,illustration ,the ,harp of ,god ,proof ,conclusive that ,millions now ,living will never ,die ,a text-book for ,bible study specially adapted for use of beginners2 with numerous questions and ,scripture citations #eaj1jjj ,edition ,by ,j4,f4 ,rutherford1 ,author of ,can the ,living ,talk with the ,dead8 ,millions now ,living will never ,die6 etc41 etc44 ,publishers3 ,watch ,tower ,bible and ,tract ,society and ,international ,bible ,students ,association ,brooklyn1 ,new ,york1 ,u4,s4,a4 ,also3 ,london1 ,toronto1 ,melbourne1 ,cape ,town1 ,orebro1 ,barmen1 ,berne1 etc4 ,to the invisible ,king of ,glory now present in the interests of the generation now on earth who will become his loyal subjects this book is dedicated ,this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled4 --,matthew #bd3cd #aiba ,preface ,there is need of a textbook for beginners in ,bible study4 ,this book is intended to meet that long-felt want4 ,the subject matter is arranged progressively and orderly4 ,a list of questions follows each point discussed1 thus enabling the teacher to direct the mind of the student to the subject under consideration4 ,the numeral following each question refers to the paragraph of the text where the answer may be found1 each paragraph being numbered to correspond4 ,jehovah had a great plan before the foundation of the world2 but no one knew about it4 ,during the first four thousand years of man's history ,god's plan was kept a secret4 ,he began to reveal it to man nearly nineteen hundred years ago1 and then only to those who are consecrated to do his will4 ,promise was made that greater light should come at the end of the age1 and this promise has been kept4 ,we are at that time1 as is clearly proven by the contents herein4 ,this book points out the salient features of the divine plan1 which plan is both orderly and progressive4 ,people generally have not been thoroughly instructed in the ,bible4 ,even those who have attended the ,sunday schools have merely learned the text and not the meaning of the text4 ,like the prophets of old1 they have heard but understood not4 ,the real reason for these conditions is that ,god's plan could not be understood until his due time to reveal it4 ,his due time is here4 ,because of the dispensational change taking place at this time1 ,bible study was never so important as now4 ,if important to educate the rising generation in the things taught in our common schools1 with stronger reasoning is it important to educate them concerning that which is now being revealed of the divine program for the uplifting and blessing of mankind4 ,there is no disposition1 desire1 nor attempt to induce any one reading this book to become a member of any organization1 sect1 or denomination4 ,the sole purpose of the book is to aid honest seekers for truth in their endeavors to understand the ,bible1 to learn the meaning of the present-day events1 and to prepare some at least to receive the blessings that are soon due to mankind4 ,if you knew that there was to be a radical change in the government for the better1 and that your children might have a part in the affairs of the new government1 you would be anxious for them to acquire all the knowledge possible concerning the new order of things4 ,the greatest changes of the ages are now taking place4 ,it is conceded by everybody that these changes began with the ,world ,war and that they continue4 ,but what do they mean8 ,the real answer is that the old world1 or social and political order1 has ended and is passing away1 and that a new and better order is due and will shortly be established4 ,every parent owes it to his child to instruct him insofar as possible concerning the incoming new order or government4 ,the contents of this book will start you in the right way4 ,the subject matter herein treated is not discussed at great length4 ,the interested reader is referred to the ,,studies ,,in ,,the ,,scriptures and kindred publications of the ,watch ,tower ,bible and ,tract ,society1 wherein these matters are treated in greater detail4 ,the ,king ,james ,version of the ,bible is used in the quotations1 except as otherwise indicated4 ,the reader should consider each point herein made with his ,bible before him1 proving each proposition1 that he may be thoroughly convinced in his own mind4 ,the harp is an instrument which1 when used by a skilled performer1 brings happiness and cheer to those who listen4 ,the harp of ,god1 when understood and skillfully used1 brings peace of mind and gladness of heart4 ,the title of this book suggests the thought of good cheer and happiness4 ,the message herein contained1 taken from the ,word of ,god1 is sent forth with the prayer that it may be a blessing to many1 that it may cheer some who are sad1 bind up some broken hearts1 comfort some that mourn1 and give all who earnestly read a deeper appreciation of ,jehovah and the ,savior of mankind4 ,brooklyn1 ,n4,y41 ,october #a1 #aiba4 ,,contents ,the ,harp of ,god ,creation ,justice ,manifest ,the ,abrahamic ,promise ,the ,birth of ,jesus ,the ,ransom ,resurrection ,mystery ,revealed ,our ,lord's ,return ,glorification of the ,church ,restoration ,the ,harp of ,god ,,chapter ,i ,i will incline mine ear to a parable3 ,i will open my dark sayings upon the harp4--,psalm #di3d4 ,the harp is a musical instrument invented many centuries ago4 ,when properly strung and played upon it yields sweet music1 making glad the heart4 ,the first mention of the harp made in the ,bible is in ,genesis #d3ba1 and the inventor's name was ,jubal4 ,he was therefore called the father of all such as handle the harp and organ4 #b;,it was #ahab years before the coming of ,jesus in the flesh that ,god organized the twelve tribes of ,israel1 the descendants of ,jacob1 into a nation1 which nation thereafter was known as the nation of ,israel4 ,it was the only nation with which ,god made a covenant1 and he did not recognize any other nation in the same way4 7,amos #c3b7 ,the nation of ,israel was used to make living pictures or types1 foreshadowing better things to come2 and those who study the ,scriptural account of ,israel's experiences are able to approximate closely future events which will be good for mankind4--#a ,corinthians #aj3a-ac2 ,hebrews #aj3a4 #c,with the nation of ,israel the harp was an instrument consecrated to joy and exaltation4 ,david1 who for forty years was king of ,israel1 was an expert player on the harp1 and it will be noted that in the ,psalms often the harp is used to symbolize or teach some great truth4 ,the ,jews used this instrument on occasions of joy1 such as jubilees and festivals4 #d;,josephus1 a writer of ,jewish history1 is authority for the statement that the harp usually had ten strings1 but that at times it was smaller and had only eight strings4 ,the number ten is used in the ,scriptures to symbolize that which is complete or perfect as pertaining to man4 ,we would understand1 then1 that the harp with ten strings pictures the great fundamental truths concerning the divine plan4 ,when two of these strings were absent1 there being only eight1 the indication is apparently given that there would be a time when two important features of the divine plan would not be seen by men4 ,god promised that greater light should come upon his ,word at the end of the age1 or end of the world1 which means the social order of things4 ,since we have reached that time1 we confidently look for more light and thus we find it4 #e,the ,book of ,revelation is written largely in symbols4 ,in ,revelation #ad3b1c and #ae3b1c we find a brief description of a class of glorious beings who are playing upon their harps1 and these are described as the 'harps of ,god'4 ,the harp here is used as a sign or symbol of some great truth1 or feature of the divine program2 in fact1 a great deal of the ,bible is written in symbolic phrase4 ,the ,lord uses objects which we know to illustrate great unseen things which we do not know2 and the harp is so used4 ,,who ,,is ,,god8 #f;,before we can know ,god and understand his great plan it is first necessary for us to believe that he exists and that he rewards all who diligently seek him4 7,hebrews #aa3f7 ,but how can we believe8 ,we must first have some knowledge4 ,but how can we know that there is a great ,god8 ,let us look at some of the simpler things about us and reason upon the matter4 #g,look at the flowers in your garden4 ,out from the same soil grow the many varieties of different hues and colors4 ,likewise from the same soil spring the divers kinds of trees1 bringing forth different fruits at different seasons of the year4 ,some wisdom superior to man's must have arranged these things4 ,observe the broad fields1 the lofty mountains1 the mighty rivers1 and then behold the ocean1 exhibiting unlimited power1 upon the waves of which majestically ride the great ships4 ,are we not compelled to conclude that there was a wise ,one1 who created these things1 greater than anything we see8 #h,now gaze into the silent heavens above you1 and there number1 if you can1 the stars and planets which are noiselessly moving through space4 ,many of these are far greater than the earth1 and yet each one hangs in its place and moves noiselessly about in its orbit4 ,surely they could not have come there by chance1 but the reasonable mind must say that a ,creator greater than the planets put them there4 ,when ,king ,david looked at these wonders of creation he was so impressed with the greatness of their ,creator that he wrote3 ,the heavens declare the glory of ,god2 and the firmament showeth his handiwork4 ,day unto day uttereth speech1 and night unto night showeth knowledge4 ,there is no speech nor language1 where their voice is not heard4 ,their line is gone out through all the earth1 and their words to the end of the world4--,psalm #ai3a-d4 #i;,consider man4 ,what a wonderful piece of mechanism is his body6 ,the framework is there2 the muscles that hold each part in place2 the nerves1 like a great electrical system by which messages are conveyed from the brain to all parts of the body4 ,he has power to reason and to plan and carry out these plans4 ,truly no machine can be compared to man for intricacy of construction and harmony of action4 ,who1 then1 is the ,creator of this wonderful thing8 ,we must conclude that there was a great ,first ,cause who made and put into action all things visible in the universe1 as well as things to us invisible4 ,and who is he8 ,jehovah is his name2 the great ,god of the universe4--,psalm #hc3ah2 ,genesis #ag3a2 ,exodus #f3c2 #bj3b-e4 #aj,the name ,jehovah means self-existing one4 ,he was without beginning and without end1 and of him ,moses wrote3 ,from everlasting to everlasting thou art ,god4 7,psalm #ij3b2 ,isaiah #bf3d7 ,he is the great ,almighty ,jehovah ,god and there is none other besides him1 and his honor and dignity none other possesses4 7,isaiah #db3h7 ,he is the great all-wise ,creator of all things that are made4 7,isaiah #dj3bh2 ,genesis #a3a7 ,the four great and eternal attributes of ,jehovah are justice1 power1 love1 and wisdom4 7,ezekiel #a3e1f7 ,these attributes work together in exact harmony at all times2 and in various times and ways he makes manifest these attributes4 ,at certain times he has specially manifested such attributes4 #aa;,his justice