man which gives him a consciousness of himself
and the world around-about him: (Job 14:22; 1 Kgs. 17:19-23; Mk. 8:36-37;
1 Cor. 15:45-50).

A. The soul is the source of all behavior—good or bad.

B. The soul is generally identified as the mind, emotion, conscience,

self-consciousness and will of man (2 Kgs. 4:27; Ps.107:5, 9, 18, 26;
Mt. 26:38; Mk. 12:33; Jn. 12:27).
C. The soul has the capacity to learn, understand, appreciate and
behave in relationship to the world around-about.

4. The spirit of man is the most important part of man: (Zech. 12:1). It is this
human spirit which is the “image” of God—this spirit alone is what
enables man to know, love, appreciate, worship and serve God in spirit
and truth (Rom. 1:9; Phil. 3:3).

A. It is a fixed and clear fact of Scripture:

1. “that which is born of Spirit is spirit” (Jn. 3:6);

2. that “God is Spirit” (Jn. 4:24);
3. that God the Father is the Father of our spirits” (Heb. 12:9);

4. that “we are His offspring” (Acts 17:28-29);

5. that only spirit can know spirit (1 Cor. 2:9-11);
6. that only spirit can worship spirit (Jn. 4:23-24);
7. that only spirit can serve spirit (Rom. 1:9; 7:6; 12:11);

8. and that only spirit can receive revelation from spirit (Rev.
1:10; 1 Cor. 2:10).

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B. The spirit is to the soul what the blood is to the body (Lev. 17:11,
14).
1. Please notice the importance the Apostle Paul puts on the
spirit of man by placing it first in rank and order (1 Thess. 5:23).

2. Notice how the Apostle Paul illustrates this relationship “every

part,” “knit together” (Eph. 4:16; Col. 2:19).
C. God the Holy Spirit is to the human spirit what the oil is to the oil
lamp.

1. Notice the intimate relationship God the Holy Spirit has with
the human spirit (1 Cor. 2:9-16; Rom. 8:16, 26-27).
2. God the Holy Spirit does many things:
a. He is the immediate source of all life, physical and
intellectual (Ps. 104:30).

b. He is the revealer of all Divine truth. The Scriptures are

especially the product of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:4-13).

c. He convicts man of sin (Jn. 16:8).

d. He aids in man’s repentance and faith (2 Cor. 4:13).

e. He regenerates the believer (Titus 3:5-6).
f. He comforts the believer (Phil. 2:1).
g. He sanctifies the believer (2 Thess. 2:13).

h. He testifies to the believer’s salvation (Rom. 8:16).

i. He baptizes the believer into union with Christ and other
believers (1 Cor. 12:13; Rom. 6:3-4).
j. He calls the believer to various offices (1 Cor. 12:4-11).

k. He endows the believer with gifts and power for service

(Acts 13:2, 4; 1 Cor. 12:4-11).
l. He seals the believer unto the day of redemption (Eph.
4:30).

m. He fills every believer who qualifies (Eph. 5:18).

n. He permanently indwells the believer (1 Cor. 6:19-20; 3:16-

17).
3. One of the most important things God the Holy Spirit does is
to indwell the believer for the express purpose of guiding and
empowering the believer to live a godly life (Eph. 3:16-21;
Rom. 8:9-11; 1 Cor. 12:11-31).

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 … A godly man is one …
a. who is regenerated by the Spirit of God (Titus 3:5);
b. who possesses “the [human] spirit which is of God” (1 Cor.
2:11-16; Jn. 3:6; Eph. 4:23-24);

c. who appreciates and responds to the “things of the Spirit

of God” (1 Cor. 2:14)…”things” refers back to verse 13 to
the teaching of the Holy Spirit, i.e., the Word of God;

d. who is “led by the Spirit of God” (Rom. 8:14);

e. and who bears the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22).

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 22:
Doctrine Of Man #2: The Day The Spirit Died

“And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the
garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God
commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou
mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest
thereof thou shalt surely die” (Gen. 2:15-17).

1. Man became a “dichotomy”

A. When Adam sinned he lost his dominion and headship over the
world to Satan - the “god of this world” (Mt. 4:3-11). Since the fall,
this world has been governed by the “natural man” - Greek -
“psuchikos” - who is influenced heavily by “the spirit that now
works in the children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2-3). A man in
Adam is dead to God! The link between God and man was
broken. Fellowship with God, which is always spiritual, was
destroyed.

B. When Adam sinned his spirit died. He lost the capacity to know,
love, appreciate, worship and serve God (Eph. 2:1, 5; 4:17-19;
Rom. 1:21; Col. 2:13).

C. When Adam sinned he lost the image of God. Adam’s offsprings

were born in his likeness and image (Gen. 5:3), and he passed
death and his image on to the human race (Rom. 3:23; 5:12; 6:23;
1 Cor. 15:21-22; 2 Cor. 5:14).

D. Man was born into this world physically alive but...

1. He is spiritually dead... “dead in sins” (Eph. 2:1, 5; Rom. 5:6-10).

2. He is disobedient ... “children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2).

3. He is depraved ... “fulfilling the lusts and desires of the

flesh” (Eph. 2:3).

4. He is doomed ... “children of wrath” (Eph. 2:3).

E. Man will never behave as God intended without the human spirit
(Rom. 8:6-8; 1 Cor. 2:14; Jude 1:10, 19).

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2. The day the spirit was “born again”

A. Man must have a spiritual rebirth - be regenerated, if he is to

have eternal life and manifest a godly life that pleases God the
Father (Jn. 3:3-8...illustrated by the Prodigal Son - Lk.15:24; see
Greek “teknon” = born ones in Romans 8:16-17).

B. God the Holy Spirit is the source of the re-born human spirit (Jn.
3:6; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Pet. 1:23).

C. Regeneration takes the believing sinner back to the beginning

before the fall (1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Cor. 3:17-18; 5:17; Gal. 6:15; Eph.
4:24)! The image of God is restored (Col. 3:10)! The word
regeneration is translated from the compound Greek word
“palingenesias.” “Palin” means to go back to the beginning and
“genesis” means “the begining.”

D. The re-born human spirit becomes the recipient of God the Holy
Spirit’s teaching (Rom. 8:16, 23; 1 Cor. 2:4, 13).

E. God’s desire is that man, through regeneration, be “conformed

to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29) and not be“conformed to
this world” but, rather, man is to be “transformed by the
“renewing [renovation] of his mind, that he may prove what is
that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom.
12:2)...in this manner:

3. The capacity for godliness is restored (Phil. 3:10-15).

...to know, love, appreciate, worship and serve God in a personal way is
possible!

A. God is holy (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8) and godly behavior is expected of
all who are His children regardless of dispensation (Lev. 20:7; Lk.
1:75; 1 Pet. 1:14-16; Rom. 6:19, 22; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 1:4, 11-12; 2:10;
3:11, 15-19; Phil. 1:9-11; 2:15-16; Col. 1:22; 3:12; 1 Thess. 3:13; 4:3, 7;
2 Tim. 1:9; 2:19-20; Titus 2:11-14).

B. The child of God not only has a new man (human spirit) but he is
a “new man” (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10).

C. This “new man” grows in stages (2 Cor. 3:18).

1. Normal growth (2 Pet. 3:18; Phil. 1:9-11).

a. He is a “babe” (1 Pet. 2:2; 1 Cor. 2:2; 3:1-2; Heb. 5: 13-14).

b. He is to become mature (Eph. 4:11-13).

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 • “perfect” (1 Cor. 2:6-7).

• a finished or complete man = [Greek, “teleios”] “be

men” (1 Cor. 14:20).

• “spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:15; Gal. 6:1).

2. A mature believer is one who feeds on and behaves (Rom.

14:15; Heb 5:12, 14; 1 Cor. 2:6-16; Eph. 1:17; Col. 1:9, 28)
according to the “meat” of the Word of God; the “wisdom of
God”; the “hidden mystery”; the “things of God”; the “deep
things of God”; and the “mind of Christ.”

3. Retarded growth (Heb. 5:12 - illustrated by the disciples: Mt.

17:17).

b. He is “carnal” (1 Cor. 3:1-4).

c. He is one who has little interest in knowing what God the

Holy Spirit would feed his spirit. As a result he fails to grow
in godliness.

D. It is possible for the believer to live a clean, holy, godly, and

victorious life in Christ free from sin (Rom. 6:1, 6, 12, 14, 22; 8:2-4).

4. There are enemies to growth in godliness

...These enemies constitute a formidable army of opposition to

godliness. The believer must realize that he lives every moment of
every day with adversaries without and within that are seeking to
manifest their behavior through the body.

A. Externally:

4. The world system (1 Jn. 2:15-17).

5. Spiritual warfare with fallen angels (Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 4:4).

6. Satan, man’s arch enemy (Eph. 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:7-9; 1 Pet. 5:8).

7. “Flesh” #1 = The human body or parts thereof. The human

body in and of itself is not sinful, but is the vehicle through
which sin operates (Rom. 3:20; 1 Cor. 15:39; 2 Cor. 10:3; Gal.
4:13-14; Col. 1:24; cf., 1 Cor. 9:27).

8. “Flesh” #2 = The classification of different races or groups of

men (Rom. 1:3; 9:3; Eph. 2:11). Note: The use of the word
“flesh” here does not represent an obstacle to godliness, but
is listed to give orientation to its use in the Pauline Epistles.

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B. Internally:

...If we are to win the battle for godliness, then we must realize
that the main opposition comes from within.

1. “Flesh” #3 = That which is in man, saved or unsaved, that

animates man’s efforts (good or bad) independent of God’s
aid, guidance or power (Phil. 3:3; Gal. 3:3; Rom. 4:1; 6:19).

2. “Flesh” #4 = This is man’s sphere of existence while unsaved

(Rom. 7:5; 8:8).

3. “Flesh” #5 = This is man’s sinful nature he inherited, as a result

of the fall, from his father Adam and is not “subject to the
law of God” (Rom. 7:18, 25; 8:7, 13; Gal. 5:16-21).

4. “Old man” = This is a synonym for flesh #5 but with emphasis

upon the whole man and the origin of man’s corruption. It
takes us back to Adam. The “old man” relates us to Adam,
just as the “new man” relates us to the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom.
6:6; Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:9).

5. “Sin” = Sin often refers to the act that flows from the flesh or
the old man but at other times its use refers to the sinful
nature. The Apostle Paul calls it the body of sin (Rom. 6:6;
7:24; Col. 2:11-12). An identifiable entity within man whose
chief attribute is sin - rebellion against God and
righteousness.

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 23:
Doctrine Of Man #3: Victory Assured

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made
me free from the law of sin and death. For what the Law
could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh? God
sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for
sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of
the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:2-4).

Dear Child of God, the battle rages! We “wrestle not against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” These
enemies and the Devil are some of the “Goliaths” which would defy the
believer. But our David, the Lord Jesus Christ, crossed the “valley of the
shadow of death” and triumphed over the enemies of our soul by the
“blood of His Cross” and shouted victory from out of an empty tomb!

1. The enemy is defeated and ultimate victory is assured:

A. Positional Victory (Eph. 1:19-23—undeniable fact!)

1. This occurred when the believer, by faith in Christ’s death,

burial, and resurrection, was placed into union with Christ by
the baptizing work of God the Holy Spirit (Rom. 6:1-4; 1 Cor.
12:12-13; Col. 3:3).

2. Believers are “dead to” and “free from sin” (Jn. 1:29; Rom. 6:8,
10-11, 18, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3; Gal. 5:24; Col. 2:14; and “alive unto
God” (Rom. 7:24-25; 8:2).

3. The Lord Jesus Christ has crucified the “old man” - the sin
nature (Rom. 6:6).

4. Christ has “triumphed” over and “spoiled” the fallen angels

(Col. 2:15) and Satan is a defeated foe (Jn. 16:11; Heb. 2:14).

B. Ultimate Victory: (1 Cor. 15:24-28)

...This comes when believers are gathered together into the

Lord’s presence in glory (Rom. 8:29). The battle is done and the
victory is won!

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 C. Experiential Victory: (Gal. 2:20; 3:3; Eph. 4:13; Phil. 4:13).

1. During the time between the believer’s salvation and

glorification, our redemption is not experientially complete
(Rom. 8:23).

2. The redemptive price has been paid in full (1 Tim. 2:6; 1 Pet.
1:18; Titus 2:14), but the “glorious liberty” of the children of
God has not yet been delivered (Rom. 8:21).

3. Believers are waiting for:

a. the “glory that shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18);

b. the “manifestation of the children of God” (Rom. 8:19);

c. the deliverance from the “bondage of corruption” (Rom.

8:21);

d. the change of this “vile body” (Phil. 3:20-21);

e. the “house which is from Heaven” (1 Cor. 5:1-9);

f. the “adoption” (Rom. 8:23); and

g. the “redemption of our body” (Rom. 8:23).

4. The indwelling of God the Holy Spirit is our “firstfruits,” “seal”

and “guarantee” of the eventual and safe delivery of the
purchased possession (Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:22).

5. Until such time the believer must have “hope” (Rom. 8:20, 24-
25) and fight a spiritual warfare (2 Cor. 10:1-6; 1 Tim. 1:18; 2
Tim. 2:3).

6. The enemies of godliness fight a guerrilla warfare against the

human spirit (Gal. 5:16-17). Our spiritual enemies were
dethroned and weakened at the Cross, but their nature has
not changed. We are called to watchfulness and warfare
against these enemies who are hostile and cannot submit to
God (Rom. 8:7).

2. Life of victory in the Kingdom of Grace:

The believer’s citizenship, because of his union with Christ, has changed
from earth to Heaven (1 Cor. 15:42-50; Phil. 3:20). Believers have been
“translated” (methistemi) - put out of the Kingdom of death and
darkness and put into the Kingdom of the Son (Col. 1:13). Believers are
now living under what the Apostle Paul calls the “reign of Grace” (Rom.
5:17-21). Thus, we have:

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A. A need to break the bondage of the old Kingdom. The former
alliances, love and servitude must be consciously acknowledged
and broken. The Scripture calls upon believers to renounce our
connection with the old sphere of existence by employing such
commands as:

1. “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but

alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:11).

2. “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;

fornication, uncleanness inordinate affection, evil
concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col.
3:5; Rom. 8:13; Gal. 6:14).

3. “Put off concerning the former conversation the old man,

which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” (Eph. 4:22;
Col. 3:8-9).

B. A need to pledge allegiance, loyalty, and love to the new king in

the form of praise and worship:

1. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through

our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57).

2. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who
hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in
Christ” (Eph. 1:3-12).

3. “Who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of Kings,

and Lord of Lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the
light which no man can approach unto; Whom no man hath
seen, nor can see: to Whom be honor and power everlasting.
Amen” (1 Tim. 6:15-16).

4. “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout

all ages, world without end. Amen” (Eph. 3:21).

C. A new battle plan:

1. The battle has raged on and on for ages. Theologians have

referred to it as the “War of the Ages” or the “Invisible War.”
The battle plans have been spelled out in the Scriptures and
are carried out according to God’s eternal purpose.

2. However, since the defeat of Satan and the enemies of

righteousness by the Cross of Christ, the conflict has been
employed (Eph. 3:2-10).

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 3. There, is, therefore, a need to “rightly divide” the truth
concerning the “Invisible War.” It should be noted that the
vast majority of instructions given to believers for the conduct
of this spiritual warfare comes from the Pauline Epistles (1 Cor.
3:10; 4:16; 11:1; 2 Cor. 10:3-5) with a great emphasis placed
upon the work of God the Holy Spirit in obtaining victory.

While all the plan is for our spiritual profit, it is not all FOR us or ABOUT us
(the Body of Christ) in this Dispensation. Up until the resurrection of Christ,
the warfare was focused against Christ and the nation of Israel. Shortly
thereafter, the front lines of the battle shifted from doing battle against
God’s earthly people to God’s heavenly people (1 Cor. 4:9-14; Phil. 1:20-
30; Col. 1:24-2:1; 1 Thess. 3:2-4).

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 24:
Doctrine Of Man #4: Under New Management

“For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak
through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness
of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:3-4).

For many centuries, the Mosaic Law was the guide and protector of
the life and blessings of the Old Testament believer (Gen. 26:5; Deut.
4:40; 30:16; Ps. 119.98). The Law was “holy, just and good” (Rom. 7:12),
but “weak through the flesh” (Rom. 8:3). Its influence was exerted upon
man externally—from the outside in. It bid man to fly but gave him no
wings.

1. The believers have a new commanding general.

A. Now, in this Dispensation of Grace, God the Holy Spirit works

internally—working from the inside out to command and guide
the believer. He indwells the believer (Rom. 8:9, 11).

B. He influences the believing man’s soul and spirit, making it

possible for the righteousness of the Law to be made “fulfilled” in
him (Rom. 8:4).

C. It is at this point that the believing man must exercise his volition.
God did not make man like a puppet on the end of a string. Man
was given the ability to choose. A man makes a decision to take
God the Father at His Word concerning the finished work of His
Son for salvation. Then, as man receives Christ, by faith, so, too,
he is to “walk” in Him (Col. 2:6). A believing man is called upon to
make a decision to surrender the control of his life over to the
commanding general—God the Holy Spirit.

D. This decision results in what is called the “filling” of the Holy Spirit
(Eph. 5:18; Acts 13:9; 11:24). This is another way of saying that the
believer is to give complete control of himself over to God the
Holy Spirit.

E. This decision results in the believer being …

1. “Filled with all the fulness of God” (Eph. 3:19);

2. “Filled with the fruits of righteousness” (Phil. 1:1); and

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 3. “Filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and
Spiritual understanding” (Col. 1:9).

F. Other Bible words that generally imply the same concept of

control are:

1. “yield” (Rom. 6:13, 16, 19)

2. “present” (Rom. 12:1-2; cf., 1 Cor. 6:13-20)

3. “servant” (1 Cor. 7:22-23)

4. “led” (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:18)

G. Christ’s warning to the Apostle Peter to “Watch and Pray, that ye

enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh
is weak“ (Mt. 26:41), is a reminder to all believers of the reality of
spiritual conflict. And so, too, in this dispensation the possibility
exists for the believer to bring shame and reproach upon Christ
by giving “place to the Devil” and falling into his “snare” (1 Tim.
3:7; Eph. 4:27). This happens when we “grieve” and “quench”
God the Holy Spirit.

1. We are instructed to, “Grieve not the Holy Spirit” (Eph. 4:30).

a. The Christian’s conduct of the spiritual conflict either

grieves or does not grieve God the Holy Spirit. It is sin that
grieves Him and redirects His ministry of blessing and
guiding to one of convicting. Sin is the believer’s most
terrible blunder (Gal. 5:7-9; 6:7-8).

b. Unless sin is dealt with, it will rob the believer of blessed

joy, fellowship, victory, reward, and bring serious
discipline (1 Cor. 11:30-32).

c. Sin MUST be dealt with (2 Cor. 7:1) … but how?

• by self judgment (1 Cor. 11:28; Rom. 6:11; Gal. 6:4; 1

Jn. 1:9);

• by repentence (2 Cor. 7:9-11);

• by a healthy dose of Bible study (Eph. 5:25-26);

• by spiritual counseling (Gal. 6:1-2; Rom. 15:1).

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 2. We are instructed to “Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:19). To
“quench” the Spirit means to say NO to God! When the Devil
said, “I will exalt my throne” (Isa. 14:13-14), he was saying NO to
the will of God. By way of contrast, our Lord Jesus Christ said,
“Not my will, but Thine be done” (Lk. 22:42). We can never have
victory or be godly in the execution of the Christian way of life
and say no to God.

2. The Believer has a new spiritual armor (Eph. 6:10-17; 2 Cor. 10:4-6).

A. What began in the heavenlies continues on the battlefield.

Believers are on the battlefield, not the recreation room or on
furlough.

B. What the well-equipped soldier wears to the battle:

1. The Girdle of Truth (Jn. 17:17);

a. as it is found in Christ (Eph. 4:21);

b. as it is experientially appropriated (Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor.

8:21; 13:7; Eph. 4:25; Phil. 4:8).

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness (2 Cor. 2:9-11);

a. as it is found in Christ (1 Cor. 1:30);

b. as it is experientially appropriated (1 Tim. 6:11-14).

3. The Gospel of Peace Shoes (2 Cor. 5:18-21);

a. as it is found in Christ (Eph. 2:14);

b. as it is experientially appropriated (Rom. 10:15).

4. The Shield of Faith (1 Jn. 5:4);

a. as it is found in Christ (Phil. 1:29);

b. as it is experientially appropriated (Heb. 11:4-31).

5. The Helmet of Salvation (1 Thess. 5:8). NOTE: The helmet is a

protector of the mind. The issue here is deliverance/victory.

a. as it is found in Christ (1 Cor. 2:16) ;

b. as it is experientially appropriated (Phil. 2:3-5, 20; 3:15-16).

6. The Sword of the Spirit (Heb. 4:12);

a. as it is found in Christ (Mt. 4:4);

b. as it is experientially appropriated (Col. 3:16).

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 C. Spiritual warfare is best conducted when it is bathed in prayer,
never to stop praying, “always” or “without ceasing” (Eph. 6:18; 1
Thess. 5:17).

The purpose of God is clear and above contradiction that God wants
to present the Church, which is His Body, “to Himself a glorious Church,
not having spot, or wrinkle” … “holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:27). The
“New Man” will be seated with Him on His throne. Our Lord Jesus Christ is
heir of the world and we shall reign with Him (Rom. 4:13; 2 Tim. 2:12). Until
then, let us forget “those things which are behind,” and reach forth into
those things which are before. Let us “press toward the mark for the prize
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be
perfect, be thus minded” (Phil. 3:13-15).

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 25:
The Doctrine of Reconciliation

“For He is our peace, Who hath made both one, and hath
broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the Law of
commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in
Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that
He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the
Cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and
preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them
that were nigh” (Eph. 2:14-17).

THE REMOVAL OF THE WALL OF SEPARATION

1. A wall of separation has been constructed between God and man
because of man’s sin (Isa. 59:2).

2. There is need for a Mediator to remove this wall of separation (Job

9:33).

3. The need for reconciliation implies that warfare has taken place:

 A quarrel, or breach of friendship; and sin has made a

breach;

 It has broken the friendship between God and man;

 It has broken the friendship between man and his fellow

man;

 The sinner is filled with enmity against God and

mankind; and

 The sinner is the offender and God is the offended one.

4. Reconciliation is a work of God in which God both mediates the

conflict and then removes the alienation between God and man.
According to the Bible, God’s holiness has been offended by man’s
sinfulness resulting in alienation from one another.

