The Secrets of a New Life

POWERS HIS MYSTERIES

Pat Holliday, PhD Copyright © e-book 6/23/2013
Agape Publishers
Dedicated to Vadim Holliday
Agape Publishers
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Edited Stephen Knuth

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 Table of Contents

Chapter One
The Royal Kingdom
Chapter Two
Honor and Responsibility
Chapter Three
The Honor of a Kingdom
Chapter Four
Chosen Generation
Chapter Five
Spiritual House and Spiritual Sacrifices
Chapter Six
Precious Stone
Chapter Seven
Royal Priesthood
Chapter Eight
Sons of God
Chapter Nine
Authority of Kingdom
Chapter Ten
Elect Generation
Chapter Eleven
Spiritual Bloodline
Chapter Twelve
Attributes of Christianity
Chapter Thirteen
Open Your Heart and Live
Cover: Albert_Bierstadt_-_A_Storm_in_the_Rocky_Mountains,
_Mt__Rosalie_-

_Google_Art_Project
 Chapter One
The Royal Kingdom
The Truth
Adam was trapped, alone, and afraid, in a world he never made. He
brought corruption, disease and poverty into that world. That bondage of
sin and its consequences creates an alienation from one’s fellow man and
God.

Jesus pleads invitingly, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man
cometh to the Father, but by me.” (Jn. 14:6). “Verily, verily . . . I am the
door of the sheep.” (Jn. 10:70). “Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby
we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12).

Every soul born on this earth is lost at birth because they come into this
world under the sin of Adam and Eve, our first parents. Adam submitted
his will to the Devil, sinned and therefore, lost eternal life for all
mankind. His lost condition may be described as falling short of the glory
of God.

Man’s own unaided efforts to solve his problems through intellectual,

economic, political, social or psychological skills are soon to fail.
Salvation is a free gift from God. It is a work of God in which He rescues
man from eternal ruin.

The doom of sin bestows on him the riches of His grace, even eternal life
beginning now and eternal glories in heaven forevermore. From the
moment you are saved, if you will let God do it in your spirit, you will
begin to enjoy the fruits of salvation. The salvation of God is for those
who do not deserve it and have no preparation for it.

What is a True Believer?

Are you a true believer? Believers only look to the Bible for eternal
answers. Only the Bible can give correct and complete answers to our
spiritual questions.

Looks to the past, (Heb. 32:34).

To his illuminations, (Heb. 32:32).
To his experiences as a gazing stock, (Heb. 32:33).
To his companions, (Heb. 32:33).
To his support of the ministry, (Heb. 32:34).
Looks to the present, (Heb. 32:35:37).
Does not cast away his confidence, (Heb. 32:35).
Exercises patience, (Heb. 32:36).
Does the will of God and receives the promises, (Heb.:36).
Looks for the coming of Jesus, (Heb. 32:37).
Looks to the future, (Heb. 32:38-39).
Does not draw back, (Heb. 32:38).
Believes to obtain salvation, (Heb. 32:39).
Actually your spirit inside of you becomes alive.

Dead Spirits
Before Christ walks into your life, your spirit inside of your body is dead.
Your spirit is dead to God. You don’t know God. You have no
communication with Him. Therefore, you are cut off from God and that
means spiritual death. Look at Rom. 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin
entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all
men, for that all have sinned.”[1]

Salvation is more than Repentance

It is more than making a decision for Christ. It is a changed life, a new
creature in Christ, a life of Holiness. After salvation, a person is saved
physically and spiritually. However, to claim His name without the new
life (II Eph. 5:17), is a fatal deception! Jesus lovingly cautions, “Not
everyone that saith unto me, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but
he that doeth the will of my Father.” (Matt. 7:21-23).

It is certainly true that Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: . . .
If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch and is withered . . .
and they are burned.” (Jn. 15:5, 6).

The problem of slavery to sin is it is an alien concept in a modern world

that relies for it analysis of human nature upon psychoanalysis, self-
improvement, self-esteem, human potential, New Age thinking and other
self-help psychologies and philosophies. These “popisms” rob the
modern world of any rhyme or reason for thinking about sin.

The contention is that people are basically good; let’s try to make them
even better. Is it any wonder, then, that many people today place reality
of sin alongside that of UFOs?

Incredible, but Not to a Few Misguided Souls

However, when you know your true human condition you know
differently. You also know something else. That there is not even the
slightest possibility of remedial self-help from what the Bible calls sin.

It is a disheartening situation, really. You feel the strength of sin within

and wish that you could be “saved” from it. But at the same time you
recognize yourself as utterly powerless to change situations. [2]

The Solution is Redemption

It’s a spiritual creation, “In whom we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” (Eph. 2:10)
and (Eph. 1:7).
The apostle Paul goes on to write in Eph. 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus
ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Jesus is the Creator.” (Jn. 1:3). He sustains individuals (Psa. 139: 7:12).
He is the only Savior (Acts 4:12). He will be the Judge (Jn. 5:22, 27) and
(Acts 10:42).

Christ is our Blessing!

“The Lord has pleasure in the prosperity of me, His servant.” (Psa.
35:27).

We know that no one except God is absolutely perfect and that real
salvation is the first step in perfecting holiness. Jesus Christ is the Head
of the Church.

Three times in the Epistle (Eph. 1:22, 4:15, and 5:2), Christ is specifically
named as Head of the Church. This headship is His by rank, by power,
and by love . . . His forever. Jesus, our Redeemer, is the only one with
the crown right to be head of the Church.

Heavenly Will
We have the last will and testament of our Lord Jesus according to Hebr.
9:16-22. The Bible is recorded in Heaven, (Psa. 119:89). The Bible is
recorded to reveal Jesus Christ, (Jn. 20:31). The Bible was recorded to
assure believers, (I Jn. 5:10-13). Every will must have an administrator.
The administrator must have wisdom, (Col. 2:3). The administrator must
have power, (Matt. 28:18). The administrator must be present, (Matt.
28:20).

Jesus is the Testator.

It was signed by His faultless life, (Lk. 23:4). It was signed by His
suffering, (I Pet. 4:12, 13). It was signed by His resurrection, (Rom.
4:15).

Every Will Requires a Witness

The Bible is a witness, (Jn. 16:12-15) and (Jn. 5:37, 38).

A will is no good while the testator lives. Jesus became man in order to
die, (Heb. 2:24). Jesus knew He had to die, (Lk. 9:30:31). Jesus’ death is
the Bible’s theme, (I Cor. 15:1, 3, and 4).

Wills require heirs. Paul tells us, “We are heirs.” (Col. 4:7). Peter tells us,
“We are heirs.” (I Pet. 1:4). James tells us, “We are heirs.” (Jam. 2:5).

A will describes the inheritance. “We have a new nature.” (II Pet. 1:4), “a
life of peace with God.” (Rom. 5:1) and “an inheritance in Heaven.” (I
Cor. 2:9).
The Choice is Yours
Make a choice!

"Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men…” (I Cor.
7:23).

There is a sin that most preachers are afraid to mention. It is the sin most
church members do not want the pastor or preacher to preach about. Most
ministers are afraid to even discuss it. People have always been the same
way. They just ignore the power of sin over their flesh. They make wrong
choices every day. They like to walk in the spirit of rebellion.

In the days of Isaiah, the prophet, the people wanted smooth things rather
than the truth. They shunned true prophecies. “That this is a rebellious
people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord,
which say to the seers, “See not, and to the prophets, PROPHESY NOT
unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.” (Isa.
30:9, 10).

“. . . For the Lord has a CONTROVERSY with the inhabitants of the

land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor KNOWLEDGE of God in
the land. By swearing and lying, and killing and STEALING, and
committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood!” (Hos.
4:1, 2).

People have not changed. Paul declared that in the last days some would
depart and give way to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. This is
that day! If ever you get in a place like that, be sure the Devil will see to
it that you hear such a lie. God said that He would send a strong delusion
and let you believe a lie that all might be damned who did not want the
truth.

The Bible is not only filled with instructions on getting sick and staying
sick but also it gives a means of getting rid of that sickness. God places
before you blessings or curses . . . good or bad. Of course God longs for
us to choose good! It is His desire for you to choose the thing that will be
good for you!

Many people are deliberately hurting themselves, some knowingly,

others unknowingly. Recall to memory the early church as it is found in
the book of Acts. Some of them were doing the wrong thing to their own
hurt. They did the thing that caused them to commit suicide at the altar of
the First Assembly of Jerusalem! At the same time some were doing the
right things that would bring blessing on their lives. Ananias and Saphira
were killed at the altar because they did the wrong thing! Are you
following their patterns to your own hurt? You could be!
Ananias was first to bring a self-destructive curse upon himself. Peter
asked, “Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou has not
lied unto men, but unto God!” And Ananias having heard these words fell
down and gave-up the ghost, and great fear came down, and gave-up the
ghost and great fear came on all them that hear these things and the
young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out and buried him.”

Notice that God killed him! God killed a man in church for doing the
wrong thing! Then his wife, Sapphira, not knowing what had happened to
her husband, came into the gathering, late for Church! She did the same
thing as her husband. Acts 5:9-12 tells us that if Sapphira had been
informed, she could have saved herself from her own SELF-INFLICTED
DESTRUCTION! Each person, male or female, is responsible for their
own actions. [3]

Another young man had the same opportunity to choose between curses
and blessings. The rich young ruler came running to Christ, desperately
seeking help to inherit eternal life. Jesus tried to give him the help he
needed, but, although this was the young man’s great opportunity for
eternal life, the decision was entirely left with the young man. He had
come anxiously to learn the way, and no doubt he had every intention of
doing anything the Lord asked him to do. His intentions were good, but
when Jesus told him the right thing to do, HE FAILED TO DO THE
THING THAT WOULD HELP HIM. Instead, the poor young man did
the wrong thing, and unless HE found a place of repentance afterward.
HE IS STILL HURTING TODAY! He made the wrong choice! He made
the choice of riches and gold above choosing the Lord’s invitation! [4]
 Chapter Two
Honor and Responsibility

New Creation Blessings

Human beings have been given by God the highest position of honor and
responsibility in the universe. Every promise shown in the Word has been
paid for by Jesus Christ. This book reveals the secrets of the new life that
changes you through the power of His Mysteries and is a tremendous
teaching tool for ministries. Saint Paul gave us a powerful illustration of
the truths that in Jesus Christ all of us are brought together and made one.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is
neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3:28).

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that
the world through him might be saved…” (Jn. 3:16).

“Christ is the sole way to God.” (Jn. 3:17) and (Jn. 10:8, 9). “Christ is the
lone Author of Life.” (Jn. 1: 4). When the Word of God gets in the heart
of a man there is a difference that will be noticeable.

A New Bloodline
The New Creation is a being that exists that never existed before.
According to the Bible, “…because the creature itself also shall be
delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the
children of God…” (Rom. 8:21).

Webster Dictionary says, “Anything created; especially something

original created by the imagination in vision.” [5]

The unsaved human condition is spiritual death, as shown in Eph. 2:2.

Paul depicts the spiritual transformation in II Cor. 15:42, “So also is the
sown incorruption; it is raised in incorruption.” God’s righteousness is
placed within your spirit. Your spirit was dead to God but now, and it’s
infused with His life and power!

The Apostle Paul reveals the supernatural union with God in Col. 1:15,
“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature”.

Paul explains the work of Christ in redemption that delivers His believers
from the curse of the law. We read in Gal. 3:13-14, “Christ has redeemed
me from the curse of the law; being made a curse for me . . . that the
blessing of Abraham might come to me.” Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of
the law and the deliverer of all who receive His blood sacrifice.

The thing that is so wonderful is that we are going to know Christ, really
knows Him, for the first time. Paul wrote it like this. Rev 20:6 says,
“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the
second death that hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of
Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

You become new, totally clean, pure, undefiled, unpolluted, and not
guilty! It’s God’s desire that your life agrees with his word, “I am a
faithful man, so I shall abound with blessings.”

“My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by
Christ Jesus.” (Prov. 28:20) and (Phil. 4:19).[6]

Our Sacrifice:
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and
in your spirit, which are God's.” (1 Cor. 6:20).

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed
into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Gen.
2:7).

The killing of a soul is the ultimate sacrifice and only the person that
owns the soul can assign it to death! Eternal Death!

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed
into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (1 Cor.
15:35).

God Reckons Your Old Life Dead to Sin

Recognize that God does not JUST correct the old life. He calls upon you
to reckon it crucified, (dead in Christ). You receive from Him a new life.
You must spiritually cultivate it.

Your relationship with God is in obedience and learning of His ways

through the Word.