was made manifest by inflicting punishment for the violation of his law4 ,power was particularly manifested in the great flood that destroyed all things on the earth4 ,his love was especially exhibited in the sacrifice of the dearest treasure of his heart1 his beloved ,son1 that mankind might have an opportunity for life4 ,his wisdom is particularly manifested in his great plan1 which he gradually unfolds and permits man to see4 ,his attributes have no limitations4 ,he is so wise that he knew the end from the beginning and outlined all of his great plan to the very minutest detail4--,acts #ae3ah4 ,,his ,,revelation #ab;,it is conceded by all that man is the very highest type of all living creatures on the earth4 ,his intelligence is far superior to that of any other earthly being4 ,truly man is fearfully and wonderfully made4 ,is it not reasonable for him to expect that the ,almighty ,god would reveal to man something of the divine greatness and plans and purposes8 ,yes1 and such revelation is found in that wonderful book1 the holy ,bible4 #ac,who wrote the ,bible8 ,what is known as the ,old ,testament was written by holy men of old who were moved upon by the invisible power of ,jehovah to write it4 7#b ,peter #a3ba2 #b ,samuel #bc3b2 ,luke #a3gj7 ,the ,new ,testament consists of the spoken words of ,jesus1 the ,son of ,god1 who spake as never man spake1 and whose words were recorded by those who heard him and witnessed his acts2 and in addition thereto1 the written testimony of his disciples1 who wrote under inspiration from ,god4 #ad,the holy spirit means the invisible power or influence of ,jehovah-- holy because he is holy4 ,this power of ,jehovah operated upon the minds of honest men who loved and who were devoted to righteousness1 directing them in the writing of the ,bible4 ,the spirit of ,god1 i4e41 his invisible power and influence1 moved upon the waters and thereby he created4 7,genesis #a3b7 ,in like manner his invisible power and influence operated upon the minds of men and directed them what to write4 ,thus did ,moses write the first five books of the ,bible4 ,the invisible power or influence of ,god1 which is the holy spirit1 operating upon ,moses' mind enabled him to make a record of the chief events that had occurred and to write the law of ,god1 as given to his people through ,moses4 ,in no other way could the true history of creation have been written4 ,these facts and truths were1 therefore1 written by inspiration of ,god4 7#b ,timothy #c3af2 ,job #cb3h7 ,there are twenty-four prophetic writers of the ,old ,testament1 who foretold the great events that were to transpire in the earth4 ,their accounts were written at different times and under widely different conditions1 yet their testimonies agree4 ,their testimony foreshadowed future events4 #ae;,history1 when written1 is a recorded statement of facts and events1 arranged in a chronological order4 #af,prophecy1 which is true1 is a statement of facts and events foretold to take place at some future time4 ,otherwise stated1 prophecy is history written before it transpires4 #ag,no human mind could actually foretell facts or events to happen in the future4 ,only the divine mind could do that4 ,if1 then1 we find that the ,bible foretold certain facts and events to happen and the record of the same was made centuries before these facts and events did happen1 and these events and facts are now definitely established as having taken place1 such would be the strongest proof that the persons recording such facts and events were directed in so doing by the divine mind2 hence that such writing was under divine inspiration4 #ah;,as an illustration of this point3 ,wireless telegraphy and airships are modern discoveries2 yet since they have been discovered we find that ,god1 through his holy prophets1 foretold centuries ago the use of such inventions4 7,job #ch3ce2 ,isaiah #fj3h7 ,the railway train has been in use less than a hundred years2 and yet the prophet of ,god many centuries ago gave a clear and particular description of the railway train and the manner of its operation1 and prophesied that the same would be in vogue at the time of the end1 at the time the ,lord is making preparation for the establishment of his kingdom4 7,nahum #b3c-f7 ,and he also foretold that at that time there would be a great running to and fro by other means of transportation1 such as automobiles1 electric cars1 etc4 7,daniel #ab3d7 ,there is no one living in modern times who is wiser than ,solomon2 yet during the past #abe years there has been a great development in invention and a marvelous increase of knowledge2 because it is due time1 and because the prophets of ,god centuries ago foretold that such would come to pass4 #ai,through his holy prophets ,god foretold that at a time future there would come into the world a mighty man2 that he would be born a ,jew 7,deuteronomy #ah3ae71 specifying the place where he would be born 7,micah #e3b72 that he would come to his own people and they would not receive him2 that he would be despised and rejected of men1 a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief 7,isaiah #ec3a-c72 that he would ride into ,jerusalem upon an ass1 the foal of a like animal1 and offer himself as king to the ,jews 7,zechariah #i3i72 that he would be rejected by the ,jews 7,isaiah #ec3c72 that he would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver 7,zechariah #aa3ab72 that he would die1 but not for himself 7,daniel #i3bf72 that there would be no just cause for his death 7,isaiah #ec3h1i1aa72 that nevertheless he would be numbered among the transgressors 7,isaiah #ec3ab72 that he would die a violent death1 yet not a bone of his body should be broken 7,psalm #cd3bj72 that his flesh would not corrupt1 and that he would arise from the dead 7,psalm #af3aj7--;all of which and many more similar prophecies were completely fulfilled by ,jesus of ,nazareth1 the great ,teacher who lived about and died at ,jerusalem4 ,later we will examine the ,scriptures proving a further fulfillment of all these prophecies4 #bj;,all of the foregoing facts show that the ,bible was written1 as it is claimed1 by holy men of old1 who were directed in writing it by the power of ,jehovah1 and that it is a record which ,god caused to be kept and has given to man for his guidance in righteousness1 and which foretells the course and final destiny of man4 #ba,the prophets who made record of the divine arrangement did not understand what they wrote4 ,they knew they were writing something that would take place in the future1 but just how and when they did not know4 ,they inquired and searched diligently all sources of information open to them as to what these prophecies meant and when they would be fulfilled and in what manner of time4 ,particularly with reference to the coming of ,jesus1 his suffering1 death and resurrection they prophesied and did not understand1 although they attempted to understand4 7#a ,peter #a3aj1ab7 ,even the angels of heaven knew that the prophets were thus writing1 but they did not understand1 although they desired to look into these things4 ,god revealed his great plan only in his own due time1 and until that time he kept it all to himself4 #bb,the divine plan means the arrangement made by ,jehovah for the creation of everything that has been created and for carrying out his purposes with reference to his creatures4 ,the first one to understand the divine plan was ,jesus1 who prior to coming to earth was known as the ,logos1 which means one who speaks and acts for ,jehovah4 ,in ,revelation1 chapter #e1 a wonderful picture is given in symbolic language4 ,jehovah is pictured as seated upon his throne1 holding in his right hand a record or scroll of his great plan4 ,the hand is a symbol of power and holding it in his hand foreshadowed the fact that ,jehovah held it exclusively in his own power and keeping4 ,the picture then shows a strong angel or messenger speaking with a loud voice and asking the question3 ,who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof8 ,in heaven there was a host of holy beings or angels4 ,no one of them was able to open the book or scroll1 neither to look on it4 ,no one in earth was able to look upon it nor to open it4 #bc,one of the titles given to ,jesus is ,lion of the tribe of ,judah4 ,this great and mighty ,one1 the beloved ,son of ,god1 afterward designated ,jesus1 was granted the privilege of opening the book and of loosing the seals that kept it secret1 thus picturing how ,jehovah made known his plan to his beloved ,son4 ,the picture describes him thus3 ,and ,i beheld1 and1 lo1 in the midst of the throne 444 stood a ,lamb as it had been slain1 having seven horns and seven eyes1 444 and he came and took the book out of the right hand of him ,jehovah that sat upon the throne4 #bd,seven is a symbol of perfection2 horn a symbol of power2 and eyes a symbol of wisdom4 ,therefore this ,one is pictured as having perfect power and perfect wisdom to perform this wonderful privilege and duty4 ,this is the first time that the great mystery of ,jehovah1 his great plan or program1 was made known to any one2 and since then1 from time to time1 he has been pleased to reveal portions of his plan to men who have honestly and faithfully sought to understand it4 ,he has promised to reward those that diligently seek him and who seek a knowledge of him4 ,therefore we can come to the study of his plan1 confidently expecting that he will grant us from time to time such a vision and understanding of it as pleases him and as would be for our good and happiness4 #be,the harp is used to symbolize the grandeur and beauty1 the exquisite harmony and majestic sweetness of the divine arrangement or plan4 ,the record of this great program or plan is found in the ,old and the ,new ,testaments4 ,this record reveals the purpose of ,god concerning man1 gives a record of his fall1 a prophetic vision of his redemption and deliverance1 and ultimately the blessing of all obedient ones of mankind with life everlasting4 ,the great fundamental doctrines or truths stated in the ,bible and which constitute the fundamentals of his plan concerning man would1 therefore1 constitute the strings upon the harp of ,god4 ,these fundamental truths were spoken by ,jehovah through the prophets1 through ,jesus1 and through his disciples4 ,god's law is his expressed will4 ,law means a rule of action1 directing that which is right and prohibiting that which is wrong4 ,the ,bible contains the law of ,jehovah for the governing of mankind4 #bf,the name ,david means beloved one4 ,the beloved ,one of ,jehovah is his ,son1 ,jesus1 the ,christ4 ,david was therefore used by ,jehovah to picture or to make a type of ,christ1 including ,jesus and his faithful followers4 ,david used the harp of ten strings and was an expert performer upon it4 ,this would seem to picture how that the antitype of ,david1 ,jesus and the members of his body1 his faithful followers1 would have an understanding of this harp of ,god and that ,god would use them to make it plain to others who would want to understand it4 ,the ten strings of the harp1 therefore1 very fitly represent the ten great fundamental truths or doctrines of the divine plan4 ,these ten fundamental doctrines appear in the order named1 as follows3 7#a7 ,,creation 7#b7 ,,justice ,,manifested 7#c7 ,,abrahamic ,,promise 7#d7 ,,birth ,,of ,,jesus 7#e7 ,,ransom 7#f7 ,,resurrection 7#g7 ,,mystery ,,revealed 7#h7 ,,the ,,lord',s ,,presence 7#i7 ,,glorification 7#aj7 ,,restoration #bg,when one understands these ten fundamental truths and can appreciate the beauty and harmony by them expressed1 he is thereby enabled to use the harp of ,god1 and the use of it brings joy to his heart and fills his soul with sweet music4 ,without doubt the great plan of ,god pictured by the harp was all made and arranged at one time1 but we will here consider each one of these fundamental truths1 represented by a string1 separately and in the order above named4 ,what is the harp8 and when was it invented8 #a4 ,who invented the harp8 and where is mention made of it in the ,bible8 #a4 ,when did ,god organize the twelve tribes of ,israel into a nation8 #b4 ,what arrangement did ,god make with the nation of ,israel8 #b4 ,for what purpose was that nation used by ,jehovah8 #b4 ,to what did the nation of ,israel consecrate the harp8 #c4 ,what king of ,israel was skilled in the use of the harp8 #c4 ,where in the ,scriptures is the harp used symbolically8 #c4 ,on what occasions did the ,jews use the harp8 #c4 ,how many strings were there on ,israel's harp8 and what did these symbolize8 #d4 ,did the harp at any time have a less number of strings8 and if so1 what did that picture8 #d4 ,in what phrase or language is the book of ,revelation written8 #e4 ,where in the book of ,revelation is the harp mentioned8 and what kind of beings are pictured as using it8 #e4 ,what is the first essential to an understanding of ,god's plan8 #f4 ,name some visible proof of the existence of a ,supreme ,being or ,creator4 #g4 ,how was ,david impressed with what he observed of creation8 #h4 ,how does man's organism prove the existence of a ,supreme ,being8 #i4 ,who is the ,supreme ,being or ,creator8 and what does his name signify8 #aj4 ,give some ,scriptural proof of the existence of ,jehovah4 #aj4 ,name the four primary divine attributes4 #aj4 ,how was divine justice manifested8 #aa4 ,how was divine power manifested8 #aa4 ,how was divine love manifested8 #aa4 ,how was divine wisdom manifested8 #aa4 ,is there proof that ,god foreknew the end from the beginning8 #aa4 ,why should man expect some revelation of the divine plan8 #ab4 ,has man found a revelation of ,god's plan8 and if so1 where8 #ab4 ,by whom was the ,bible written8 and what are the two general divisions of it8 #ac4 ,what is meant by the holy spirit8 #ad4 ,what relationship does the holy spirit bear to the ,bible and its preparation8 #ad4 ,who wrote the first five books of the ,bible8 and under what influence8 #ad4 ,was the ,bible written under inspiration8 #ad4 ,how many prophetic writers contributed to the ,old ,testament8 and does their testimony agree8 #ad4 ,define history4 #ae4 ,define prophecy4 #af4 ,can a human mind accurately foretell future events8 #ag4 ,what is one of the strongest proofs that the ,bible was written under inspiration8 #ag4 ,what relationship do wireless telegraphy and airships bear to fulfilled prophecy8 #ah4 ,were railway trains foretold by the prophets8 and if so1 where8 #ah4 ,what other means of rapid transit did the prophets foretell8 #ah4 ,why did not ,solomon give the world great inventions such as we now have8 #ah4 ,did the prophets point to the coming of any special one to earth8 #ai4 ,what prophecy1 if any1 did the coming of ,jesus of ,nazareth tend to fulfill8 #ai4 ,how did the coming of ,jesus tend to confirm the authenticity of the ,scriptures8 #bj4 ,did the prophets understand the meaning of what they wrote concerning the happening of future events8 #ba4 ,what effort did they make to understand8 #ba4 ,did the angels in heaven understand what the prophets were writing8 #ba4 ,what is meant by the term the divine plan8 #bb4 ,who was the first one to understand the divine plan8 #bb4 ,what was the name of ,jesus before he became a man8 and what is the significance of his prehuman title8 #bb4 ,what is pictured by the fifth chapter of ,revelation8 ,give the details of the picture4 #bb4 ,who is the ,lion of the tribe of ,judah8 #bc4 ,what is the symbolic meaning of the words seven1 horns1 and eyes8 and what do these words signify as used in ,revelation #e8 #bd4 ,is there reason to expect that ,god would grant certain ones from time to time an increased understanding of his plan8 and if so1 why8 #bd4 ,what does the harp symbolize8 #be4 ,where is the record of the divine plan found8 #be4 ,what does this record reveal concerning man8 #be4 ,by whom has ,god spoken his fundamental truths8 #be4 ,what is the law of ,god8 #be4 ,define law4 #be4 ,where is the law of ,god found8 #be4 ,what is the meaning of the word ,david8 #bf4 ,whom did ,david picture or typify8 #bf4 ,what did ,david's use of the harp typify or picture8 #bf4 ,what is pictured or symbolized by the ten strings of ,david's harp8 #bf4 ,name the ten fundamental truths represented by the strings on the harp4 #bf4 ,how can one learn to use the harp of ,god8 #bg4 ,what effect is produced upon one who skillfully uses the harp8 #bg4 ,,omnipotent ,,god ,harps of eternity6 begin the song1 ,redeemed1 and angel harps6 begin to ,god1 ,begin the anthem ever sweet and new1 ,while ,i extol ,him holy1 just1 and good4 ,life1 beauty1 light1 intelligence1 and love6 ,eternal1 uncreated1 infinite6 ,unsearchable ,jehovah6 ,god of truth6 ,maker1 upholder1 governor of all3 ,thyself unmade1 ungoverned1 unupheld4 ,omnipotent1 unchangeable1 ,great ,god6 ,exhaustless fullness6 giving unimpaired6 ,bounding immensity1 unspread1 unbound6 ,highest and best6 beginning1 middle1 end4 ,all-seeing ,eye6 all-seeing1 and unseen6 ,hearing1 unheard6 all knowing1 and unknown6 ,above all praise6 above all height of thought6 ,proprietor of immortality6 ,glory ineffable6 ,bliss underived6 ,of old ,thou build'st ,thy throne on righteousness1 ,before the morning ,stars their song began1 ,or silence heard the voice of praise4 ,thou laid'st ,eternity's foundation stone1 and saw'st ,life and existence out of ,thee begin4 --,pollok ,illustration ,,chapter ,,ii ,string #a3 ,creation ,the subject of creation here treated relates particularly to the earth and the creatures of the earth1 the chief one of which is man4 ,we will not attempt to discuss at length the creation of other planets1 nor of the other creatures4 ,attention is merely called to the ,scriptural statement that the beginning of ,god's creation was the ,logos1 which term is translated in our ,bibles the ,word4 ,the record reads3 ,in the beginning was the ,word1 and the ,word was with the ,god and the ,word was a god4 7,john #a3a7 ,god is a name applied to ,jehovah1 the ,almighty ,one4 ,it is sometimes applied to other mighty ones also2 whereas the name ,jehovah applies exclusively to the great eternal ,god4 ,the ,logos1 the ,word1 was a god1 a mighty one4 ,the same was in the beginning with ,god4 ,all things were made by him1 and without him was not anything made that was made4 ,he was ,jehovah's great active agent in the creation of all things created4 #bi,since the ,bible was written for man's benefit1 the ,genesis account of creation has to do with man and his place of habitation4 ,there we read3 ,in the beginning ,god created the heavens and the earth4 ,he created the sun1 for light by day2 and the moon1 for light by night1 upon the earth4 ,god then created the birds and fowls that fly through the air1 and the fish of the sea4 ,he created the cattle and the creeping things1 and all the beasts of the earth4 ,all this was before the creation of man4 ,he had formed the earth many centuries before man's creation1 and he created it that man might have a place to live4 ,he caused his prophet to write3 ,i have made the earth and created man upon it4 ,for thus saith the ,lord that created the heavens2 ,god himself that formed the earth and made it2 he hath established it1 he created it not in vain1 he formed it to be inhabited4--,isaiah #de3ab1ah4 #cj;,god created the first man and woman out of the elements and gave them power to produce and bring forth children1 and all the human race sprang from the first pair4 ,god was the ,father and the earth the mother of ,adam4 ,the first man was named ,adam2 the first woman1 ,eve4 ,god created man in his own image1 in the image of ,god created he him2 male and female created he them4 ,and ,god blessed them1 and ,god said unto them1 ,be fruitful1 and multiply1 and fill the earth1 and subdue it2 and have dominion over the fish of the sea1 and over the fowl of the air1 and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth4--,genesis #a3 #bg1bh4 #ca,we are all interested in knowing how ,jehovah created the first man1 ,adam4 ,and the ,lord ,god formed man of the dust of the ground1 and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life2 and man became a living soul4 7,genesis #b3g7 ,god did not give man a soul separate and distinct from the man4 ,the word soul means being2 living1 breathing creature4 ,every man is a soul4 ,no man has a soul4 ,every living creature is a soul4 ,god called all moving creatures that have life souls4 7,see ,genesis #a3bj1 margin7 ,he designates various animals as souls4--,numbers #ca3bh4 #cb;,jehovah then made a beautiful home for man1 which is designated in the ,bible as ,eden--a garden1 a beautiful park4 ,everything in ,eden was perfect1 because all the works of ,jehovah are perfect4 7,deuteronomy #cb3d7 ,and the ,lord ,god planted a garden eastward in ,eden2 and there he put the man whom he had formed4 ,and out of the ground made the ,lord ,god to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight1 and good for food2 the tree of life also in the midst of the garden1 and the tree of knowledge of good and evil4 ,and the ,lord ,god took the man1 and put him into the garden of ,eden to dress it and to keep it4--,genesis #b3 #h1i1ae4 #cc;,god next gave to man a law to govern him4 ,he told him what he might do and what he might not do2 and informed him that a violation of this law would bring death upon him4 ,and the ,lord ,god commanded the man1 saying1 ,of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat2 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil1 thou shalt not eat of it3 for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die4--,genesis #b3af1 #ag4 #cd;,god then created ,eve to be a helpmate or companion to ,adam4 7,genesis #b3ba-be7 ,if ,adam and ,eve had been obedient to ,jehovah at all times1 there would have been no sickness1 sorrow1 nor death amongst the human race4 #ce;,in the ,scriptures ,jesus1 the ,logos1 is designated as the bright and morning star4 7,revelation #bb3af7 ,he at all times was and is the joy and delight of the heavenly ,father1 ,jehovah4 ,a star is used to symbolize a heavenly creature4 ,the morning star is the most honored one in all the divine realm1 ,jehovah alone excepted4 ,other heavenly creatures are designated as stars4 #cf,many times you have heard the question asked1 ,who made the devil1 ,satan1 the evil one8 ,the correct answer is1 ,he was not always the devil or ,satan4 ,he was created a perfect and beautiful creature4 ,he was also designated a star of heaven4 ,his original name was ,lucifer4 ,the prophet ,ezekiel says of him that he was the anointed