5. The word “reconciliation” has several popular applications:

 The work of a mediator

 The work of an accountant

 The work of an insurance adjuster

 The work of a peacemaker

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6. The word “reconciliation” comes from the Greek word, kat-al-lag-ay,
and means “the making of things right.”

7. God the Father takes the first step in reconciling the sinner to Himself.
“We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 Jn. 4:19). He did this, of
course, while we were still “sinners,” “enemies,” and “without
strength” (Rom. 5:8, 10; Col. 1:21). The means by which the sinner is
reconciled to God is an accomplished act of God. It is history! It is
finished completely—long before the sinner believes. The application
of its wonderful, peace-giving results awaits only the sinner’s response
in faith to the promise and testimony of God concerning the work of
Jesus Christ.

8. God Himself “has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ (2 Cor.

5:18-19).

9. Christ is the appointed Mediator/Peacemaker (Eph. 2:14-17).

10. Paul considered his Gospel of Grace to be “the Word of

reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:19).

11. Believing members of the Body of Christ are the appointed

“ambassadors” of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:20).

S. Lee Homoki

THE DOCTRINE OF SANCTIFICATION

1 Peter 1:15-16

We will start talking about Sanctification and continue next week. The
Doctrine of Sanctification is one of those Bible subjects that has suffered
from abuse by those who have misunderstood it; and it is neglected by
those who fear identification with its abusers. This is a tragedy! No
doctrine of Scripture is in greater need of being translated into the lives
of modern-day believers. These “perilous times” (2 Tim. 3:1) have taken
their toll in the lives and testimonies of those who have neglected this
truth.

1. Sanctification’s Significance

The meaning of the word “sanctification” comes to us from the Greek

word hagiasmos; and its root word hagios from which English words such
as sanctify, sanctification, sanctuary, sacred, holy, saint and holiness are
translated. Literally translated, considering its context and various forms,

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hagios means “to set apart or make holy, to separate from defilement,
dedicate, hallow, to be essentially pure, or to put into a state
corresponding to the nature of God.” I believe this same idea is fairly well
communicated in our English words. The Hebrew words of the Old
Testament add no new meaning to the Greek words of the New
Testament.

Sanctification is applicable to certain places such as: (1) The

Tabernacle (Num. 7:1), (2) The Temple (2 Chron. 7:16), (3) a house (Lev.
27:14), (4) a field (Lev. 27:16), and even (5) a mountain (Ex. 19:12).

Sanctification is applicable to certain things such as: (1) the furniture

and vessels of the Tabernacle (Ex. 40:10-11), (2) days and seasons of the
year (Gen. 2:3; Deut. 5:12; Neh. 13:19-22; Joel 11:14; 2:15), and even (3)
food (1 Tim. 4:4-5).

Sanctification is applicable to certain people such as: (1) Israel's first

born (Ex. 13:2; Num 3:13; 8:17), (2) Old Testament Priests (Ex. 29:4-9; 40:12-
13; Lev. 8:17), (3) Jeremiah (Jer. 1:5), (4) Paul (Gal. 1:15), (5) Believers (1
Cor. 1:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Heb. 10:14), and even (6) Jesus Christ (Jn. 10:36;
17:19).

This study shall be confined to sanctification as it pertains to people.

In this sense, then, sanctification is the operation of God the Father
whereby He makes the believer like His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The
esteemed Dr. John Gill, an 18th Century Theologian, accurately states in
his book, “Body of Divinity" (1769), that; “Sanctification is a new creation,
a new man, a new heart, a new spirit; the conformity of a man to the
image of the Son of God.”

Sanctification is related to the holy character of God (1 Pet. 1:15-16)

and the demand that believers should reflect that holy character in their
lives (Jn. 17:19). This is a very sobering demand!

We will pick up here next week.

S. Lee Homoki

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106
LESSON 26:
The Doctrine Of Sanctification

We’ll continue this week dealing with the doctrine of sanctification.

The word “sanctification” means “to set apart or make holy, to separate
from defilement, dedicate, hallow, to be essentially pure, or to put into a
state corresponding to the nature of God.” We have chosen to
concentrate our study on sanctification as it pertains to people.

Sanctification’s Source

Sanctification, from beginning to end, is the work of the Triune God.

This, however, will be better understood if we first consider God as the
direct source and then God's use of mediate means. The Godhead is the
direct source of sanctification.

First, God the Father is said to sanctify believers (Jude 1:1) with a plan
to preserve the “whole spirit and soul and body” of the believer
“blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23-24).

Second, God the Son is the Sanctifier of His people (Heb. 13:12). “Christ
Jesus is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification and
redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30). This was accomplished through His sacrificial
death and our union with Him. We are sanctified through the offering of
the body of Jesus Christ once-for-all. For by one offering, “He hath
perfected forever them that are sanctified” (Heb. 10:10, 14, cf., Heb.
13:2; 9:14). “He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of
one” (Heb. 2:11; cf., 1 Cor. 2:1).

Third, God the Holy Spirit is the Resident, the “indwelling” (Rom. 8:9, 11)
agent of sanctification. He has elected us (to salvation) “according to
the foreknowledge of God the Father through the sanctification of the
Spirit” (1 Pet. 1:2). This same sanctifying ministry of the Holy Spirit will one
day provide us “salvation” (deliverance) from the Great Tribulation
Period (2 Thess. 2:13 - Note: The context is Tribulational).

As the Resident Agent of sanctification, the Holy Spirit works from the
inside to work His ministry of holiness in the believer. In the Old Testament,
God the Father employed the external agency of the Mosaic Law with
all its ceremonies, rituals and sacrifices so that, as God said; “If ye will
obey My voice indeed and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a
peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is mine: and
ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” (Ex. 19:6).
This external agency did not work! It did not work because “it was weak
through the flesh” (Rom. 8:3). God replaced this external sanctifying

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agency by sending His Son to die and His Holy Spirit to indwell, “that the
righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:3-4, cf., Gal. 5:18).

In the strictest sense, man can do nothing to sanctify himself (Jn. 15:5).
It is ALL of grace! Man can only use the grace provisions placed at his
disposal, which he is encouraged to do (2 Cor. 7:1). These grace
provisions are God's secondary source of sanctification:

(1) We must exercise faith (Acts 15:9; 26:18; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Thess. 2:13
cf. Col. 2:6).

(2) We must study the Word of God (Jn. 17:17; 15:3; Eph. 5:26; 2 Tim.
2:15; 3:16-17).

(3) We must pray (1 Tim. 4:5).

(4) We must stay in fellowship (1 Jn. 1:7).

(5) We must yield ourselves to God in the pursuit of holiness (Heb.

12:14; 2 Tim. 2:21; Rom. 12:1; 6:11-13, 19-21; 2 Cor. 10:5). Thus, we
follow the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Jn. 17:19)!

Sanctification’s Sequence

The truth of sanctification is unfolded in Scripture from three different

viewpoints; a failure to recognize this may result in an erroneous
understanding of the doctrine.

The first in our sequence of sanctification is: Sanctification and

Salvation. This has to do with the believer's past, when God set the
believer apart for a holy position. A person is fully sanctified the moment
he believes in the blood of Christ for salvation. One cannot be saved
without being sanctified. It is clear in Scripture that the “sanctified”
person is the one who calls “on the name of Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 1:2).
Sanctification and salvation go hand in hand. You cannot separate
them! Please note that Paul says that “all” that are in every place who
“call” are sanctified! This means that even the worst believer who ever
lived is sanctified, irrespective of his spiritual attainments (cf., Heb. 10:10,
14; Rom. 1:7; Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:1; Phil 1:1)! We are as much a “saint” at the
moment of salvation as we will ever be!

Every believer in Christ is sanctified; but that is not all! Hebrews 10:10-14
tells us that the “perfected” are “sanctified” and the “sanctified” are
“perfected forever” - once-for-all. This is consistent with Ephesians 1:6 and
Colossians 2:10 where Paul teaches us that we believers are “made
accepted in the Beloved” and “perfect” in Him who is the Head. In

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relation to our eternal salvation we are sanctified forever! We have been
made possessors of Christ's perfection (1 Cor. 1:30); thus, God the Father
sees us as holy, pure, sinless and perfect saints.

As we contemplate this wonderful truth, we must be careful to

remember that this is not the sum total of the doctrine. The truth that all
believers are sanctified and made perfect in Christ is only a part of the
total doctrine, and has to do only with the believer's standing and not
with his state.

We all know professing believers who are not perfect. In fact, we

ourselves have not been perfect in our execution of the Christian way of
life. There never has been, and never will be an example of complete
sanctification in daily human experience; the Lord Jesus Christ excepted,
of course (Heb. 7:26). This brings up our next consideration.

The second in our sequence of sanctification is: Sanctification and

Service. This has to do with the believer's present. Here is where God sets
the believer apart for a holy purpose (2 Tim. 2:21). Sanctification and
Salvation is one thing (i.e., an objective work of God), but Sanctification
and Service is quite another thing (i.e., a subjective experience in the
believer). What we mean by this is best illustrated by the believers in
Corinth who, so far as their salvation was concerned, were sanctified
“saints” (1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11), but so far as their daily life was concerned, they
were described as “carnal” and were said to “walk as men” because of
the strife, envy and division among them (1 Cor. 3:3; 5:1-2; 6:1-11; 11:17-
31).

There is a need for progressive sanctification beyond that of Salvation!

This is where Christian growth comes in (2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Pet. 3:18), and this is
why we are encouraged to possess our “vessel in sanctification” for God
has called us “unto holiness” (Heb. 12:14) and to “yield” our "members as
servants to righteousness and holiness" (Rom. 6:19). If we “purge”
ourselves from sin, we will “be vessels unto honor, sanctified, and meet
for the Master's use” and “prepared unto every good work” (2 Tim. 2:21).

The believer is asked to separate himself from the ungodly (2 Cor. 6:17-
18), false teachers and doctrines (2 Tim. 2:21; 2 Jn. 1:9-10) and from our
own sinful nature (Rom. 6:11-12; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:22, 25-32; Col. 3:5-9; 1
Thess. 4:3, 7). In this sense, the believer sets himself apart to God. I believe
this is what Paul meant when he said, “that in all things He might have
the pre-eminence” (Col. 1:18) and what Peter meant when he said;
“Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts” (1 Pet. 3:15).

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 When we sanctify the Lord in our hearts, I believe God the Holy Spirit
will: (1) put to death the deeds of the body (Rom. 8:13), (2) work in the
believer obedience to the Word (1 Pet. 1:22; Phil. 2:13), and (3) produce
the fruit of the Spirit in him (Gal. 5:22-23). Thus, we see that while we are
completely sanctified forever so far as our salvation is concerned, there is
a continuing need for believers to be progressively sanctified so far as to
their service. “This is the will of God, even your sanctification” (1 Thess. 4:3;
2 Cor. 6:17).

The Third and final sequence of sanctification is: Sanctification and the
"Sweet By and By." This has to do with the believer's future, when God sets
the believer apart for glorification.

The songwriter has said; “In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that
beautiful shore.” These words have captured the precious anticipation of
every believer when we come to the consummation of our being
sanctified unto God. Then we shall see Him face to face! Then we shall
enter a daily, eternal experience of sinless perfection! Complete
sanctification! The believer’s standing and state become one in both
quality and character! Oh, joy! Oh, delight, to exist without the presence
of sin (Phil. 3:20-21; Rom. 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:51-57; 1 Jn. 3:2)!

Finally, we shall be entirely “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom.

8:29; Col. 1:22; 1 Thess. 3:13; Eph. 1:4-5; 5:26-27; Jude 1:24)!

Conclusion

The most important thing in the entire world, for the believer, is to know
the will of God (1 Pet. 1:15-16) and to do it (Heb. 12:14). Our ambition
and goal, in view of this Doctrine of Sanctification, ought to be to grow in
sanctification (2 Cor. 3:18), “abounding more and more” in the walk and
fruit of holiness that pleases God (1 Thess. 4:1; Rom. 6:22).

I believe sanctification will show itself in our daily lives by:

(1) a fear of God;

(2) a love for God;

(3) a submission to the will of God;

(4) an attendance to the word and ministry of reconciliation;

(5) a fellowship with those of like-precious faith,

(6) a living and walking in the Spirit; and

(7) a seeking of the glory of God in all that we do.

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 27:
Doctrine Of Regeneration

“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient,

deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice
and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that
kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Spirit; Which He
shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus
3:3-7).

Regeneration is a Bible word used to describe a person’s conversion to

Christ. It is of vital importance that we understand just what is meant.

REGENERATION IS DEFINED

Regeneration, as we find it in our Bibles, comes from the Greek word

paliccenesia, and it is a derivative of two words: palin, which means
back again and genesis, which means creation. Thus, we learn that
regeneration takes us back again to the beginning, back to Adam
before the fall; it is a second birth. It means to be born again.

The word appears only twice in the Bible: here in Titus and in Matthew
19:28. The Matthew passage points forward to a future renovation of the
earth (Isa. 65:17-25) and the second birth of the nation of Israel (Isa. 66:7-
24; Ezek. 37:1-14). This regeneration is also referred to in Leviticus 25, Acts
3:21, Romans 8:21, and Hebrews 9:10. The Titus passage refers to the
second birth of an individual when he believes the Gospel of Christ. This
regeneration is the sovereign act of God the Holy Spirit Who imparts life
to the dead human spirit (Jn. 3:6). It is a resurrection of those who are
“dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1, 5) and are brought to “life” (Jn.
11:25; 5:24) by the power of God. The Holy Spirit simultaneously places
Christ in the believer (Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:8-9) and the believer in Christ (1
Cor. 12:12-13).

REGENERATION IS NEEDED

Man is born physically alive but spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1, 5; Rom. 5:12; 1
Cor. 15:21-22). Our birth into this world is a natural birth and we cannot
receive the things of God (1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:3; Rom. 7:18; 8:8). We are
born under Adam’s curse. We are born sinful, corrupt, needy, depraved,
Hell-bound and doomed.

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 Little wonder that Christ told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again” (Jn.
3:3). If we are ever to enjoy fellowship with God, we, too, must be born
again!

REGENERATION IS OF GOD

God is the ultimate source of the new birth. Jesus Christ said we are
born again “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of
man, but of God” (Jn. 1:13; Jas. 1:18).

God the Holy Spirit is the agent of the new birth. We are “born” (Jn. 3:5)
and renovated (“renewing”) “of the Spirit” (Titus 3:5).

REGENERATION IS BY BAPTISM

Regeneration occurs in connection with baptism (Titus 3:5). The

“washing” in this passage relates back to the baptisms of the Mosaic Law
(Heb. 9:10) which served as a type of the cleansing (“washing”) and
renovating (“renewing”) to be accomplished by God the Holy Spirit in
the believers during the Dispensation of Grace. This baptismal
regeneration is not by water, but, rather, is a Spirit Baptism. The Holy Spirit
washes the believer clean by the Word of Cod (Eph. 5:26; Jn. 5:3; 1 Cor.
14:15; Ps. 119:9).

The Word of God is the instrument used by the Holy Spirit in

regeneration as seen in James 1:18 and 1 Peter 1:23-25. The cleansing
water is the Gospel message.

REGENERATION IS RECEIVED

Regeneration is altogether and absolutely the work of God. There is a

sense in which we have no more to do with our second birth than we did
with our first birth, and yet it is clear that we must receive Christ as our
personal Savior in order to be “born of God” (Jn.1:12- 13; Gal. 3:26, cf.,
Acts 16:14). If a man will cast aside every other confidence, and believes
all that God the Father has said about God the Son, that man is born
again!

REGENERATION IS A TRANSFORMATION

A “regeneration” which does not manifest itself in a transformed life

may rightly be questioned. Regeneration is more than just believing a
doctrine. Regeneration is “Christ is you.”

The Holy Spirit begins His work of renewal, in the believer, at the
moment of salvation and continues it throughout their lives (Phil. 1:6). We
are to be different from what we were before we were saved (1 Jn.
2:29).

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The Bible says that those who are born of God:

(1) Overcome the world (1 Jn. 5:4);

(2) Love the brethren (1 Jn. 5:1);

(3) Love God (1 Jn. 5:2);

(4) Love God's Word (1 Pet. 2:2); and

(5) Love the lost (2 Cor. 5:14-15).

We are to “Walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).

S. Lee Homoki

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114
LESSON 28:
Military Warfare...The Call To Arms

"A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction."

(Jer. 50:22)

No doubt, there are many and sundry reasons for believing that it is
wrong to be in the military and, subsequently, to be engaged in warfare.
The most often stated reason is: “I believe it is wrong to kill or to take a
human life in warfare. It is murder!”

In spite of the reasonableness of this popular argument, there are at

least two undeniable realities: (1) War is a fact of life; and (2) Human
Government is a necessity, both of which make it necessary for man to
kill his fellow man. Now, we have a real problem! How do we solve it in
the light of the Bible?

The Bible teaches that God created order; chaos is a result of sin and
death. This is the Divine precedent and arrangement. God has said, “Let
all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40).

God’s design is that all things should be submissive to His constituted

order of things. This is demonstrated in several ways.

(1) Angels are to be subject to Christ (1 Pet. 3:22).

(2) Believers are to be subject to one another (1 Pet. 5:5).

(3) The Church is to be subject to Christ (Eph. 5:24).

(4) The Son is to be subject to the Father (1 Cor. 15:28).

(5) Servants are to be subject to masters (1 Pet. 2:18).

(6) Children are to be subject to parents (1 Tim. 3:4).

(7) Wives are to be subject to husbands (Col. 3:18).

(8) Young people are to be subject to elders (1 Pet. 5:5).

(9) Church members are to be subject to their pastors (Heb. 13:7,17; 1

Thess. 5:12-18; 1 Tim. 5:17; 1 Pet. 5:2).

(10) Citizens are to be subject to government.

YES, the Bible plainly teaches that citizens are to be submissive to the
authority of the government! The importance of this truth is clearly
emphasized at the mouth of at least three witnesses: the Apostle Paul,
the Apostle Peter, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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 The Apostle Paul says in Romans 13:1-7 that: (1) governmental authority
is ordained of God (vs. 1); (2) resistance to government is resistance to
God (vs. 2); (3) the government is generally opposed to evil (vs. 4); and
(4) our conscience tells us that we must obey (vs. 5; Titus 3:1; 1 Tim. 2:2).

The Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 2:13-17 that: (1) obeying government
shows our obedience to God (vs. 13); (2) obedience to government is
the will of God (vs. 15); (3) it is part of a good testimony to the unsaved
(vs. 15); (4) obedience to government is a service to God (vs. 16); and (5)
obedience to all ordinances and rulers is the standard (vs. 17).

The Lord Jesus Christ says in Mark 12:17 that we are to “Render to
Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.”

According to 2 Timothy 3:1-5, disobedience to the law of the land will

increase in these last days, and those who violate God’s constituted
order of things are guilty of anarchy and rebellion and will incur God’s
wrath (1 Sam. 15:22-23; Rom. 13:1-2; Titus 3:1). The only exception to this is
when the established authorities require a believer to disobey the laws of
God, in which case, the believer is duty bound to disregard and disobey
the government. Some examples of this are: (1) Peter in Acts 5:29; (2)
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3; (3) Daniel in Daniel 6;
and (4) Paul in Acts 16:36-37, where Paul refused to leave (obey) the
authorities until they apologized to Him. However, for the most part,
punishment for disobedience, even in these cases, was not withheld
(Heb. 11:35-37).

The question then, is, “Does an individual have the right to put his own
will above that of the government and refuse to be inducted into military
service?” I believe the answer is a resounding, “No!”!

The next question then, follows, “Are those members of our military
forces, who may be engaged in warfare, guilty of murder?” Again, the
answer is "No!”

When the Bible commands “Thou shall not kill” (Ex. 20:13), it is using the
Hebrew word rotsakh which means to murder – not kill! This word is never
used of animals, God, angels or of enemies killed in battle. There are ten
Hebrew words translated “to kill,” but only rotsakh means “to murder.”

In Matthew 5:21, 19:18 and Romans 13:9, where Exodus 20:13 is quoted,
the Greek word used is phoneuto and means to murder; and it is so
translated in Matthew 19:18 also. There are seven Greek words translated
“to kill,” but only phoneuto means “to murder.”

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 We have already pointed out that warfare is a fact of life and that it is
here to stay in spite of man’s efforts to bring peace (Mt. 24:6-7; Mk. 13:7;
Lk. 21:9). On the other hand, it is equally clear that God uses warfare to
defeat the enemy and establish national peace (Josh. 11:23; 14:15; Jud.
3:11, 30; 8:28). God also uses warfare to discipline wicked and sinful
nations (Gen. 15:13-16, cf., Lev. 18:24-25; Josh. 6:17-21; Deut. 2:32-34; 7:2;
Num. 21:33-35). Furthermore, there are times when it would be clearly
wrong not to go to war. An example of this would be the City of Ai (Josh.
7:3, cf., 8:1), and at the river Jordan (Num. 32:6-32).

I believe warfare is of God! God has ordained and sanctioned it (1

Chron. 5:19-22)! Warfare is not murder! It is right to obey the government
and to go to war and kill the enemy. No person has any right, in a
justified war, to be a conscientious objector on either religious or moral
grounds; to do so only contributes to the loss of freedom and does
violence to God’s established order of things.

War is a horrible thing and every true American sincerely trusts that this
nation may be saved from participation in any conflict unless it will save
the nation from something worse. Every Christian preacher should be
diligently proclaiming God’s saving message to lost sinners. They should
be more interested in saving men from eternal perdition than in saving
them from war. But pacifism on the part of Christians that interferes with
the government’s preparations for defense against a “terrorist" nation is
unscriptural.

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 29:
Paul: The Soul Winner’s Example

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Every Believer is responsible for winning souls for Christ. It is the thing
closest to the heart of God (2 Pet. 3:9). In witnessing, we must make the
gospel clear! The Person and work of Jesus Christ is the issue!

1. The Contact For Soul Winning - 1 Thessalonians 1:5-2:20

1 Thessalonians 2:1 – Paul’s entrance had been:

“For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it

was not in vain.”

1) It had been aggressive and powerful.

2) It had been short … only three weeks.

3) It had been fruitful … Many had been saved under his

ministry.

Many followed Paul’s example of evangelism (cf., 1 Thess. 1:5-

10).

2. The Communication Of Soul Winning – 1 Thessalonians 2:2-12

In 1 Thessalonians 2:2a – Paul communicated the Gospel of God.

“…Were bold in our God”- This was even after “…they were
shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi” (cf., Acts 16:19
ff).

1 Thessalonians 2:2b – Paul communicated the Gospel of God in spite of

opposition.