Your new life will have all the characteristics, which belong to it. The
Word of God tells us in Eph. 4:13, “But speaking the truth in love, may
grow-up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”

The depth of this new life is shown in Ephesians, “Till we all come in the
unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect
man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

God wants you mature and free. The Bible states, “He that spared not His
own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, shall also freely give me all
things.” (Rom. 8:32).

We have everything we need to grow in the fullness of Christ!

You are free in Christ! (II Pet. 1:3). Jesus said in Jn. 8:32, “And ye shall
know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

If the Devil can deceive you into believing you’re not free, you won’t
experience the freedom which is your inheritance. You can be free from
deep spiritual, mental and emotional turmoil. The truth will set you free.
Once free, you will quickly mature! For example, in Gal. 5:1, we see,
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,
and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”.[7]

Breath of God
The killing of a soul is the ultimate sacrifice and only the person that
owns the soul can assign it to death! Eternal Death! It is the Breath of
God that infuses the human soul to come alive, awakened to the powers
of God and His Kingdom.

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and
in your spirit, which are God's.” (1 Cor. 6:20).

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed
into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Gen.
2:7).

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed
into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (II Cor.
15:35).

Jesus Breathed on Them

His disciples were the first Born Again Saints, a New Generation.

“But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should
receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not
yet glorified.” (Jn. 7:39).

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them,
Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” (Jn. 20:22).

Their spirits were instantly transformed and became alive to God forever;
they became born again by the Spirit of God. However, the Lord told
them that after he left them, then the Holy Spirit would come and He
would give them power.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea,
and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8).

They received authority and power from Jesus filling them by giving
them the Baptism of the Holy Spirit so that they would have the spiritual
power to witness to His name.
Dead Raised-Up
"But some man will say, “How are the dead raised-up? And with what
body do they come?” How can these things be? How is it possible that
these bodies should be raised again, and joined to their several souls,
which many thousands of years ago were either buried in the earth, or
swallowed up in the sea, or devoured by fire? Which have moldered into
the finest dust, that dust scattered over the face of the earth, dispersed as
far as the heavens are wide; nay, which has undergone ten thousand
changes, has fattened the earth, become the food of other creatures, and
these again the food of other men? How is it possible that all these little
parts, which made up the body of Abraham, should be again ranged
together, and, unmixed with the dust of other bodies, be all placed in the
same order and posture that they were before, so as to make up the very
self-same body which his soul at his death forsook?

“Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them,
O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God unto
these bones, “Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall
live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring-up flesh upon you,
and cover you with skin, and put breathe in you, and ye shall live; and ye
shall know that I am the Lord.” (Ezek. 37:4-6).[8]

Ezekiel was indeed, in a vision, set down in a valley full of dry bones,
"and he heard a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came
together, bone to his bone; the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and
the skin covered them above, and breath came into them, and they lived,
and stood upon their feet." (Ezek. 37).

This might be in a vision. But that all this, and much more, should in time
come to pass. That our bones, after they are crumbled into dust, should
really become living men; that all the little parts whereof our bodies were
made, should immediately, at a general summons, meet again, and every
one challenge and possess its own place, till at last the whole be perfectly
rebuilt; that this, I say, should be done, is so incredible a thing, that we
cannot so much as have any notion of it. And we may observe that the
Gentiles were most displeased with this article of the Christian faith; it
was one of the last things the Heathens believed; and it is to this day the
chief objection to Christianity, "How are the dead raised-up? With what
body do they come?” [9]

The plain notion of a resurrection requires that the same body that died
should rise again. “Nothing can be said to be raised again, but that very
body that died. If God give to our souls at the last day a new body, this
cannot be called the resurrection of our body, because that word plainly
implies the fresh production of what was before.” (I Cor. 15:25).

There are many places of Scripture that plainly declare it. St. Paul, in the
53rd. verse of this chapter, tells us that "this corruptible must put on
incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." (I Cor. 15:53).
Now, by this mortal, and this corruptible, can only be meant, that body
which we now carry about with us, and shall one day lay down in the
dust.

The mention which the Scripture makes of the places where the dead
shall rise, further shows that the same body which died shall rise. Thus
we read in Daniel, "Those that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake;
some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting
contempt." (Dan. 12:2). And, we may likewise observe, that the very
phrase, of sleep and awake, implies, that when we rise again from the
dead, our bodies will be as much the same as they are when we awake
from sleep. Thus, again, our Lord affirms in Jn. 5:28,29, "The hour is
coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall
come forth; they that have done good to the resurrection of life, and they
that have done evil to the resurrection of damnation.".

Now, if the same body does not rise again, what need is there of opening
the graves at the end of the world? The graves can give-up no bodies but
those which were laid in them. If we were not to rise with the very same
bodies that died, then they might rest forever. To this we need only add
that of St. Paul, "The Lord shall change this vile body that it may be
fashioned like unto his glorious body. Now, this vile body can be no
other than that with which we are flow clothed, which must be restored to
life again.” [10]

That in all this there is nothing incredible or impossible for God.

That it is possible for God to keep and preserve unmixed, from all other
bodies, the particular dust into which our several bodies are dissolved,
and can gather and join it again, how far so ever dispersed asunder.

That God can form that dust so gathered together into the same body as it
was before that when he hath formed this body; he can enliven it with the
same soul that before inhabited it.

God can distinguish and keep unmixed from all other bodies the
particular dust into which our several bodies are dissolved, and can
gather it together and join it again, how far so ever dispersed asunder.
God is infinite both in knowledge and power. He knoweth the number of
the stars, and calleth them all by their names; he can tell the number of
the sands on the sea-shore. And is it at all incredible, that He should
distinctly know the several particles of dust into which the bodies of men
are moldered, and plainly discern to whom they belong, and the various
changes they have undergone?

Our bodies shall be raised in glory. "Then shall the righteous shine as the
sun in the kingdom of their Father." (1 Cor. 15:35).[11]

A resemblance of this we have in the luster of Moses' face, when he had

conversed with God on the mount. His face shone so bright, that the
children of Israel were afraid to come near him, till he threw a veil over
it. And that extraordinary majesty of Stephen's face seemed to be an
earnest of his glory. "All that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on
him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:15). How
then, if it shone so gloriously even on earth, will it shine in the other
world, when his, and the bodies of all the saints, are made like unto
Christ's glorious body!

How glorious the body of Christ is, we may guess from his
transfiguration. St. Peter, when he saw this, when our Lord's face shone
as the sun, and his raiment became shining and white as snow, was so
transported with joy and admiration, that he knew not what he said.
When our Savior discovered but a little of that glory which he now
possesses, and which in due time he will impart to his followers, yet that
little of it made the place seem a paradise; and the disciples thought that
they could wish for nothing better than always to live in such pure light,
and enjoy so beautiful a sight. "It is good for us to be here: Let us make
three tabernacles." here let us fix our abode forever. But Peter and they
that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake,
they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to
pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, “Master, it is good
for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one
for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.” While he thus
spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as
they entered into the cloud. And if they thought it so happy only to be
present with such heavenly bodies and to behold them with their eyes,
how much happier must it be to dwell in such glorious mansions, and to
be themselves clothed with so much brightness!” (Lk 9:32-34).[12]

This Excellency of our heavenly bodies will probably arise, in great

measure, from the happiness of our souls. The unspeakable joy that we
then shall feel will break through our bodies, and shine forth in our
countenances; as the joy of the soul, even in this life, has some influence
upon the countenance, by rendering it more open and cheerful. So
Solomon tells us, "A man's wisdom makes his face to shine.” Virtue, as it
refines a man's heart, so it makes his very looks more cheerful and
lively.[13]

Bodies shall be raised in Power

Our bodies shall be raised in power.

This expresses the uprightliness of our heavenly bodies, the nimbleness

of their motion, by which they shall be obedient and able instruments of
the soul. In this state, our bodies are no better than clogs and fetters,
which confine and restrain the freedom of the soul. The corruptible body
presses down the soul, and the earthly tabernacle weighs down the mind.
Our dull, sluggish inactive bodies are often unable, or backward, to obey
the commands of the soul. But in the other life, "they that wait upon the
Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount-up with wings as
eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.”
Or, as another expresses it, "they shall run to and fro like sparks among
the stubble.” The speed of their motion shall be like that of devouring fire
in stubble; and the height of it, above the towering of an eagle; for they
shall meet the Lord in the air when he comes to judgment, and mount-up
with him into the highest heaven. This earthly body is slow and heavy in
all its motions, listless and soon tired with action. But our heavenly
bodies shall be as fire; as active and as nimble as our thoughts are.

Spiritual Bodies
Our bodies shall be raised spiritual bodies.

Our spirits are now forced to serve our bodies, and to attend their leisure,
and do greatly depend upon them for most of their actions. But our
bodies shall then wholly serve our spirits, and minister to them, and
depend upon them. So that, as by "a natural body" we understand one
fitted for this lower, sensible world for this earthly state; so "a spiritual
body" is one that is suited to a spiritual state, to an invisible world, to the
life of angels. And, indeed, this is the principal difference between a
mortal and a glorified body. This flesh is the most dangerous enemy we
have. We therefore deny and renounce it in our baptism. It constantly
tempts us to evil. Every sense is a snare to us. All its lusts and appetites
are inordinate. It is ungovernable, and often rebels against reason. The
law in our members wars against the law of our mind. When the spirit is
willing, the flesh is weak; so that the best of men are forced to keep it
under, and use it hardly, lest it should betray them into folly and misery.
And how does it hinder us in all our devotions! How soon does it jade our
minds when employed on holy things! How easily, by its enchanting
pleasures, does it divert them from those noble exercises! But when we
have obtained the resurrection unto life, our bodies will be spiritualized,
purified, and refined from their earthly grossness; then they will be fit
instruments for the soul in all its divine and heavenly employment; we
shall not be weary of singing praises to God through infinite ages. [14]

Thus, after what little we have been able to conceive of it, it sufficiently
appears, that a glorified body is infinitely more excellent and desirable
than this vile body.

“It’s plausible that the cause of our moral and spiritual dilemma, and the
solution to it, may be something simpler and more profound than we have
considered. Throughout Scripture, there seems to be a plan, ordered by
God that is designed to keep us corporately in God’s blessing. It isn’t just
the type of government we set-up or the people we elect or even the laws
we institute. It is the simple commandment that we teach our children to
keep the way of the Lord.” [15]

Everybody Needs Jesus!

“Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (Jn. 8:32).

The Graves Opened

The raising of the dead has happened many times in both the Old
Testament and the New Testament. However, here is a case where people
had died and enter the afterlife as believers. They had to wait for the
Messiah to come and shed His blood for their sins. Jesus came, died and
descended into hell for the purpose of getting the Keys of death from
Satan and then to lead the captives free.[16]

“Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity

captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now that he ascended, what is it but
that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that
descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he
might fill all things.” (Eph. 4:8-10).

He that descended is the same also that ascended. The same Redeemer
came down from God, and returned to him. It was not a different being,
but the same.

“Far above all heavens” (see the notes on Eph. 1:20-23), compare Heb.
7:26. He is gone above the visible heavens, and has ascended into the
highest abodes of bliss (see the notes on II Cor. 12:2). “That he might fill
all things.) Margin, "fulfill." The meaning is, "that he might fill all things
by his influence, and direct and overrule all by his wisdom and power."

“And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept
arose. And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the
holy city, and appeared unto many.” (Matt. 27:52-53).[17]

First Fruits
“Not BEFORE, as some have thought, for Christ was himself the FIRST
FRUITS of them who slept.” (I Cor. 15:20). The graves were opened at
his death, by the earthquake, and the bodies came out at his resurrection.

And appeared unto many thus establishing the truth of our Lord's
resurrection and of the resurrection of the body in general, by many
witnesses. Quesnel's reflections on these passages may be very useful.

The veil being sent shows that his death is to put an end to the figurative
worship, and to establish the true religion.

The earthquake that this dispensation of the Gospel is to make known

through the earth the judgments of God against sin and sinners.
The rocks being sent declare that the sacrifice of Christ is to make way
for the grace of repentance.

The graves being opened, that it is to destroy the death of sin, and confer
the life of grace to sinners.

The rising of the bodies of the saints’ shows that this death of Christ is to
merit and his Gospel publish, the eternal happiness of body and soul for
all that believe in his name.[18]

It is difficult to account for the transaction mentioned in Matt 27:52 and

53.

Some have thought that these two verses have been introduced into the
text of Matthew from the gospel of the Nazarenes; others think that the
simple meaning is this: by the earthquake several bodies that had been
buried were thrown up and exposed to view, and continued above ground
till after Christ's resurrection, and were seen by many persons in the city.
Why the graves should be opened on Friday, and the bodies not be raised
to life till the following Sunday, is difficult to be conceived. The place is
extremely obscure. [19]

Christ Was Made a Curse THAT we can Live!