cherub that covereth1 which seems to indicate that he had authority over some others4 ,continuing1 the prophet records3 ,thou wast upon the holy mountain of ,god2 thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire4 ,thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created1 till iniquity was found in thee4 7,ezekiel #bh3ad1ae7 ,he is described as a beautiful creature4 ,thus the ,prophet speaks of him3 ,thou hast been in ,eden the garden of ,god2 every precious stone was thy covering1 the sardius1 topaz1 and the diamond1 the beryl1 the onyx1 and the jasper1 the sapphire1 the emerald1 and the carbuncle1 and gold3 the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created4--,ezekiel #bh3ac4 #cg,other angelic hosts in heaven are designated the sons of ,god4 ,when ,god created the earth1 laying its foundations as a habitation for man1 when he created these beautiful earthly creatures upon the earth1 these two great stars of heaven sang together a song of gladness1 and the angelic sons of ,god shouted for joy4 7,job #ch3 #d-g7 ,it appears that at that time all the creatures of ,jehovah were in harmony with him and obedient to him1 and of course they would watch the creation develop2 and when the highest earthly creatures were made1 perfect man and perfect woman1 endowed with the attributes of wisdom1 justice1 love1 and power1 made in the image and likeness of ,jehovah1 there was great joy in heaven4 ,hence the occasion for the song and shouting by the heavenly hosts4 #ch;,in the unfolding of the divine plan1 therefore1 we see that creation is the first part and is properly designated as the first string upon the harp of ,god4 ,god is light1 and in him is no darkness at all4 7#a ,john #a3e7 ,all the works of ,jehovah are perfect4 7,deuteronomy #cb3d7 ,hence we must conclude that all the creatures of ,jehovah were in the light1 were creatures of light1 all happy1 all joyful4 ,and when the perfect man and perfect woman were placed in the beautiful garden of ,eden1 everything there was joyful4 ,to what does the subject of creation herein briefly treated relate8 #bh4 ,who is designated in the ,bible as the beginning of ,god's creation8 #bh4 ,to what does the ,genesis account of creation relate8 #bi4 ,what earthly creatures did ,god create before making man8 #bi4 ,for what purpose did ,god create the earth8 #bi4 ,what human beings did ,god create8 #cj4 ,who was the father and who the mother of the human race8 #cj4 ,who was the father and who the mother of ,adam8 #cj4 ,what power and authority did ,god give to man at his creation8 #cj4 ,how did ,god create man8 #ca4 ,define the soul4 #ca4 ,does the word soul apply to any creatures except man8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #ca4 ,describe the original man's first home4 #cb4 ,what is the meaning of the word ,eden8 #cb4 ,what law did ,god give to man by which he was to be governed while in ,eden8 #cc4 ,describe the creation of ,eve4 #cd4 ,by obeying ,god's law1 how long could ,adam and ,eve have lived in ,eden8 #cd4 ,a star is used in the ,scriptures to symbolize what8 #ce4 ,what is the meaning of the ,scriptural term bright and morning star8 #ce4 ,who is the most highly honored one in the divine realm8 #ce4 ,who is the devil or ,satan8 and who made him8 #cf4 ,what was his original name8 #cf4 ,how does the prophet ,ezekiel describe ,lucifer8 #cf4 ,what other beings in heaven are called sons of ,god8 #cg4 ,when ,god created man1 what was the effect upon the host of heaven who observed the creation8 #cg4 ,what is the first string upon the divine harp8 #ch4 ,does the revelation of this string cause rejoicing8 and if so1 by whom8 #ch4 ,who is light and without darkness8 #ch4 ,has ,god ever created an imperfect creature8 #ch4 ,what is the disposition of ,god's creatures while in harmony with him8 #ch4 ,what was the condition in ,eden when man was created8 #ch4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,iii ,string #b3 ,justice ,manifested ,one of the divine attributes is justice4 ,justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne4 7,psalm #hi3ad7 ,divine wisdom devised the great divine program or plan4 ,divine justice must perform its part in harmony with the other divine attributes4 ,god's law must be unchangeable4 ,being unchangeable1 his creatures can have absolute confidence and faith in him1 that he always does exactly as he says4 ,a violation of ,jehovah's law must be followed by punishment in the exercise of justice4 ,the prerogative of justice is to see that the law is enforced4 ,the manifestation of justice magnifies the name and the dignity of ,jehovah4 ,without the manifestation of justice it would have been impossible for ,jehovah so fully to manifest his love toward man in providing for his redemption and subsequent blessing4 ,when one understands the office of justice and why it was manifested1 he rejoices4 ,a failure to understand and appreciate the divine attributes makes it impossible for one properly to appreciate ,jehovah's goodness and loving kindness to mankind4 ,jehovah is too good to be unjust4 ,he is too wise to make a mistake2 he is too loving to be unkind2 and his power is always exercised in such a way that ultimate good may result4 #dj,the manifestation of justice is one of the strings upon the harp of ,god2 but we must see and appreciate it in order to understand the beauty and harmony it brings when used in connection with the other springs4 #da;,good and evil are antagonistic principles or rules of action4 ,good is the law or rule of action by which ,god is always governed4 ,evil becomes active only when some creature of ,jehovah violates his law4 ,god made man a free moral agent4 ,he did not compel him to do or not to do certain things4 ,he told man that if he did certain things he would be blessed2 and that if he did other things contrary to divine law he would suffer punishment2 and the punishment prescribed was death4 ,mother ,eve was deceived by ,satan1 the devil1 and thereby induced to violate the law of ,god4 ,father ,adam1 seeing that his companion and helpmate had violated the law and judging that she must die1 preferred to join her in the transgression and die with her4 7#a ,timothy #b3ad7 ,it will be of interest here to examine the circumstances leading up to the violation of the law of ,god and to see why his justice toward man was manifested in sentencing him to death4 #db;,all dominion rightly belongs to ,jehovah4 ,he had given man dominion over the things of earth4 ,lucifer observed ,adam and ,eve1 the perfect ones1 in ,eden2 and knowing that they were endowed with authority from ,jehovah to multiply and fill the earth1 he conceived the thought in his own heart or mind that he should have a dominion of his own1 and that he could have this by separating man from ,god and by inducing him to come under his 7,satan's7 dominion4 ,the prophet ,isaiah gives us some light upon this subject when he says3 ,how art thou fallen from heaven1 ,o ,lucifer1 son of the morning6 how art thou cut down to the ground1 which didst weaken the nations6 ,for thou hast said in thine heart1 ,i will ascend into heaven1 ,i will exalt my throne above the stars of ,god3 ,i will sit also upon the mount of the congregation1 in the sides of the north3 ,i will ascend above the heights of the clouds2 ,i will be like the ,most ,high4 ,yet thou shalt be brought down to hell1 to the sides of the pit--,isaiah #ad3ab-ae4 #dc,thus we see that ,satan had an ambitious desire to be like the ,most ,high4 ,god manifested his justice toward ,lucifer by expelling him from his presence and has decreed that he shall be ultimately destroyed4 7,ezekiel #bh3ad-ah2 ,hebrews #b3ad7 ,when ,lucifer was expelled from the presence of ,jehovah because of his wickedness1 he thereafter was and is known by the names of dragon1 that old serpent1 the devil1 and ,satan4 7,revelation #ab3i7 ,in ,genesis #c he is spoken of as the serpent4 ,the name dragon means devourer2 ,satan means adversary2 devil means slanderer2 while serpent means deceiver2 and all these names indicate the characteristics of ,satan1 the evil one4 #dd;,according to the ,genesis account1 the old serpent1 the devil1 deceived ,eve in this manner3 ,as we have heretofore observed1 ,jehovah had told ,adam and ,eve that they must not eat of a certain tree in ,eden1 known as the tree of knowledge of good and evil4 ,appearing to mother ,eve in the capacity of a serpent1 a deceiver1 the devil said to her in effect3 ',hath ,god said that ye shall not eat of every tree in ,eden8' ,to this question ,eve responded3 ,we may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden2 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden1 ,god hath said1 ,ye shall not eat of it1 neither shall ye touch it1 lest ye die4 ,the old serpent1 the devil1 replied3 ,ye shall not surely die2 for ,god doth know that in the day ye eat thereof1 then your eyes shall be opened1 and ye shall be as gods1 knowing good and evil4 ,in other words1 he told ,eve that ,jehovah was trying to keep her and her husband in ignorance and thus take advantage of them4 ,doubtless the devil himself ate of the fruit in the presence of ,eve and then deliberately lied to her by saying3 ,ye shall not surely die--,god knows that you will not die4 ,and by this means he induced mother ,eve to eat of the fruit--which was a violation of ,god's law4 ,we know that ,satan is a liar1 because ,jesus said of him3 ,he was a murderer from the beginning1 and abode not in the truth1 because there is no truth in him4 ,when he speaketh a lie1 he speaketh of his own3 for he is a liar1 and the father of it4--,john #h3dd4 #de,the fact that ,eve was deceived and thereby induced to violate the law of ,god in no wise changed the law or affected its enforcement4 ,adam deliberately ate of the fruit and he was also in the transgression4 --#a ,timothy #b3ad4 #df;,after they had violated ,jehovah's law1 ,adam and ,eve hid amongst the trees in ,eden4 ,jehovah spoke to ,adam and asked3 ,hast thou eaten of the tree1 whereof ,i commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat8 ,adam responded that ,eve had given him the fruit to eat2 and ,eve said that the serpent had deceived her4 ,they both stood before ,jehovah and confessed their guilt4 ,the majesty of the law of ,jehovah must be upheld4 ,his law being unchangeable 7,hebrews #f3ah71 there remained nothing to do but to enforce that law4 ,then ,jehovah pronounced his judgment against them1 the record of which reads3 ,unto the woman he said1 ,i will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception2 in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children2 and thy desire shall be to thy husband1 and he shall rule over thee4 ,and unto ,adam he said1 ,because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife1 and hast eaten of the tree1 of which ,i commanded thee1 saying1 ,thou shalt not eat of it3 cursed is the ground for thy sake2 in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life2 thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee2 and thou shalt eat the herb of the field2 in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread1 till thou return unto the ground2 for out of it wast thou taken3 for dust thou art1 and unto dust shalt thou return1--,genesis #c3af-ai4 #dg,thus