“…With much contention” - The Greek word used here is agooni. It

is the word from which we get our English word “agony” - a
word used in the Grecian games referring to a contest of strife,
combat, and the effort for victory (cf., 1 Cor. 9:24-27).

1 Thessalonians 2:3 – Paul communicated the pure, unadulterated

Gospel of God.

“…For our exhortation” - Paul’s method of attracting converts to

the gospel was:

“…Not of deceit” - Paul did not attempt to appeal to the flesh

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 and then sneak up on them with the Gospel.

“…Nor of uncleanness” - The pagan philosophers’ teachings led

to a life of licentiousness and corruption.

“…Nor in guile” - Not by trickery (1 Pet. 2:1, 22).

1 Thessalonians 2:4a – Paul communicated the Gospel of God as though

it were a sacred trust.

“…Allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel” - Paul had

such a sense of the truth, reality, and importance of the
gospel, and of his responsibility, that it kept him from anything
that would cheapen it (cf. 1 Tim. 1:11-12).

“…Even so we speak”- Paul’s methods must match his message.

We would not serve a seven-course gourmet meal to our
guests on a tin plate.

Illustration: : David’s method of moving the Ark of God was

inappropriate (2 Sam. 6:1-19).

1 Thessalonians 2:4b – Paul communicated the Gospel of God because it

pleased God.

“…Not as pleasing men” - Paul preached to men what they

needed not what they wanted.

“…Which trieth our hearts” - It is God and God alone to Whom we

are accountable (cf., 1 Cor. 9:16-17).

1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 – Paul communicated the gospel free from ulterior

motives.

“…For neither at any time used we flattering words”- Paul did not
praise them for their beauty, wealth, talent, or
accomplishments, in order to soften the painful truths about
their guilt and danger.

“…Nor a cloak of covetousness” - Paul did not put on a pretense

or appearance of piety for the sake of promoting the schemes
of covetousness. Warning! Many pretend great zeal for
religion, in order to seek someone’s wealth.

“…Nor of men sought we glory”- Paul did not seek fame or

advantage over people.

“…When we might have been burdensome” - Paul could have

used his authority as an Apostle but chose, rather, to work with
his own hands.
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1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 – Paul communicated the gospel out of love for
people.

“…But we were gentle among you” - Because Paul loved people,

he chose to use the most kind and gentle methods to win
them to Christ. Paul was like a nurse.

“…Not the gospel of God only” - Paul was so strongly attached to

them that he would have been willing to lay down his life for
them.

1 Thessalonians 2:9 – Paul communicated the gospel sacrificially.

“…Ye remember, brethren, our labour” - Paul was a tentmaker

(Acts 20:34; 1 Cor. 4:12).

“…We preached unto you the Gospel of God” - Paul was not a
money-hungry preacher.

1 Thessalonians 2:10 – Paul communicated the gospel with holiness of life.

“...Holily and justly and unblameably”- Every soul winner should so

live as to be able to appeal to all who have had an
opportunity of knowing him, as witnesses that he was
consistent and faithful.

1 Thessalonians 2:11 – Paul communicated the gospel with love and

authority.

“…Exhorted and comforted and charged” - Gospel instruction

was given with a fatherly tenderness and love.

1 Thessalonians 2:12 – Paul communicated the gospel with the aim of

conversion.

“…That ye would walk worthy of God” - Paul wants the converts

to be experientially converted.

3. The Consummation Of Soul-Winning Labor

1 Thessalonians 2:13 – Paul’s audience received the authority of the Word

of God and applied it to their lives.

“…Having received the Word of hearing from us, you welcomed it

as of God, not as a word of men, but as it is, truly the Word of
God, which also works in you, the ones believing.”

1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 – Paul’s converts had a testimony for Christ even

amid tribulation.

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 “…Brothers, you became imitators of the assemblies of God being
in Judea in Christ Jesus, because you also suffered these things
by your own fellow countrymen, as they did also by the Jews.”

4. The Compensation Of Soul-Winning Labor

1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 - Soul winning is the basis for our Christian

fellowship.

“…Satan hindered us” - Satan is the great obstacle to both soul

winning and fellowship.

1) Satan desires to keep ministers from churches. Without

the preaching and presence of a pastor to instruct
and encourage, he can slay a church.

2) Satan has a fierce hatred of the preaching of the gospel.

3) Satan always hates Christian fellowship. It is his policy

to keep Christians apart. He delights in anything
which can divide saints from one another. He
attaches far more importance to godly fellowship
than we do. Since unity is our strength, he does his
best to promote separation that they might miss the
strength that flows from Christian communion.

1 Thessalonians 2: 19 – Soul winning is the basis for future reward.

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even
you, before our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”

1 Thessalonians 2:20 – Soul winning is the basis for present joy.

“For you are our glory and joy.”

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 30:
Are The Heathen Saveable?

To appreciate the answer to this question, it is necessary to understand

the reality and the depths of the horrible depravity of the human race.
God allows us, in Romans 1:18-3:20, to be spectators to the judicial
procedures whereby the whole race of Adam is condemned (Doctrine
of Condemnation).

The whole world of mankind is caused to pass through the courtroom

of Heaven, one by one, group by group, race by race, are indicted and
judged to be guilty sinners (Rom. 3:19), and condemned by God (Rom.
6:23).

The Heathen People (Rom. 1:18-32)

The Civilized People (Rom. 2:1-6)

The Religious People (Rom. 2:17-3:8)

Thus, the “whole world” is condemned as “guilty sinners” (Rom. 3:9-20).

The evidence is in, the sentence is pronounced, and the conclusion is

inescapable. There is no hope for the salvation of the human race apart
from the grace of God. Only as the provision of His glorious righteousness
is applied to the account of the guilty sinner, can the sinner be justified in
His sight (Rom. 3:21-26).

The Apostle Paul, as the prosecuting attorney for the State of Heaven,
will present his case against the heathen people by showing their “four
downward steps to heathenism,” thus, proving them guilty before God
(Rom. 3:9).

What Paul says of the heathen is true of every individual heathen or

heathen nation today. What is said is the answer to the questions:

1. What is or who is a heathen?

2. Why are people heathens?

3. Why are there great pockets of heathenism in the world?

4. Why are the third and fourth-world nations so decadent?

5. Why will there always be backward and under-developed countries?

6. Why are our American metropolitan centers more and more

resembling the cultures of the heathen?

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7. Why in the “space age” and the “age of technology and education”
do we still have people worshipping gods of wood and stone?

8. Why must we send the Gospel to the heathen?

FOUR DOWNWARD STEPS TO HEATHENISM

The first step downward (Rom. 1:18-20).

The heathen people knew God! They knew of God's existence! They
knew something of God's nature, His “power” (omnipotence) and
“Godhead” (sovereignty). They knew this by a revelation of God which
was both “in” them and “unto” them. This is called the doctrine of
common grace or moral enlightenment (Jn. 1:9; Rom. 2:4; Acts 17:25; Mt.
4:45; 6:23).

The second step downward (Rom. 1:21-23).

“They glorified Him not as God.” Here is evidence that the path that
humanity has followed is not that of evolution but, rather, downward -
that of devolution, degeneration. Contrary to the popular notion that
man began with ignorance and gradually worked his way up to
intelligence, we see the heathen people working their way down -
“...they became fools.” They worked their way down gradually:

indifference, “they glorified Him not,”

ingratitude, “neither were thankful,”

ignorance, “they became fools,”

idolatry, “into an image.”

The third step downward (Rom. 1:24-27).

First, the heathen people “held the truth of God in

unrighteousness” (suppressed the truth, held truth down in
unrighteousness) now, they continue their downward slide by “changing
the truth of God into a lie” (“the lie” cf., 2 Thess. 2:11; Gen. 3:5), meaning
the worship of Satan (Mt. 4:11-18)) or the worship of the creature rather
than the Creator. This is the second of three characteristic changes
made by heathen people:

they change the glory of God (1:23),

they change the truth of God (1:25),

their women changed the natural use of their bodies

(1:26), and “likewise also the men.”

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 The fourth step downward (Rom. 1:28-32).

“Did not like to retain God in their knowledge.”The reprobate or

unapproved mind is the final state of heathenism. The heathen people
began with a clear knowledge of God (1:19, 21), now they reject all
knowledge of God. As evidence of their complete heathenization, their
unapproved mind is “filled” up with a long list of horrible sins (1:29-31).

The heathen had sinned against the:

1. The light of Creation for the “invisible things of Him from the creation
of the world are clearly seen” (1:20).

2. The light of Reason by “professing themselves to be wise, they

became fools” (1:22); and

3. The light of Conscience even though they know “the judgment of

God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not
only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (1:32).

THREE STRIKES AND OUT

Strike #1 … “God gave them up to uncleanness” (1:24).

Strike #2 … "God gave them up unto vile affections” (1:26).

Strike #3 … “God gave them over to a reprobate mind” (1:28).

The whole human race is:

without “excuse” (1:20-21),

without "escape” (2:3), and

without defense - “every mouth stopped” (3:19).

Oh, the grace of God that is later revealed to those so unworthy

members of the human race.

“But now the righteousness of God without the Law is

manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets;
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ
unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no
difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of
God; Being justified freely by His grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to
be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His
righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through
the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His

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 righteousness: that He might be Just, and the Justifier of him
which believeth in Jesus.” (Rom. 3:21-26).

Such good news! This proves there is yet hope for those who have
made themselves so vile and hopeless. Yes, 'tis true! These so
degenerate, so vile, so abominable, so obnoxious heathen can be
saved!

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 31:
A Brief Definition of Prophetic Words #1

RAPTURE

The word “Rapture” simply means to transport quickly from one place
to another. When we use the term, we mean the “catching up” of
Christians to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thess. 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; Phil. 3:20-
21; Col. 3:4) - Illustrated by: Acts 8:39; 23:10; 2 Cor. 12:2, 4; 1 Thess. 4:16-
17).

When we refer to the Rapture, we do NOT mean the Second Coming

(or Revelation) of Christ, or any part, stage, or phase of it. The truth of the
Rapture was a part of the revelation of the Mystery given to us by the
Apostle Paul. It is a distinct and separate coming of the Lord with at least
seven years between the Rapture and the Revelation of Christ.

THE DAY OF CHRIST

The Day of Christ is WHOLLY related to the blessings and rewards

promised to the Body of Christ and is closely associated with the Rapture.
The Rapture is one of the main features of what the Bible calls the “Day
of Christ,” and care should be taken to distinguish it from what the
Scriptures call the “Day of the Lord” (Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16; 1 Cor. 1:8; 5:5; 2
Cor. 1:14; 2 Thess. 2:2).

SECOND COMING OR SECOND ADVENT

The First Coming (Advent) of Christ happened 2,000+ years ago when
He came to pay the sinner’s sin debt. The Second Coming of Christ will
occur when He literally and visibly comes again to live and reign as “King
of Kings” of the whole earth (Acts 1:11; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Mt. 25:31-46; 2
Thess. 1:7-10; Jude 14-15; Rev. 5:10; 11:15; 20:1-10; Zech. 14; Ezek 38-39).

The Second Coming occurs at least seven years after the Rapture
(Zech. 14:4-5; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:9-14, 18, 22, 27; Lk. 1:32-33; Mt. 25:31-46; 1
Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10; 2:7; 3:11; Jude 14-15; Rev. 5:10; 20:1-10). Christ
does not come to the earth at the Rapture, but He does come to the
earth at the Second Advent (Zech. 14:1-21; Mt. 24:29-31; 25:31-46; Rev.
1:7; 19:1-21).

At Christ’s Second Coming, He will fight at Armageddon and begin His

eternal rule on earth (Rev. 11:15; 16:14-21; 19:1-21; Zech. 12:8-11; 14:1-21;
Mt. 24:29-31; 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8-9; Jude 14-15; Ezek 38-39; Dan.
2:44-45; 7:9-14, 18, 22, 27; Lk. 1:32-33).

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 The Rapture can take place any moment without any of the above
events taking place (Phil. 3:20-21; Titus 2:13; 1 Cor. 1:7). This is unlike the
Revelation, which cannot happen until all these signs take place.

MILLENNIUM

By the word “Millennium,” we mean “one-thousand years.” It identifies

the duration of the last testing of mankind, during which all humanity will
live under the influence of Christ’s righteous administration. It will be a
time of unprecedented prosperity and blessing (Isa. 35:4-10; 65:18-25; Jer.
31:36; Ezek. 37:22-28).

Near the end of the 1,000 years, the Devil will deceive the nations and
great multitudes will join in the Devil’s rebellion. This results in their
destruction and the Devil being cast into the eternal Lake of Fire (1 Cor.
15:24-28; Mt. 25:31-46; Lk. 1:32-33; Rev. 11:15; 20:1-10; 22:4-5; Dan. 2:44-45;
7:9-14, 18, 22, 27; Zech. 14; Ezek. 38-39; Isa. 9:6-7).

ELECT

The word “elect” simply means chosen. Any individual or group of

individuals who have been chosen by God would be God’s elect.

CHURCH

There are three churches, which must be acknowledged when

dealing with prophecy: namely, (1) the Church in the Wilderness (Old
Testament Saints), (2) the Kingdom Church, and (3) the Church, which is
Christ’s Body.

Both the Old Testament Church and the Kingdom Church are related
to the promises God made to Abraham and his believing children: the
Israelites. These are not connected to the Body of Christ or to the Rapture
(Acts 7:38; Mt. 16:18).

The Body of Christ Church is the “one new man” wherein there is
“neither Jew nor Gentile.” They are a “new species” (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal.
6:15). Christ is the “Head” and they are His Body. They are the “called-out
ones” resulting from the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This was revealed with
the revelation of the Mystery and the inauguration of the Dispensation of
Grace (1 Cor. 12:12-14; Rom. 16:25-26; Eph. 2:14-22; 3:1-6; Phil. 3:20; Gal.
1:12; 2:2).

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 THE TRIBULATION

This speaks of a time of future warfare, bloodshed and great

suffering—the worst trouble that has ever been, or ever will be on earth.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jeremiah, and Daniel prophesied of this time. The
stage, for the fulfillment of the Tribulation, was set at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-
21). Shortly after Pentecost (7 to 10 years), and with the conversion and
calling of the Apostle Paul, God’s dealing with the Israelites was
interrupted because of their unbelief (Acts 13:47; 18:6; 18:28). A period of
intense tribulation, lasting seven years, is set to begin in the future where
God’s dealings with Israel left off in Acts 2.

During the first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation, called the “Beginning of
Sorrows,” the great ”whore” (Mystery Babylon”) of Revelation 17 will
murder the Tribulation Saints—people saved after the Rapture (Mt. 24:8;
Rev. 17:1-7, 18).

During the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation, called the “Great
Tribulation,” Antichrist will murder the Tribulation Saints (Dan. 9:27; Mt.
24:15-31; Rev. 2:22; 7:14; 12:1-18; 14:9-13; 15:1-4; 20:2-6; Jer. 30; Isa. 66:7-8).

THE 144,000 JEWS

These are elect Jewish men who are chosen to serve God at the
beginning of the Tribulation. They are saved after the Rapture of the
Church. As God had reserved 7,000 Jews to be His servants in the days of
Ahab, so God has sealed the 144,000 Jews with “the Father’s Name” for
their protection (Rev. 7:1-8; 9:4). At the end of the Tribulation, ALL 144,000
are accounted for (cf., Rev. 14:1-5 with Num. 31:48-49).

THE END OF THE WORLD

This refers to the consummation of the age (The Dispensation of Israel)

when Christ comes to earth to set up His Kingdom (Mt. 13:39-40, 49-50;
24:3, 6, 13-14, 29-31; 24:3; 28:20).

THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION

Antichrist will break his seven-year covenant with Israel and do away
with the worship, priesthood, and sacrifices in the temple and proclaim
that he is ”God” (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:15-22; Rev. 11:1-2; 13:1-18; 2 Thess. 2:1-
4).

JUDGMENT OF THE NATIONS

This will be a judgment of the surviving nations, at the time of the

Second Coming of Christ, to determine who is worthy in each nation to
go into the earthly Kingdom of Christ.

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 Those nations who have oppressed Israel during the Tribulation will be
sent to eternal Hell, and those who have not will continue to live on, as
earthly subjects of Christ, in the earthly Kingdom (Mt. 25:31-46; Dan. 7:9-
14, 18, 22, 27; Zech. 14:16-21; Isa. 2:1-4; 9:6-7; Rev. 11:15; 20:4-6; 22:4-5).

DANIEL’S 70TH WEEK

Daniel prophesied concerning 70 weeks of years or 490 years

concerning Israel’s future. Sixty-nine weeks (483 years) have been literally
and accurately fulfilled. There is one week yet (7 years) to be fulfilled. This
will unfold after the Rapture of the Body of Christ (2 Thess. 2:1-12). This is
often referred to as Daniel’s 70th Week (Dan. 9:24-27).

It is between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ to the

earth that the seven years of “Jacob’s Trouble” - the Tribulation—Daniel’s
70th week—are fulfilled. ALL of Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, Luke 21:1-11, 25-
36, Revelation 4:1, 19:21. Daniel 9:27, 11:40-45, 12:1-7, Ezekiel 38-39, and
Zechariah 14 will be literally fulfilled during this time.

During this time, Antichrist will be revealed and will unite the world
economically, politically and religiously. This was predicted, and is the
final form of Gentile domination over Israel. This will result in a world war
when Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and seeks to annihilate
Israel and the Saints (“Times of the Gentiles” - Isa. 5:5; 63:18; 66:12, 19;
Dan. 2:36-43; 9:24-27; 12:7; Mal. 1:11; Rom. 11:25; Lam. 1:15; Rev. 11:2).

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 32:
A Brief Definition Of Prophetic Words #2

THE ANTICHRIST

There have been many antichrists. It is a term that can legitimately be

applied to the two beasts of Revelation 13. The beast from the sea
contends for political power and is against Christ. The beast from the
earth exercises religious power and as such rules instead of Christ.
However, it is the beast from the sea that is generally referred to as the
Antichrist. He is the one who will oppose Jesus Christ in the Tribulation (2
Thess. 2:1-12). He is also identified by such names as: The Little Horn, Gog,
The Wicked One, The King of the North, The Willful King, The King of
Babylon, The Prince Who is to Come, The Lawless One, The Son of
Destruction.

The Beast from the earth is also identified as the False Prophet (Rev.
11:15; 19:11-21; 20:1-10; Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:9-14, 18, 22, 27; Zech. 14;
Mt. 24-25; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:1-12; Jude 14-15).

ANTICHRIST’S KINGDOM

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream image revealed five Gentile-world empires

that would dominate Israel. It is the fifth empire, represented by the “feet
and toes—part of iron and part of clay,” that the Antichrist would ascend
to world power (Dan. 2:31-49). Then, more information, concerning the
Antichrist and his Kingdom, is progressively revealed in the vision of “four
great beasts.” Here we are told that this last great Gentile power will
come from a grouping of “ten horns” (kingdoms) with a powerful “little
horn” (Antichrist) (Dan. 7:1-28). Further information comes from yet
another dream concerning “a ram” and a “billy goat” that are
engaged in conflict. The billy goat prevailed, but he was injured. His
“notable horn” was broken; however, in its place there grew “four horns.”
Eventually, only two horns remain. We are told that of the two horns, one
“waxed exceeding great towards the south, and towards the east and
towards the pleasant land” (Dan. 8:1-27). Finally, Michael, the Archangel,
identifies the Antichrist as the “King of the North” and his kingdom as
being a federation of ten nations (Dan. 11:1-45; Ezek. 38-39; cf., Dan. 7:7,
20, 24; Rev. 12:3; 13:1; 17:3, 7, 12, 16).

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 THE EARTHLY KINGDOM

This is the Kingdom that Christ will establish at His Second Coming (Dan.
2:44; Ps. 2:6-12, 72; Isa. 9:6-7). He will revive the ancient Davidic Empire, sit
upon the throne of His father David and rule with a “rod of iron” (Rev.
19:15). Immediately following the 1000-year-reign of Christ (Rev. 20:4-6),
God will create a “New Heaven and a New Earth and Christ’s Kingdom
will continue eternally (Lk. 1:32-33; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Heb. 1:8; 2 Pet. 3:10-13;
Rev. 11:15).

ISRAEL, JEWS

The terms Israel and Jews refer to the natural seed of Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob. It is God’s desire to give them the Kingdom (Lk. 12:32). In our
day, they seek permanency but are a “burdensome stone for all people”
as prophesied by Zechariah and Ezekiel (Zech. 12:1-4; 21:25-27). It is true
that some now (since 1948) occupy a portion of the Holy Land but do so
in unbelief and blindness. During the Tribulation, they will be saved and
the Kingdom restored (Rom. 11:25-26).

THE WRATH OF GOD

The “day of the Lord’s wrath” is identical with “the great day of the
Lord” (Zeph. 1:14-18). This is the “wrath of the Lamb” that will fall on the
ungodly at His Second Coming (Rev. 6:12-17; 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9; 2 Thess. 1:7
-10).

This begins with the sixth seal and continues the 7 years of Tribulation,
plus 1000 years of Christ’s literal reign on earth. The Book of Revelation
opens with a series of visions that sets for the events of the “Lord’s Day” or
the “Day of the Lord” (Rev. 1:10; Isa. 2:11; Zech. 14:1-9). It will be His day
to judge the enemies of Israel (Isa. 13:9-13; 34:8) and terminate the “times
of the Gentiles.” He will both punish the living wicked (Isa. 1:24-31; 21:1-4;
4:1-6; 9:6-7; 10:20-34; 11:3-12:6) and cause Israel to acknowledge their sin
of rejecting their Messiah and be saved (Jn. 1:11-12; Zech. 1:7-18; 12:10-
11; Rom. 11:25-27; cf., Joel 1:15; 2:1-11, 31; 3:13-15; Amos 5:18-20; Isa. 13:6
-9; Mal. 4:5-6; Mt. 24:29-31; 25:31-46; Acts 2:16-21; 1 Thess. 1:9; 5:3; 2 Thess.
1:7-10; 2:7-10; Jude 14-25; Rev. 19:11-21). At this point, man’s rule of the
earth will come to an end and the Millennium will begin.

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 THE DAY OF JUDGMENT

This Day of Judgment is often called the Final Judgment (Mt. 10:15; 1
Jn. 4:17; 2 Pet. 3:7). This judgment is immediately after the Millennium and
the revolt of Satan and will take place at the “Great White Throne”
where the unsaved dead will be called out of the grave and sentenced
to “Second Death” (Rev. 20:1-10). This is a punishment of eternal,
conscious and final separation from God (Rev. 20:11-15). John saw a
great white throne occupied by God, from whose face the Earth and
Heaven fled away. This is, no doubt, the same throne seen throughout
the Book of Revelation. However, here is the only place that a
description of the throne is given (Rev. 4:2-3, 9-11; 5:1-14; 6:16; 7:7-9; 14:1-
5; 19:4; 21:5; 22:1-5).