He is God's provision and solution for curses. Consequently Jesus Christ
is the simple way to God. "For God so loved the world that he gave his
only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life.” (Jn. 3:16).
 Chapter Three
The Honor of a Kingdom
Reward of the Saints
The reward of the saints is represented as a kingdom, because the
possession of a kingdom is the height of human advancement in this
world, and as it is the common opinion that those who have a kingdom
have the greatest possible happiness. The happiness of a kingdom, or
royal state, for which it is so much admired by mankind, consists in these
things:

The honor of a kingdom,

The possessions of kings, and
The government or authority of kings.

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten
of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved
us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us
kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion
forever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye
shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the
earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Rev.1:5-7). [20]

A Kingdom of Priest
There is something further said here of Christians than there of Israel.
There, it is promised to Israel that if they obey, they shall be a kingdom
of priests. But here, Christians are said to be a priesthood of kings, or a
royal priesthood.

They are Priesthood, and they are Also Kings

I propose to insist distinctly upon the several propositions contained in
the words of the text.

True Christians are a chosen generation. Two things are here implied.
First, that true Christians are chosen by God from the rest of the world, to
be his.
Second, that God’s people are of a peculiar descent and pedigree,
different from all of the world. All true Christians are chosen by God
from the rest of the world.

God does not utterly cast off the world of mankind. Though they are
fallen and corrupted, and there is a curse brought upon the world, yet God
entertained a design of appropriating a certain number to himself. Indeed
all men and all creatures are his, as well since as before the fall. Whether
they are elected or not, they are his. God does not lose his right to them
by the fall, neither does he lose his power to dispose of them: they are
still in his hands. Neither does he lose his end in creating them. God has
made all things for himself, even the wicked for the day of evil. It
possibly was Satan’s design, in endeavoring the fall of man, to cause that
God should lose the creature that he had made, by getting him away from
God into his own possession, and to frustrate God of his end in creating
man. But this Satan has not obtained. [21]

Greater than Kings in the World

Now with respect to each of these, the happiness of the saints is far
greater than that of the kings and greatest potentates in the world.

True Christians will be advanced to honors far above those of earthly

kings. They will have a vastly higher dignity than any princes.

If these are nobly descended, it is not so great an honor as to be the Sons

of God. If they are nobly educated, and have their minds formed for
government, and have princely qualifications, these qualifications are not
so honorable as those with which God endows his saints, whose minds he
fills with divine knowledge, and gives them true and perfect holiness.
[22]

Titles to an Inheritance:
“Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their
Father Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matt. 13:43).

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if
so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified
together.” (Rom. 8:17).

“And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to

the promise.” (Gal. 3:29).

“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an
heir of God through Christ.” (Gal. 4:7).

“That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and
partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.” (Eph. 3:6).

Royal Robes and Stately Palaces

Princes appear honorable from their outward enjoyment of honor and
dignity, their royal robes, their stately palaces, and their splendid
equipage. But these are not so honorable as those white robes, those
inherent ornaments, with which the saints shall appear in heaven, with
which they shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

“And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said
unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow
servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should
be fulfilled.” (Rev. 6:11).
What is a king’s palace to those mansions in heaven that Christ prepares
for his saints? The honor of the creature consists in likeness and nearness
to the Creator in heaven. The saints shall be like him, for they shall see
him as he is. They shall be most near to him, and shall be admitted to a
most intimate fellowship.

Earthly Monarchs
The saints shall have greater and more extensive possessions than any
earthly monarch.

One reason for which the state of kings is admired is their wealth. They
have the most precious things laid-up in their treasures. We read of the
peculiar treasure of kings, “I gathered me also silver and gold, and the
peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I got me men singers and
women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical
instruments, and that of all sorts; that is, the peculiar treasure of other
kings. David conquered and subdued many kings, and spoiled their
peculiar treasure, which fell to his son Solomon.” (Eccl. 2:8).

But the precious treasures of kings are not to be compared to those

precious things which Christ will give his saints in another world: the
gold tried in the fire that Christ has purchased with his own blood, those
precious jewels, those graces and joys of his Spirit, and that beauty of
mind with which he will endow them. King’s possessions are very
extensive, especially were they thus when kings were generally absolute,
and their whole dominions, their subjects and their fortunes, were looked
upon as their possessions.

But these fall short of the extensive possessions of the saints, who
possess all things. They are the heirs of God, and all that is God’s is
theirs so far as it can contribute to their happiness.

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he
shall be my son.” (Rev. 21:7).

“Therefore let no man glory in men, for all things are yours; whether
Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things
present, or things to come; all are yours.” (I Cor. 3:21, 22).

Fellow-Citizens with the Saints:

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow
citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” (Eph. 2:19).

Fellow-heirs:
“That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and
partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.” (Eph. 3:6).

Mansions
“Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a
building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling,
because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we
are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be
unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is
mortal may be swallowed up by life.” (II Cor. 5:1-4).

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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. And if I go and prepare a place for
you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am,
there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye
know.” (Jn. 1:4). Jesus didn't say that He has a place for us; no, rather, He
said, “I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU.”.

As we serve God here on earth, the Lord prepares our place in Heaven.
Will you have a mansion? Jesus said there are many mansions, but they
are not all mansions. Many believers will have outhouses. Although even
the best of Christians deserve to be homeless in Hell for all eternity, the
Lord has promised to PREPARE a place for each and every believer. You
may not receive a mansion in Heaven, but you can if you want it badly
enough.

Jesus told us, “lay-up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” (Matt. 6:20).

Jesus told His disciples that He was going to the Father in Heaven, to be
seated at the Father's right-hand One of the things that the Lord is doing
in Heaven is PREPARING a place for His children, especially for those
who love Him and serve Him faithfully (Col. 3:1).

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and
they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” (Dan.
12:3).

This promise obviously does not apply to every believer “…because most
believers never turn anyone to righteousness.” that is, to the
righteousness of Jesus Christ, salvation (Dan. 12:3).

Jesus said in Luke 8:15 that only those believers, “an honest and good
heart” keeps the Scriptures and shares the Gospel with the lost. Rom.
10:15 calls the feet of the soul-winner “beautiful” (Psa. 126:5-6).

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth,
bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
bringing his sheaves with him.”. The “precious seed” is the Word of God
by which men are born-again (1 Pet. 1:23).
“Only by the Word of God can anyone be saved, for it is in the Bible that
we learn of Jesus Christ.” (Jn. 5:39).

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of
thine heart.” (Psa. 37:4).

“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? Amen!” (Rom. 8:32).

What a wonderful thought to know that Jesus is preparing A PLACE for

us in Heaven. I believe that the Lord, Who looks upon our heart and
knows our innermost desires, prepares our home in Heaven accordingly.
[23]
 Chapter Four
Chosen Generation
Your Christian Pedigree
If believers are a chosen generation, let all labor earnestly to make their
election sure. If true Christians are chosen of God, this should induce all
earnestly to inquire whether they are true Christians.

“And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to
virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance,
patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, charity.” (II Pet. 1:5-7).

Let Christians take heed so to walk that they may not dishonor their
pedigree.

You are of a very honorable race, more honorable by far than if you were
the offspring of kings, and had royal blood in your veins. You are a
heavenly offspring, the seed of Jesus Christ, and the children of God.

You that are of noble race won’t value yourself highly upon the honor of
your families, to dwell on your titles, coats of arms, ensigns of honor, and
to recount the exploits of your illustrious forefathers. How much more
careful should you be of the honor of your descent: that you in nothing
behave yourself unworthy of the great God, the eternal and omnipotent
King of heaven and earth, whose offspring you are!

Lively Stones
Ye also, as lively stones, partaking of the name and life which is in "THE
LIVING STONE" (I Pet 2:4) and (1 Co 3:11).

Jesus Christ a Living Stone

Many names which belong to Christ in the singular are assigned to
Christians in the plural. He is "THE SON" "High Priest" "King" "Lamb".
They are "sons", "priests", "kings", "sheep" and "lambs". So the Shula
mite called from Solomon [BENGEL] are built-up--Greek, "are being
built-up" as in Eph. 2:22. Not as ALFORD, "Be ye built-up.” Peter
grounds his exhortations (I Pet. 2:2, 11), on their conscious sense of their
high privileges as living stones in the course of being built-up into a
spiritual house (that is, "the habitation of the Spirit").

Jesus is often called a Stone, or Rock, as the foundation whom which we

build our spiritual life, and of the church. A "living stone" because he
imparts life to all who build upon him and himself lives eternally. See I
John 1:1, Rev. 1:18, and Acts 4:11.
I Lay in Zion
“Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a
foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure
foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” (Isa. 28:16).
“As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of
offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Rom.
9:33).[24]

Consequently, God foretold that Jesus would be a Living Stone. Peter

declares that the stone is “a tried stone”, “a sure foundation” and “Elect”.
Hence, "chosen by God" and precious. Since it is "the chief corner stone"
without which the structure could not be built.

He that believeth on Him; this stone is a person and faith in him is the
basis of Salvation.[25]

He That Believeth on Him

Hence this stone is a person, and faith in him is the basis of salvation.
Unto you therefore which believe. The prophecy is now applied. He is
precious to believers because they enjoy the promise embraced in "he
that believeth" etc.

Unto the Disobedient

Those who do not believe and hence, disobey; to these he is the stone
which the builders disallowed, which is spoken of in Psa. 118:22. See
also Matt. 21:42 and Acts 4:11.

The Head of the Corner:

Peter in Acts 4:11, quotes this passage from the Old Testament and
applies it with great force. The rejected Savior had become the Head of
God's spiritual temple. A stone of stumbling and a rock of offence. He is
this to the disobedient. To believers, "precious" to the disobedient, a
stone over which they stumble and fall. Where unto stumbling over the
stone and falling.

This is God's appointment to the disobedient. It is the result of their

unbelief. The idea is that stumbling is their condition. When they reject
Christ they stumble more and more. [26]

Disallowed Rejected by the Jewish Nation

Chosen, not of men but of God, who raised him from the dead. See also I
Pet. 2:5, “Ye also, as lively stones”.

Christians, born again to eternal life, become living stones also built into
the spiritual temple of which Christ is the corner stone.
 Chapter Five
Spiritual House and Spiritual Sacrifices

Spiritual Temple
The church, God's spiritual temple of which the temple was a type, a holy
priesthood. Christ, the High Priest; hath anointed them all as priests in his
spiritual house. They need no human priest to stand between them and
God. They are able to boldly go directly to the altar of God through the
Blood of the Lamb.

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten
of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved
us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us
kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion
forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev. 1: 5:6).

“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer;
and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with
the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the
throne.” (Rev. 8:3).

When a Christian offers his heart to God, he offers it flaming with love.
Thus, the Christian heart is the altar where sacrifices are offered to the
Lord God. As the sacrifices of old were not only to be slain but to be
burnt upon the altar, its flame and smoke was so to be a sweet savor to
God.

“But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water, and the priest shall
burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a
sweet savior unto the Lord.” (Lev. 1:9). “But he shall wash the inwards
and the legs with water and the priest shall bring it all, and burn it upon
the altar. It is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savior
unto the Lord.” (Lev. 1:13). The sacrifice of old was not only to be slain,
but to be burnt upon the altar. It was to ascend in flame and smoke, and
so to be a sweet savor to God. And so it is with the prayers of the Saints.

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself
for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling
savior.” (Eph. 5:2).

“But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus

the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice
acceptable, well pleasing to God.”(Phil. 4:18).

Fire on the Altar

That fire upon the altar was a type of two things: it was a type of the fire
of the wrath of God, and it was also a type of the fire of the Spirit of God,
or of divine love. The Holy Ghost is often compared to fire. With respect
to the former, Christ alone is the sacrifice offered in the flame of God’s
wrath. But with regard to the latter, the hearts of the children of men are
offered in the flame of divine love, and ascend up to God in that flame.
This divine love is fire from heaven, as the fire upon the altar of old was.
When a soul is drawn to God in true conversion, fire comes down from
God out of heaven, in which the heart is offered in sacrifice, and the soul
is baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

Sacrifice of Praise
This spiritual priesthood offers to God the sacrifice of praise. Many of
their sacrifices under the law were sacrifices of peace offerings, which
were mostly for thanksgiving and praise. But the spiritual sacrifice of the
hearty and sincere praises of a saint, are more acceptable to God than all
the bulls, and rams, and he-goats that they offered. The heartfelt praises
of one true Christian are of more account with God than all those two and
twenty thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep, which
Solomon offered to God at the dedication of the temple, as a sacrifice of
peace offerings.