the perfect man forfeited his life4 ,he had been endowed with perfection of home1 liberty1 peace1 happiness1 and life everlasting on earth4 ,now he must die and return to the dust from whence he was taken4 ,god did not put him to death immediately1 but permitted him to have #icj years of experience that he might learn the baneful effects of sin4 ,eden contained perfect food that would have sustained the perfect man and he would not have died had he remained in ,eden1 unless ,jehovah had put him to death in some direct manner4 ,but ,god drove him out of ,eden1 took him away from the perfect food1 caused him to gather his food from among the thorns and thistles and from other imperfect elements of the earth that were found outside of ,eden2 and in this condition he continued to sicken and to die until at the end of the period of #icj years he was dead4 #dh;,a kind and loving parent sometimes inflicts punishment upon a child because the child has violated a rule4 ,the parent punishes the child not because he loves to see the child suffer1 but for the good of the child1 in order that it might be disciplined and might learn the proper lessons4 ,if the child always did good and never did evil it would not merit nor receive any punishment from a loving parent4 ,one of the chief purposes of ,jehovah in dealing with mankind in the manner he does deal with them is that humankind might be disciplined and learn the lessons of good and the effect of doing wrong1 and thus learn to appreciate the love of the heavenly ,father4 #di,when ,god sentenced our first parents to death and drove them out of ,eden1 he had in mind and had already planned for their future blessing1 as we will see upon a further examination of his plan4 ,hence it was love that prompted his action in sentencing ,adam to die4 ,every act of ,jehovah is prompted by love2 for ,god is love4 ,he always acts that good may result4 ,the manifestation of his strict justice was essential that the dignity and greatness of ,jehovah might be maintained4 ,at the same time1 in so doing1 love was the motive that prompted his action4 ,it must have brought sorrow to the heart of ,jehovah to be compelled thus to punish his creatures1 because ,god takes no pleasure in evil things2 yet having in mind the ultimate blessing and restoration of them1 there would be pleasure in thus manifesting justice that ultimate good might result4 #ej,we therefore might with propriety speak of the manifestation of justice as the minor chord in the music of the harp of ,god4 ,the minor chord seems necessary in music to produce exact harmony4 #ea;,job in his suffering seems to picture the world of mankind under condemnation2 and when suffering he said3 ,my harp also is turned to mourning4 7,job #cj3 #ca7 ,the perfect man and his helpmate1 deprived now of their perfect home1 toiling as they sought to gather their food from the unfinished earth1 suffering in body and in mind because of their separation from ,god1 truly would have said1 and doubtless did say3 ',our harp is turned into mourning'4 ,since that time the whole world has been in a state of mourning2 and mankind still suffers and groans in pain4 ,the world of mankind in general has not appreciated the manifestation of the justice of ,jehovah4 ,the ,christian1 however1 who has come to a knowledge of ,jehovah's plan1 and sees and appreciates his purposes for the blessing of mankind1 can rejoice and does rejoice at the manifestation of divine justice4 #eb;,during the gospel age ,god has been developing a church1 the members of which are designated as the body of ,christ4 7,philippians #a3bi2 ,colossians #a3ah7 ,these are also designated members of the royal priesthood4 7#a ,peter #b3i1aj7 ,during their earthly career they are counted as members of the sacrificing priesthood1 of which ,aaron was a type4 ,aaron and his sons were required to serve before the ,lord in the ceremonies in connection with the tabernacle in the wilderness4 ,two of ,aaron's sons were stricken dead because they offered strange fire before the ,lord4 ,aaron and his two remaining sons were forbidden by the ,lord to mourn the death of their kinsmen4 ,evidently this is a picture which shows that those who have come to a knowledge of the divine plan do not mourn because ,god sentenced our first parents to death1 but rather that they will rejoice at this manifestation of justice when they understand that it was necessary in order that the great plan of redemption should be carried out as outlined by ,jehovah from the beginning4 ,and when we see and appreciate this divine plan we can truly exclaim3 ,great and marvelous are thy works1 ,lord ,god ,almighty2 just and true are thy ways1 thou ,king of saints4--,revelation #ae3c4 ,,men',s ,,souls #ec;,against what did ,god manifest his justice8 ,did he sentence the body or the soul of man to death8 ,is it true that the soul of man is immortal2 and if so1 how could ,god put it to death8 #ed;,it is profitable to define terms before attempting to discuss them4 ,the definition given should be supported by proof from the ,bible4 ,this we will attempt to do before answering the question here asked4 #ee;,immortal means that which cannot die2 something that cannot be destroyed in death4 ,soul means a moving1 breathing1 sentient creature1 or being2 a creature or being that possesses faculties and uses them4 ,to understand whether or not a soul is immortal it is first essential that we determine from the ,bible what constitutes a soul4 ,the ,lord ,god formed man of the dust of the ground1 and breathed into his nostrils the breath of lives2 and man became a living soul4 7,genesis #b3g7 ,the word soul is synonymous with the words being1 creature1 and man4 ,the dust out of which ,jehovah formed the body was not conscious4 ,it had no life in it4 ,after ,god had used these elements to form the man1 he breathed into his nostrils the breath of lives1 which animated the body1 caused the lungs to begin to work1 sent the blood tingling through the arteries and returning through the veins2 therefore there resulted a moving1 breathing1 sentient being1 a man1 which is a soul4 ,the body aside from the breath does not constitute the soul2 but it requires the uniting of the breath with the body to constitute the soul4 ,and when we separate the breath from the body the soul no longer exists4 ,the ,scriptures do not say that ,god breathed into this body immortality1 but merely that the soul resulted by animating the body after it had been created2 and this resulted from the breath which he breathed into the nostrils4 #ef;,a locomotive may be used as an illustration4 ,it stands upon the track with no fire in the box1 no water in the boiler1 hence no steam4 ,we speak of it as a dead engine4 ,then the steam is produced by heating the water2 it is forced into the cylinders1 the throttle being open and the machine moves4 ,withdraw the steam and it stops4 #eg;,just so with man4 ,when the body is formed it would be inanimate and inactive without breath4 ,when the breath of life is breathed into the nostrils and his organs begin to functionate1 it is said that man then is a breathing creature2 hence a soul4 ,when he ceases to breathe he is dead4 #eh,man is a soul4 ,he does not possess a soul4 ,every creature that breathes is a soul4 ,god applied the words living soul to the lower order of animals long before man's creation4 7,genesis #a3bj1 margin7 ,that all breathing creatures are designated as souls by ,jehovah is proven by these words3 ,levy a tribute unto the ,lord of the men of war which went out to battle3 one soul of five hundred1 both of the persons1 and of the beeves1 and of the asses1 and of the sheep4 7,numbers #ca3bh7 ,all souls die alike4 ,for that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts2 even one thing befalleth them3 as one dieth1 so dieth the other2 yea1 they have all one breath2 so that a man hath no preminence above a beast3 for all is vanity4 ,all go unto one place2 all are of the dust1 and all turn to dust again1--,ecclesiastes #c3ai1bj4 #ei;,in the manifestation of divine justice ,god said to ,adam3 ,of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil1 thou shalt not eat2 444 for in the day that thou eatest thereof1 dying thou shalt die4 7,genesis #b3ag1 margin7 ,this sentence was pronounced against man1 the being1 the soul4 ,if there could be any doubt about this1 it is definitely settled by another statement in the ,bible which reads3 ,the soul that sinneth it shall die4 7,ezekiel #ah3d7 ,what man is he that liveth1 and shall not see death8 shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave8--,psalm #hi3dh4 #fj,the thought of immortal souls originated with ,satan the devil4 ,he approached mother ,eve and said3 ',if you eat of this tree1 you shall not surely die'4 ,jesus denounced this statement as the first lie ever told1 and ,satan as the father of lies4 7,john #h3dd7 ,satan has been trying to blind the people to the truth concerning ,god's great plan in order to keep them away from ,god and from the blessings they would receive by obeying him4 ,the ,apostle says of him that he is the god mighty one of this world1 meaning the present evil social order2 and that he has blinded the minds of men to the truth1 lest the glorious gospel of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ should shine into their hearts4 7#b ,corinthians #d3d7 ,from the day of ,eden until now ,satan has been blinding the minds of men to the truth by getting into their minds a false conception of ,jehovah's arrangement2 and the basis for this blindness is chiefly the lie first told3 ,ye shall not surely die4 ,all false doctrines are based upon this first lie4 #fa;,if man possessed an immortal soul it could not be put to death4 ,hence we see that ,god would be unable to enforce his judgment against a sinner1 and justice would fail4 ,the ,scriptures1 however1 plainly tell us that the quality of immortality belongs originally only to ,jehovah1 who only hath immortality1 dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto2 whom no man hath seen1 nor can see4 7#a ,timothy #f3af7 ,immortality will be given as a great reward to faithful ,christians and to none other of the human race4 ,such ,christians who live and continue faithful until death are promised the divine nature1 immortality1 the crown of life4 7#b ,peter #a3d2 #a ,peter #a3c1d2 ,romans #b3g2 ,revelation #b3aj7 ,we may be sure that a man does not seek that which he already possesses2 and the apostle ,paul plainly says3 ,seek for 444 immortality4 ,and again he says to those who will be faithful ,christians3 ,this mortal must put on immortality4 7#a ,corinthians #ae3ec7 ,if a soul1 a man1 were already immortal1 he could not subsequently put on immortality4 ,no one of the human race will ever be made immortal except the faithful ,christians4 ,god has a different reward for others who are obedient to him4 ,,dead ,,unconscious #fb;,another of ,satan's deceptions by which he has blinded the people is the teaching that the dead are still conscious after death4 ,this is not supported by the ,bible1 however4 ,those who die are never again conscious unless they are resurrected by the ,lord4 ,the resurrection of the dead we will discuss later on4 ,if the soul were immortal it would be conscious somewhere4 ,let