THE DAY OF GOD

This is the launching pad to eternity future (2 Pet. 3:12). All the enemies
of God will be put down and death destroyed (1 Cor. 15:24-28). Then,
the heavens and the earth will be purified by fire and the new heavens
and the new earth will begin. Righteousness will begin. Righteousness will
reign (Isa. 65:17; 66:22-24; Heb. 1:10-12; 12:25-28; Rom. 8:14-25; Rev. 21:1-
22:5).

Satan has met his doom! God reigns! “The day of God” will be ushered
in (2 Pet. 3:10-13). The kingdoms of this world will then truly become the
kingdoms of God with all the faithful saints and angels (Rev. 11:15).

ETERNITY

Eternity Future is much more than a state of eternal bliss, but includes
the state of eternal damnation. It is difficult to make a determination
concerning the eternal state of the unsaved (Rev. 20:11-15).

However, it is very difficult to treat the subject of the eternal bliss of the
saved in such a way that will not give “offence to the Jews, nor to the
Gentiles, nor the church of God (1 Cor. 10:32). In other words, our
concern is how do the saved come into their eternal inheritance without
destroying their identity or their specific promises being compromised?
Remember, there are three groups of saved men (Jews, Gentiles, and
Body of Christ) that must be dealt with in making this determination and
God has not chosen to tell us. For example, we do not know:

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1. The location of Heaven. It is idle speculation to guess the whereabouts
of Heaven, except to say that it is “up” and in the “Third Heaven” (2
Cor. 12:2-4).

2. About the fellowship of the heavenly brotherhood. We can be

reasonably sure that we will recognize each other and have
enjoyable fellowship. The Apostle Paul said that “then shall I know just
as I also am known” (1 Cor. 13:12).

3. If our glorified bodies will need to take in nourishment. The only food
of Heaven we know anything about is the Manna that God gave the
children of Israel in the wilderness. Will we be refreshed with Angel’s
food”? (Ps. 78.25; Ezek. 47:12; Rev. 22:2).

4. What form or order will worship take in eternity? Will there be seasons
more joyous than the rest? Will there be celebrations with feast days,
festivals and jubilees? What sort of music will come out of the Throne
Room and fill the halls of Heaven? (Rev. 5:8-9; 15:3).

5. What do we do throughout all eternity? (2 Tim. 2:12; 1 Cor. 6:3).

Apparently, Heaven, with all its beauties and wonders, is so infinitely

beyond our capacity to apprehend that God has decided not to tell us
about it now but to show it to us later! He has promised that: ”in the ages
to come,” He will show us “the exceeding riches of His grace in His
kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:7).

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 33:
Pity The Poor Prophets, Part 1

“Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they
have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just
One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and
murderers” (Acts 7:52). “Woe unto you, for ye build the sepulchers of
the prophets, and your fathers killed them!” (Lk. 11:47).

A prophet, like the priest, is a spokesman for God (Gen. 20:7; Ex. 4:11-
12; 7:1-2). In this role the prophet represents the divine side of
communicating revelation, and the priest the human side. The Lord Jesus
Christ, being both prophet and priest, is the “Mediator” and speaks from
the perspective of both. The prophet, in the course of exercising his gift,
was “a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day
-star” arose in the hearts of men. His utterance did not come from “the
will of man” or his own resources, but, rather, was “moved [carried
along/inspired] by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pet. 1:19-21). Through his prophetic
office, the prophet was one of God’s major agents by which the will of
God to man was revealed. These inspired messages could be either
predictive or preachy (didactic/understanding and explaining the sense
of the Scriptures) in nature, which sometimes would be visualized by
some unusual drama as in the case of Isaiah (Isa. 20:1-6), Micah (Mic.
1:8), Ezekiel (Ezek. 4:4-12; 5:1-4), and Jeremiah (Jer. 13:1-11).

The ministry of the prophets was varied and far-reaching:

(1) They announced new dispensations, i.e., Moses (Num. 12:8), Jesus
(Mt. 16:18), and Paul (1 Cor. 3:10).

(2) The prophets engaged in evangelism in hopes of converting the

pagans to the one true God and were the authorized Bible
teachers of doctrine to promote a knowledge and worship of
God, thus preserving the people from error.

(3) When instruction in the meaning of the types and symbols of

Israel’s tabernacle and sacrificial system sank into some
degeneracy, prophets, like Deborah (Jud. 4:4) and Samuel (1
Chron. 9:22), were used of God to arouse and to excite new
interest in the things of God and bring about reform. To implement
this, the prophets were organized into “colleges of prophets” (1
Sam. 10:1-8; 19:19-20; 2 Kgs. 2:3,5; 4:38; 6:1), where promising
students, endowed with the Holy Spirit, and were theologically
trained for the calling they would eventually exercise. McClintock

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 and Strong, in their Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and
Ecclesiastical Literature, Vol. 8, pg. 639, say:

“The colleges appear to have consisted of students differing in

number and usually selected from the Levitical and priestly clans.
One elderly or leading prophet presided over them and was called
their ‘father’ (1 Sam. 10:12) or ‘master,’ who was apparently admitted
to his office by the ceremony of anointing (1 Kgs. 19:16; Isa. 61:1).
They were called his ‘sons.’ Their chief subject of study was, no doubt,
the law and its interpretation. Subsidiary subjects of instruction were
music and sacred poetry, both of which had been connected with
prophecy from the time of Moses (Ex. 15:20) and the Judges (Jud. 4:4;
5:1).”

The larger body of the prophets’ messages is recorded in metrical/

poetic language.

(4) The predictive utterances, as evidenced with Jeremiah (Mt. 2:17-

18), Daniel (Mt. 24:15), Hosea (Rom. 9:25; Mt. 12:7), Joel (Acts
2:17), Amos (Acts 7:42; 15:16), Jonah (Mt. 12:40), Habakkuk (Acts
13:41), Haggai (Heb. 12:26), Zechariah (Mt. 21:5), and Malachi
(Mt. 11:10), represent only a small sampling of the miraculous
fulfillment of prophecy. This is considered by many to be the most
interesting and unusual feature of their ministry.

(5) The nation of Israel was a theocracy (Ps. 48:11-14). In view of this,
the prophets did not decline themselves from a role in what we
call “religion” or “politics” today. They considered any enemy of
the state to be an enemy of God, and vice versa. It was the work
of the prophet to hold before the people the highest and purest
form of moral, legal, and spiritual values. As a result of performing
these prophetic duties, the prophets were sometimes referred to
as “watchmen” (Ezek. 3:17) or “shepherds” (Ezek. 34; Jn. 10). In
reality, the spiritual welfare and protection of the nation and
people were entrusted to them; therefore, anything that lay within
the realm of morality or religion was the object of their concern.
Most especially, they were at war with the false gods (Isa. 1:10-15)
and the false prophets who, Jeremiah says, “prophesy lies” and
are “prophets of the deceit of their own heart” (Jer. 14:14; 23:16,
26, 32).

The Bible says that the Lord sent His “servants the prophets, daily rising
up early and sending them” (Jer. 7:25). Isaiah is typical of the prophets
when he, in plain language, thundered, “Wash you, make you clean; put
away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

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learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the
fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isa. 1:16-17). Jeremiah, too, warns, “Turn
ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your
doings.” However, the people would not hearken “nor incline their ears
to hear,” thus provoking God to anger with the works of their hands;
which God said was “to your own hurt” (Jer. 25:4-7).

It Was Tough

Yes, it must have been tough to be a prophet! The prophets’ reward

for their ministry was often persecution, imprisonment, and death, even
as the inspired writer of the Book of Hebrews has recorded:

“Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness,

obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the
violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness
were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the
armies of aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again:
and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they
might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel
mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and
imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were
tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in
sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of
whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and
in mountains, and in the dens and caves of the earth” (Heb. 11:33-
38).

It is not difficult to imagine why Jeremiah, whose experience of

affliction was quite commonplace for a prophet, came to the point in his
life and ministry when he wanted to “throw in the towel,” avowing that
he would “not make mention of Him, nor speak any more in His name.”
He even cursed the day of his birth (Jer. 20:9,14)! Throughout his life,
Jeremiah had been made the object of the High Priest’s jokes, mocked,
and put in jail by the king because he had preached against the sins of
the kings and priests of Judah, prophesying their death and Judah’s
captivity in Babylon.

The opposition and persecution of the prophets did not come so

much from the common man in the streets as it did from the religious
and governmental rulers, who, at all costs, jealously protected their
prestigious places of power and leadership rather than obey the
criteria of God’s Word. There is no better illustration of this than that
found in the hierarchy’s antagonism to our Lord Jesus Christ, Who was a
prophet “like unto” Moses (Acts 3:22-23).

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 Jesus Christ condemned their sin (“Woe unto you scribes, Pharisees
and hypocrites!” – Mt. 23:23ff) and was a challenge to their authority
(Mt. 21:23-27), resulting in their unbridled wrath. However, because
Christ had the popular support of the public, these world-class
manipulators of minds and men were fearful of what might happen if
the people ever discovered their enmity towards Christ. They took
counsel behind closed doors, spied on Him, hoping to catch Him in His
speech so that they might deliver Him to the governor and kill Him (Lk.
20:19-26; 22:2).

Times have not changed much in the world's religious or political

systems. Find out more in our class time next week.

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 34:
Pity The Poor Prophets, Part 2

Prophesy Not!

Times have not changed much in the world’s religious or political

systems. Amos the prophet complains bitterly that, in the face of God’s
abundant and gracious provision for Israel’s physical prosperity and
spiritual blessing, Israel compromised the Nazarite vow of separation by
giving them “wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying
prophesy not” (Amos 2:11-12). Then, when out of love and concern for
the well being of his beloved nation, Amos prophesies judgment for
Israel’s sins, and is accused by Amaziah the priest (of Bethel) of attacking
Jeroboam the king and the house of Israel. Amaziah suggests that “the
land is not able to bear all his words,” and that Amos should “flee away
into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there: but
prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king’s chapel, and it is
the king’s court” (Amos 7:10-17).

And so it has been and will continue to be. Many a man, to this
present day, has felt the sting of reproof and rejection from the
leadership that he loves – when he, out of desire for their prosperity,
points out the violation of Biblical principles and offers suggestions for
adjustment to the Word of God. For example, the Puritan clergy and
other non-conformist preachers (ministers who were not members of
the Anglican/Church of England), during the reign of Queen Elizabeth,
organized what we would call today Bible conferences, to be
conducted on a regular basis in the various churches, towns, and cities
in England. Their hopes were that, through knowledge of God’s Word,
the perceived ills would be corrected and result in renewed devotion
to God. But since the Queen believed these preachers were
responsible for filling people’s heads with ideas that could cause
sedition in England, she, therefore, suppressed them and considered
them illegal. She reportedly felt there were too many preachers and
that three or four for each country were sufficient.

In a similar way (many years ago), Dr. John Whitcomb wrote and
published an article, When Love Divorces Doctrine and Unity Leaves
Truth, wherein he addressed, with alarm, the dangers of the Neo-
evangelical philosophy that is rapidly gaining control in many formerly
Bible-believing churches, organizations, and institutions. As a result of his
article, according to a letter here in my file from Dr. Whitcomb’s
publisher,

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 “Dr. Whitcomb is paying dearly for his strong stand. Last week
he was immediately terminated at the seminary and given
seven days to pack his materials, clear out his office, and
vacate the campus. The administration did not like the way
he was speaking out on the issues.”

It is certainly a sad day, and appropriate for us to say, “Pity the poor
prophets” and anyone who dares to show a serious concern for how
truth is handled.

Peace at Any Price!

The prophets of old – Amos, Jeremiah, the Lord Jesus, etc. – were
“Mirandaed” (meaning they had their rights read to them) by their
corrupt and “blind leaders of the blind.” They were told they had the
right to remain silent. If they gave up that right, anything they said would
be held against them, and that would cost them dearly (namely, they
would be ridiculed, cussed, discussed, accused, abused, ostracized,
intimidated, threatened, discredited, lied about, tortured, imprisoned, or
even killed). They were told to fall in line: don’t rock the boat. We must
have peace and unity at any price. If we didn’t authorize it, keep your
mouth shut – even as our Lord Jesus Christ was challenged when the
chief priests and elders of the people came unto Him as He was
teaching, and said, “By what authority doest Thou these things? And
who gave Thee this authority” (Mt. 21:23)? The authorities,
denominational headquarters, church elders or “mister moneybags” do
not want any “prophet,” preacher, missionary or evangelist telling the
truth or warning the unsuspecting layman of problems or danger.

The quest for truth and purity must be forsaken and exchanged for
situational ethics. Policies, philosophies, acceptable doctrines, and a list
of taboos must be determined by consulting the public-relation experts
rather than the Word of God. Truth, as in Jeremiah’s day, is often
determined by those few who “sit in Moses’ seat,” and who omnisciently
know what is best for all of us, or by those who, from the vista of the
driver’s seat, can threaten a person with the loss of his maintenance and
ministry.

Liberty and Truth are at Risk

It is from grace and truth – divine truth – that man receives the whole of
his benefits, both temporal and eternal. For this reason we are told, “Ye
shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” In this modern
day of conformity we are in peril of losing this heritage.

We are not denying the reality or the necessity for believers to function

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as a body. The Bible says, “None of us lives to himself, and no man dies to
himself” (Rom. 14:7). We all have the corporate responsibility of
“fellowship in the Gospel.” We are not denying that “the powers that be
are ordained of God” (Rom. 13:1). Nor do we take lightly our duty to
conform to the will of those in authority over us. But when we must
choose between obeying God or men, we choose to “obey God rather
than men” (Acts 5:29-32). This is the heritage of the “truth that shall make
you free” (Jn. 8:32). It was for this “truth” that our forefathers of the
Protestant Reformation and Fundamentalism fought, when it had been
all but lost to the tyranny of Romanism and Modernism. This is the
foundation and the heritage of the prophets. For this reason they lived
and were willing to die.

We have no “prophets or sons of prophets” today. The Puritans were

not prophets, nor are men like Dr. Whitcomb prophets; but they are
responsible, caring, courageous, Spirit-filled believers: believers who are,
in reality, “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20). Believers are “approved
workmen” (2 Tim. 2:15), and as such, they and we must carry on with the
same courageous spirit of the prophets and be “watchmen.” Conformity
to the world’s system, which says, “I will let the experts, the professionals –
be they political, economic, educational, or the denominational
headquarters – do my thinking for me,” is fatal! We need men and
women, with the boldness of the prophets, to stand up and speak out
like the Puritans and say, “No!” to the Queen, and like the Reformers say,
“No!” to Romanism, and like Dr. Whitcomb say, “No!” to Neo-
evangelicalism. We must say, “No! No! No!” to any ecclesiastical body,
board, politician, counsel or friend that attempts to coerce, intimidate, or
violate the believer’s conscience and calling before God!

No obedient prophet, priest, apostle, pastor, or individual ever, in the

entire Bible, transferred his own personal responsibility, duty, or calling to
the organized church. When the power is in the hands of the good and
the godly, then men and ministry will prosper. But when the power is in
the hands of the self-serving and hypocritical, then men and ministry will
languish. It is a true and proven Biblical principle that the work of God
either rises or falls depending upon the quality of leadership.

There is a clarion call among Christians today for truth and

independence. You must have both! The loss or surrender of these only
moves us closer to Antichrist’s one-world government and church.

If it the need and the pressures to maintain a Christian lifestyle,

testimony and pure doctrine were great a decade or two ago, they are
present and amplified now more than ever. There is a growing hostility
toward Fundamentalism and with it the loss of zeal for the unsaved and a
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passion for their souls. This indifference, on the part of professing
Christians, should not surprise us. There is a growing trend for Christians to
rely on psychological marketing techniques, and appeals to the flesh to
do the work of God. The preaching of the Cross, the emphasis on Bible
doctrine, and the filling of the Holy Spirit is being lost in the rush to blend
in with the current popular and “correct” religious trend. “Thus saith the
Lord” has taken the back seat.

The absolutes of Scripture no longer define what is called Christianity

nor do they determine our worldview. It is increasingly common to hear
or read comments and philosophies of ministry from noted Christian
leaders who approve of compromise and liberalism that was discarded
a hundred years ago, or even some Eastern mysticism and New-Age
nonsense. As Neo-evangelicalism becomes more prominent, the “spirit of
Antichrist” (1 Jn. 4:3) will intimidate and target us for persecution.
Individualized faith will replace Bible-based faith as the norm in our
society. We will more and more be despised for our stand for the truth of
the Word of God and even more so if we dare to claim identity with
Fundamentalism, Dispensationalism and aggressive evangelism.

As believers, we have a mandate from the Word of God in Ephesians

6:11-19. We put on the armor to withstand Satan’s attacks and “that I
may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the
gospel” (Eph. 6:19).

Peter and the other Apostles, standing before the Jewish religious
council, were rebuked. They were charged with wrong because they
had “filled Jerusalem with [their] doctrine.” To this Peter and the other
Apostles answered, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:26
-29)!

I believe that the most distressing reality in the year 2010 is that people
are dying and going to Hell. Dare to be like a prophet! Dare, if necessary,
to stand – alone!

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 35:
Jonah: The Run-away Witness

Romans 10:6-15; Matthew 12:39-41; Luke 11:29-32

Jonah, the reluctant soul winner, is spoken of favorably in 2 Kings 14:25

as the prophet who predicted Israel’s growth and prosperity during the
reign of Jeroboam 11. However, it is this same Jonah who is the
disobedient and reluctant spokesman that the Lord sent to Nineveh, the
capital of Assyria, to prophesy against it (Jon.ah1-4).

The Thing Closest to God’s Heart

Nineveh was the ancient capital city of the Assyrian Empire founded by
Nimrod (Gen. 10:8-10). The Bible describes it as a “great city” (Jonah 1:2;
3:2-3; 4:11). At the time of Jonah, the city was surrounded by a circuit
wall almost eight miles long. As the Book of Jonah reports (3:4), it would
have required a “three-day's journey” to go around the city, and a
“day's journey” would have been needed to reach the center of the
city. Its population has been estimated to be a million plus souls.

God's call to Jonah (1:2; 3:1-2) is proof that He is “not willing that any
should perish” (2 Pet. 3:9), and that He “will have all men to be saved” (1
Tim. 2:4) … even the Assyrians. The prophet was to call Nineveh to
repentance, warning the nation of its approaching doom unless it turned
to God.

Though the people are described as wicked (1:2), they are still the
object of God’s compassion. The Lord God has said,

“I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the

wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your
evil ways; for why will ye die” (Ezek. 33:11).

Most especially God is concerned about the salvation of at least one-

hundred and twenty-thousand children who know nothing about the
Lord - “persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their
left hand” - Jonah 4:11). Oh, the great love of God for Hell-bound,
wicked sinners, children and even animals (“much cattle”). All are
important to God! People need the Lord! Sinners both then and now
need to be saved from the wrath of God!

“How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have

not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of
Whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear
without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except

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 they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of
them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad
tidings of good things” (Rom. 10:14-15)!

Salvation is of the Lord (Jonah 2:10)

The Book of Jonah is about missions and evangelism and neither the
story of Jonah or the work of getting sinners saved can be explained
independant of God or miracles.

The “sign” given to the Ninevites was the “miracle” of Jonah’s

resurrection from his death in the belly of the whale to life on dry land
(2:10). The “sign” given to the Jerusalem Generation was the resurrection
of Christ from His death on the Cross and descent into the “heart of the
earth” (Ps. 63:9; Eph. 4:9) to life after three days (1 Cor. 15:1-4).

Before we are too harsh in our criticism of Jonah, let’s remember that
he has good reason to hate the Assyrians. These Gentiles were blood-
thirsty, merciless, and savage-pagan enemies of the Israelites.
Furthurmore, God had appointed Assyria to be a “rod” of judgment
against Israel because of their sin and idolatry (Isa. 10:5-11).

However, there are many lessons to be learned in this short narrative

from the life and inspired pen of Jonah. For example:

1. It is never too late nor is there any wrong place to pray.

… “out of the fish’s belly” (2:1)

… “out of the belly of Sheol” (2:2)

2. There is no peace or happiness for the disobedient servant of God.

... “I cried by reason of my afliction” (2:2).

3. God's love is universal for all people—Gentiles as well as His

chosen People, the Israelites.

4. The God of compassion had the right to love and forgive the pagan
Assyrians or any other people who turned to Him in obedience and
faith.

ADDED NOTES ON ASSYRIA

(Taken from:Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Copyright 1986,Thomas Nelson Publishers)

The favorite pursuits of the Assyrian kings were war and hunting.
Archaeologists have discovered that the Assyrian Army was ruthless and
effective. Its cruelty included burning cities, burning children, impaling
victims on stakes, beheading, and chopping off hands. But, like Babylon,
because of the cruelty and paganism of the Assyrians, the Hebrew
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people harbored deep-seated hostility against this nation. This attitude is
revealed clearly in the Book of Jonah. After he finally went to Nineveh,
the prophet was disappointed with God because He spared the city.

S. Lee Homoki

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146
LESSON 36:
Heaven

The songwriter has correctly written:

Heaven is a wonderful place,

Filled with glory and grace.
I want to see my Savior’s face,
Heaven is a wonderful place!

Yes, it’s true! And our curiosity has often been aroused to ask many
questions about Heaven. We have, however, been left without full
satisfaction and there are a great many things that we would still like to
know. Much information about Heaven remains shrouded in mystery and
confusion.

HEAVEN … REMEMBER TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE

Like many other subjects in the Bible, an understanding of what

Heaven is like can be hopelessly confused if the dispensations are not
recognized and the Word of God is not rightly divided (2 Tim. 2:15). This is
no small project! The believer’s hope of Heaven cannot be fully
appreciated when it is described in simplistic and often misleading
generalities, as is so often the case. For example: it was necessary in the
course of developing this study, to identify, sort out, and then rightly
divide the following information in order to make a determination
concerning the real and final Heaven for which members of the Body of
Christ hope. For example: we must recognize the distinctions between:

1. The Three Heavens (Atmospheric, Stellar, and Paradise)

2. The Five Jerusalems (Heavenly, Earthly, Tribulational, Millennial, and

the New)

3. The Six Temples/Tabernacles (Heavenly, Earthly, Tribulational,

Millennial, Eternal (Eph. 2:19-22), and the Believer’s Body (2 Cor.
5:1)

4. The Seven Kingdoms

(a) The “overall” Kingdom of God;

(b) The Old Testament Kingdom of Israel;

(c) The Future Kingdom of Israel as announced by the Old

Testament Prophets;

(d) The Kingdom that was offered to Israel and rejected at

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 Christ’s first coming;

(e) The Kingdom of which Christ was the personification

(Lk. 17:21);

(f) The Millennial Kingdom; and

(g) The Eternal Kingdom.