Praise is called a Sacrifice

Heb. 13:15 says, “By him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to
God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name.”.
Psa. 50:13, 14 says, “Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of
goats? Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the Most
High.”. Psalms 50:23 says, “Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth me; and to
him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of
God.” Psalms 69:30 and 31says, “I will praise the name of God with a
song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the
Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.” Praises are
therefore in Hosea called calves of our lips, because they are like calves
offered in sacrifice. Hos. 14:2 says, “Take with you words, and turn to
the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously;
so will we render the calves of our lips.” Only true Christians offer those
sacrifices. However hypocrites pretend to praise God, and to offer
thanksgiving to him. Yet they, being insincere, offer not sacrifices with
which God is well-pleased. They offer not spiritual sacrifices, and
therefore they are not of the spiritual priesthood. In heaven especially are
the saints a holy priesthood upon this account, whose work it is forever to
offer these sacrifices to God, who cease not day nor night to praise God
and sing forth their ardent joyful hallelujahs. They sing a new song, a
song that never will end, and never will grow old.

Sacrifice Living Sacrifices

The next sacrifice which is offered by this spiritual priesthood is
obedience, sincere obedience. The sacrifices under the law did not only
represent Christ’s satisfying for sin by suffering, but they also
represented Christ’s obeying in suffering. For the sacrifices under the law
were not only for propitiation, but they were for purchasing benefits, and
so typified not only the satisfaction, but merit, which was by obedience.
Psa. 40:6-8 says, “Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire: mine ears
hast thou opened; burnt-offering and sin-offering hast thou not required.
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I
delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart.”. And
though the obedience of saints has no merit, yet it is pleasing and
acceptable to God. It is as a sweet-smelling savor, and is compared to
sacrifices, and preferred before them.” I Sam 15:22 says, “And Samuel
said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices as in
obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
and to hearken than the fat of rams.” Christians, by offering obedience to
God in their lives and conversation, do what the apostle calls offering
their bodies to be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, as their
reasonable service, (Rom. 12:1). They offer their bodies that they
dedicate their bodies to holy uses and purposes. They yield their
members as instruments of righteousness unto holiness. The soul, while
here, acts externally by the body. And in this Christians serve God. They
yield their eyes, their ears, their tongues, their hands, and feet, as servants
to God, to be obedient to the dictates of his Word, and of his Holy Spirit
in the soul.

Gifts of Sacrifices of Charity

Another sacrifice which we shall mention as offered by this spiritual
priesthood is charity, or expressions of Christian love in gifts to others. If
the gift flows from a spirit of Christian love although it is but a cup of
cold water, it is an acceptable sacrifice to God. And indeed whatsoever is
given for a pious use, if it be to promote religion, and uphold the public
worship of God, or to benefit a particular person, if it be done from a
good spirit, it is a Christian sacrifice. Hebrews 13:16 says, “But to do
good, and to communicate, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is
well-pleased.”

But sacrifices of this kind may principally be ranked under two heads, of
which the first is:

Liberality to ministers of the gospel. The priests of old lived upon the
sacrifices that were offered to God, and what is now offered to ministers
for their comfortable and honorable support Christ looks upon as offered
to himself. “He that receiveth you, receiveth me.” (Matt. 10:40). Thus
Paul says of those things that were sent him by his hearers, that it was a
sacrifice acceptable and well pleasing to God. Phil. 4:14 says,
“Notwithstanding ye have well done that ye did communicate with my
affliction. Now, ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the
gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with
me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in
Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I
desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I
have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the
things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice
acceptable, well pleasing to God.”

Christian Priest and Spiritual Sacrifices

Every Christian can offer-up spiritual sacrifices.

Christian priesthood with respect to their offerings to God; the principal

part of the work of the priests of old was to offer sacrifice, and to burn
incense. “As the priests of old offered sacrifice, so the work of Christians
is to offer-up spiritual sacrifices to God.” (I Pet. 2:5). “Ye also, as lively
stones, are built-up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer-up
spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”. [27]

Christians offer-up their own hearts to God in sacrifice: they dedicate

themselves to God. “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of
unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are
alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness
unto God.” (Rom. 6:13).

The Christian gives himself to God freely as of mere choice. He does it

heartily; he desires to be God’s, and to belong to no other. He gives all
the faculties of his soul to God. He gives God his heart, and it is offered
to God as a sacrifice in two ways. “By him therefore let us offer the
sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving
thanks to his name.” (Heb. 13:15). [28]

“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his
conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” (Psa. 50:23).

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present

your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service.” (Rom. 12:1).

The sacrifices of the Christian priest are prayer, praise, good deeds; the
consecration of our bodies and substance to God's service. [29]

Prayer of Faith
Though this is compared to incense in Scripture than to a sacrifice, yet it
is equally an evidence of their priesthood. Incense was that sweet
confection which we read of in Exod. 30:34, “And the Lord said unto
Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum;
these sweet spices, with pure frankincense; of each shall there be a like
weight.”

These won’t burn upon the censer as they offered it, which made a most
fragrant smell. That incense is a type of the merits of Jesus Christ, and
seems also to be a type of the prayers of God’s people in faith of the
former.

It was the custom, when the priest in the temple was burning incense, for
the people to be praying without. “And the whole multitudes of the
people were praying without at the time of incense. And gracious prayer
is compared to incense.” (Lk. 1:10).

“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of
my hands as the evening sacrifice.” (Psa. 141:2).

The prayer of faith is as a fragrant savor to God, through the merits of

him towards whom that faith is exercise.

Bounty to the Poor

Christ accepts what is done to them as being done to himself (Mat.
25:40), “And the King shall answer, and say unto them, Verity I say unto
you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my
brethren, ye have done it unto me.”.

This God prefers before the legal sacrifices. In Hos. 6:6, “I desire mercy,
and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.”

The Name of Jesus

Acceptable to God when offered in the name of Christ of these, the first
is when the heart is broken for sin. A sacrifice, before it can be offered,
must be wounded and slain. The heart of a true Christian is first wounded
by a sense of sin, of the great evil and danger of it, and is slain with godly
sorrow and true repentance. When the heart truly repents, it dies unto sin.
[30]

Repentance is compared unto a death in the Word of God. Rom. 6:6-8

says, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body
of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he
that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe
that we shall also live with him. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be
dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth
in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the
Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20).

As Christ, when he was offered, was offered broken upon the cross. So
there is some likeness to this, when a soul is converted, the heart is
offered to God slain and broken. “The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psa.
51:17).[31]

Pillars in the Temple of God

“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and
he shall go no more out, and I will write upon him the name of my God,
and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which
cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my
new name.” (Rev. 3:12).
 Chapter Six
Precious Stone
Chosen Generation
And again, to believers Christ is a precious stone, “Unto you therefore
which believe, he is precious. But to unbelievers he is a stone that is
disallowed, and rejected, and set at naught. They set light by him, as by
the stones of the street. They make no account of him, and they disallow
him. When they come to build, they cast this stone away as being of no
use, not fit for a foundation, and not fit for a place in their building. In the
eighth verse the apostle tells the Christians to whom he writes, that those
unbelievers who thus reject Christ, and to whom he is a stone of
stumbling, and rock of offense, were appointed to this, “And a stone of
stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the
word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed.”.

It was appointed that they should stumble at the word that Christ should
be an occasion not of their salvation, but of their deeper damnation. And
then in our text, he puts the Christians in mind how far otherwise God
had dealt with them, than with those reprobates. They were a chosen
generation. God had rejected the others in his eternal counsels, but
themselves he had chosen from eternity. They were a chosen generation,
a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people.

Universal Fall
When man fell, God left and cast off the bulk of mankind. But he was
pleased, notwithstanding the universal fall, to choose out a number of
them to be his, whom he would still appropriate to himself. Though the
world is a fallen world, yet it was the will of God still to have a portion in
it, and therefore he chose out some and set them apart for himself. “But
know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord
will hear when I call unto him.” (Psa. 4:3) and “God’s portion is his
people, and Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.” (Deut. 32:9).

Those who are God’s enemies, and to whom he is an enemy, are still his.
But those who are his friends, his children, his jewels, that compose his
treasure, are his in a very different manner. God has chosen the godly out
of the rest of the world to be nearly related to him, to stand in the relation
of children, to have a property in him, that they might not only be his
people, but that he might be their God. He has chosen these to bestow
himself upon them. He has chosen them from among others to be
gracious to them, to show them his favor. He has chosen them to enjoy
him, to see his glory, and to dwell with him forever. He has chosen them
as his treasure, as a man chooses out gems from a heap of stones, with
this difference: the man finds gems very different from other stones, and
therefore chooses, but God chooses them, and therefore they become
gems, and very different from others. [32]

“And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make
up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that
serveth him.” (Mal. 3:17).

“For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself and Israel for his peculiar
treasure…” (Psa. 135: 4).

God has chosen them for a most noble and excellent use, and therefore
they are called vessels unto honor, and elect vessels. God has different
uses for different men. Some are destined to a baser use, and are vessels
unto dishonor. Others are chosen for the noblest use, for serving and
glorifying God, and that God may show the glory of divine grace upon
them.

Spurgeon Says
These are wonderful epithets that are here heaped upon believers. May
we have the grace to be able to appropriate them, and to expound them in
our lives! [33]

Oh, the dignity which Christ has put upon the meanest believer! What a
high office, and, consequently, what a solemn responsibility is ours!

Ye are a chosen generation - Hear this, ye believers, drink in this precious

truth. See God’s election, making you to be a people born of the Holy
Ghost, “a chosen generation”.

There is the contrast between the disobedient and all true believers. “Ye”
have the chosen Savior to be the chief cornerstone, upon whom “ye” who
are living stones are to be built-up into “a spiritual house” which is to be
the abiding place of the Most High God, (I Pet. 2). Commentary.
Chosen (1588) (eklektos click study of eklektos) is a word which
ultimately speaks of the grace of God. It should be emphasized that the
proper conclusion (interpretation of the meaning) of "chosen" (eklektos)
in each NT use depends on the context.

Eklektos means those selected or picked out and in the Scripture usually
defines one who is the object of choice or of divine favor. Although it is
difficult to understand with finite minds, it is important to note that the
fact that some are chosen does not imply the rejection of those not
chosen. God does not predestine some to eternal death.

In the Old Testament God did not choose Israel because they were a great
people, but because He loved them. Moses instructed Israel to separate
from and even destroy the pagan influences around them when they
entered the promised land, the reason being that you are a holy people to
the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people
for His own possession ("a peculiar people" - Lxx uses periousios, same
word used in Tit 2:14, click for that discussion) out of all the peoples who
are on the face of the earth.

“The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you
were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of
all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He
swore to your forefathers, the LORD brought you out by a mighty hand,
and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh
king of Egypt.” (Deut. 7: 6-8).

The concept of God's choosing a "race" is seen again when Moses

addressing Israel explaining that on your fathers did the LORD set His
affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even
you above all peoples, as it is this day (Deut. 10:15).[34]

The Psalmist Writes

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has
chosen for His own inheritance.

Israel was happy in the worship of the only true God. It was the
blessedness of the chosen nation to have received a revelation from
Jehovah. While others groveled before their idols, the chosen people
were elevated by a spiritual religion which introduced them to the
invisible God, and led them to trust in Him. All who confide in the Lord
are blessed in the largest and deepest sense, and none can reverse the
blessing.

And the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance, election is
at the bottom of it all. The divine choice rules the day, none take Jehovah
to be their God till He takes them to be His people. What an enabling
choice this is! We are selected to no mean estate, and for no ignorable
purpose, we are made the peculiar domain and delight of the Lord our
God. Being so blessed, let us rejoice in our portion, and show the world
by our lives that we serve a glorious Master.

Joint Heirs

But we must see that we rightly understand this. They shall not be
appointed by God as sovereigns of the world, without any superior to
direct them.

Heirs of God
“And if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if so
be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified
together.” (Rom. 8:17). “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son,
and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ…” (Gal. 4: 7).

Heirs of the Grace of Life

“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving
honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs
together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” (I Pet.
3:7).

Heirs of the Kingdom

“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this
world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to
them that love him.” (Jam. 2:5).

Heirs of Promise
“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of
promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath.” (Heb.
6:17). “And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs
according to the promise.” (Gal. 3:29).

Heirs of Salvation
“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who
shall be heirs of salvation.” (Heb. 1:14).

Reign with Jesus Christ

Neither shall they be proper deputies or viceroys, as King Agrippa and
some other kings were the deputies of the Roman emperors. But they
shall reign in fellowship with Christ as joint heirs. They shall reign in the
same kingdom with him, and shall have the happiness of having things
done according to their will as much as if their own wills were
paramount. Christ wills their will.