us observe the ,scriptures which show that the dead are not conscious4 #fc;,in death there is no remembrance of thee3 in the grave who shall give thee thanks8 7,psalm #f3e7 ,thus is shown that they have no memory while dead4 ,the dead praise not the ,lord1 neither any that go down into silence4 7,psalm #aae3ag7 ,hence they could not speak while dead4 #fd,the dead cannot breathe1 think1 or feel4 ,thou takest away their breath1 they die1 and return to their dust4 7,psalm #ajd3bi7 ,his breath goeth forth1 he returneth to his earth2 in that very day his thoughts perish4 7,psalm #adf3d7 ,a person when unconscious does not feel4 ,this is illustrated by the fact that when a person is taken to a hospital for an operation the surgeon puts the patient under an anesthetic1 puts him to sleep so that he cannot feel during the operation4 #fe;,again the ,scriptures read3 ,the living know that they shall die1 but the dead know not anything4 ,also their love1 and their hatred1 and their envy1 is now perished4 7,ecclesiastes #i3e1f7 ,being unconscious1 they know not anything when dead4 ,whatsoever thy hand findeth to do1 do it with thy might2 for there is no work1 nor device1 nor knowledge1 nor wisdom1 in the grave1 whither thou goest4--,ecclesiastes #i3aj4 #ff;,again speaking of man1 ,god says of him3 ,nevertheless man being in honor abideth not3 he is like the beasts that perish4 7,psalm #di3ab7 ,anything that perishes cannot be conscious1 cannot be in existence and of course cannot be immortal4 #fg;,it was ,jesus who said3 ,god so loved the world1 that he gave his only begotten ,son1 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish1 but have everlasting life4 7,john #c3af7 ,here the proof is conclusive that death means the perishing of all unless redemption is received through ,jesus ,christ4 ,this would absolutely disprove consciousness of the dead and would disprove also the immortality of the soul4 #fh;,death is spoken of in the ,bible as a sleep1 for the reason that ,god intends in his due time to awaken all of the dead and give them an opportunity of life4 ,the ,bible abounds in the expressions referring to the dead as asleep4 ,a few of these expressions are3 ,david slept with his fathers1 and was buried in the city of ,david4 7#a ,kings #b3aj7 ,the fathers fell asleep4 7#b ,peter #c3d7 ',the greater part remain until this day1 but some are fallen asleep4 7#a ,corinthians #ae3f7 ,i would not have you to be ignorant1 brethren1 concerning them that are asleep2 444 them also which sleep will ,god bring forth by ,jesus in the resurrection4 --#a ,thessalonians #d3ac1ad4 #fi,we must conclude from these ,scriptures that the dead are wholly unconscious from the moment of death until such future time as the ,lord may be pleased to awaken them out of death and give them an opportunity of life1 which he purposes to do1 as set forth in his great plan4 7,john #e3bh1bi7 ,man was made of the dust4 ,he was sentenced to return to the dust2 that is1 the condition of the dead4 ,and the ,lord said3 ',they that sleep in the dust of the earth shall arise'4--,daniel #ab3b4 ,,does ,,god ,,torment ,,any ,,one8 #gj;,for a long time men have been taught that the punishment for the wicked1 those who disobey ,god1 is everlasting torment or torture in a hell burning with unquenchable fire and brimstone4 ,many have been frightened away from studying the ,bible because of this terrible doctrine4 ,many have refused to believe in ,god and the ,lord ,jesus because of it4 ,it is another doctrine of ,satan1 used to blind the people4 ,the doctrine of eternal torment cannot be true for at least four separate and distinct reasons3 7#a7 because it is unreasonable2 7#b7 because it is repugnant to justice2 7#c7 because it is contrary to the principle of love2 and 7#d7 because it is entirely unscriptural4 #ga;,it seems strange that men with reasoning faculties should ever reach the conclusion that the all-wise ,creator would eternally torment any of his creatures4 ,what could be the purpose of such torment8 ,could it accomplish any good8 ,would it result to the glory of ,god8 #gb,there could be no eternal torment of any of ,god's creatures except by ,god's will4 ,a reasonable1 loving ,god could not torment any of his creatures4 ,a ,creator that would put in operation a system of endless torment would be a fiend and not a reasonable ,god4 ,man is not perfect1 yet he has some love4 ,god is perfect4 ,he is love4 ,a man or a child would not torture his horse1 his dog1 or his cat4 #gc,suppose we have a dog that becomes mad and tries to bite every one in the neighborhood4 ,he must be killed2 but we would not torment the poor brute by putting it into a slow fire4 ,we would kill it in the easiest way1 so that it would not suffer much pain4 ,why would a person do this8 ,because his sense of justice and love would deter him from doing anything else4 ,man has not as much love as ,god4 ,every thing that ,god does for man he does for man's good4 #gd,the doctrine is unreasonable because no one could be eternally tormented unless that one were eternally conscious2 and the ,scriptures above cited show that the dead are not conscious4 ,furthermore1 there could be no eternal torment of the soul unless that soul were immortal1 indestructible2 and the ,scriptures above cited and all other ,scriptures bearing upon the subject show that man is not immortal1 that none are granted immortality except those who receive it as a reward for right-doing and who are made joint-heirs with ,christ ,jesus in his glorious kingdom4 ,then it is easy to be seen that this is a doctrine of ,satan2 and the two doctrines or teachings of inherent immortality and eternal torture must stand or fall together4 ,and since they are both false1 they must both fall4 #ge,the doctrine of eternal torture is unjust1 because ,god is just4 ,justice is the foundation of his throne4 ,god plainly told man that if he sinned he would die4 ,if thereafter he put him into eternal torment1 then he increased the penalty after man had violated the law1 and this is contrary to every principle of justice4 ,all of ,adam's children were born imperfect4 ,there is none that doeth good1 no1 not one1 7,psalm #ad3c7 ,every child is born imperfect4 ,it would be very unjust for ,jehovah to permit such a one to be born under conditions over which he had no control and then1 because he could not obey perfectly1 to put him into eternal torture4 ,man's sense of justice is shocked at the thought of torture of any creature4 ,the justice that man possesses is a ,god-given quality4 ,the more ,godlike a man is the more just he is4 ,we must know1 then1 that ,god deals justly with all of his creatures4 #gf,the doctrine of eternal torment is devoid of the attribute of love4 ,every good father loves his children and children love their father4 ,the mother loves the children and the children love the mother4 ,when the children are disobedient1 it becomes necessary for the father or the mother to discipline them2 and sometimes by using the rod4 ,but no loving parent would for a moment think of torturing his or her child4 ,just punishment is always for the purpose of doing ultimate good1 and where the parents are compelled to punish or discipline their children they do it because they love them4 ,the apostle ,paul1 discussing the discipline by earthly parents and by ,god said3 ,we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us1 and we gave them reverence3 shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the ,father of spirits1 and live8 ,for they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure2 but he for our profit1 that we might be partakers of his holiness4--,hebrews #ab3i1aj4 #gg,only a wicked fiend would want to torment anybody1 such a one as loves dark and wicked things4 #gh,our great ,god is love4 7#a ,john #d3af7 ,god is light and in him is no darkness at all1 7#a ,john #a3e7 ,everything that ,jehovah does is good4 ,god created the first man ,adam and gave him the power to transmit life to his offspring4 ,all the human race are the children of ,adam4 ,only by ,god's permission could these children have come into existence4 ,adam was ,god's son and all the human race descend from ,adam2 and thus they bear relationship to ,jehovah4 #gi,none of ,adam's children were born perfect4 ,some were born under very depraved conditions4 ,god's love1 then1 for the human race is so great that he made provision for the redemption and ultimate blessing of all1 and it would be wholly inconsistent with his attribute of love to arrange to torture any of them at any time4 ,the doctrine of eternal torment is a libel upon the great and loving name of ,god1 and ,satan is responsible for it4 ,but in ,god's due time he will make it clear to all that he is love2 and that all of his dealings with the human race are for their good4 #hj,the eternal torment teaching is not supported by any ,scripture text in the ,bible4 ,there are some texts that are written in symbolic phrase1 parables and dark sayings1 which were written to illustrate another great truth1 but with no reference to the eternal punishment of the human race4 ,these ,scriptures must be considered elsewhere4 ,our space does not permit us to consider them here4 ,what we will examine are the direct ,scriptural statements4 #ha;,all the ,scriptures show that the wicked will be punished1 but punishment does not mean torment4 ,there is a wide distinction between everlasting punishment and everlasting torment4 ,everlasting punishment is a punishment that lasts4 ,everlasting torment would be a torment that never ends1 but one would be consciously suffering all the time4 ,the laws of the land punish the wicked who violate the law1 and the duration of punishment is short or long in proportion to the enormity of the crime committed4 ,one who steals a loaf of bread violates the law and he may be punished by confinement for a day or a month in prison4 ,one who destroys his neighbor's house by fire is punished1 and his punishment may be a number of years in prison4 ,another takes the life of his neighbor1 and his punishment is death4 ,no law of any nation on earth permits the violator of the law to be tormented4 ,the stealer of bread is punished for a short period2 the one who destroys the home is punished for a longer period2 and the one who takes his neighbor's life deliberately is punished by the full penalty of the law1 and his punishment is lasting4 ,death is the highest penalty inflicted by the law4 ,it is also the greatest punishment inflicted by ,jehovah4 ,life is the dearest thing to any creature1 and to be deprived of life would be the greatest punishment that could be inflicted4 ,therefore eternal or everlasting death1 with no hope of a resurrection1 would be an everlasting punishment4 ,but it would not be an everlasting conscious torture4 ,god plainly declared3 ,the wages of sin is death 7,romans #f3bc71 and not eternal torture4 #hb;,having fixed this penalty1 ,god could not change it afterward1 because ,god could not be inconsistent2 he cannot deny himself4 7#b ,timothy #b3ac7 ,it was by the disobedience of one man that sin came into the world and death as the result of sin2 so death has been the penalty upon all mankind4 7,romans #e3ab7 ,and this will continue until ,god's due time to awaken them out of death