Also, in addition to the above-mentioned information, we must take

into account some other considerations; namely, the nature of Eternity
Future. For both the angelic and human creation, Eternity Future is much
more than a state of eternal bliss, but includes the state of eternal
damnation. It is not difficult to make a determination concerning the
eternal state of the unsaved (Rev. 20:11-15).

However, it is very difficult to treat the subject of the eternal bliss of the
unsaved in such a way that will not give “offence, neither to the Jews,
nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God” (1 Cor. 10:32). In other
words, our concern is how do the saved come into their eternal
inheritance without destroying their identity or without their specific
promises being compromised? Remember, there are two classes of men
(saved and unsaved), and three groups of men (Jews, Gentiles, and
Body of Christ), that must be dealt with in making this determination.

GOD HAS NOT TOLD US:

1. The location of Heaven. The ancient Rabbis believed that Heaven

was located above and beyond the North Star. This was because of
Lucifer’s boast that he would conquer God and again rule from the
Throne Room “in the sides of the north” (Isa. 14:13; cf., Ezek. 1:4). But
since the root word for “north” (Tasphon/Heb.) means the “hidden or
secret place,” as in Ezekiel 7:22 where it refers to the “Holy of Holies”
in the Temple of Jerusalem, it is idle speculation to guess the
whereabouts of Heaven, except to say that it is “up” and in the “Third
Heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2-4).

2. About the fellowship of the heavenly brotherhood. We can be

reasonably sure that we will recognize each other and have
enjoyable fellowship. The Apostle Paul said that “then shall I know just
as I also am known” (1 Cor. 13:12).

3. If our glorified bodies will need to take in nourishment. The only food
in Heaven we know anything about is the Manna that God gave the
children of Israel in the wilderness. Will we be refreshed with Angel’s
food (Ps. 78:25)? … Fruit and leaves from the Tree of Life (Ezek. 47:12;
Rev. 22:2)? Who knows?

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4. What form or order of worship will take? Will there be seasons more
joyous than the rest? Will there be celebrations with feast days,
festivals, and jubilees? What sort of music will come out of the Throne
Room and fill the halls of Heaven? … “harps” (Rev. 5:8) … “a new
song” (Rev. 5:9) … “the song of Moses” … “the song of the
Lamb” (Rev. 15:3)?

5. What will we do throughout all eternity? (2 Tim. 2:12) … “judge

angels” (1 Cor. 6:3)?

HEAVEN … WHY HAVE WE NOT BEEN TOLD MORE?

It may be that we are not told very much about Heaven because:

1. God does not want, at this time, to detract our attention and interest
away from the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We know
that it has “pleased the Father” to have “all fullness dwell” in Christ,
and that He desires “that in all things” Christ might have the
“preeminence” (Col. 1:18-19). The Heavenly Father wants Christ to be
number one in our thinking, and He wants believers to be occupied
with our everyday duties as ambassadors for Christ in the here and
now and not with the by and by.

2. God wants Heaven to be a surprise! (2 Cor. 12:1-5). The Bible says

there was a “certain man” who gave testimony (most assume that
this was the Apostle Paul) that he had been taken to the Third
Heaven, the Paradise of God, and there he saw and heard things
that were not “lawful” (i.e., not possible) to be spoken. Of such a one,
Paul said, “I will glory” or (Kauchaomai/Gk.) … “rejoice out loud!” Oh,
how exquisitely beautiful and wonderful Heaven must be!

Apparently, Heaven, with all its beauties and wonders, is so infinitely

beyond our capacity to apprehend, God has decided not to tell us
about it now but to show it to us later! He has promised that “in the ages
to come,” He will show us “the exceeding riches of His grace in His
kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:7).

HEAVEN … WHAT WE DO KNOW!

Only a few men have ever been eyewitnesses of the rare times that
the clouds and stars of the heavens have been rolled back and a “door
was opened” (Rev. 4:1) into the Third Heaven. These revelations all bare
the same testimony and compliment each other. Some of these glimpses
into Heaven are:

1. As seen by Ezekiel (Ezek. 1:3, 12-14, 26-28);

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 2. As seen by Isaiah (Isa. 6:1-3);

3. As seen by John (Rev. 1:12-17; 4:1; 15:5; 19:11; 21:1-2);

4. As seen by Stephen (Acts 7:55-56);

5. As seen by Peter (Acts 10:11-17); and

6. As seen by Paul (2 Cor. 12:1-5, 7).

How appropriate to end this Bible Study on Heaven with the words of
this little chorus:

With eternity’s values in view.

With eternity’s values in view.

May I do each day’s work for Jesus

With eternity's values in view!

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 37:
Heaven’s Throne Room

“And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I
heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of
the angel which shewed me these things.”

(Revelation 22:8)

There are two major features that immediately capture the attention
of the Apostle John, who was an eyewitness of the “Throne” and the
“One” Who sat on it (Rev. 4 & 5).

THE APPEARANCE OF THE THRONE ROOM

“...behold a Throne” (Rev. 4:2).

1. It is the Throne of God and the Lamb (Rev. 5:6; 7:10, 17; 22:1, 3).

2. It is the Throne of Grace (Heb. 4:16).

3. It is the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11). The pure, bright blinding,
white light of God’s holiness (represented by the “seven lamps of fire
burning...which are the seven spirits of God” - Rev. 4:5) illuminates the
Throne Room. There is no need for illumination, apart from the
presence of God Himself, for “God is light, and in Him is no darkness
at all” (1 Jn. 1:5). He dwells “in the light which no man can approach
unto” (1 Tim. 6:16). See also the Shekinah Glory (Mt. 16:27-17:9 and Lk.
9:27-36).

4. A “sea of glass like unto crystal...in the midst and round about” (Rev.
4:6) the Throne of God, reflect the glories of God’s holiness.

5. God’s omniscient, omnipotent presence and majesty are evidenced

by the “lightning and thunderings and voices” that proceeded out of
God’s Throne Room (Rev. 4:5). This is similar to the way God
announced His presence on Mount Sinai (Ex. 19:16).

6. The Throne is enshrouded with the rainbow of peace (Rev. 4:3).

7. Countless millions of angels encircle the outer perimeter of the Throne

Room (Rev. 5:11).

8. Twenty-four “golden-crowned” (stephanos/Gk./victor’s crown)

angels, “Elders” are seated on thrones closer to, and round about the
Throne of God (Rev. 4:4). These Crown Princes of Heaven prostrate
themselves before the Throne of God in worship as they place their
crowns at the Creator’s feet (Rev. 4:10-11).

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9. The Cherubim/“four beasts” are guardians of the Throne and are
closest to it. Note: this race of angel is identified as having three of their four faces
like an animal. Hence, they are called “Zoa,” which when transliterated, is similar to
our English word for Zoo or Zoology (Ezek. 1:8; 10:20; Rev. 4:6 ).

10. Worship of the thrice Holy God is the chief occupation of those who
occupy the Throne Room (Rev. 4:8-11; 5:11-14; 7:9-17). We are told
that “they rest not day or night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God
Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come” (Rev. 4:8).

THE APPEARANCE OF CHRIST

“...I saw Heaven opened” (Rev. 19:11-16);

“...I fell at His feet as dead” (Rev. 1:13-18).

Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! - He is the faithful, true,
and righteous Judge Who will come to “make war” at the Second
Coming (not the Rapture) (Rev. 4 & 5; 19:2, 11-21)!

HE HAS “...a name that no man knew” (Rev. 19:12). “...His name is
called the Word of God” (Rev. 19:13).

HE HAS transparent beauty “like a jasper and a sardine stone” (Rev.

4:3).

HE IS “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” He has “many

crowns” (Rev. 19:12)! He IS King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords. He
has no equal. He is “the blessed and only potentate” (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev.
17:14; 19:16).

[Note: He is King of Kings—nothing will ever diminish that! He is the believer’s

king and we are subject to His sovereign rule. However, our relationship to Him in
this Dispensation of Grace, and throughout all eternity, is more intimate than
that of a citizen willingly subjected to His kingly rule. We shall rule and reign with
Him throughout eternity being enthroned with Him in the New Heaven. Even
now, we are positionally seated with Him (Eph. 2:6). This is because we are
joined together in a single unit called the “One New Man,” of which He is the
“Head” and we are the “Body.” (See 1 Cor. 12:27; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; Eph.
2:15; 4:12, 24; Col. 1:18; 3:18.)

This relationship is described in Ephesians 5:21-33, as similar to a marriage that

unites a man and woman together as “one flesh.” Being thus joined to Christ,
Grace-Age believers are “joint heirs” and joint partakers which gives us the
distinctive identity of actually being “the Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12-13; 2 Cor. 5:16-17).
He is incomplete without us and we are incomplete without Him. We shall “rule
and reign with Him” (2 Tim. 2:12).]

HE IS surrounded by a “great multitude in Heaven” (Rev. 19:1).

HE IS surrounded by great worship saying “Amen! Alleluia! Praise our

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God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!
Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice
and give Him glory” (Rev. 19:4-7).

HE IS surrounded by the great “armies of Heaven,” who “followed Him

on white horses” (Rev. 19:14). The Lamb of God that took away the sins
of the world has become the righteous Judge and Ruler of the world.

HE IS the captain of the Lord’s hosts (Rev. 1:10-17; cf., 19:11-16) Who
possesses all power and authority to execute righteous judgment by the
“sword of His mouth.” A description of Him confirms this:

• His voice, “as a trumpet,” signals the beginning of the judgment as it

breaks upon the shores of unrighteousness with “the sound of many
waters”;

• His garments are reserved for those of highest rank;

• His robe is that of a High Priest and His hair is “white as snow”;

• He appears as the “Ancient of Days” Who possesses the highest

wisdom and absolute, purifying righteousness;

• His eyes “as a flame of fire,” and his feet of “fine brass as if burned in
a furnace,” speaks of complete, purifying judgment;

• His omnipotent strength, “as the sun,” is seen in His countenance.

HE IS the ever-compassionate, loving God—so acquainted with grief,

and having suffered the pain of rejection and death, is moved to “wipe
away all tears from their eyes” (Rev. 21:4).

HE IS worthy to receive “glory, honor and power” because He is the

Creator (Rev. 4:11); He is the Redeemer (Rev. 5:12); He is Judge (Rev. 5:2,
9; 19:1-2).

HE IS the eternal Son of Man (Rev. 5:14). The emphasis is upon His
human nature: “I am the resurrection and the life” (Jn. 11:25); “...I am
alive for evermore” (Rev.1:18). Here we see incarnate deity—the Last
Adam (1 Cor. 15:45), triumphantly sitting on the Throne of God in Heaven
as a risen and glorified member of the human race. Here He exercises
“all power” (Mt. 28:18) as He judges men and angels in making His
enemies His “footstool” (Ps. 110:1; Acts 2:35; Heb. 10:13).

HE IS the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah, and the Root of David (Rev.
5:5-6).

HE IS the God of creation: “Behold I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5).

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 CONCLUSION

Yes, the Apostle John was an eyewitness to the very Throne Room of
God. By way of a special vision, the clouds of the sky were rolled back,
and for a very brief moment, his eyes fell upon what only a very few in
the flesh have ever seen! Oh, what a precious and awesome sight! He
said, “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead” (Rev. 1:17).

The Apostle Paul, too, had a glimpse of Heaven’s Throne Room and of
the glorified Christ. His description beggars all description. On the
Damascus Road he was blinded by the glory of Christ Whose brightness
was above the “brightness of the sun.” Later in the vision of 2 Corinthians
12:2-4, he said that what he saw was “unutterable.”

Oh, dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

When my life work is ended and I cross the swelling tide,

When the bright and glorious morning I shall see;

I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side,

And His smile will be the first to welcome me.

Through the gates to the city in a robe of spotless white,

He will lead me where no tears shall ever fall;

In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight;

But I long to meet my Savior first of all.

Fanny Crosby

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for
Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were
created” (Rev. 4:11).

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 38:
The “New” Heaven, Earth, and Jerusalem

“In the beginning God created the Heaven and the earth”
(Genesis 1:1).

The intent and repeated emphasis of the word NEW is to erase the
memory of the old and the temptation to think of the new as being only
a renovation, purifying or overhauling of the OLD, such as will take place
in the Millennial Reign of Christ (Acts 3:19, 21). No, this is a new work of
creation. The “former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:1,4). You can
take God’s Word for it. God has said, “Behold, I make all things
new” (Rev. 21:5). However, the creation of a new Heaven, earth and
Jerusalem does not imply that the Godhead will abandon the Third
Heaven. That is absurd! God did not abandon His Paradise when He
instructed Moses to construct the Tabernacle so He could dwell with the
children of Israel, nor will He vacate the Third Heaven in order to dwell
with men in the New Creation.

NEW EARTH

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth”
(Psalm 36:11; Matthew 5:5).

No saved person will ever be excluded from the eternal Kingdom of

God; neither will any ever be treated like a second-class citizen.
However, it is important to point out that consistent, right division of the
Word of God demands that all of God’s promises must be fulfilled in
keeping with the dispensational conditions under which they were
made. This means that in eternity future, all the categories of the
redeemed (Jew, Gentile, and Body of Christ) will receive an inheritance,
but in such a way that no violence is done to the oneness of the family of
God. At the same time, no one group would sacrifice their distinctive
identities or “hope.” In other words, in the new creation, Israel will still be
Israel (Isa. 66:22); Gentiles will still be Gentiles (Mt. 25:34; cf., with 46; Rev.
21:24-27); and the Body of Christ will still be the Body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-
23; Col. 1:24-27; 3:11; 1 Cor. 12:12-13); and together we shall “reign with
God forever and forever” (Rev. 22:5).

The New earth is primarily the inheritance of the Gentile Church. The
“Kings and Nations” serve God by bringing their tribute of honor and
glory, from their PLEASANT PASTIME on the New Earth into the New
Jerusalem (Rev. 21:24-22:3).

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 NEW HEAVEN

There are three heavens mentioned in the Bible: the atmospheric, the
stellar, and the Third Heaven or Paradise (2 Cor. 12:2). The New Heaven is
a new kind of sky or atmosphere. There will be no sun, moon or night,
because the “glory of God” fills this sky (Rev. 21:23-25; 22:5).

It should be observed that the eternal inheritance of the Body Church

is not just predominately connected with Christ, but entirely and uniquely
joined to this PRECIOUS PERSON. Christ is called the “Head” and the
Grace-age believer is the “Body.” They are united together in one
inseparable unit and called “The Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12-13 – see the Greek;
Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:24-27; 3:11). This places us, not simply in Christ, but in
the heavenlies, enthroned with Him and made joint-heirs (Eph. 2:6; Rom.
8:17; Phil. 3:20; 2 Cor. 5:1; Col. 1:5). Here we have “all spiritual blessings.”
Heaven (the Third Heaven and the New Heaven) is the realm of special
inheritance for the Body of Christ (Eph. 1:3, 19-23).

NEW JERUSALEM

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I

would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (Jn. 14:1-4).

Christ comforted the hearts of the Old Testament saints by promising

them a PREPARED PLACE. What is this prepared place? It is the New
Jerusalem! The New Jerusalem is primarily the inheritance of the Jewish
Church, for God “hath prepared for them a city” (Jn. 14:2-3; Heb. 11:8-
16)!

The New Jerusalem is a city “foursquare” – 1500’ x 1500’ x 1500’ (Rev.

21:6) …

...a city whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10). It was not just
“a” city; it was “the” city (see the Greek). Abraham did not see it, but by
faith he looked for “the” city of promise:

...a city with “many mansions,” [residences] in the “Father’s

House” (Jn. 14:2);

...a city “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Rev. 21:2);

...a city called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife” (Rev. 21:2, 9-10); and
inhabited by an “innumerable company of angels,” “general assembly
and church of the first born,” “spirits of just men made perfect,” “God the
Judge,” and “Jesus the Mediator” (Heb. 12:22-24; Rev. 21:3);

...a city where “God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of
it” (Rev. 21:22;

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 ...a city illuminated entirely by the “Shekinah Glory” (Rev. 21:11, 23-24);

...a city that descended “out of Heaven” to the New Earth (Rev. 3:12;
21:2, 10);

...a city with twelve foundations garnished with precious stones

bearing the names of the Twelve Apostles (Rev. 21:14, 19-20);

...a city with twelve gates of pearl with the names of Israel’s twelve
tribes inscribed thereon (Rev. 21:12-13, 21);

...a city with a 300’ high jasper wall (Rev. 21:17-18);

... a city with the Fountain of Life (Rev. 21:6), Tree of Life and the River
of life (Rev. 22:1-2);

...a city without the curse of sin (Rev. 21:27;22:3);

...a city with the Throne of God and the Lamb which is the seat of
government for the New Earth (Jn. 14:3; Rev. 22:1,3). Note: This Throne in the
city is to be distinguished from the Throne in the Third Heaven (Rev. 21:2; 22:19). The
Throne in the Third Heaven is said to be the “mother of us all” (Gal. 4:26) and the seat of
God’s universal rule. It is a crude and elementary mistake, made by those who carelessly
divide the Word of God, to confuse the two. (See above for the comment about the
Third Heaven.)

As Moses in the wilderness prepared and patterned the Tabernacle

according to God’s Throne Room in Heaven (Heb. 8:5), so also, Jesus
Christ has “prepared a place” with mansions and a Throne Room that He
will bring to the New Earth in order to fulfill His promise “that where I am,
there ye may be also” (Jn. 14:3; Ex. 29:46; Isa. 7:14; Zech. 2:10-11; 8:3),
and that He might govern the New Earth from the Throne Room of the
New Jerusalem.

The New Jerusalem is not the hope or inheritance of the Church which
is His Body. To insist on this is to cause offense and the loss of the blessed
enjoyment of being a part of one’s own particular role and identity in the
overall plan of God – whether he be Jew, Gentile or the Body of Christ (1
Cor. 10:32).

CONCLUSION

No word or thought this side of eternity will be sufficient to help us fully

apprehend the greatness of God’s grace toward us. For all that we
would like to know about the eternal future, we shall anxiously await the
“ages to come”; then, in His presence, “He will show us the exceeding
riches of His grace.” I do know, with the Apostle Paul, of “Whom I have
believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have
committed unto Him against that day…for me to live is Christ and to die
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is gain…to depart and to be with Christ is far better.”

My knowledge of eternity is small;

My eye of faith is dim.

It is enough that Christ knows all,

And I shall be with Him!

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 39:
God’s Righteousness By Faith, Part 1: The Results

Romans 5:1-5

In Romans, Chapters 1-3, Paul taught us that we are all sinners

(Doctrine of Condemnation). In Chapter 4, Paul taught us how sinners
could be saved (Doctrine of Justification). The word "therefore" at the
opening of Chapter 5 reminds us of this, and then calls our attention to
the results of this wonderful salvation.

The first five verses of Chapter 5 remind me of God's distinctive and

unprecedented purpose for the Church, which is the Body of Christ.
Those who have been justified have been marked for glorification
(Rom. 8:l3-l8, 29-30; 2 Cor. 4:14-l8; Eph. 1:4-18; 3:8-11).

Being Justified We Have Peace: verse 1.

a. “Peace” is the result of forgiveness enjoyed. It is the conscience

at rest.

b. This peace is the result of our once-and-for-all “being” [Aorist

tense] justified.

c. This peace comes “out of” [ek] the principle of faith, not works, or
ceremony or Law.

d. This peace is fellowship [pros] “ - face to face with God.”

e. This peace is something which “we keep on having” 9Present

tense) with God.

f. This peace is through the person of Christ.

Being Justified We Have Security: verse 2.

a. We “have forever” (Perfect tense) this security because we

“stand forever” (Perfect tense) in God' s grace.

b. Our security is cause for “rejoicing out loud.”

c. Our security is upon the basis (epi) of the “confident assurance of

the future good” (hope) “of the glory of God.” We are saved in this
realm of hope (Rom. 8:24; Col. 1:27).

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 Being Justified We Have Blessings Because of Life: verses 3-5a.

a. Here we go from “hope” (vs. 2) to “hope” (vs. 5). Hope is our

blessing!

b. In view of this blessing, we also “rejoice out loud,” glory during

times of pressure, adversity, suffering or “tribulation.”

c. We “know [oida] instinctively” that tribulation works (from the

inside out) patience (the ability to bear up under the trials of life).

d. Patience produces an approved quality of life (“experience”....

a proof by trial).

e. Experience brings us to the blessing of the “hope that maketh not

ashamed.” A sure hope!

Being Justified We Have the Ministry of the Indwelling Holy Spirit: verse
5b.

a. The Holy Spirit is “given unto us” once-and-for-all (Aorist tense).

b. The Holy Spirit gives away a fortune (“shed abroad”) of God’s

“love” [agape] in our Heart. This is called the fruit of the Holy Spirit
(Gal. 5:22) and is produced in the believer when he is filled with the
Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).

Conclusion:

Such wonderful riches of grace! No wonder Paul says we should

rejoice out loud.

1. Those who had no peace (Rom. 5:10) now have peace.

2. Those who had no security (Eph. 2:12) now have security.

3. Those who had no blessing (Eph. 2:12) now have blessing.

4. Those who had no God (Eph. 2:12) now have God the Holy
Spirit in them.

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 40:
God’s Righteousness By Faith, Part 2: Abraham Proves It

(Romans 4:17-25)

Abraham’s Faith was IN GOD: 4:17

Faith must always emphasize the object of trust rather than the act of
believing. It is the object of faith that saves us, not simply faith in itself.

Abraham believed God for what God would do; we are to believe
God for what God has done.

a. This passage begins with a quotation from the “Abrahamic

Covenant” (Gen. 17:5, cf., 12:1-3, 7; 15:5-6).

b. God promised Abraham that he would become the father of

a great multitude. Evidence of this is seen in Abraham’s name
change:

*Abram = Father of high and windy places

* Abraham = Father of a great multitude.

c. Abraham believed God and His promises and becomes an

example to us of both saving faith and living faith (cf., vs. 23).
Abraham had previously estimated himself and Sarah to be
sexually dead, but God made a promise. Faith in God’s
promise says there is no problem in life too great for God to
solve. We, like Abraham, often estimate certain situations in life
to be hopeless only to learn there is no problem too hard for
God to solve.