All things will be disposed in the best manner for them, and to promote
their happiness. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His
Throne. The reigning of the saints will consist partly in judging. For the
saints shall judge the world, angels and men with Christ.

And Jesus said unto them, “Verily I say unto you that ye which have
followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the
throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the
twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matt. 19:28).

“Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world
shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that
pertain to this life! How earnestly do men seek a kingdom! What
fatigues, what dangers, what bloodshed, will they not encounter! In
seeking conversion, you seek a kingdom. You who are poor, you who are
children, have opportunity to obtain a kingdom, to advance yourselves to
higher dignity, to more substantial honors, to greater possessions, to more
precious treasures, to be clothed in robes of richer splendor, and to fill a
loftier throne, than those enjoyed by the greatest earthly monarchs. It is a
crown that you are to run for, an incorruptible crown, to be given you by
the Great King of heaven, and to be worn by you as long as his throne
shall endure. What encouragement is here afforded to the saints under
afflictions and reproaches. What are they, to the worth and honor of a
heavenly kingdom? When you shall have a crown of glory placed on
your head, and be seated on Christ’s throne, and shine forth as the light,
and are seated at his royal banquet, then you will suffer no more forever.
All trouble, all reproach, shall be driven away, you will be too high to be
reached by the malice of men and devils, and shall soon forget all your
sorrows.” (I Cor. 6:2, 30). [35]
 Chapter Seven
Royal Priesthood
Priesthood
Christians are both the spiritual temple and the priests of the temple.
There are two Greek words for "temple", hereon (the sacred place), the
whole building, including the courts wherein the sacrifice was killed, and
naos (the dwelling, namely, of God), the inner shrine wherein God
peculiarly manifested Himself, and where, in the holiest place, the blood
of the slain sacrifice was presented before Him. All believers alike, and
not merely ministers, are now the dwelling of God (and are called the
"naos" Greek, not the hereon) and priests unto God (Rev. 1: 6). The
minister is not, like the Jewish priest (Greek, "hiercus"), admitted nearer
to God than the people, but merely for order's sake leads the spiritual
services of the people. Priest is the abbreviation of presbyter in the
Church of England Prayer Book, not corresponding to the Aaronic priest
(hiereus, who offered literal sacrifices). Christ is the only literal hiereus-
priest in the New Testament through whom alone we may always draw
near to God. Compare I Pet. 2:9, "a royal priesthood" that is, a body of
priest-kings, such as was Melchisedec. The Spirit never, in New
Testament, gives the name hiereus, or sacerdotal priest, to ministers of
the Gospel, Holy-consecrated to God.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast
rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to
me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy
children.” (Hos.4:6). “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:
and we shall reign on the earth.” (Rev. 5: 10).

Appointed and called by God. “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the

heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession,
Christ Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1). “And no man taketh this honour unto himself,
but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not
himself to be made a high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my
Son, today have I begotten thee.” (Heb. 5:4-5).

After the Order of Melchizedek

“The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek.” (Psa. 110:4). “As he saith also in another
place, thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Heb.
5:6). “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made a high
priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Heb. 6:20). “And it is yet
far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth
another priest.” (Heb. 7:15). “For he testifieth, Thou art a priest forever
after the order of Melchisedec.” (Heb. 7:17).
Holy Priesthood
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built-up a spiritual house, a holy
priesthood, to offer-up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ.” (I Pet. 2: 5).

Joint-Heirs with Christ

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if
so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified
together.” (Rom. 8:17).

The Just
“Behold, his soul which is lifted-up is not upright in him, but the just
shall live by his faith.” (Hab.2:4).

Kings and Priests unto God

“And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, to him be
glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev. 1:6).

Kingdom of Priests
“And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These
are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.” (Exod.
19:6).

Sons of God
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the
Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” (II Cor.
6:17). “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in
the fear of God.” (II Cor. 7:1). “That ye may be blameless and harmless,
the Sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse
nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world…” (Phil. 2:15).
“Beloved, now are we the Sons of God and it doth not yet appear what
we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like
him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in
him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (I Jn. 3:2-3).

Boldly to the Throne of God

But now we are all allowed as near an access to God as the high priest
only was under the law, and with more freedom, for he might approach
but once a year. But Christians may approach boldly at all times through
the blood of Christ, without any danger of dying, “Let us, therefore, come
boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace
to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16).

The throne of grace and the mercy seat are the same thing. “Having
therefore, brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of
Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us through
the veil, that is to say, his flesh, and having a high priest over the house
of God, let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith,
having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies
washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19).

That access into the holiest of all was allowed to all under the gospel, and
at any time. It is signified by the rending of the veil, upon the death of
Christ, for then was that blood shed by which we have access.

“Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the
bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks bent.” (Matt. 27:50, 51).

But especially will the access of saints in another world be much more
near and familiar than that of the high priest. They shall not only enter
into the holy of holies, but shall dwell with God in it, for heaven is the
holiest of all. They shall then dwell in God’s presence, they shall see his
face, which no man can see and live.[36]

Chief Cornerstone
Christians A Chosen Generation, A Royal Priesthood, A Holy Nation and
A Peculiar People:

The apostle in the preceding verses speaks of the great difference

between Christians and unbelievers, on account of their diverse and
opposite relations to Jesus Christ. The former have Christ for their
foundation, they come to him as a living stone, a stone chosen of God,
and precious, and they also as living stones are built-up a spiritual house.

The Christian church is the temple of God, and particular believers are
the stones of which that temple is built. The stones of Solomon’s temple,
which were so curiously polished and well fitted for their places in that
building, were a type of believers. And Christ is the foundation of this
building, or the chief corner stone. On the contrary, to the latter, to
unbelievers, Christ, instead of being a foundation on which they rest and
depend, is a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. Instead of being a
foundation to support them and keep them from falling, he is an occasion
of their stumbling and falling.

As God distinguished the people of Israel of old from all other nations, so
he distinguishes true Christians. It is probable the apostle had in his mind
some expressions that are used in the Old Testament, concerning the
people of Israel. Christians are said here to be a chosen generation,
according to what was said of Israel of old.

“Only the Lord thy God had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he
chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this
day.” (Deut. 10:15).
Christians are here said to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar
people, agreeable to what was said of old of Israel. “Now, therefore, 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 a holy nation. These are the
words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.” (Exod. 19:5:6).

“I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy
brethren.” (I Thess. 5:27). “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the
heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession,
Christ Jesus…” (Heb. 3:1).

New Covenant
“And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These
are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.” (Exod.
19:6).

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a

peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (I Pet. 2:9).

Of God's Promises to Man

“And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed
after you; And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of
the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of
the ark, to every beast of the earth. And I will establish my covenant with
you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood;
neither shall there anymore be a flood to destroy the earth.” (Gen. 9:9-
11).

“That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the
commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise,
having no hope, and without God in the world.” (Eph. 2:12).

“But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the
sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge. Behold, the days come, saith
the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and
with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with
their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of
the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an
husband unto them, saith the Lord.” (Jer. 31: 30-32).

“For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have
been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold,
the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the
house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the
covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by
the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued
not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.” (Heb. 8: 7-
9).

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their
iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he
hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready
to vanish away.” (Heb.8:12-13).

“To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written
in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made
perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood
of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel? See that ye
refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him
that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from
him that speaketh from heaven.” (Heb. 12:23-25).

Holy People
THE apostle in the preceding verses speaks of the great difference
between Christians and unbelievers, on account of their diverse and
opposite relations to Jesus Christ. The former have Christ for their
foundation, they come to him as a living stone, a stone chosen of God,
and precious, and they also as living stones are built-up a spiritual house.

The Christian church is the temple of God, and particular believers are
the stones of which that temple is built. The stones of Solomon’s temple,
which were so curiously polished and well fitted for their places in that
building, were a type of believers. And Christ is the foundation of this
building, or the chief corner stone. On the contrary, to the latter, to
unbelievers, Christ, instead of being a foundation on which they rest and
depend, is a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. Instead of being a
foundation to support them and keep them from falling, he is an occasion
of their stumbling and falling. [37]

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a

peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (I Pet. 2:9).

“And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise,
and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be a holy people unto
the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken.” (Deut. 26:19).

“And they shall call them, the holy people, and the redeemed of the
LORD, and thou shalt be called, Sought out, a city not forsaken.” (Isa.
62:12).

“And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put

to death, and thou hang him on a tree His body shall not remain all night
upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is
hanged is accused of God) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord
thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” (Deut. 21:22-23).

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might
be made the righteousness of God in him.” (II Cor. 5:21).

“Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no

knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude
dried-up with thirst.” (Isa. 5:13).

“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither
by the earth, and neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and
your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Is any among you afflicted?
Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms.” (Jam.5:12-13).

Jesus Declared
Christians are not "better" people than any other man or woman but they
are "blessed" people. As such they are a distinct "kind" of human being,
almost like a separate "genetic variety". They have been specially
"chosen" by God for His own very specific purposes. Their privilege as
the chosen also brings responsibility. A child of the King of Kings should
bear a family likeness, so that others will come to know Him as the King
of Kings.

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you (our
privilege), that you should go and bear fruit (our purpose, our
responsibility), and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask
of the Father in My name, He may give to you.” (Jn. 15: 16).
 Chapter Eight
Sons of God
Adoption into the Family of God
The apostle Paul clearly writes about your adoption into the family of
God. The spirit of adoption, son ship with God, and Spirit of God to attest
that son ship.

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have
received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father, And not
only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit,
even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to
with the redemption of our body." (Rom. 8:15, 16).

“All this was through faith. Consequently, from the beginning God had
purposed that salvation should be through faith.” (Rom. 8:23).

God never expected that any soul of man should be justified by the works
of the law. This gave that law only that the exceeding sinfulness of sin
might appear. That man might be prepared to welcome the gospel, which
proclaimed salvation to a lost world through the atoning death of Christ.

You may want to study blessings and curses in the Bible, which is found
in Deut. 28. This chapter contains sixty-eight verses. The first fourteen
verses are blessings and the remaining fifty-four verses are curses. In
other words, both blessings and curses are not limited normally to a
single individual but they are related to a family, a community, a nation
or sometimes a whole civilization.

In dealing with people in this area, through experience and observation is

a list of seven common indications of curses. These include mental
and/or emotional deterioration, repeated or chronic sicknesses, especially
if they are ancestral or without clear medical diagnosis, repeated
miscarriages or related female problems, the collapse of marriage and
family estrangement, where a family falls apart, continuing financial
insufficiency, especially where the income seems to be adequate, being
accident prone and in a family, a history of suicides or unnatural deaths.

Race a Distinct Human Type

Race (1085) (genos from gínomai = become) refers to offspring,
posterity, "kin", family or lineage, stock. The NT frequently uses genos
(as in the present verse) to refer to a race or division of mankind
possessing traits that are transmissible by descent (Who's line do you
belong to - Adam's or Christ's?) and sufficient to characterize it as a
distinct human type. Believers should be recognizable as "a distinct
human type". Race defines a class or kind of people unified by
community of interests, habits, or characteristics.

When Christians are Called Kings

Too many are playing in Church today, seeking happiness not holiness.
They are lovers of self rather than lovers of God; idolizing creation rather
than worshiping their Creator. Jesus said,
“If you love Me you will keep My commandments.” (Jn. 14:15).

Most would rather follow men's suggestions. Though drafted into the
Lord's army, many have gone AWOL and are playing in the Devil's
arcade, sacrificing to him their energy, time and money. Only those who
fight the good fight, who finish the course and keep the faith will wear
the crown of righteousness and obtain the inheritance reserved for them
which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, the salvation
of their souls, (II Tim 4:8) and (I Pet 1:4, 9).

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children
of God.” (Rev. 5). “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-
heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also
glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are
not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in
us.” (Rom. 8:16-18).

The King's Blessing

Romans eight, obviously written for Christians, list 34 blessings for
Saints. It solemnly warns against an empty profession and offers glorious
assurance for those who abide in Christ, and bear fruit. “For if ye live
after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the
deeds of the body, ye shall live.” (Rom. 8:13).

If you are born again, you are a new Creature in Christ! II Eph. 5:17 says,
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are
passed away; behold all things are become new.”

The new birth is a spiritual regeneration, (II Pet. 1:4; I Pet. 1:23). “A
spiritual quickening or resurrection.” (Eph. 2:2, 5, 6). In regeneration you
are quickened out of your spiritual estrangement and isolation from God
and you are supernaturally transferred into a spiritual life of union and
communion with God.

Your resurrection is the restoration to life of that which the old life has
become extinct. Hebr. 9:26 says, “For then must he often have suffered
since the foundation of the world; But now once in the end of the world
hath he appeared to put Sin by the sacrifice of himself.”