and give all an opportunity for life2 and this we will discuss later4 ,the ,lord preserveth them that love him1 but all the wicked will he destroy4 7,psalm #ade3bj7 ,the ,apostle plainly says that all the wicked shall be punished with an everlasting destruction4--#b ,thessalonians #a3i4 #hc;,but do not the wicked go to hell8 #hd;,it is true that all who have died from ,adam until now have gone to hell4 ,but hell does not mean a place of conscious torture4 ,wherever the word hell occurs in the ,bible it means the condition of death4 ,hell is not a place1 but a condition4 ,those who go into the grave are not conscious there2 but they have gone into the death condition4 ,their bodies decay and return to the dust4 ,the word hell is translated from the ,hebrew word sheol1 as used in the ,old ,testament4 ,this same word is a number of times translated grave and sometimes pit4 ,in the ,new ,testament the same word hell is translated from the ,greek word hades and likewise means grave1 the condition of death1 the tomb4 #he,some ,scriptural illustrations of this prove that hell means a condition of death4 ,job was a good and godly man1 who tried to obey ,jehovah4 ,he had suffered the loss of all his earthly possessions and then his neighbors taunted him because of his suffering2 and while he was thus suffering1 he prayed that ,god would permit him to go to hell1 saying3 ,o that thou wouldest hide me in hell sheol1 the grave until thy wrath be past4 7,job #ad3ac7 ,he desired to be hid in the grave until the time of the resurrection1 hoping in ,god's promise that some day the dead would come again4 ,then ,job says3 ,if ,i wait the grave is mine house3 ,i have made my bed in the darkness4 ,our rest together is in the dust4 7,job #ag3ac1af7 ,thus he pictures the grave as a condition of darkness1 where there is no knowledge1 no wisdom or device4 ,again he said3 ,a man's sons come to honor1 and he knoweth it not2 and they are brought low1 but he perceiveth it not of them4 7,job #ad3ba7 ,why8 ,because those who are in hell1 in the tomb1 in the grave1 in the condition of death1 have no knowledge of anything4 ,they are out of existence1 waiting for the resurrection4 #hf;,jacob's beloved son ,joseph was sold into ,egypt by his brethren4 ,joseph's coat was dipped in the blood of an animal and brought to ,jacob1 and it was told ,jacob the father that his son ,joseph was dead4 ,in his grief he exclaimed3 ,i will go down into hell sheol1 the grave unto my son mourning4 7,genesis #cg3ce7 ,jacob was a good man and approved of the ,lord2 for the ,apostle says he was4 7,hebrews #aa3i1ci7 ,jacob meant that he was going to the grave1 to the death condition1 mourning for his beloved son4 #hg;,benjamin was ,jacob's youngest son4 ,after he lost ,joseph his affections were centered upon ,benjamin4 ,his elder sons came to him and requested that their younger brother be permitted to go down with them to ,egypt4 ,their father ,jacob objected to their taking him1 saying1 ,my son shall not go down with you2 for his brother is dead1 and he is left alone3 if mischief befall him by the way in which ye go1 then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to hell sheol1 the grave4 7,genesis #db3ch7 ,we know1 then1 that the hell here described could not be a place of fire and brimstone1 for the gray hairs of ,jacob would not last long in the fire4 ,what he really meant was that as an old1 gray-headed man he would go down to the grave in sorrow if anything befell his beloved son4 #hh;,jesus came to earth and lived and died and was buried2 and it was written of him that he went to hell4 ,thou wilt not leave my soul in hell4 7,psalm #af3aj7 ,if hell is a place of endless torment and ,jesus went there he could not have been released4 ,the fact that he did not remain in hell is proof conclusive that hell is not a place of eternal torment4 #hi;,jehovah established the true religion in the earth1 which was and is to worship him and glorify his name4 ,satan established a false religion in his attempt to be like the ,most ,high4 ,god established his covenant with the nation of ,israel and commanded that they should keep themselves separate and distinct from the heathen nations round about4 ,satan established a false religion amongst the heathen nations and caused them to worship images and other things aside from ,jehovah4 ,these heathen idolaters built an altar in the valley of ,hinnom for the purpose of offering sacrifices to their gods4 ,the ,jews forsook their covenant with ,jehovah and became worshipers of ,baal1 one of ,satan's deified ones4 ,in practising ,baal worship they offered their children as sacrifices1 and upon this has been based the doctrine of torture by fire1 concerning which ,jehovah says3 ,they have built also the high places of ,baal1 to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto ,baal1 which ,i commanded not1 nor spake it1 neither came it into my mind4 7,jeremiah #ai3e7 ,again said the ,lord3 ,they built the high places of ,baal1 which are in the valley of the son of ,hinnom1 to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto ,molech1 which ,i commanded them not1 neither came it into my mind1 that they should do this abomination1 to cause ,judah to sin4 7,jeremiah #cb3ce7 ,the things which the heathen sacrificed they sacrificed to devils and not to ,god4 7#a ,corinthians #aj3bj7 ,this false or devil religion established amongst the deluded people of the world was another means employed by ,satan to blind the minds of men to the true teachings of the divine plan4 #ij;,in exercising divine justice1 ,jehovah at no time employs torture2 but he denounces such doctrine as an abomination in his sight4 ,divine justice exercised destroys the evil doers2 therefore that which is destroyed eternally is everlastingly punished4 ,some ,scriptures proving this are3 ,evil doers shall be cut off2 but those that wait upon the ,lord1 they shall inherit the earth4 ,for yet a little while and the wicked shall not be2 yea1 thou shalt diligently consider his place1 and it shall not be4444 ,but the wicked shall perish1 and the enemies of the ,lord shall be as the fat of lambs3 they shall consume2 into smoke shall they consume away4444 ,for such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth2 and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off4444 ,for the ,lord loveth judgment1 and forsaketh not his saints2 they are preserved forever2 but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off4444 ,wait on the ,lord1 and keep his way1 and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land3 when the wicked are cut off1 thou shalt see it4444 ,the transgressors shall be destroyed together3 the end of the wicked shall be cut off4--,psalm #cg3i1aj1bj1bb1bh1cd1ch4 #ia,the doctrine of eternal torment is a defamation of ,jehovah's character4 ,it is a foul stain upon his lovable name4 ,the chief purpose of man is to glorify ,god4 ,it is therefore his privilege and duty to remove from the minds of others this misconception of ,jehovah and enable others to understand that ,god is indeed love4 ,an understanding of his plan shows that everything he does is prompted by love4 ,no sooner had he sentenced man to death than he began to reveal his plan for his redemption and ultimate deliverance4 ,the more clearly we see and understand these great truths1 the more do we rejoice in the divine attribute of justice and the divine arrangement in making it manifest4 ,what divine attribute is mentioned as the habitation of ,god's throne8 #ci4 ,what divine attribute devised the plan of ,god8 #ci4 ,is it necessary for the divine attributes to operate harmoniously8 #ci4 ,is ,god's law unchangeable8 #ci4 ,what mental effect is produced upon ,god's creatures by the unchangeableness of his law8 #ci4 ,what must follow violation of the divine law8 #ci4 ,what is the prerogative of divine ,justice8 #ci4 ,how does the manifestation of divine justice affect the name and dignity of ,jehovah8 #ci4 ,was it necessary for divine justice to be manifested in order for divine love to be fully exercised8 and if so1 why8 #ci4 ,what is essential to a proper appreciation of divine loving kindness8 #ci4 ,why is ,jehovah never unjust nor unkind8 #ci4 ,does ,jehovah make mistakes8 #ci4 ,to what end does he use his power8 #ci4 ,what is symbolized by the second string upon the harp of ,god8 #dj4 ,define good and evil4 #da4 ,when did evil become active8 #da4 ,did ,god compel ,adam to do or not to do certain things8 #da4 ,what punishment did ,god prescribe for a violation of his law8 #da4 ,why and by whom was ,eve induced to violate the law8 #da4 ,why did ,adam violate the law of ,god8 #da4 ,to whom does all dominion rightfully belong8 #db4 ,what dominion did ,god give to man8 #db4 ,why did ,lucifer induce ,eve to sin8 #db4 ,what did ,lucifer meditate in his heart8 #db4 ,what was the cause of ,lucifer's fall8 #dc4 ,how was divine justice manifested against ,lucifer8 #dc4 ,by what names is ,lucifer known since his fall8 ,give the meaning of each of the names4 #dc4 ,describe how the devil induced ,eve to violate ,god's law4 #dd4 ,what reply did ,eve make to the devil's suggestion that she violate ,god's law8 #dd4 ,who told the truth1 ,god or ,satan1 relative to the result of ,eve's act8 #dd4 ,the fact that ,eve was deceived by ,satan1 could that in any wise change the penalty of the law8 #de4 ,what did ,adam and ,eve do after they had violated the divine law8 #df4 ,what action did ,jehovah take toward them1 and why8 #df4 ,give the details of the judgment or sentence pronounced by ,jehovah against ,adam and ,eve4 #df4 ,what was the result of the judgment pronounced against man8 #dg4 ,how long did ,adam live after he was sentenced to die8 #dg4 ,how did ,god enforce the sentence against man8 #dg4 ,would ,adam have died if he had remained in ,eden8 #dg4 ,why does a parent punish his child8 #dh4 ,if the child always obeyed1 would punishment he necessary8 #dh4 ,what is one of the chief reasons for ,god permitting man to suffer the effects of wrongdoing8 #dh4 ,why did ,god enforce his judgment against man8 ,what was his purpose8 #di4 ,what motive prompts all the acts of ,jehovah8 #di4 ,the manifestation of divine justice may be likened to what chord in music8 and why8 #ej4 ,what did the suffering of ,job picture relative to the harp8 #ea4 ,how could ,adam and ,eve apply the sayings of ,job to themselves8 #ea4 ,has the world of mankind ever appreciated the manifestation of divine justice8 and why not8 #ea4 ,why can a ,christian appreciate the manifestation of divine justice as one of the strings of ,god's harp8 #ea4 ,as a sacrificing priest1 what did ,aaron typify8 #eb4 ,how did the experiences of ,aaron and his sons teach ,christians not to mourn because of the exercise of divine justice8 #eb4 ,when a ,christian appreciates the divine plan1 what does he say8 #eb4 ,what did ,god sentence to death1 the soul or the body8 #ec4 ,if the soul of man were immortal1 how could it be put to death8 #ec4 ,is it important for us to define terms before freely using them in the study of the ,bible8 #ed4 ,define immortality4 #ee4 ,define the soul4 #ee4 ,state fully the ,scriptural account of how the soul was created4 #ee4 ,give some illustration of the soul4 #ef4 ,does man possess a soul8 #eh4 ,what creatures beside