Abraham’s Faith was in the POWER OF GOD: 4:17b

Here the power of God is demonstrated over two impossible things:

death and creating something out of nothing.

a. “The Dead” here represents the impossibility of Abraham and

Sarah’s inability to procreate and is a type of spiritual death.

b. God “quickeneth” represents the power of God to give

Abraham and Sarah sexual life and is a type of the “new
birth” / “regeneration” (Eph. 2:1-5; Titus 3:5), and “resurrection’s
transformation” (1 Cor. 15:51-52; Phil. 3:21).

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 c. This is creation. God calls things into being that are non-
existent. Just as God called light out of darkness, so God called
sexual productivity out of Abraham and Sarah’s sexual death.
He can, likewise, call the sinner out of spiritual death and into
eternal life. This is Omnipotence.

Abraham’s Faith was in the REALM OF HOPE: 4:18-19

a. Abraham believed in the realm of hope (cf., Rom. 8:24).

b. This promise of God to Abraham concerning becoming “the

father of many nations” is the “Hope of Israel” just as the
Church-Age believers today have the “Hope of the Mystery”
calling (cf., Eph. 1:18; Col. 1:27 in context ).

c. Abraham believed in the realm of hope in order to be made

righteous and sexually alive. Abraham was “not weak in faith.”
He, through faith, considered now his 100-year-old body and
Sarah’s 99-year-old body not dead! This was based on God’s
Word … “so shall thy seed be.”

Abraham’s Faith was TRIUMPHANT: 4:20-21

a. Triumphant faith not only resulted in happiness (“laughter”) but

glorifies God. The birth of Isaac glorified God.

b. And so our happiness depends upon knowing and believing

God’s Word (promises) in the Dispensation of Grace which
glorifies God (2 Cor. 5:7).

Abraham’s Faith Brought RIGHTEOUSNESS: 4:22

The conclusion of Abraham’s faith was that God credited to his

account the sum total of all that God approves or demands.

Abraham’s Faith is OUR EXAMPLE: 4:23-25

It is interesting to note that we (like Abraham) are to believe in God the

Father for salvation, too (cf., Heb. 11:6; Mt. 10:40; 11:25-27; Mk. 9:37; 1 Jn.
2:22-23; 2 Jn. 1:9). Principle: You can’t receive one and reject the other
and be saved.

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 41:
God Is Holy

God is absolutely holy (Ps. 22:3; Isa. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:8). As
such, God is incomparable (Ex. 15:11; 1 Sam. 2:2). The truth that God is
holy is the foundational truth of the Bible (Ps. 47:8). The most prominent
feature of God’s revelations concerning Himself is His holiness. God says
even His name is holy (Isa. 57:15). God is holy: a fact of which many, who
claim to know God, are ignorant, overlook or ignore it!

GOD’S HOLINESS DEFINED

When we say that “God is holy,” we mean that He is absolutely clean

and pure and perfect and free from all defilement (Job 34:10; 1 Jn. 1:5) in
His character and in His actions (Gen. 18:25; Job 8:3; Rom. 3:5-6).

GOD’S HOLINESS ILLUSTRATED

In Old Testament times, the fundamental truth that God is

unapproachably holy was burned into the minds and hearts of the
Israelites by the Mosaic Law. For example:

(1) The boundaries set about Mt. Sinai and the cleansing ritual
associated with Moses bringing “forth the people out of the camp
to meet God” and the giving of the Law (Ex. 19:10-25);

(2) The Tabernacle with its Holy of Holies which was entered but ONCE
a year (Lev. 16);

(3) The ceremonial baptisms (Num. 19; 31:21-24);

(4) The division between the people and the Priest, who alone
represented the people before God (Lev. 8-10);

(5) The sacrifices as necessary to any approach to God (Lev. 1-7; 16);

(6) The Feast Days (Lev. 23);

(7) The Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1-17);

(8) The “clean and unclean” laws (Lev. 11-15);

(9) The punishment of Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1-3), Korah (Num.
16:1-33) and King Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:16-26); and

(10) The separation of Israel from the Gentiles (Num. 23:9).

The Gospel in the first chapter of Romans concerns God’s Son Jesus
Christ; the Gospel in the last chapter concerns the Church, which is the
Body of Christ.
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 In the Dispensation of Grace, God illustrates His holiness for us by
calling our attention to the finished work of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s
Cross. There we see the “propitiation” for our sins. The holy demands of
God are satisfied, and God has “at this time” declared “His
righteousness,” that He might be just and the justifier of him which
believeth in Jesus” (Rom. 3:21-26, cf., 1 Tim. 1:8-10).

The Bible illustrates clearly the holiness, perfection, purity and absolute
sanctity of God’s nature.

GOD’S HOLINESS MANIFESTED

God reveals His holiness to us in many ways, such as:

(1) In His Words (Ps. 60:6; Jer. 23:9);

(2) In His Works (Ps. 145:17);

(3) In His hatred for sin (Eph. 5:3-10);

(4) In His Love for righteousness (Ps. 146:8-9; Prov. 15:9);

(5) In His separation from sinners (Heb. 7:26; Eph. 2:13). Herein God
is “just”; but in grace,

(6) He provided a substitute for sinners (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 3:18),

and now God is free to “justify” those who believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ.

GOD’S HOLINESS APPLIED

There are at least six important things that we learn from the fact that
God is holy!

1) We need to worship God with reverential fear (Ex. 3:4-5; Eccl. 5:1
-3; Rev. 15:3-4). True, we are invited to come into the Throne Room
with “boldness” (confidence, Heb. 4:16; 10:19; Eph. 3:12), but we
are not given license to come with careless frivolity or reckless
abandon.

(2) He is worthy of all praise (Isa. 6:1-3).

(3) We are to imitate Him (Lev. 11:43-45; Deut. 23:14; 1 Pet. 1:15-
16). Every thought, feeling, decision and action must be
brought into captivity (2 Cor. 10:5) and our “vessels” made holy;
be magnified (1 Chron. 16:10).

(4) The holiness of God is a fact, which needs to be emphasized

today in view of the tendency to deny both the reality and
awfulness of sin.

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(5) A right view of God’s holiness leads to a right view of sin. The
bright light of God’s holiness reveals the blackness of sin. If a man
thinks too well of himself, he has never met God (Job. 40:3-5; Isa.
6:5-7).

(6) The need of salvation through Christ (Rom. 3:23) and not
through our own self-righteous effort (Titus 3:5).

S. Lee Homoki

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166
LESSON 42:
Why Do Good Men Disagree?

“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the

face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain
came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they
were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them
which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled
likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away
with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not
uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter
before them all, If thou, being a Jew, live after the manner of
Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compel thou the Gentiles
to live as do the Jews”? (Gal. 2:11-14)

Here we have a sad and troubling report of the Apostle Paul and the
Apostle Peter in conflict! I am sure that some will find this shocking and
disturbing. It seems unthinkable that two of the great heroes of the faith -
“Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ” – would engage in heated controversy and division! And yet, it
happened and it still happens today, even among good Christian men
and ministries.

To find an answer to the question, “Why do good men disagree?” – is

not easy in every case. We know that most controversies are generated
at an emotional level and are, therefore, avoidable. We are reminded,
“If it be possible,” we are to “live peaceably with all men” (Rom 12:18).
However, there are times when disagreement and separation is
necessary. We are to “Fight the good fight of faith” (1Tim. 6:12). One
such time was Paul’s confrontational disagreement with the Apostle
Peter.

At the Jerusalem Counsel (Acts 15), the questions, “What is the

Gospel?” and “What must a person do to be saved?” were settled.
According to Dr. C.I. Scofield, “Dispensationally, this is the most important
passage in the New Testament. It gives the divine purpose for this age
and for the beginning of the next” (Page 1169). A transition was taking
place.

God was shifting gears! A change was taking place because of the
death, burial and resurrection of Christ! “Christ is the end of the Law for
righteousness to every one that believeth” (Rom 10:4). If that means
anything, it means that neither Jews or Gentiles have to keep the Jewish
Law to be saved or holy! Salvation comes by “faith” in the faithfulness of

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Christ (Gal. 2:16, 20) and holiness comes by, “walking in the Spirit” (Rom.
8:4). We are free from the Mosaic Law! We are “dead to the Law” (Gal.
2:19). We are not bound by all those laws and ceremonies.

At this first church council a great fight took place because the
Judaizers wanted to enslave the Gentile converts to their legalism (Acts
15:5). According to Galatians 2, Paul defended “that Gospel” which he
preached (Gal. 2:2) – specifically the gospel which “was not according
to man, for he had not received it from any man; he had not been
taught it,” but had come to him by direct “revelation” given to him “by
Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1:11-17). Concerning this gospel he warned, “Though
we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than
that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8).

At the same time, James, Peter and John, (the “Pillars” of the Jerusalem
Church) “extended the right hands of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas”
to verify the authenticity of Paul’s Gospel being sent to the “heathen”
and to re-affirm Peter’s apostolic authority to preach the Gospel to the
Jews.

Both Paul and Peter had an active and fruitful ministry. They had
labored for considerable time under the Scriptural guidelines set forth in
Acts 15 and Galatians 2. Both believed in the oneness of Jews and
Gentiles who believed in Christ. Peter testified, “God, which knows the
hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, as He did unto us;
and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by
faith” (Acts 15:8-9).

However, by the time Peter comes to the Antioch Church, which was
composed largely of Gentiles, Peter played the part of a coward and a
hypocrite because of “fear of them…the Circumcision” (Gal. 2:12). He
believed one thing but behaved in a contrary manner. He “walked not
uprightly according to the truth of the gospel!” (Gal. 2:14). This is what
ignited the controversy between Paul and Peter! The very barrier that
once stood between both Jews and Gentiles – once removed by the
finished work of Christ - was in danger of being rebuilt (Gal. 2:18).

Lesson: The church cannot be run on legalism and be Christian in the

Biblical sense of the word! Though we are sympathetic to, and can
understand the pressure and intimidation brought to bear on Peter, and
others – he even seduced Barnabas to frustrate the Gospel of God’s
Grace (Gal. 2:13).

Peter was wrong and was to “blame.” Truth cannot be compromised

without conflict. In this sad incident we learn that it is better to follow Paul

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than Peter. Peter stumbled and wobbled on occasion in his spiritual life
and his example is a reminder that we all are “smeared with the same
stick!” We need to “walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise” (Eph.
5:15).

Thankfully, Peter recovered from this strong censure of the Apostle Paul
(2 Pet. 3:15-16) and serves as an encouragement to all when the finger
of “blame” is pointed at us – there is hope and grace of our recovery,
too!

Evangelist S. Lee Homoki

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170
LESSON 43:
Studying The Word

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that

needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15

2 Timothy 2:15 should be taken to heart by every believer. It is to be our

aim to be approved of God by studying the Word “rightly divided.” This is
God’s imperative for the believer. The word “approved” (dokimos)
means “to put to the test for the purpose of approving, and finding that
the person or thing meets the specification laid down, to put one’s
approval upon that person or thing.” God wants us to be approved, to
meet the specifications. We are to present ourselves to God,
“approved…not ashamed.” Then when we are examined by God, we
will not have cause for shame.

How do we get to that point? Paul gives us at least two answers.

STUDY THE WORD OF TRUTH

If we are to be approved of God, we must, first of all, study His Word.

The Word of God reveals the will of God! Thus, we must know the Word if
we are to do the will of God. The order can never be reversed. One must
know something before one can do something.

Thus, Paul commands us “to study.” The Greek word here is (spoudazo),
which means that we are to work at it. To study means the diligent
application of our mental faculties to a proper apprehension of the
meaning of God’s revelation through His Word. A lazy man will never be
approved of God, for he will not study. We must give diligence to the
study of the Word, for we are to be WORK MEN.

RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD OF TRUTH

In these words, we are told how to study the Word of Truth. The words,
“rightly divide” are one word in the Greek (orthotomeo). It is a
compound word literally meaning “to cut straight.” This is the only time
the word is found in Scripture. It is suggested that the word is a metaphor
derived from the mason’s art of cutting stones fair and straight to fit into
their proper place in a building. We are to handle the Word rightly, not
sloppily or deceitfully, BUT honestly and in a straightforward manner. To
do so entails three things:

1. Not to misinterpret the Scripture. The word interpretation means “to

explain the original sense of a speaker or writer.” To do so, the student
must follow and assume that the writer used the normal, customary

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 usage of the language of his time. Professor Charles Ryrie reminds us
that:

“If God be the originator of language and the chief

purpose of originating it was to convey His message to
man, then it must follow that He...originated sufficient
language to convey all that was in His heart to tell man.
Furthermore, it must also follow that He would use language
and expect man to use it in its literal, normal, and plain
sense.” (Dispensationalism Today, p. 88)

The Bible was not written in some mystery language, but in the
language of the day. Thus, the first step in correctly understanding the
Word is a literal translation.

2. Not to misapply the Scripture. Among some Bible students, there is a

tendency to extreme spiritualization of Scripture; that is, to give some
hidden meaning other than the clear, literal sense of the passage.
This tendency is especially true when it comes to the Old Testament.
Here they try to apply passages clearly addressed to Israel, to the
Church of this dispensation. They spiritualize until they tell spiritual-lies.
They apply such words as “Zion,” “Israel,” “Jacob,” etc., to the
Church, the Body of Christ. The consequence of this wrong
application of terms is that the nation of Israel is cut off from her
blessing of restoration to divine favor clearly foretold in the Word (see
Rom. 11:25-27).

3. Not to dislocate Scripture. Note the context of 2 Timothy 2:15. This is of

major importance in the context, for it was being taught that the
resurrection was past (vs. 18). The error is not that the resurrection was
taught, but that it was misplaced, or dislocated. Correct doctrine
taught un-dispensationally becomes false doctrine! While all Scripture
is “for” us, not all Scripture is “to” us. Thus, Paul warns us to “test the
things that differ” (literal Greek translation from Philippians 1:10) “in
order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.”

Contrary to some opinions, “rightly dividing “ the Word of Truth is not

hairsplitting distinctions that cut away parts of the Bible. It is, rather, giving
each part of Scripture its proper place, and fitting it into its proper
location in the history of revelation and fulfillment. It does not take away,
but shows God’s promises in their full and complete meaning. It is not the
dispensational Bible teacher that does away with the hope of Israel’s
restoration in the plans of God; it, rather, is the one who spiritualizes these
truths to the Church, the Body of Christ. Correct location honors God’s
Word, for it realizes that all of God’s Word will be fulfilled as God said it

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would. He will fulfill His covenants to Israel. The concept of one
covenanted people—with Israel flowering and flowing into the Church—
allows for no fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy past the Church.
Thus, it distorts the normal, customary usage of language, misapplies it,
and dislocates it from its proper place in the purposes of God. To be
approved of God, we must be students of the Word of God. As students
of the Word, we must not “wrongly divide” but study it in its proper
interpretation, application and location.

FOUR QUESTIONS OF BIBLE STUDY

To gain proper interpretation, application and location, there are four

questions a student should ask concerning any passage of Scripture.

1. Who is speaking? The Bible records not only what God says, but also
the words of man and Satan. Much depends upon “who” said what.

2. To Whom is He Speaking? In 2 Corinthians 10:32, we see three

classifications of people. To which group is God speaking in the
passage you are studying?

3. What is He Speaking About? Is the subject universal (such as

redemption), or is it dispensational (such as the Kingdom of God on
the earth)?

4. When Was It Spoken? Before the Cross or after? Before the Apostle
Paul’s revelation (Eph. 3:1-10) or after?

All these things should be considered in “rightly dividing” the Word of

Truth. Study the Word! God puts no premium on laziness!

GRACE ((Pastor H.B. Prince)

Grace provided a Savior (Lk. 2:30; Jn. 3:16; Titus 2:11).

Grace brings salvation (Titus 2:11; Acts 15:11; Eph. 2:5-8).
Grace calls to salvation (2 Tim. 1:9; Gal. 1:15).

Grace forgives (Eph. 1:7; Rom. 5:20).

Grace reigns unto eternal life (Rom. 5:21; 6:23).
Grace justifies (Titus 3:7; Rom. 4:4-5; 3:24).
Grace gives a perfect position (Rom. 5:2; 6:14; Eph. 1:6, 13, 18).

Grace establishes (Heb. 13:9).

Grace fits for service (1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 9:8).

Grace sustains in trial (2 Cor. 12:9).
Grace makes us heirs of God (Rom. 8:15-17; 2 Cor. 8:9).

Pastor James Gray

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174
LESSON 44:
It Is Finished!

Text: John 19:28-30

“All things were now accomplished…it is finished!” This declaration is

filled with intense emotions: satisfaction, accomplishment, celebration
and exhaustion. The wondrous work of salvation was completed – His last
pain endured, His last service rendered, His substitutary work done!

IT IS FINISHED…THE WORK IS DONE

Anyone who has worked long and hard at a difficult job knows
something of the great satisfaction that comes when you are able to
say, “There, it is finished at last!” The following men could very well have
made that statement.

Goodyear: It took eleven years of hard work for him to unlock the
secret of vulcanizing rubber. The only one who believed in him was his
wife!

Morse: After years of being criticized and jeered at, he silenced the
world’s unbelief by telling them, “What hath God wrought? – through his
telegraph.

Cyrus Field: They said of him: “A mad freak of stubborn ignorance.”

After ten years and thirty attempts to span the ocean with the news of
the word by cable, he succeeded.

Bell: In 1876, he was called a “mad man” just hours before he

transmitted his voice across the continent by means of wires.

Solomon: He finished building the temple in seven and a half years,

using 180,000 workers to accomplish the task.

These were but feeble expressions compared to the emotions of Christ

as He cried, “It is finished!” – His teachings! His life! His miracles! His Cross!

IT IS FINISHED…A DISPENSATION IS ENDED!

This cry marks the ending of the Law with its ceremonies, rituals, types
and symbols. Here are a few examples of the types and symbols of
Christ:

1. Adam – came directly from God.

2. Melchizedek – without beginning or end.

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 3. Isaac – a sacrificial lamb on the Father’s altar.

4. Moses – a great deliverer from the land of bondage.

5. Joseph – despised by his brethren.

6. Solomon – a rich and powerful king.

7. Joshua – a victorious conqueror.

8. Samson – carried off the gates of impossibility.

9. Jonah – went through the sea of death to save others.

10. Noah’s ark – a place of safety.

11. The high priest – representative of sinners before God.

12. Sprinkled blood – seven times / a perfect atonement

There are many more which were shadows of God’s redemptive work
that was yet future. These types and shadows opened the way for
something better: they introduced people to Christ; they were
redemption symbolized.

The work on the Cross finished the legal system of the patriarchs and
Judaism. The Lord Jesus took all of its types, rites and symbols to the Cross
with Him and nailed them there. They died with Him (Col. 2:14).

By the work of Christ on the Cross, there remains no priestly secrets. The
old priesthood has been replaced. The old sacrifices have lost their value
because of the one great sacrifice of Jesus Christ Himself!

IT IS FINISHED…A DEBT IS PAID

Man is in debt! He cannot pay his way out! However, the debt is paid
by Christ: by every thorn that punctured His brow, by every nail that
pierced His hands and feet, by the savage Roman spear that tore His
side, and by every drop of His sinless blood.

The debt is paid – not with corruptible things, not with the traditions of
the fathers, BUT by His precious blood.

Jesus Christ is the ripened fruit, made under the Law to redeem them
that were under the Law. All the demands of the Law were met and the
bill of debt is removed.

As the songwriter so aptly puts it: “Jesus paid it all…all to Him I owe.”
Thus:
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 We are free because He was bound.

We have Heaven because He suffered Hell.

We are exalted because He was humbled.

We are rich because He was poor.

We are healed because He was wounded.

We drink the water of salvation because He drank the cup of

God’s wrath.

Dear sinner – drunkard – adulterer – self-righteous – liar – murderer:

your sins were put to His account … AND, IT IS FINISHED! Trust Him today!

S. Lee Homoki

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178
LESSON 45:
Do The Work Of An Evangelist

“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of

an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5

1. Evangelism is the preaching of the Gospel/Good News in view of

rescuing the perishing for eternal life.
2. Evangelism is the closest thing to God’s heart ...“Who will have all
men to be saved” (1 Tim. 2:4; Titus 2:11; 2 Pet. 3:9)!
3. I believe our top priority must be evangelism - we can’t teach them
until we win them. Target the children, poor class, working class, rich
and famous...“Not many wise...mighty...noble” (1 Cor. 1:21-29; Lk.
18:15-17).
4. Evangelism must begin with prayer ...“I exhort therefore prayer” (1
Tim. 2:1-4).
5. Evangelism must be packaged in the garment of holiness... “Let your
conversation...” (Phil. 1:27, cf., Eph. 4:1; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 4:1; Titus
2:10).
6. I believe the Gospel truth must be spoken in love...“Speech always
with grace...”(1 Cor. 13; Col. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:7).
7. I believe evangelism must be conducted with a passion for sinners.
We hate sin but love sinners. See example of Christ...“When He saw
the multitude, He was moved with compassion” (Mt. 9:36).
8. Evangelism is promoted by Christ’s love...“The love of Christ
constrains” (2 Cor. 5:14)...“God commendeth His love” (Rom. 5:8).

9. I believe evangelism must be executed by the demonstration and

power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:4)...“To know His power” (1 Cor.
4:20)...“Demonstration of the Spirit and power” (1 Thess. 1:5).
10. I believe evangelism is the greatest demonstration of God’s
grace...“Enabled me...putting me in the ministry” (1 Thess. 1:12).

11. Evangelism is hard work...“Daily and from house to house” (Acts

20:31)...“Whatsoever your hands find to do.” “Weariness” (2 Cor.
11:27; 6:5).

12. I don’t believe the Gospel is well served or evangelism properly

conducted when it is served on a tin plate...“Adorn the doctrine of
God” (Titus 2:10). The method must compliment the message. We are
to adorn the Gospel by our work habits, dress, character, music,
where we go, and what we do. This is illustrated by David and the Ark
(Num. 7:9; 1 Chron. 13:6-11; 15:2).
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13. I believe conversions resulting from evangelism using a mixed or
unclear Gospel may rightly be suspect...“If our Gospel be hid” (2 Cor.
4:3)...“For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare
himself to the battle?” (1 Cor. 14:8) I believe face-to-face evangelism
is the most effective but difficult - but most Biblical!

14. I do not believe that everyone has the gift of an evangelist but I
believe that everyone is to evangelize ...“That those who live”...“We
are ambassadors” (2 Cor. 5:14-21).