A spiritual transformation, as stated in Col. 1:13, regeneration is a

transfer from one kingdom to another. Transfer from the kingdom of
darkness in which sin and Satan’s Rule, into the Kingdom of God’s dear
Son and the power to live in a set of new circumstances.

Authority and Dominion, "And the Lord shall make thee the head and not
the tail..." (Deut. 28: 13).

Prosperity, "The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy
storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto..." (Deut. 28:8).

Blessings on the Family, "Blessed shall be...the fruit of thy

body..." (Deut. 28: 4).

Victory over Adversaries, “The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise-
up against thee to be smitten before thy face..." (Duet. 28: 7).

When Christians are called kings, the Scriptures include both what they
actually have in this world, and what they have in a future state. The
reward which our Lord Jesus promised to his disciples was a kingdom.

“And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto

me. Christians, having this promise, are therefore heirs of a kingdom
here, which they are hereafter to receive.” (Lk. 22:29).

“Hearken, my beloved brethren; hath not God chosen the poor of this
world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to
them that love him.” (Jam. 2:5).

Freedom from Debt

"The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure. . .” (Deut.28: 11).
"...thou shall lend and not borrow.”" (Deut. 28:12).

These Blessings will run after you!

First, you will receive authority and dominion on this earth. God will set
you high above the people of this world with power and success as an
example of His power and might. You will lead and not follow!

How can you Trigger These Incredible Blessings?

Keep God's commandments and walk in His ways!

"The Lord shall establish thee a holy people unto himself, as he hath
sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy
God, and walk in His ways. And all people of the earth shall see that
thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of
thee." (Deut. 28:9-10).

Kings Chosen by God

God reserved to Himself the choice of, “When thou art come unto the
land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt
dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the
nations that are about me; Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee,
whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren
shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee,
which is not thy brother.” (Deut. 17: 14-15).

“Tomorrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of
Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel,
that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have
looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.” (I Sam.
9:16).

“And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a
beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise,
anoint him: for this is he.” (I Sam. 16:12).

When First Established in Israel, not Hereditary.

“That his heart be not lifted-up above his brethren, and that he turn not
aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end
that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the
midst of Israel.”(Deut. 17:20).

“And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept
the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for
now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel
forever.” (I Sam. 13:13).

“And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel
from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better
than thou. And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is
not a man that he should repent.” (I Sam. 15:28, 29).

Scriptures on Being an Overcomer

(Rev. 21:7), (Rev. 2:7), (Rev. 2:11), (Rev. 26), (Rev. 3; 5), (Rev. 3:12),
(Rev. 3:21) and (Rev. 21:7).

Crown of Life
Reward for faithful service.

“You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand, a royal diadem in

the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name
your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land
Beulah [which means married], for the Lord will take delight in you, and
your land will be married. As a young man marries a maiden, so will
your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will
your God rejoice over you.” (Isa. 62:3-5), brackets added for clarification
here and throughout this chapter).

“I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and

justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and
you will acknowledge the Lord.” God speaking to his people, (Hos. 2:19-
20).

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the Devil shall
cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have
tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a
crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10).

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he

shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
love him.” (Jam. 1: 12).

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept
the faith: henceforth there is laid-up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to
me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (II Tim 4: 7-8).

Crown Scriptures
(II Tim 4:8), (I Cor. 9:25-27), (Jam. 1:12), (Rev. 2:10), (I Prov. 5:2-4), (I
Thess. 2:19) and (Rev. 3:11).

CROWN of Righteousness, Loved the Lord Appearing, (II Tim. 4:8).

CROWN Incorruptible Crown, Disciplined/Self-control, (I Cor.9:25-27).
CROWN Crown of Life, Endured patiently thru trial, (Jam. 1:12) and
(Rev. 2:10).
CROWN Crown of glory, Godly leaders who were examples to flock, (I
Pet. 5:2).
CROWN 5 Crown of rejoicing, Soul winners crown, (I Thess. 2:19) and
(Dan. 12:3).

Crowns and Rewards to be Guarded

Against deceivers and spiritual deception, (II Jn. 1- 8).
Lost when good deed is done with wrong motive, (Matt. 6:2).

Gold Crowns Given

Crowns will be cast down before Jesus at His Throne, (Rev. 4:10-11).
Jesus wore a crown of thorns at his death, (Matt. 27:29).
Jesus wears many crowns when he returns, (Rev. 19: 11-19).
Reward for those who win the Race and Prize of eternal life, (Phil. 13:12-
14) and (I Cor. 9:24 -27)
Overcomers receive rewards from Jesus.
 Chapter Nine
Authority of Kingdom
Truth is a Liberating Agent
God says the secret to success is a love of His Word. “This book of the
law shall not depart out of my mouth; but I shall mediate therein day and
night that I may observe to do according to all that is written therein: For
then God shall make my way prosperous and then I shall have good
success.” (Josh. 1:8).

Also, The New Testament echo’s these same viewpoints in Eph. 1:18, 19,
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know
what is the hope of his calling, and what his riches of the glory of his
inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of his
power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty
power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead,
and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all
principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is
named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.”.

Lucifer is Conquered
The power of Satan is a lie. Satan is a defeated foe: The power of the
believer is in knowing the truth. We should aspire to the truth, now
power!

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How
art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For
thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my
throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the
congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of
the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down
to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon
thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to
tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness,
and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his
prisoners? All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory,
everyone in his own house. But thou art cast out of thy grave like an
abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust
through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcass
trodden under feet. Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because
thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers
shall never be renowned.” (Isa. 14: 12-20).

Satan is a Defeated Foe

Jesus is not returning to defeat Satan! He has already defeated him and
made an open show of him according to Col. 2:14-16, “Blotting out the
handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us,
and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled
principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing
over them in it.”.

Jesus blotted out the covenant God made with Adam which being broken
obliged him and all his posterity to the penalty of death, but is cancelled
and abolished by Jesus Christ (Gen. 2:17). His cross blotted out all Old
Testament covenants and opened the new blood covenant of the
righteousness of Christ.

Its nature being holy, just, good, and spiritual, is contrary to the unholy
and carnal heart of man, and its commands disagreeable to his mind and
will. Nor can he perform what it requires, nor can he be subject to it
without the grace of God, any more than he can like its precepts, and
besides, it is contrary to him, and against him, as it charges him with
debts, and proves them upon him, so that he has nothing to say in his
defense.

Yea, it proceeds against him, and curses and condemns, and kills him.
But God has "blotted" it out, Christ having engaged as a surety for his
people, to pay off all their debts; and this being done by him, God has
crossed the debt book of the law, has blotted it out, so that this book is of
no force; it does not stand against these persons, it cannot show or prove
any standing debt, it cannot demand any, or inflict any penalty.

Nay, he has took it out of the way, it is not to be seen or looked into as a
debt book. It is abolished and done away, it is no more as administered
by Moses, as a covenant of works, or as to its rigorous exaction, curse,
and condemnation. This is true of the whole law of Moses, as well as of
the ceremonial, which is utterly abolished and disannulled in every sense,
because of the weakness and profitableness of it. Nailing it to his cross, to
the cross of Christ, showing that the abolition of it is owing to the cross
of Christ, where and when he bore the curse and penalty of the law for
his people, as well as answered all the types and shadows of it. It is
thought to be an illusion to a custom in some countries, to cancel bonds,
or antiquate edicts and decrees, by driving a nail through them, so that
they could not be legible any more. Or it may be to the writing of Pilate,
which contained the charge and accusation against Christ.

“And which was placed over his head upon the cross, and fastened to it
with nails; every nail in the cross made a scissor in this handwriting, or
bond of the law, that lay against us, whereby it was so rent and torn, as to
be of no force: thus the Holy Ghost makes use of various expressions, to
show that there is nothing in the law standing against the saints; it is
blotted out, and cannot be read; it is took away, and cannot be seen; it is
nailed to the cross of Christ, and is torn to pieces thereby, that nothing
can ever be produced from it to their hurt and condemnation.”[38]
Also, this stance is continued in Psa. 32:1, 2, “Blessed is he whose
transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto
whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no
guile.”

Jesus death and resurrection triumphed over and disarmed the rulers and
authorities of the kingdom of darkness. Jesus sacrifice shows His victory.
It is so clearly shown in Col. 1:15, 16, “For by him were all things
created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all
things were created by him, and for him; And having spoiled
principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing
over them in it.”.

Matt. 18:18 assures us that the resurrected Christ is now the seat of all
authority. Nothing so confounds the evil one as the voice of the Eternal
One. Our Lord himself defeated Satan by the Word of the Lord, and the
prophet Haggai did the same. Twice the voice was hearing, “I am with
you, saith the Lord.” (Hag 1:13; 1-4).

The new creation has authority and power delegated by Jesus Christ!

Satan is a defeated foe and he has no authority over those who are in
Christ. Believers must see Satan’s total defeat. Christ gave us power to
do the same things that He was able to do! Look at Lk. 9:1, “Then he
called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority
over all devils, and to cure diseases.”

In Christ’s death and resurrection every believer is made alive with Him
and is not seated with Him, in the heavenlies as shown in Eph. 2:5, 6.

You are placed on the inside of the Lord’s power and authority. In order
to resist the Devil you must understand and appropriate your position and
authority in Christ.

Christian Relationship to Authority

God has ordained and established an order of authority in the world; in
the home, in the nation, in government, in social life, and in human
rebellion against God’s authority.

The New Creation has Authority and Power

Our spiritual dilemma and solution to our spiritual problems may be
simpler and more profound than we have previously taken into account.
The Scriptures seems to consist of a plan ordered by God devised to keep
His Saints corporately in His blessing when we obey His Word. We find
His plan will work if we will simply teach our children to keep the way
of the Lord. Most parents today simply give their children over to the
public school system and the television to teach them the ways of the
world. We must teach them the reality of Who Jesus Christ is and His
purpose for coming to our world. He came to “save that which is
lost.” (Matt. 18:11).[39]

Jesus is God's provision and solution for the curse of death of a soul.
Consequently, He is the simple way to God. "For God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life; for God sent not his Son into
the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be
saved.” (Jn. 3:16, 17).

According to the Bible, “Christ is the sole way to God.” (Jn. 10:8, 9).
“Christ is the lone Author of Life.” (Jn. 1: 4) and when the Word of God
gets a hold of the heart of a person, a change will take place a difference
that will be noticeable.

The New Creation has authority and power delegated by Jesus Christ!
Satan is a defeated foe and he has no authority over those who are in
Christ. Believers must see Satan’s total defeat. Christ gave us power to
do the same things that He was able to do![40]

Look at Lk. 9:1, “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave
them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.”

The ability of performing belongs essentially to God, Who is all-powerful

and omnipotent. In the King James Version, the term power has the sense
of ability, strength (Gen. 31:6), (Psa. 22:20), and (Isa. 37:27), right,
privilege, or dignity (Jn. 1:12), (Acts 5:4), and (I Cor. 7:37; 9: 4), Gk.
dunamis; absolute authority (Matt. 28:18), same Gk. as above); the
exertion or act of power, as of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:19), Gk. kratos.

In Christ’s death and resurrection every believer is made alive with Him
and is not seated with Him in heavenly places as shown in the scriptures,
“You are placed on the inside of the Lord’s power and authority. In order
to resist the Devil you must understand and appropriate your position and
authority Christ.” (Eph. 2:5).

Jesus’ power is always greater, shows Him victorious over Satan. “And
having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly,
triumphing over them in it.” (Col. 1:15). This “Great Commission” is our
marching order in evangelism. It is global in its range to reach the sin
scorched world, heaven high and eternity long in the duration of its
result.

Jesus warned that is not going to allow anyone to destroy his house
without putting up a strong fight. He must be arrested or rendered
ineffective especially by removing Satan’s ability to act as a threat or
obstacle before a Christian can release his human captives. Jesus asks this
penetrating question, “Or else how can one enter into a strong man's
house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then
he will spoil his house.” (Matt. 12:29).

“And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the Son of David?
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, this fellow doth not cast out
devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their
thoughts, and said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is
brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall
not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how
shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by
whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your
judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of
God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's
house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then
he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that
gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, all
manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the
blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And
whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven
him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be
forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Either
make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and
his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.” (Matt. 12:23-33).

Awesome Spiritual Power

It is true that Jesus Christ left awesome spiritual power to His church.
”And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given to me
in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world, Amen.”
(Matt. 28:18-20).

Great Commission
This “Great Commission” is our marching order in evangelism. It is
worldwide in its scope, sin-deep in its reach, Heaven-high in his hope and
eternity long in the duration of its results.

Jesus said in Matt. 12: 23-33 that Satan is not going to let anyone destroy
his house without putting up a strong fight. He must be neutralized before
a Christian can release his captives, Jesus asks this penetrating question
“how can anyone enter a strongman’s house and carry off his possession
unless he first tie up the strongman?”. Then Jesus told us that we could
enter his house in the Word. “Or else how can one enter into a strong
man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man?
and then he will spoil his house.” (Matt. 12:29).

Indeed binding the strongman is the first basic Principle of Spiritual

warfare. In fact, before any warfare opposing power and principalities
and wicked rulers and evil spirits can be won to release the nation, cities,
individual, or family, the strongman must be bound to be defeated.

The most powerful spiritual weapon is binding and loosening the

strongman. Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind
on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth
shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall
agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done
for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are
gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt
18:18 20).

Once Satan’s power is bound, Jesus enters freely into his house and
carries off Satan’s possessions. It happens through you speaking to the
demons, by the Word of God, in the name of Jesus. It is you acting in
spiritual authority that Jesus delegated to His believers. He, sitting at the
right hand of the Father, releases His power to you to defeat the Devil.
The territory is delivered and Satan loses control. It works by a
partnership between you and Jesus to defeat the Demons. Once Satan’s
power is bound, Jesus enters freely enters into his house and carries off
Satan’s possessions.

Binding and Caging Demons

Cage all the demons asking the Father to send His warring Angels and
use the Word of God in commanding prayer to send the demons to the
feet of Jesus for torment before their time according to scripture: You
command the demons to go into a cage in the name of Jesus. “And,
behold, they cried out, saying, what have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou
Son of God? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time.” (Matt.
8:29).

“As a cage is full of birds (demons), so are their houses full of deceit:
therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.” (Jer.5:27). “And he
cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen,
and has become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit,
and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.”” (Rev. 18:12).

Father, In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I loose into myself and my
family from every demon and command them to go into a cage. I ask
You Father to send Your angels to take these demons to feet of Jesus to
be judged before their time and to fight our battles in the heavenly places.
Let them guard us from Satan and all his hosts who would have us
believing and agreeing with lies. We bind all deception within us to
prevent any more from getting through to us. Lord, minister to our needs.

Comforting Words
“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thess. 4:18).

We Must Comfort One Another

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat
upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth
judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head
were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he
himself. And he was clothed with vesture dipped in blood: and his name
is called The Word of God.” (Rev.19:11-13).

Ruling with Jesus

Jesus death and resurrection triumphed over and disarmed the rulers and
authorities of the kingdom of darkness. Jesus’ sacrifice shows His
victory.

It is so clearly shown in Col. 1:15, 16, “For by him were all things
created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all
things were created by him, and for him; And having spoiled
principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing
over them in it.”.

Matt. 18:18 assures us that the resurrected Christ is now the seat of all
authority. Nothing so confounds the evil one as the voice of the Eternal
One. Our Lord himself defeated Satan by the Word of the Lord and the
prophet Haggai did the same. “Twice the voice was hearing: I am with
you, saith the Lord.” (Hag. 1:13; 1-4).

The saints shall also be advanced to the authority of kings. Christ has
appointed to them a kingdom, and in that kingdom they shall reign. It is
promised concerning the saints, that they shall reign.

Power of Satan is a Lie

The power of Satan is the lie. The power of the believer is in knowing the
truth and acting upon the power of the name of Jesus. We should aspire
to the truth, not power! God says the secret to success is a love of His
Word. “This book of the law shall not depart out of my mouth; but I shall
mediate therein day and night that I may observe to do according to all
that is written therein: For then God shall make my way prosperous and
then I shall have good success.” (Josh. 1:8). [41]

Moreover, the New Testament echoes these same viewpoints in Eph.

1:18,19, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may
know what is the hope of his calling, and what he riches of the glory of
his inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of his
power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty
power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead,
and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all
principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is
named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.”.

Also, this stance is continued in Psa. 32:1, 2, “Blessed is he whose

transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto
whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no
guile.”.

“And hath made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on
the earth.” (Rev. 5:10). “And there shall be no night there: and they need
no candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light:
and they shall reign forever and ever.”.

It is evident that they shall have a kingdom with respect to rule and
government, as appears, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works
unto the end, to him will I give power over all nations: and he shall rule
them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to
shivers: even as I received of my Father.” (Rev. 2:26, 27).[42]
 Chapter Ten
Elect Generation
A Peculiar People
Contrast in the privileges and destinies of believers. Compare the similar
contrast with the preceding context; CHOSEN-"elect" of God, even as
Christ your Lord is GENERATION-implying the unity of spiritual origin
and kindred of believers as a class distinct from the world. ROYAL –
KINGLY Believers, like Christ, the antitypical Melchisedec, are at once
kings and priests. Israel, in a spiritual sense, was designed to be the same
among the nations of the earth. The full realization on earth of this, both
to the literal and the spiritual Israel, is as yet future; HOLY NATION--
antitypical to Israel; PECULIAR PEOPLE—literally, "a people for an
acquisition," that is, whom God chose to be peculiarly His: (Acts 20:28),
"purchased," literally, "acquired," God's "peculiar treasure" above others.
Show forth--publish abroad. Not their own praises but His. They have no
reason to magnify themselves above others for once they had been in the
same darkness, and only through God's grace had been brought to the
light which they must henceforth show forth to others. PRAISES --
Greek, "virtues" "excellences": His glory, mercy (I Pet 2:10) and
goodness (Greek, (I Pet 2:3; Num. 14:17, 18; Isa 63:7).

“For thou art a holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath
chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations
that are upon the earth.” (Deut. 14:2).

“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Tit.
2:14).

Peculiar Treasure:
“Now therefore, 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.” (Exod. 19:5). “For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto
himself and Israel for his peculiar treasure.” (Psa. 135: 4).

A Generation Race Descended from God

True Christians are a distinct race of humans. They are of a peculiar
descent or pedigree, different from the rest of the world. This is implied
in their being called a generation. There are three significations of the
word generation in the Scriptures. Sometimes it means, as is its meaning
in the common use, a class of persons among a people, or in the world
that are born together, or so nearly together, that the time of their being in
the different stages of the age of man is the same. They shall be young
persons, middle-aged, and old together. Or they shall be together upon
the stage of action. All that are together upon the face of the earth, or the
stage of action, are very often accounted as one generation. Thus when
God threatened that not one of the Israelites of that generation should see
the good land, it is meant, all from twenty years old and upwards.

A second meaning is those who are born of a common progenitor.

A third meaning of the word in Scripture, is, a certain race of mankind,

whose generation and birth agree, not as to time, but as to descent and
pedigree, or as to those persons from whom they originally proceeded. So
it is to be understood, in Matt. 1:1, “This is the book of the generation of
Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham…”. That is, this is the
book that gives an account of his pedigree. And this meaning, viz. those
who are of the same race and descent, must be given to the word in the
text. The righteous are often spoken of in Scripture as being a distinct
generation,(Psa. 14:5), “There were they in great fear: for God is in the
generation of the righteous.”.

“This is the generation of them that seek him that seek thy face, O
Jacob.” (Psa. 24:6). “If I say, I will speak thus: behold, I should offend
against the generation of thy children.” (Psa. 73:15).

Descended from God

That the godly are a distinct race appears evident, since they are
descended from God. They are a heavenly race, and they are derived
from above. The heathen were won’t to feign that their heroes and great
men were descended from the gods, but God’s people are descended
from the true and living God, without any fiction.

“A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a

generation.”. That is, a seed, posterity, shall serve him, and it shall be
accounted to the Lord for his posterity or offspring.” (Psa. 22:30).

Now the people of God may be considered as descending from God and
as being His posterity, (future generations) either remotely or
immediately.

They are remotely descended from God. The church is a distinct race that
originally came from God. Other men are of the earth, they are of earthly
derivation, they are the posterity of men, but the church is the posterity of
God.

Thus it is said, in Gen. 6:2, “That the Sons of God saw the daughters of
men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they
chose.”. The Sons of God were the children of the church, of the posterity
of Seth. The descendants of Seth were the Believers in Jehovah that
promised in Genesis 3:15, to send them a redeeming Messiah to rescue
their eternal spirits from Hell.
The daughters of men were those that were born out of the church, and of
the posterity (later generations) of Cain, and those that adhered to him.

It was God that set-up the church in the world, and those who were the
first founders of the church were of God, and were called specially the
Sons of God. Seth was the seed that God appointed in Gen. 4:25, “And
Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth.
For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom
Cain slew.”.

Adam, in Luke’s genealogy of Christ, “Which was the son of Enos,

which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the
son of God.” which in Lk. 3:38, is called the son of God, possibly, not
only because he was immediately created by God, but also because he
was from God, and was begotten by him. As he was a good man, and was
the founder of the church of which Christ himself became a son. He was
the first in line of the church, and as such he was from God.

When the church was almost extinct God called Abraham out of the
Chaldees, and afterwards out of Haran. Abraham was one immediately
from God, and all God’s people in all succeeding ages are accounted as
the children of Abraham.

Abrahams Seed
God promised Abraham that his seed should be as the stars of heaven,
and as the sand on the seashore, meaning primarily not his posterity
according to the flesh. John the Baptist said, God is able of the stones to
raise-up children unto Abraham. Those are the seed of Abraham, as we
are taught in the New Testament that are of the faith of Abraham.
Christians, as well as Jews, are the seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:29), “And if
ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the
promise.”.

So the church is the seed of Jacob, who is called God’s son, “When Israel
was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.”. All
God’s people are called Israel, not only his posterity according to the
flesh, but proselytes of old, and Gentile Christians now under the gospel.
The sincerely godly and they only, are the true Israel.” (Hos. 11:1).

Subsequently, the people of God are descended from God the Father
originally, as they are descended from Christ the Son of God.

Christians are called the seed of Christ, in Gal. 3:29, “And if ye be

Christ’s,” etc. They are, as it were, his posterity (heirs) Christ calls them
his children. In Heb. 2:13, “Behold I and the children which thou hast
given me.”.

Christian Pedigree of God

So that if we trace the pedigree of God’s people up to their original, they
will be found to be descended from God: they are of heaven, they are not
of this world. Other men are of the earth, and are earthly but these are
heavenly, and are of heaven. [43]

The wicked are called the men of this world, (Psa. 17:14), “From men
which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world which have their
portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they
are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.”.

The first beginnings of the church were from God, the great founder of
the church. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and those men, who under him
have been founders, were of God were of him.
God chose them, called them, and created them for this purpose. Since
which, God’s people are descended one from another; the church is
continued and propagated, as it were, by generation. If there were no
ordinary and stated means made use of for the continuing and
propagating the church, it would not be so. But God’s people are made
the instruments of one another’s conversion, by begetting one another’s
souls.

The church is continued by itself instrumentally through all generations,

the people of God are begotten through the education, instruction, and
endeavors of those who were God’s people before. Therefore the church
is represented in Scripture as being the mother of its members, (Gal.
4:26), “But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us
all.”.[44]

Believers are the children of the church, as they are often called, (Isa.
49:20), “The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other,
shalt say again in thine ears, the place is too strait for me; give place to
me, that I may dwell.”.

“Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry
aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of
the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord.” (Isa.
54:1). And many other places God’s people are often, through their
education and instruction, the spiritual parents of those of whom they are
the natural parents. The ministers of the Word and ordinances are
spiritual fathers and mothers.

The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians Christians that he had begotten
them through the gospel.

God’s people are immediately begotten of God. When they become

saints, they are born again, and they have a new nature given them. They
have a new life begun, and they are renewed in the whole man by a new
generation and birth wherein they are born of God, (Jn. 1:12, 13), “But as
many as received him, to them gave the power to become the Sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of
blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”.
[45]

Spiritual Death
The unsaved human condition of the soul is spiritually dead as shown in
Eph. 2:2. Paul depicts the spiritual transformation in II Cor. 15:42, “So
also is the sown incorruption; it is raised in incorruption.”. Your spirit
comes alive to God and His life is placed within your spirit. Your spirit
was dead to God but now and it’s infused with His life and power!

He reveals this supernatural union with God in Col. 1:15, “Who is the
image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature”. Paul explains
the work of Christ in redemption that delivers His believers from the
curse of the law.

We read in Gal. 3:13-14, “Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the
law; being made a curse for me that the blessing of Abraham might come
to me.”.

Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the deliverer of all who
receive His blood sacrifice.