15. I’m not interested in evangelism that is not tied to a local church…
“The pillar and ground of truth” (1 Tim. 3:15).
16. I’m not interested in neo-evangelicalism or ecumenical evangelism.
I’m a fundamentalist...“Come out from among them” (2 Cor. 6:17).

17. I’m not interested in any form of dispensationalism that does not
emphasize and encourage evangelism. The Apostle Paul was a
pacesetter - an example of balance between evangelism and
preaching the Word rightly divided… “Those things...seen in me,
do” (Phil. 4:9).
18. I believe the Grace Movement, if it is to survive, must become as well
known for its evangelism as it has been for its Bible study.
19. The Grace Movement, if it is to survive, must forsake its sectarianism/
denominational spirit.
20. Evangelism is the response to:
• A commission from above...“Given to us the ministry and
Word” (2 Cor. 5:18-21).

• A call from without...“Come over and help” (Acts 16:9-10).

• A constraint from within...“The love of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:14),“Woe

is me” (1 Cor. 9:6).
• A cry from beneath...“Testify unto them, lest they also come
into this place of torment” (Lk. 16:28).

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 46:
Saved Not OF Good Works But UNTO Good Works

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of

yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man
should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before
ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-9

There are no death-bed stories in the New Testament. In the Old

Testament we find a few centered about the patriarchs and the wicked
King Joash, but in the New Testament we see only Stephen fall under the
stones and hear his prayer for his murderers. Though we hate death, it
seems that the average audience loves death-bed stories and how we
would desire to hear of the deaths of Peter, John, Paul, etc. How did they
die? Were they afraid? Who were with them? What were their very last
words? But the Holy Scriptures are eloquent in their silence concerning
such details. Tradition has woven and spun some fine stories but we shun
them. We are reminded of the soldiers of Napoleon that went into Russia
and were never heard from again or the many sailors that went to sea
and were silent ever after. The Lord is silent about the latter end of the
Apostles in order that we might focus all our attention on their letters.

In our text, we find two great thoughts: 1) saved by grace apart from
good works; and 2) saved unto good works. The word “grace” has as its
fundamental meaning, “that which causes pleasure.” The name Isaac in
the Old Testament is similar to it, meaning also a “pleasure that makes
one laugh with joy.” This was given, not because of Sarah’s laugh, but
because of the joy of the covenant, and Abraham and Jacob had their
names changed, but it was not so of Isaac. The word “grace” occurs 146
times in the New Testament and only 21 times outside of Paul and Luke’s
writings. Paul’s Epistles begin with grace and end with grace. God is the
God of all grace (1 Pet. 5:10); the Spirit is the Spirit of grace (Zech. 12:10);
Christ is full of grace (Jn. 1:14-17). Further, the Bible speaks of the election
of grace (Rom. 11:5); Word of grace (Acts 14:3); the Gospel of grace
(Acts 20:24); the gift of grace (Rom. 5:15); reign of grace (Rom. 5:21);
time of grace (2 Cor. 6:2); Throne of grace (Heb. 4:16); riches of grace
(Eph. 2:7); glory of grace (Eph. 1:6); and in our text we read of salvation
by grace (Eph. 2:8-9).

Oh, that we might truly visualize the super-abounding goodness and

favor to the wicked and worthless on the part of the God of grace.
Perhaps the words of Romans 8:32 picture it for us if we would but

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meditate upon the words: “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?”

“By grace are ye saved” does not denote eventual salvation but a
present possession. In the perfect tense, it describes a work
accomplished. How assuring and triumphantly it is stated. There is no IF
nor doubt implied. Grace stands alone and does not mix with works
when used in connection with the sinner’s salvation.

“Through Faith” is the channel, and faith is here put before us as the
hand that accepts from God that which He offers. Some folks seem to
pay more attention to their faith than to their Savior, just as though faith
were their Savior. The paramount question is not “How do you believe”
but, rather, “Whom do you believe?” You must be able to say, “I know in
Whom I have believed.” If you flee for refuge to Christ, you have true
faith and without that faith it is impossible to please God.

“And not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” The word “gift” refers to
the whole clause; faith is a gift; grace is a gift; life is a gift. All these are a
part of the “all things” mentioned in Romans 8:32. Regardless of the play
on words, that theologians of various schools of interpretation may bring
to bear on this verse, the entire context plainly refers to salvation, and all
it implies is ours by grace (gift) and that alone.

“Not of works lest any man should boast.” This phrase is indeed
humbling to man’s pride for it allows him no credit. We read of men in
India sleeping on nails and broken glass, going through all sorts of self
torture, crawling through jungles, deserts and mountains and to fling
themselves in the River Ganges, thus hoping to earn salvation. Man
rebels at receiving salvation as an unmerited gift from God. The people
of the church at Galatia sought o mix grace with works but the Apostle
called them fools and demented. These in their very nature cannot be
mixed for if it is of grace, it is not of works, and if it is of works it is not of
grace. If man could boast of his earned salvation, what discord there
would be in the Hallelujah Chorus in Heaven. All our boasting must be in
the Lord and in the Cross upon which the Prince of Glory died. The
Satanic mixture of arrogance, pride, and self deification God will not
tolerate. God will need no angel “sergeant at arms” in Heaven to expel
the boasters; they won’t be there. Let us prostrate ourselves before Him in
great humility for what we are by the grace of God.

Knowing that we have not been saved by our works, let us know
assuredly also that we have been saved unto good works.

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 “We are His workmanship” (literally—poem). A poem is characterized
by beauty in form and thought. It is rhythmical and harmonious, sublime
and elevated in style. And believers should be in all of this in their
conduct before God and men.

“Created in Christ Jesus.” There are two creations: the Old one being
created by Christ Who is seven times designated as the great Creator. It
was created by Christ but not in Christ. This is the marked distinction
between these two creations. Adam was near his Creator and fell, but
the believer is IN CHRIST and cannot fall away. Fall, yes, but he cannot
fall away from Christ.

“Unto good works.” Good works is the fruit of salvation and not the
root of it; the result of it and not the cause of it. This new creation was not
brought about then by man’s good works anymore than the old creation
was but the end in view with the whole new creation is good works on
the part of the created. The whole Bible was given to us with the same
end in view (1 Tim. 3:17). The Cross of Calvary had the same purpose,
“...that He might purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good
works” (Titus 2:14).

Knowing this, the pertinent question may well be asked, “Where are
your good works?” You all believe that you were saved by grace and
grace alone but in the same sense, do you realize that you were saved
unto good works? If you were created unto good works, we ought to be
able to see some of those good works. Barrenness is a sin when it comes
to good works. May our light so shine before men that they may see our
good works and glorify our Father which is in Heaven. We are hiding in
Him from the storms of judgment; let us reflect Him!

Do you say you are not talented or gifted as an excuse for your
barrenness? God has ordained you unto good works from before the
foundation of the world and we are to walk in them. God willed and
planed our good works long ago and it is not His will that we only
occasionally do a good work but that we walk in them.

God tells us in Colossians 4:5-6: “Walk in wisdom, redeem the time.”

Redeeming the time means working. Our speech is to be “with grace
seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). Our work, walk, and word should be
marked by grace. Men and women that are saved by grace are to talk
grace and, of course, smutty stories, idle chatter, foul words, etc. are not
of grace. The world talks on meaninglessly but our talk is to be
worthwhile. A sprinkling of salt does marvelously to bring out the flavor in
foods, so a few words of grace may mean the salvation of a soul or the

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edification of a child of God. Salt purifies as does the salt of the Holy
Spirit, the Word of God.

I beg of you, dear fellow Christian, remember how God saved you
and to what end you have been saved.

And you, my dear unsaved friend, flee to the refuge, to our blessed
Savior, while you may. Soon He will be here and you do not want to
meet Him unprepared.

Dr. Harry Bultema

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LESSON 47:
Separated Unto The Gospel

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle,

separated unto the gospel of God.” Romans 1:1

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, we are told that the Gospel, which both saves
and gives us our standing, has to do with the finished work of Christ on
our behalf. First, Christ died for our sins; Secondly, Christ was buried, and
thirdly, Christ rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. These
three parts comprise the soul-saving unit, i.e., the Gospel.

The Gospel is not found in the life and example of Christ, as is taught
by the modernist. But, rather, it is in the meritorious, substitutionary death,
burial, and resurrection of Christ.

The believer is savingly united to the finished work of Christ by faith as

demonstrated in such Scriptures as Romans 6, verses 3, 11, 13 and 4:25,
Galatians 2:20, and Colossians 3:1.

It is interesting to note that in Romans 1:4, where the resurrection of

Christ is again discussed, there He it is said to be “resurrected from the
deaths” (plural in the original Greek). This is most interesting and
compatible with the wages of sin which Christ paid. The wages of sin was
deaths (physical and spiritual). In light of this, the resurrection of Christ
was truly a glorious climax to His payment of sin’s awful penalty!

To this Gospel, Paul says he was separated. By separation, it seems

that:

1. Paul means his separation was specific: The word of separation

here (Aphorizo) means to be “set apart within specific
boundaries.” The specific boundaries to which Paul was set apart,
and within which he was to function was “the Gospel of God.”

2. Paul means his separation was total: In the immediate context it is

quite apparent that Paul has no reservations in his dedication to
the task of preaching the Gospel of God. Such words as “bond
slave” (vs. 1, servant), “obedience to the faith” (vs. 5), and “God is
my witness Whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His Son” (vs.
9). In 2 Corinthians 5:14-20, see especially verse 15 where Paul
makes it clear that he (and all believers) were saved to serve. In 1
Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17, Paul leaves no doubt that his
(and all believers) separation to the Gospel of God must be total.
Paul’s whole spirit, life, body, being, talents, time, and treasures
were separated to the Gospel.
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 3. Paul means that his separation was for an ultimate purpose: Verse 5
may properly be paraphrased, “We have received the
undeserved gift of apostleship, to promote among all the Gentiles
a yielding in faith to His Name” (Berkley). Paul is saying that the
ultimate purpose for his separation to the Gospel was to get lost
people saved; to get people to put their faith in the living and
glorified Christ Who died for their sins, was buried, and rose again
for their justification (Rom. 4:25).

Note: It would be good at this time to point out that separation

(sanctification) has three phases:

1. Initial Separation (1 Cor. 1:2; 12:12-13; Col. 1:13). At salvation,

believers are placed into union with Christ.

2. Progressive Separation (1 Thess. 4:3; 5:23). Believers are to be

separated from the way of the world, the flesh and the Devil.

3. Complete Separation (1 Cor. 15:51-57; Phil. 3:21; 1 Jn. 3:1-2).

Believers will be raptured and separated from the world, the flesh
and the Devil.

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 48:
Joy To The World...But Not In Jerusalem, Part 1

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of

Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to
Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we
have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him. When
Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests
and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where
Christ should be born” (Mt. 2:1-4).
The prophecies of Christ’s coming into the world are generally well
known and often discussed in the Christian community. Furthermore, the
accuracy with which they have been fulfilled is beyond contradiction
and a source of great amazement. In our text we find a puzzling
dilemma that is very rarely – or never – discussed.

Question: Where is the joy over the announcement of Christ’s birth…

especially in Jerusalem? The birth of a child – any child – into any normal
home would have been long anticipated, and preparations for the birth
would have been carefully made. Upon arrival, the child would have
been joyfully welcomed by family, friends and neighbors alike! But the
child we are talking about is no ordinary child. He is the “Messiah” – the
Savior of the world – the Son of God! For Him, you would especially
expect a joyous, glad welcome for the birth of the Son promised by God
the Father. One might justly expect Him to be received with all the
ceremony possible, and that crowns and scepters should immediately
have been laid at His feet, and that the high and mighty princes of the
world should have been His humble servants. This was the kind of Messiah
of Whom the prophets of old had spoken and the Jews expected. But
such was not the case in Jerusalem!

Two long years had passed since His birth was announced by angels
and subsequently by the shepherds in Bethlehem, and so far as we know,
no one noticed or seemed to care until the Wise men, out of the East,
took notice of “His star” and made their way to Jerusalem. As we shall
see, this Child is the Savior to a few, but alas, to most He is a stumbling
block.

Either way, at His birth, before He ever spoke a word, worked a miracle,
or taught a single doctrine, He caused a stir and His influence was felt in
the world. Herod the king was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Here
is a very strange thing. What a mystery! How sad that the world has not
come to the Savior or rejoiced in His coming.
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 The answer to this sad and puzzling reaction to the announcement of
Christ’s birth in Jerusalem may be found in understanding the relationship
between Christ and the world. Christ is the “light” (Jn. 8:12) and the world
is in “darkness.” Darkness in the Scriptures symbolizes man’s ignorance of
God’s will and, thus, is associated with sin.

“They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the
ways thereof. The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and
needy, and in the night is as a thief. The eye also of the adulterer
waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth
his face. In the dark they dig through houses, which they had
marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light. For
the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know
them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death” (Job 24:13-17).
The whole idea or intent of God’s plan, as illustrated by God’s act of
creation (Gen. 1:2-4), was that with the coming of the “light,” the
“darkness” of the primal world would be dispelled. But the spiritual reality
is that when Christ, the “Light of the world” came, “the darkness
comprehended it not” (Jn. 1:5) – the reason being that “men loved
darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

The prophets of old clearly identified the coming Savior to be the

“Light” that would illuminate a spiritually-dark world: a world enshrouded
in the darkness of sin and rebellion.

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is
risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee,
and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come
to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isa. 60:1-3; cf.,
Lk. 1:76-79; 2:32).
Note: It is to this prophecy of Isaiah that the Apostle Paul refers, in part, to indicate a
“shift of gears” dispensationally. It answers the question, “Do the Gentiles have any hope
of salvation since the Jews rejected Christ the Light?” The Gentiles could have been
delivered from the spiritual darkness through union with Israel. But now that Israel and the
whole world is “concluded in unbelief” (Rom. 11:32), the wonderful grace of God is
extended to Gentiles (Acts 9:15; 13:46-47; 26:18,23) – again proving that God is “not
willing that any should perish” (1 Tim. 2:4; cf. 2 Pet. 3:9).

Our Lord Jesus plainly stated that He was “the Light of the world” with
the result that those who would believe in Christ “would not abide in
darkness” but have the “light of life” (Jn. 8:12; 12:46). The Apostle Paul
said that believers would be “delivered from the power of darkness,” and
“translated into the kingdom of His dear Son” (Col. 1:13). But He was not
received!

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 “[He] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh
into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by
Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His
own received Him not” (Jn. 1:9-11).

On the other hand, Jesus said that those who rejected Him as the
“Light” would bring condemnation and judgment upon themselves and
the world (Jn. 3:19-20) – for whom is reserved the “blackness of darkness
for ever” (Jude 1:13).

The world to which Christ came was under the power of Satan, blinded
to the light and sitting in darkness. His coming intensified the conflict
between God and Satan. It is a war “against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). Christ told the chief priests,
captains of the temple and the elders, as He neared the end of His
ministry and was approaching the Cross, that “this is your hour, and the
power of darkness” (Lk. 22:53) – and it continues to be so today. Satan
has “blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the
glorious Gospel of Christ, Who is the image of God, should shine unto
them” (2 Cor. 4:4). This spiritual truth is seen in the choices that men
make.

“For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to
the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth
cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that
they are wrought in God” (Jn. 3:20-21).
Christ witnesses against the choices of the sinner and the unbelieving
world, saying, “I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil” (Jn. 7:7). Ah
ha…the mystery is solved! Knowing the truth about the evil,
unregenerate heart of man (Jer. 17:9), the pieces of the puzzle begin to
fit together. Unsaved man fears being exposed by the light of truth.

So, Herod was troubled.

Wasn't Herod knowledgeable of kingly protocol? Wasn’t he what we

would call “the head of state”? Hadn’t he received other sovereigns?
Was he inept at handling the affairs of the kingdom? Surely not! He was a
hypocrite! He was a liar, and a murderer! He was infected by the disease
that so often affects self-serving leaders who come to places of power
and position. He was a politician. He knew Jesus was King of the Jews
and he knew that Jesus was God! Living in Jerusalem he couldn't have
been ignorant of the prophecies. He feigned interest and excitement
and even a desire to worship Christ by asking the Wise men to:

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 “Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have
found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him
also” (Mt. 2:8).

Shouldn't he have received Him well? But no! Herod did that which
would best conceal his evil heart and serve his interests.

King Herod was the enemy of Jesus – the real “King of the Jews.”
Herod was not a Jew! Herod was a descendant of Esau – an Edomite –
and by nature hated the Jews. His true intent and desire was to murder
Christ – the Son of Jacob (Mt. 2:16-18). Herod was jealous of his own
power and throne. He rightly believed that the house of David, in the
person of the newborn Child, would take possession of his throne; so he
trembled and was troubled. Herod attacked Christ. He was an antichrist.
His attack was another, in a long line of attacks, against God the Father’s
promised “Seed” (Gen 3:15).

Herod’s prejudice, bigotry, and hatred are alive today in the modern
crowd of God-haters who work diligently to set the stage for Antichrist’s
final reign of worldwide terror against the saint (2 Thess. 2:4). They speak ill
of – would silence every voice of opposition – and declare war on those
who align themselves with Christ and His righteousness. Let every
believing “child of light” take warning and know that the world is not a
friend. Christians are, and will increasingly be, the target of the world’s
hatred.

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it

hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his
own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have
chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth
you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is
not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they
will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying they will
keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for
My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me.
If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had
sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin” (Jn. 15:18-22).

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 49:
Joy To The World...But Not In Jerusalem, Part 2

The lovers of religion are troubled

Men say and do all sorts of strange things when they are troubled by
Christ, and it is not because they have any real reason for their dread.
They are troubled about Christ very much for the same reason that
Herod and Jerusalem were troubled about Him.

Hypocritical and powerless religion: Jerusalem was the capital – no

small city – the House of David. It was the religious nerve center of the
nation. The city was filled with Bible scholars – the “Chief Priests, Scribes
and Pharisees.” There may have been some small hamlets that knew
nothing or very little about the prophecies of a promised Savior, but not
Jerusalem. Herein lies the puzzling thing. The Jerusalem dwellers had a
head knowledge of the Scriptures (Mt. 2:4-6), but no heart or faith
obedience. For if the truth of Christ’s coming had penetrated their heart
and been applied by faith to the day of their “visitation” (Lk. 1:68; 19:44),
they would have thanked God, prayed and celebrated with joy as did
the handful of believers two years before (Mt. 2:16) in the Jerusalem
Temple (Zacharias and Elizabeth, Simeon, Joseph and Mary, Anna the
prophetess – Lk. 1:57-80; 2:25-39). But no! They were filled with fear
because it was a moment of truth. They would have to face the truth or
deny it. They had to, as we would say, “put their money where their
mouth is.” They were called upon to practice what they were preaching.
The presence of Christ filled them with dread. They were about to be
found out! They were liars and counterfeits. They had “a form of
godliness,” but were “denying the power thereof” (2 Tim. 3:5). Jesus said,
“This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me
with their lips; but their heart is far from Me” (Mt. 15:8).

At least Herod was moved by the courage of his evil conviction to

oppose Christ. But when Jerusalem and its leaders were asked by Herod,
“where Christ should be born” (Mt. 2:5), they were moved to do nothing
more than recite Scripture and tremble in fear. Amazing, not a single one
of them said that they would go to Bethlehem. Not a scribe! Not a chief
priest! As far as we know, not a person from Jerusalem said, “We will go
worship Him!” I ask, “Where was their faith in the Bible or even their
curiosity?” “Where were the men of godly courage and action”? “Where
was the celebration”? “Where was the praise and worship”? It was not to
be found. Neither is it to be found today. This comes as no surprise as we
have come to expect that from the world. It is a great disappointment to
me to discover, after all these years, the moral and spiritual condition of
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the mainstream religious community is in much the same condition as
Jerusalem was in the day of Christ’s birth. The vast majority continues to
dishonor Him with their “head” knowledge, lip service, “clap trap,”
programs and three-ring circuses, but are seldom ever moved to be
“doers of the Word” (Jas. 1:17). This is what troubles the unregenerate
heart of men both then and now! Man is so incurably religious that he
finds it nearly impossible to comprehend the truth that a Holy God would
send His Son to this spiritually-dark world in order to save Hell-deserving
sinners.

“For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the
world; but that the world through Him might be saved” (Jn.
3:17). “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that
which was lost” (Lk. 19:10).

How terribly sad that men then and now should be troubled by the gift
of grace and infinite mercy. I pray to God that all of you who read these
words will come to Christ, bow at His feet, accept Him as your Lord, trust
Him to save you, and then rejoice in Him as your Savior. Be troubled no
more. Let your soul find rest in Christ.

The lovers of peace are troubled

Theological/Doctrinal/Denominational/Dispensational believe
me! When Christ came, He rocked the theological boat. There is no
doubt that peace-loving men were troubled by the announcement that
Christ was born. There are some who still say, “Don’t rock the boat!”
“Don’t choose up sides!” “Don’t take a stand!” They are pretty
comfortable with the way things are. I think most in Herod’s day would
have thought of peace as resulting from compromise: a peace at any
price concept – an idea that is as popular today as then. With the
coming of Christ, things changed and most were forced out of their
comfort zone. There is a real tension here! They don’t naturally or easily
want to pay the price for change or “truth.” There are a few men of
genuine “peace and good will,” but by-in-large they seek a peace
independent of the Prince of Peace. They are troubled by the
consequences of the choice they were called to make. It is while men
are choosing whether to stand for truth and “light” or the ease that
comes from compromise and silence that men are troubled.

Evangelist Lee Homoki recalls the pain, fear and struggle when, as a
boy, he was faced with the issues of the Gospel and salvation. He says,
“Then again, when I was faced with the need to ‘rightly divide the Word
of truth,’ I was troubled. I had to make a decision. Would I choose what I
had discovered to be the truth of the Mystery or choose the security of
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an established, growing ministry? It was a decision that I knew would cost
me dearly. I wondered what the church leaders would think of the
impending change in my doctrine. What of my family, my mother and
father – who were well-known missionaries – what would they think?
What of my future welfare? I know the feelings of being troubled in my
spirit. Thankfully, I chose to follow the truth and “light” and rejected the
intimidation that comes from family, denominational headquarters,
tradition and friends.”

Political peace: There can be no peace when tyranny and

godlessness are on any throne. Herod was cruel and heartless. He had
come to the throne through a sea of bloodshed and murder. He was
much hated and very powerful. The Jerusalem dwellers may have
feared more of the same when the new King came to town; but then
there is always a fight for freedom and righteousness. Coming to the
crossroads always demands a decision. This is perhaps true more so
today than in Christ’s day because the peace of political correctness,
the peace of ecumenical union, and the peace of multicultural pluralism
demands the surrender of absolutes and dogmatism of the Bible. Their
plea is for toleration – meaning a one-way street going the way of the
“New World Order.” This is peace accomplished by compromise and
tyranny. I say tyranny because the peace being sought after today
comes when righteousness yields and its voice is silenced and God is
dead. This is the shade of Herod and the coming Antichrist!