After we are born again, it is wonderful that we are now able to know
Christ; really know Him for the first time in our life. Paul wrote it like
this, in Rev. 20:6, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first
resurrection: on such the second death that hath no power, but they shall
be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand
years.”. Your spirit is resurrected from being dead to God. You become
new, totally clean, pure, undefiled, unpolluted, and not guilty! It’s God’s
desire that your life agrees with His Word, “I am a faithful man, so I shall
abound with blessings.” (Prov. 28:20).

“My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by
Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19).
 Chapter Eleven
Spiritual Bloodline
New Bloodline
When a person is born again, they are translated from one natural
bloodline to a new family. It’s a new bloodline, a new order and new
creation of the dead soul of the person newly created by God. The New
Creation is a newborn living soul that exists that never existed before. We
are instantly fashioned into the image of God. [46]

Webster Dictionary says, “Anything created; especially something

original created by the imagination in vision.”. The scriptures say that
believers shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, “Because the
creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into
the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (Rom. 8:21).[47]

They are born of the Spirit of God, as said in Jn. 3:8, “The wind bloweth
where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell
whence it cometh nor whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the
Spirit.” God is said to have formed the church from the womb.”.

“Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb,
which will help thee: Fear not, O Jacob my servant; and thou, Jeshurun,
whom I have chosen.” (Isa. 44:2).

This truth also may suggest to us a few profitable reflections. Christians

ought to bear with one another. It appears from what has been said that
they are all of one kindred, that they have a relation to other Christians
which they have not to the rest of the world, being of a distinct race from
them, but of the same race one with another. They are descended all
along from the same progenitors; they are the children of the same
universal church of God; they are all the children of Abraham; they are
the seed of Jesus Christ; they are the offspring of God. And they are yet
much more alike, than their being of the same race originally argues them
to be: they are also immediately the children of the same Father. God
hath begotten all by the same Word and Spirit. They are all of one family,
and should therefore love as brethren. [48]

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another; love

as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous…” (I Pet. 3:8).

It is very unbecoming those who are God’s offspring, to entertain a spirit

of hatred and ill will one towards another. It is very unbecoming to be
backward in helping and assisting one another, and supplying each
other’s wants, much more, to contrive and seek one another’s hurt, to be
revengeful one towards another.[49]

People of God
“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” (Heb. 4:9).

“Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:
which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (I Pet.
2:10).

People Near unto God

“He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even
of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the
LORD.” (Psa. 148:14).

People Saved by the Lord

“Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the
LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency!
and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread
upon their high places.” (Deut. 33:29).

God Does Not Restore an Old Life

Recognize that God does not patch up the old life and that He calls upon
you to reckon your flesh crucified, (dead in Christ). You receive from
Him a new life and you must spiritually cultivate it; your relationship
with God in obedience and learning of His ways through the Word.

Your new life will have all the Characteristics which belong to it. The
Word of God tells us in Eph. 4:13, “But speaking the truth in love, may
grow-up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”. The
depth of this new life is shown in the Book of Ephesians, “Till we all
come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,
unto a perfect man, unto to measure of the stature of the fullness of
Christ.”.

“… And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him
be glory and dominion forever and ever Amen.” (Rev. 5:10). “And hast
made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the
earth.” (Rev. 1:6).

Christian Equality in Jesus

Saint Paul gave us a powerful illustration of the truths that in Jesus Christ
all of us are brought together and made one. “There is neither Jew nor
Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for
you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28). We are now in a new family
that has transformed us spiritually into His Kingdom.

Election of God
The inheritance, “And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of
Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and
my servants shall dwell there.” (Isa. 65:9).
“To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through
faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (I Pet. 1:4-5).

Ransomed of the Lord

“And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with
songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and
gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isa. 35:10).

Redeemed of the Lord

“Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with
singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall
obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” (Isa.
5:11).
 Chapter Twelve
Attributes of Christianity
Salt of the Earth
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savour, wherewith
shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out,
and to be trodden under foot of men.” (Matt. 5:13).

Servants of Christ
“For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman:
likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.” (I Cor.
7:22).

“Not with eye service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ,
doing the will of God from the heart.” (Eph. 6:6).

Servants of Righteousness
“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of
righteousness.” (Rom. 6:18).

Sheep of Christ
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the
sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a
robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth
his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth
his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they
know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from
him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” (Jn. 10: 1-6).

“He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou
me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith
unto him, Feed my sheep.” (Jn. 21:16).

Sojourners with God

“The land shall not be sold forever: for the land is mine; for ye are
strangers and sojourners with me.” (Lev. 25:23).

“Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace
at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my
fathers were.” (Psa. 39:12).

Sons of God
“But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the
Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (Jn. 1:12).

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the Sons of God, without

rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye
shine as lights in the world…” (Phil. 2:15).

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we
should be called the Sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not,
because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the Sons of God, and it
doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall
appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (I Jn. 3: 1-2).

The Lord's Freemen

“For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman:
likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.” (I Cor.
7:22).

Trees of Righteousness
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for
ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of
heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of
the LORD, that he might be glorified.” (Isa. 61: 3).

Vessels unto Honor

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto
honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every
good work.” (II Tim. 2:21).

Vessels of Mercy
“And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of
mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory.” (Rom. 9: 23).

Witnesses for God

“Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and
have declared it? Ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me?
Yea, there is no God; I know not any.” (Isa. 44:8).
 Chapter Thirteen
Open your Heart and Live
How to Become Born Again
"Ye must be born again." (Jn. 3:7)

Accept God's Word that He loves you and wants to give you an abundant
life.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting
life." (Jn. 3:16).

"I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more
abundantly." (Jn. 10:10).

Accept God's word: that you are a sinner; and this separates you from
God: that you must truly repent or "turn away" from sin.

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God…" (Rom. 3:23).

Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance Unto:

“He hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for
to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:31).

“When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God,
saying, then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto
life.” (Acts 11:18).

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:

but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” (II Cor. 7:10).

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through
Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 3:23).

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:8).

Accept that Jesus Christ is our Only Contact with God.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me." (Jn. 14:6).

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and man; the man
Christ Jesus…” (II Tim. 2:5).

Receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord by your personal invitation.

"But as many as received Him to them gave he the power to become the
Sons of God." (Jn. 1:12).

"Behold I stand at the door and knock; If any man hear my voice, and
open the door, I will come into Him . . ." (Rev. 3:20).

Do you feel Jesus moving in your heart right now? Will you receive
Christ right now? You can be saved in seconds! Open the door and Pray.

Pray
Dear Father, I'm a lost sinner. I repent. Please forgive me and come into
my heart and save me. Thank You for saving my soul in Jesus' name,
Amen.

If you are backslidden, say the same prayer. The Lord loves you and will
forgive you.

Obedience is the practical acceptance of the authority and will of God,

including both the inward glad submission and the outward expressing of
actions, reactions, words and thoughts.

Disobedience is evidence of rebellion and distrust in God, preference to

self-will and the lack of surrender to and desire for the will of God in all
things. God expects obedience (Deut. 11:26-28).

To choose Christ is to choose obedience, (Jn. 14:15, 21). To become

disobedient is to sin or rebel against God's expectation and rights, (I Sam.
15:22, 23).

"Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye
obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you
this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord
your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day,
to go after other gods, which ye have not known," (Deut. 11:26-28).
Allow the Holy Spirit to have His way with You.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all
truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that
shall he speak: and he will show you things to come,” (Jn. 16:13).

Bathe Yourself in the Scriptures

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (Jn. 17:17).

The Bible is the Written Word of God

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the
word of God which liveth and abideth forever.” (I Pet. 1:23).

Fellowship with Bible Believing Christians

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what
fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what
communion hath light with darkness?” (II Cor.6:14).

Allow the Holy Spirit to Have His way with you.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all
truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that
shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” (Jn. 16:13).

Emulate Jesus Through His Word

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,
and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Gal. 5:1).

Soul Winning Should be Business of Every Christian

“In whom the God of this world hath 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.” (II Cor. 4:4).

Truth of God's Word Exposes Satan and His Lies

Demons hide from the truth. Freedom from spiritual conflicts and
bondage is not a power encounter. Truth is the encounter with light. The
best thing we can do for this sinful world is to remain faithful to the Lord
and shine the gospel beacon. If we fail to live our faith, they will not see
the living word working in our life.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by Me… “(Jn. 14:6).
About Pat Holliday, PhD
Pat Holliday PhD. was born in Jacksonville Florida. She is the widow of
Vadim P. Holliday, PhD, mother of three, grandmother, and great-
grandmother. She was called into the ministry in 1975 and has ministered
worldwide. In 1993, she received her PhD at Southeastern Theological
Seminary, Jacksonville, Florida and was a professor for eight years.

She pastors Miracle Church of Jacksonville, Florida and also an Internet

church, miracleinternetchurch.com.

She is the President of Miracle Outreach Ministry and has appeared on

many international television and radio programs. She hosts television
and radio programs, “Miracle Outreach TV” and a radio program, Power
of Prayer” for more than twenty-five years. Presently, she host
blogtalkradio program, miracleinternetcafe.com.

Miracle Outreach Ministries is an international ministry with signs and

wonders, miracles, healing, deliverance and teaching follow this ministry.
Her latest evangelistic trips include Ghana West Africa, Italy and Jamaica
where many miracles happened.

Among her many political activities, she ran for the Florida State House
of Representatives in 1972. She was elected State Committee Woman
for her party’ a lobbyist in Tallahassee; area chairman at Jacksonville
Beach for President Richard Nixon. She was a founding member of many
women clubs such as, Minute Women of Florida; the Ponte Vedra
Woman's Club; and the Four Foundation Inc., a home for non-delinquent
girls in Duval County. She helped to organize two women's
interdenominational fellowships. She has ministered worldwide.

Dr. Holliday is listed in “Who's Who of the Woman of the World”,

“Who's Who in American Politics”, “Dictionary of International
Biography”, “Marquis Who's Who in the South and Southwest”,
“Marquis Who's Who of American Women” and “Who's Who in
American Religion”, “Who’s Who in America”, and “Who’s Who in the
World”.

She is the author of “The Witchdoctor and the Man ~the City under the
Sea” and “The Walking Dead”.

Amazon.com: Pat Holliday: Books http://amzn.to/1333LVI

Pat Holliday, PhD

9252 San Jose Blvd., 2804
Jacksonville, Fl. 32257
[1] The Grace of God, Charles Strohmer, a Sovereign World international Booklet, P.
O. Box 777, Toolbridge, Kent, Tn. 19XT, England, Pg. 14.
[2] ibid
[3] Self-Invited Troubles, Afflictions and Destructions, A. A. Allen
[4] Minister’s Annual Preaching in 1989, Jim & Doris Morentz, Abingdon Press,
Nashville.
[5] Webster Dictionary
[6] (from Sermons of John Wesley, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database
Copyright © 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
[7] ibid
[8] (from Sermons of John Wesley, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright ©
2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
[9] ibid
[10] ibid
[11] Newsletters, drpathholliday.com
[12] ibid
[13] ibid
[14] Earth’s Final Days, William T. James, New Leaf Press, P.O. Box 311, Green
Forest, Ar. 72638.
[15] ibid
[16] Doddridge. See the notes on Eph. 1:23.
(from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Bible
soft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
[17] ibid
[18] `(from Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1996, 2003, 2005,
2006 by Bible soft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
[19] `ibid, (from Adam Clarke's Commentary

[20] http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=Mary+called+Magdalene%2C
+out+of+whom+sent+seven+devils.%E2%80%9D
+&version1=KJV&searchtype=all&resultspp=500
[21] Text Sermons : Jonathan Edwards : Christians A Chosen Generation, A Royal
Priesthood, A Holy Nation, A Peculiar People
[22] ibid
[23] http://www.soulwinning.info/bd/a_place.htm
[24] http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/1peter/jfb/1peter2.htm
[25] ibid
[26] http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/1peter/jfb/1peter2.htm
[27] Text Sermons : Jonathan Edwards : Christians A Chosen Generation, A Royal
Priesthood, A Holy Nation, A Peculiar People
[28] ibid
[29] ibid
[30] Miracleinternetchurch.org
[31] ibid
[32] Ibid, Text Sermons
[33] Psa. 33:12). [Spurgeon's Comment on Psa. 33:12].
[34] ibid
[35] Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown
[36] Text Sermons
[37] ibid
[38] http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-
bible/colossians-2-14.html Power for You Charles Spurgeon, Whitaker House. .
[39] Pat. New Creation (Kindle Locations 23-29). Agape Publishers.
[40] ibid
[41] Pat. New Creation (Kindle Locations 23-29). Agape Publishers.
[42] ibid
[43] http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/1peter/jfb/1peter2.htm
[44] ibid
[45] ibid
[46] Ibid, Edwards
[47] Webster Dictionary
[48] Ibid, Edwards
[49] ibid