The lovers of money are troubled.

Business will suffer: There is big money to be made in religion. And,

after all, it is the “love of money” that is the “root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:10).
The Temple money changers had made the “House of Prayer” a “den of
thieves” (Mt. 21:13). Religion to them was a matter of money, not ministry.
They were troubled, like the Ephesian idol makers who felt that their craft
and livelihood were in danger (Acts 19:28; 19:34). They were not the first,
nor will they be the last, who have worshipped gold rather than God;
and though they become rich in this world’s goods, they are in reality
“fools,” destitute and lost for eternity.

The lovers of unrighteousness are troubled.

There is pleasure in sin. Again, Evangelist Lee Homoki illustrates, “I have

known such men. I recall a man, to whom I gave the ‘light’ of the Gospel
– he responded to my invitation to trust Christ for salvation by saying he
did not want to be saved because he liked to drink and get drunk.” It is
sad but true that sinful pleasure is the reason many a man is troubled
about Christ. There is a choice to be made. He is troubled. He does not
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want to give up his pet sin. He cannot continue in the practice of any
known sin, willfully and deliberately, and find any comfort from the Word
of God or from the Gospel. There must be, in his heart’s intent and
resolve, the quitting of sin, or there cannot be the finding of the Savior. If
this be true, can there be any doubt why Jerusalem or modern man is
troubled?

Conclusion

It could have been for any one of these reasons – or many other
reasons – that Jerusalem was troubled. We don’t really know. What we
do know is that ultimately Jerusalem and all Israel chose to reject Christ.
They crucified Him, saying, “We will not have this man reign over us” (Lk.
19:14). I pray that if you have not accepted Christ, that you will come to
Christ today. You will not find Him in Bethlehem now. No, He is not there
now. He came to earth to save sinners. He was numbered with sinners.
He was made sin for sinners. He became the sinner’s substitute. He was
obedient unto death. He was given a name that is above every name.
He is now ascended to the right hand of the Father.

“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost

that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make
intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25).

You can be one of the “few” who have found Christ and joy by
placing your faith fully in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus
Christ. This is in contrast to the “many” who will never know joy but be
everlastingly troubled.

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 50:
The Christmas Tree: Harmful Roots or Harmless Tradition

It never seems to fail, that each year around the time of one of the
“religious” holidays, some group or individual will go on their annual
“witch hunt” making unfounded claims concerning the worldliness of the
holiday. It is sad to think that a time dedicated to the celebration of the
birth of our Savior and of “peace on earth, good will toward men,” a
time of peace and celebration is broken by those who suppose
themselves to be perhaps more spiritual because they refrain from the
trappings of the secular things and concentrate on the “religious.” But
are we wrong in celebrating Christmas at all? Is there any part of the
celebration, be it the tree, decorations, or the exchanging of gifts that
does not have its roots in pagan worship?

THE ROOTS OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas, while being a Christian holiday, has its roots in pagan

festivals and feasting. These Christian roots date back to just a few years
after the death of Christ. The imminent return of the Lord had begun to
be questioned. After all, He said He would return quickly and had not
done so. The whole idea of a return or resurrection had begun to be
questioned. Early Church Fathers felt it necessary to begin an
observance that would keep fresh in the minds of the people the birth of
their promised Messiah.

The celebration of Christmas is the Christian version of the Roman

holiday of the winter solstice. The Romans called this the Day of the
Invincible Sun and celebrated it on December 25. The Christian
observance gradually moved into prominence over the original in all but
the Eastern Orthodox Church. It was, and still is, their belief that the
“manifestation” of the Heavenly Logos in the flesh is on January 6.

Early Church Fathers contended that Christmas was but a “religious”

duplicate of ancient pagan worship. However, as the festival of the
incarnation of the Heavenly Logos, Christmas increasingly entrenched
itself into both the liturgy and theology of the Christian Church. It was in
Rome during the 3rd century, that the festival, Sol Invictus (the festival of
the victory over paganism by the Christians) was replaced by the
celebration on December 25 of the appearance of Christ the “Sun of
Righteousness” (Mal. 4:2).

While it is true that the celebration of Christmas, especially the date of

the celebration, has its roots in paganism, let us not be guilty of not
seeing the forest for the trees. We dare not make much ado about
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nothing, especially when there is absolutely no Biblical evidence to back
it up. In doing so, we often become cultish in our beliefs—cultish in our
regards for the beliefs and convictions of others, often putting others
down for the “unbelief.” In our cultish-ness though, we often castrate
certain aspects we feel are “heathen,” while adopting others felt
harmless or “Biblical” (the exchanging of gifts).

A DEAD OR LIVING TREE?

We are going to confine our discussion on the Christmas tree itself.

There are those who would have us to believe that the Christmas tree
has its origin in the festivals and rites of pagan worship. Those who hold to
this belief will say that no Christian should have a Christmas tree in their
home because it is worshipping a pagan god. Nothing could be further
from the truth. They would take us to the Old Testament passages
concerning the “groves.” The groves of the Old Testament were planted
not as orchards, but for places of worship to Baal. The tree would be
topped out (branches cut off) and carved in the image of the god.

(NOTE: The Companion Bible has an excellent commentary on the groves and the
worship of Baal.

From a conspectus of passages, we learn that it was either a living tree with the
top cut off, and the stump or trunk fashioned into a particular shape (Deut.
16:21), or it was artificially fashioned and set erect in the ground (Isa. 17:8; 1 Kgs.
14:15; 16:33). What the shape was is indicated in 1 Kings 15:13 and 2 Chronicles
15:26 where the A.V. “an idol in a grove,” should be (as in the R.V.) “an
abominable image for an Asherah.” The word “Asherah is from the root word
Ashar, to be straight, erect, or upright. It could be “cut down (Ex. 34:13, the first
occurrence of the word): “plucked up” (Mic. 5:14); “burnt” (Deut. 12:3); or
“broken in pieces” (2 Chron. 34:4). So with the Asherah. Originally a tree,
symbolic of the “tree of life.” It was an object of reverence and veneration.
Then came the perversion of the earlier idea which simply honored the origin of
life; and it was corrupted and debased in the organ of procreation, which was
symbolized by the form and shape given the Asherah. It was the Phallus image
of Isaiah 57:8 and the image of the male, Ezekiel 16:17.)

It is interesting to note that the worship carried out by the followers of

Baal was actually a perversion of an earlier worship honoring God. Also
note that the image was “cut” and it was the trunk or stump that was
fashioned into the “abominable” image and worshipped. The tree was
not standing in its original form, but, rather, was stripped of its branches.
This was the depredation of the “tree of life” which was originally to be
symbolic of God. This dreadful act of man took the rightful God of
creation and lowered Him to the god of the earth. No longer did man
worship the Creator; he now worshipped the creation. Through the
Phallic symbol, the tree (God) is lowered to that of the erect male sex
organ (secular humanism). But is this the Christmas tree of the modern
celebration?
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 THE MODERN/TRADITIONAL TREE

The modern Christmas tree originated in western Germany. It was used

as a prop in a medieval play concerning Adam and Eve. It was a fir tree
decked out with apples which represented the Garden of Eden. The
Germans set up these Paradise Trees in their homes on December 24, the
religious feast day of Adam and Eve. They would hang thin wafers on the
tree. These wafers symbolized the host, the Christian sign of redemption.
The wafers eventually gave way to cookies of various shapes (the origin
of the modern Christmas cookie). Candles were often added as the
symbol of Christ, the light of the world. In the same room, during the
season, was what was known as the Christmas Pyramid: a triangular
construction of wood with shelves to hold various Christmas figurines
(probably those of the nativity). The shelves would be decorated with
evergreens (symbolic of eternal life), candles (symbolic of the light of the
world Christ),

The custom was widespread among the German Lutherans by the 18th
century, but it was not until the following century that the Christmas tree
became a deep-rooted German tradition. Introduced into England in
the 19th century, the Christmas tree was popularized by the German
Prince Albert, who was the husband of Queen Victoria. The Victorian tree
was decorated with candles, candies and fancy cakes hung from the
branches by ribbon and paper chains. German settlers brought this
tradition to the shores of America as early as the 17th century. By the
19th century the trees were the height of fashion. These trees were also
popular in Switzerland, Austria, Poland and Holland. The modern
Christmas tree was FIRST introduced into the Chinese and Japanese
cultures by American missionaries during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Trees there were decorated with intricate paper designs.

The use of evergreen trees, wreaths and garlands as a symbol of

eternal life was an ancient custom of Egyptians, Chinese and
Hebrews.

Note that while the Chinese did have a form of worship which
incorporated the evergreen, it wasn’t until the missionaries had
introduced the Christmas tree to them that they knew of such a thing. If it
were indeed the same thing, there would have been no need for the
missionaries to make such an introduction; rather, they would have
discouraged the use of it.

Is it the same tree? Absolutely not! There can be no correlation made

between the worship of “trees” in ancient paganism and the modern
Christmas tree. It cannot even be argued that the modern Christmas tree
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even evolved from those ancient religious rites and rituals. The only
similarity lies in the indisputable fact that both are trees. One concerns
itself with cutting down, cutting off the branches and reshaping; the
other, with beauty and Christian symbolism. When we look at the cutting
down, we see the creation being raised above the Creator. The cutting
off of the branches symbolizes the eternal separation from God, eternal
death. The reshaping points to the turning or perverting of the truth of
God into a lie (Rom. 1:3). Instead, the modern Christmas tree (properly
trimmed) can be a symbol of the eternal God. The candles demonstrate
the light of Christ in a dark and crooked world. The Christmas tree can be
a reminder of the greatness and majesty of God. Even the shape of the
tree should direct our thoughts and minds on things above as it points
upward. In that pyramid-like shape, coupled with the symbols that adorn
the tree, we are drawn to a better realization of who God is and what
sacrifice Christ made for us.

CONCLUSION

Please don’t be confused by the worship of paganism and the modern

Christmas tree. The one symbolizes man’s greatness; the other, the
greatness of God. But a note of caution: don’t allow yourself to worship
the tree. We are to have no other gods before us (Ex. 20:3-4). Do not
worship the symbolism; rather, set your affections (minds) on things
above (heavenly, spiritual), not on things on the earth (man, humanism)
(Col. 3:2). Let us enjoy the spirit of the season in brotherly love. Let us
have real peace on earth, good will toward men—and not division and
strife caused over misunderstandings and wrong interpretations.

Have yourself a very Merry and Christ-centered Christmas. Enjoy the

season, the fellowship of family and friends, the trimmings, and especially
the reason for the season. “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all
acceptation, that Christ came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Tim.
1:15). Christ was willing to humble Himself; being God, He became man
and suffered the cruel death of a Roman Cross (Phil. 2:6-8). Born in a
stable, the Lamb of God laid His life on the altar and shed His blood to
purchase our salvation. “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation
[our mercy seat] through faith in His blood…” (Rom. 3:25A). Have a tree?
Why not? But don’t make it the focal point of the celebration. Make
Jesus Christ the center of the Christmas season as well as of your personal
life!

Pastor Timothy McGarvey

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LESSON 51:
The Night Of Christmas

The night of Christmas was a night of ...

EEKING … The bright glory of God (the Shekinah or God’s

S
presence), the thundering voice of the announcing angel, the
good tidings of the Savior’s birth, the angel choir and the fear of
God was sufficient motivation for the shepherds to seek the Savior
(Lk. 2:15). This same Savior has encouraged all who will likewise
dare to follow the shepherds, by promising them, “seek and ye shall
find” (Lk. 11:9-11).

NTICIPATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT … All that Moses and the

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prophets taught concerning Christ (Lk. 24:25-27) caused great
anticipation. The birth of Christ obviously fulfilled these ancient
promises of a Savior and so was joyfully announced by the angels
(Lk. 2:10-14), the shepherds (Lk. 2:17), Simeon (Lk. 2:25-35), and
Anna (Lk. 2:36-38). An announcement of such glad tidings of hope is still
received with great thanksgiving by all those who believe.

IRGIN BIRTH … God had to become a member of the fallen race

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(Rom. 5:12) in order to be the substitutionary sacrifice and Savior
of sinners; but He had to be a sinless man. He had to be the
“sinless Lamb of God Who bears away the sin of the world” (Jn.
1:29b). God couldn’t have entered the world in the fashion that
is common to man, for had He been born of a man, He would have
inherited the sinful image and nature of fallen Adam (Gen. 5:3; Ps. 51:5;
Rom. 5:12). He was virgin born (Lk. 1:26-35).

MMINENT DEATH … There is nothing necessarily unusual or strange

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about the fact that Christ was “wrapped in swaddling clothes (Lk.
1:7,12) on the night of His birth (this was very normal for the times and
customs of the day), except the word translated swaddling clothes
(sparganoo/gk) is a medical term for bandages and can be
associated with the wrapping of a body in preparation for burial. It is not
surprising then that throughout the whole of Christ’s life hung the threat
of imminent death—beginning with King Herod’s order to kill all the male
children from two years old and under (Mt. 2:11-18). Death was all a part
of God the Father’s plan to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15), a plan to which
Christ willingly submitted (Mt. 26:39, 42).
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 PTIMISM … “Peace on earth good will toward men” (Lk. 2:14). This

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old world had waited so long for this news of peace and rest. What
cause for optimism this promise should have brought. What dreams
of a Kingdom with the Savior/King. Think of it! A Kingdom without an
end, a world without wars, a Kingdom with prosperity for all (Isa. 2:4)!
But alas, He came and was rejected. World peace will have to wait until
He returns the second time (Isa. 9:6-7), or until He reigns within the soul
through faith (Eph. 2:13-17).

NION … As the virgin born, sinless God/Man, Jesus Christ is qualified

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to be the sin-bearing Savior. Theologians call this result of the virgin
birth (the union between God and man in the person of Christ) the
hypostatic union. Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man united in
one person forever (Jn. 1:1-3, 14)! The Bible calls this the “great
mystery of godliness” (1 Tim. 3:16).

EDEMPTION … The purpose for the incarnation is clearly revealed by

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Christ when He said, “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save
that which is lost” (Lk. 19:10). The purpose for the incarnation was
clearly fulfilled when on Calvary’s Cross Christ said, “It is
finished!” (Jn. 19:30) and gave up the ghost into the loving hands of
the Father Who was “not willing that any should perish” (2 Pet. 3:9).

S. Lee Homoki

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LESSON 52:
Reviving The Grace Message

2 Timothy 1:6—2:13

I believe the Apostle Paul is encouraging Timothy to personal revival. To

be more specific, I am persuaded that the revival of the Grace Message
is the burden of Paul’s message in this text.

FIRST, Paul is saying that Timothy was to “stir up the gift of God” (vs. 6).
The picture here is that of an ample campfire that once attracted those
around to its beneficial warmth, light and protection; but now, those
benefits are in jeopardy because its flames have died out and it is
generating more smoke than heat. It is badly in need of being rekindled
and fanned again into a flame. Timothy is in need of revival; likewise, we
are in need of revival. Without revival we shall suffer great loss.

SECONDLY, Paul is saying that a revival in Timothy’s life and ministry (vs.
7) would be characterized by (a) a “power” to do right (Phil. 4:13); (b) a
“love which is in Christ” - we are to love God’s Word, the saints, the lost (2
Tim. 1:13); and (c) a “sound mind” to bring every thought into subjection
to Christ—a thinking like the mind of Christ; a thinking of Bible truth (2 Cor.
10:5; Phil. 2:5).

THIRDLY, Paul is saying that a revival in Timothy’s life and ministry would
give proper recognition to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and to the
Apostle Paul as Christ’s special prisoner (vs. 8).

The issue here is addressed by the word “ashamed” (vss. 8, 12, 16). In
Paul’s case, he was a prisoner because God had appointed him to be
“a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles” (vs. 11), with the
special deposit of the Grace Message being entrusted to his care (vs.
12). Revival will bring recognition of this fact and boldness for the believer
to be a “partaker of the afflictions of the gospel” (vs. 8; Eph. 6:19-20).

(NOTE: Verse 12 of this chapter has caused a great deal of discussion as to its
interpretation. Because the overall context does not have to do with salvation, but
service, I am forced to conclude, with Dr. Kenneth Wuest in his book, “Word Studies,” that
verse 12 refers to the deposit of truth that was committed to Paul. One translation of this
Scripture renders Verse 12 as follows: “I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that
He is able to guard, until that Day, what has been entrusted to me.”)

FOURTHLY, Paul was saying that a revival in Timothy’s life and ministry
would result in a militant defense and propagation of the Grace
Message. Hence, Paul’s comment to Timothy was to “be strong in the
grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2:1) and to “endure hardness, as a good
soldier” (2:3).

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 A good soldier must stand fast and not retreat from the “sound words”
of the commanding officer (1:13). He must guard the “good thing” that
was committed to his care (1:14), and he must advance the cause for
which he was enlisted (2:2).

A MATTER OF EDUCATION

Now, because I have chosen to use the words “revival” and “Grace
Message” in connection with Paul’s challenge to Timothy, some will, no
doubt, ask: “What is Revival?” and “Just what is the Grace Message?”

Revival is the believer (or the Church) living up to their spiritual

potential. In this Dispensation of Grace, the spiritual potential for every
believer is the Spirit-filled life. When the believer is filled with the Holy Spirit,
he is controlled by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is then free to reproduce
the character of Christ in us and through us. That is revival.

In answering the question, “What is the Grace Message?” - I would

hope that most people would respond by associating the Grace
Message, in some way, with dispensational truth.

The Apostle Paul, through what he called the “revelation of the

Mystery” (Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:3), announced the Dispensation of Grace
(Eph. 3:2). He called it the “Dispensation of Grace” because grace was
the feature that distinguished it from any previous dispensation. In other
words, even though God had displayed His grace many times before,
none had ever seen the likes of God’s grace as it was manifested with
this revelation of the Mystery (Titus 2:11).

Two of the main elements of this special dispensing of God’s grace, are
what theologians have called the “Gospel of the Mystery” and the
“Mystery of the Gospel.”

The Gospel of the Mystery distinguishes itself from all other forms of the
gospel, in that it offers salvation to all men by “grace through faith”
alone (Eph. 2:8). For the first time, faith must stand alone. What wonderful
good news! Whereas in the previous dispensations, while good works or
the Law could never save, there was a sense in which men could not be
saved apart from good works or the Law (Rom. 3:21; Jas. 2:24).

The Mystery of the Gospel is the good news that people, at the
moment of their salvation, would be marvelously baptized by the Holy
Spirit into the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12-13). Furthermore, all saved
people would lose their former identity (Gal. 3:27-28; Eph. 3:6), and Christ
would make them “one new man” or a “joint body” in Himself (Eph. 2:15;
3:6). The union formed between the believer and Christ is such that

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Christ is made the Head and the believer is made His Body. Together,
with Him, we are “the Christ!” Together, with Him, we are blessed “with all
spiritual blessings” in the heavenlies (Eph. 1:3).

This whole body of dispensational truth contains many other interesting

features that are unique to this Grace Message.

• A new system for spiritual service (Rom. 8:2);

• A new inheritance (Rom. 8:14-17);

• A new hope (1 Thess. 4:13-18);

• A new baptism (Rom. 6:1-4; 1 Cor. 12:12-13);

• A new Gospel Commission (1 Cor. 5:14-20);

• A new ecclesiastical order (Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11);

• A new building (Eph. 4:12-13);

• A new “Architekton” or leader of the work (1 Cor. 3:10; 11:1);

• A new standard for obedience (Rom. 16:26); and

• A new basis for doctrinal purity (Rom. 16:25).

Knowing and understanding this Grace Message is a matter of

education. We cannot be revived in what we do not know. Reviving the
Grace Message is a matter of studying to show ourselves approved unto
God (2 Tim. 2:15).

A MATTER OF EYESIGHT

In Acts 26:13-30, we learn of the Apostle Paul’s conversion and his vision
of the living, resurrected, glorified Christ. Evangelist Lee Homoki believes
that this is the initial installment of what Paul later called “the revelation
of the Mystery.” It is here, though blinded for a season, he sees what God
sees. He sees people in need. He sees people in need of being “turned
from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God.” With Paul’s
eyesight being restored, he immediately “preached Christ” (Acts 9:20).

A revival of the Grace Message will not only require that believers know
the Grace Message, but that they have their eyes opened to the spiritual
needs of the people. The Apostle Paul wanted to “make all men see
what is the fellowship of the Mystery” (Eph. 3:9). The primary issue in this
fellowship of the Mystery has been, and always will be, the salvation of
the lost.

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 We have no right to talk of our knowledge of the Bible; we have no
right to split our theological hairs; we have no right to debate our
dispensational distinctive unless our eyes are first opened to the Apostle
Paul’s vision of the lost.

We will never revive the Grace Message unless we can say with the
Apostle Paul, “woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel...a dispensation
of the gospel is committed unto me” (1 Cor. 9:16).

A MATTER OF EXECUTION

During the course of our life, we may make a lot of elaborate plans. We
may even enjoy discussing our plans with friends and neighbors. But, if we
do not get around to working our plans, all of our discussions and plans
will be fruitless; and so it is with reviving the Grace Message! We can
have the education of the Grace Message, and we can have the
eyesight of the Grace Message, but if we do not have the execution of
the Grace Message, the Grace Message will never be revived.

The Apostle Paul knew something about the execution of the Grace
Message. In his farewell message to the Ephesian elders, he said that he
was about to “finish” both his “course” and “ministry” with regards to his
testimony of the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24).

Again, in Philippians 3:7-14, the Apostle Paul made a sacrifice. He

“counted all things but loss” so that he could “reach forth” and “press
towards the mark” in order to get the job done and win the “prize of the
high calling of God.”

Now, in Romans 12:1-11, I hear the Apostle Paul begging all believers to
make the same sacrifice. He wants them to use their God-given “faith”
and “gifts” in “reasonable service.” I hear Paul, like a championship
football coach, encouraging his men to follow his example and be
“fervent in spirit” and execute their service for the Lord. I hear him calling
out the positions of the players saying, “You prophets, ministers, teachers,
exhorters, givers, rulers, and you that show mercy, GO! Run for the goal!
You who know the Grace Message and you who see the need for the
Grace Message, run with it! Press for the goal! Go on! Go on! And, YOU
execute the Grace Message!”

S. Lee Homoki

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