man are souls8 #eh4 ,is there a difference in the manner of the death of souls8 #eh4 ,give some ,scriptures to show that the soul is not immortal4 #ei4 ,with whom did the term immortal soul originate8 #fj4 ,when and by whom was the first lie told8 #fj4 ,how has ,satan blinded the people8 and what has been his purpose in so doing8 #fj4 ,what is the basis for all false doctrines8 #fj4 ,if all souls were immortal1 could ,god destroy a willful sinner8 #fa4 ,who possesses the quality of immortality8 #fa4 ,to whom has immortality been promised as a reward8 #fa4 ,give some ,scriptural reason why men are not inherently immortal4 #fa4 ,what other false doctrine has ,satan employed in deceiving mankind8 #fb4 ,are the dead conscious at any time after death8 #fb4 ,do the dead remember anything8 ,do they praise the ,lord8 #fc4 ,can the dead breathe1 think1 or feel8 #fd4 ,give an illustration showing that the dead do not feel4 #fd4 ,do the dead have knowledge or wisdom8 ,can they love or hate8 #fe4 ,give some ,scriptural proof that death means to perish1 and define perish4 #ff1 #fg4 ,why is death sometimes spoken of as sleep8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #fh1 #fi4 ,how has the doctrine of eternal torment affected many8 #gj4 ,who is responsible for the doctrine of eternal torment8 #gj4 ,give four reasons why eternal torment cannot be true4 #gj4 ,would eternal torment accomplish any good8 ,would it result to the glory of ,god8 #ga4 ,could any creature be eternally tormented contrary to the will of ,god8 #gb4 ,could a reasonable ,god torture any creature8 #gb4 ,why would not a sane person torture his child or his dog8 #gc4 ,since the ,scriptures declare that ,god is love1 could he torment a creature8 #gc4 ,why is the doctrine of eternal torture unreasonable8 #gd4 ,why is the doctrine of eternal torture unjust8 #ge4 ,why is the doctrine of eternal torment devoid of love8 #gf-gi4 ,what is the difference between everlasting torment and everlasting punishment8 #ha4 ,what is the severest punishment inflicted for the violation of human laws8 #ha4 ,what is the severest punishment ,god inflicts for the violation of his laws8 #ha4 ,could ,god change the penalty for the violation of his law after the penalty has been once fixed and the law violated8 and if not1 why not8 #hb4 ,do not the wicked go to hell8 #hd4 ,what is the meaning of the ,english word hell8 and from what words has it been translated8 #hd4 ,what did ,job say about going to hell8 #he4 ,is anyone conscious while in hell8 #he4 ,what did ,jacob say about going to hell8 and whom did he expect to meet there8 #hf4 ,if hell means a place of fiery torment1 how could ,jacob preserve his gray hairs there8 #hg4 ,jesus went to hell1 as the ,scriptures declare4 ,if hell is a place of eternal torment1 how could ,jesus get out8 #hh4 ,what religion did ,god establish on earth8 #hi4 ,what religion did ,satan establish on earth8 #hi4 ,what does ,jehovah's ,word say about burning children in fires as offerings to ,baal8 #hi4 ,to whom did the heathen sacrifice their children8 #hi4 ,what has been ,satan's purpose in teaching the false religion8 #hi4 ,what punishment has ,god fixed for the willfully wicked8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #ij4 ,what is man's duty toward ,god and toward his fellow men in regard to teaching the doctrine of eternal torment8 #ia4 ,how are we affected by a proper understanding of the manifestation of divine justice8 #ia4 ,,without ,,the ,,gates ,alas6 how changed from bowers of ,paradise ,that desolate region1 overgrown with thorn ,and thistle rank--a trackless waste forlorn1 ,unblessed by ,god1 o'erarched by sullen skies1 ,there stand that guilty pair1 now sadly wise1 ,their hearts with grief1 their feet with briers torn1 ,vainly their faded innocence they mourn1 ,and toward the gates of ,eden turn their eyes4 ,no more to see the beauty and the bloom ,of that blest garden was to sinners given2 ,to weep and labor wearily their doom1 ,out of ,god's holy1 blissful presence driven1 ,till through life's sorrows1 and death's dust and gloom1 ,by woman's promised seed they're blest of heaven4 --,pollok4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,iv ,string #c3 ,the ,abrahamic ,promise ,some time after ,adam and ,eve were driven from ,eden children were born to them1 who grew to the estate of manhood and womanhood and they in turn had children4 ,cain obtained his wife by marrying his sister4 ,thus the peoples of earth gradually increased4 ,they all wandered about in the earth1 earning their bread in the sweat of their face4 ,some of these children were bad and some were good4 ,god showed his favor to the good1 as he always favors those who are good4 ,satan exercised his wicked influence amongst the people and most of them turned to evil4 #ic,noah was a good man and he and the members of his family served the ,lord ,jehovah4 ,sixteen hundred years and more passed from the time of the judgment in ,eden 7during which time the people became very wicked7 and there was great violence in the earth4 ,god purposed to destroy all the wicked of earth2 so he directed ,noah to build an ark and to take into the ark the members of his family2 and this done1 a great flood of waters came upon the earth and all living creatures were destroyed except those in the ark4 ,there were only eight persons left on the earth after the flood4 7,genesis #g3ba-bc2 #a ,peter #c3bj7 ,noah and his sons begat children and the peoples of earth again increased4 ,amongst them were some good and some bad4 ,amongst those who tried to do the will of ,god was a man named ,abram1 which name was later changed to ,abraham4 ,he is spoken of in the ,scriptures as the friend of ,god4 ,abraham's wife was named ,sarah4 #id,when ,abraham was #ge years of age1 ,jehovah said to him3 ,get thee out of thy country1 and from thy kindred1 and from thy father's house1 unto a land that ,i will show thee3 and ,i will make of thee a great nation1 and ,i will bless thee1 and make thy name great2 and thou shalt be a blessing2 and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed4 7,genesis #ab3a-c7 ,abraham with his wife and others left ,haran for the land of ,canaan4 ,when they had reached a point in that land known as ,sichem1 the ,lord appeared unto him and said3 ,unto thy seed will ,i give this land4 ,abraham builded an altar there1 and the place has since been known as ,bethel1 which means the house of ,god4 ,afterward ,abraham dwelt in the plains of ,mamre1 which is just above the present site of ,hebron in the southern part of ,palestine4 ,while there1 ,god made a covenant with him1 saying3 ,unto thy seed have ,i given this land1 from the river of ,egypt unto the great river1 the river ,euphrates4--,genesis #ae3ah4 #ie,thereafter1 when ,abraham was #ii years old1 the ,lord appeared unto him and said3 ,i will make my covenant between me and thee1 and will multiply thee exceedingly1 444 and thou shalt be a father of many nations4 ,and ,i will give unto thee1 and to thy seed after thee1 the land wherein thou art a stranger1 all the land of ,canaan1 for an everlasting possession2 and ,i will be their ,god4 7,genesis #ag3b1d1h7 ,some time later1 when ,abraham was sitting at the door of his tent1 which was pitched in the plains of ,mamre1 there stood before him three men1 messengers from ,jehovah4 ,in the plains of ,mamre1 a short distance above the town of ,hebron1 still stands a very ancient oak tree4 ,it is about thirty feet in circumference4 ,it is claimed that this is ,abraham's oak1 where he pitched his tent at the time these holy messengers appeared to him4 ,of course we cannot believe this is true1 because an oak would not live that length of time4 ,it is interesting1 however1 to note this ancient tree standing approximately at the point where ,abraham is supposed to have resided in his tent4 ,here it was that ,abraham prepared refreshments for his distinguished visitors2 and he stood by them under the tree1 and they did eat4 ,here it was that the messenger of ,jehovah told ,abraham that he and his wife ,sarah would be given a son4--,genesis #ah3a-ad4 #if;,in due time a son was born unto ,abraham and ,sarah and his name was called ,isaac4 7,genesis #ba3a-c7 ,afterward1 when the son ,isaac had grown up1 ,jehovah put ,abraham to a great test1 and in doing so he made a picture which foreshadowed the redemption of the human race4 ,this record appears in the twenty-second chapter of ,genesis4 ,god said unto ,abraham3 ,take now thy son1 thine only son ,isaac1 whom thou lovest1 and get thee into the land of ,moriah2 and offer him there for a burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which ,i will tell thee of4 7,genesis #bb3b7 ,it is interesting here to note that ,mount ,moriah is inside of the walls of the present city of ,jerusalem4 ,it was the site of the temple of ,solomon1 and supposed to be the very spot where ,abraham was met by ,melchizedek4 ,it is the place where ,abraham was directed to offer and did offer up his son ,isaac4 #ig,providing himself with wood to be used for the fire1 ,abraham and his son and servants journeyed for three days from the plains of ,mamre to ,moriah2 and arriving there1 he at once prepared for the burnt-offering4 ,isaac was not aware of the purpose of his father to offer him2 so he said to his father3 ,behold the fire and the wood3 but where is the lamb for a burnt offering8 ,and ,abraham said1 ,my son1 ,god will provide himself a lamb for a burnt-offering4 ,abraham then informed his son that he was to be the offering4 ,then he bound ,isaac and laid him upon the altar and stretched forth his hand and took the knife with which to slay his son4 ,this was a great test to ,abraham's faith4 ,isaac was his only son and he loved him dearly2 but ,jehovah had commanded him to offer him up as a sacrifice1 and because of his love for ,jehovah he proceeded to obey ,god's command4 ,as he raised his hand to strike dead his only beloved son1 the angel of the ,lord called unto him out of heaven1 and said1 ,abraham1 ,lay not thine hand upon the lad1 neither do thou any thing unto him3 for now ,i know that thou fearest ,god1 seeing thou hast not withheld thy son1 thine only son1 from me4 ,when ,abraham looked he saw a ram caught in a thicket nearby and he took the ram and offered it for a burnt-offering4 #ih,then the angel of the ,lord called unto ,abraham the second time1 and said1 ,by myself have ,i sworn1 saith the ,lord1 for because thou hast done this thing1 and hast not withheld thy son1 thine only son3 ,that in blessing ,i will bless thee1 and in multiplying ,i will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven1 and as the sand which is upon the sea shore2 and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies2 and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed2 because thou hast obeyed my voice4--,genesis #bb3ae-ah4 #ii;,in this wonderful picture ,abraham was a type of ,jehovah1 while ,isaac was a type of ,jesus1 the beloved ,son of ,jehovah4 ,abraham's offering his beloved son on the altar1 pictured how ,god in due time would offer his only beloved ,son as a great sacrifice that mankind might be redeemed from death and have an opportunity to live4 ,abraham did not1 as indeed he could not1 understand ,god's purposes1 for the reason that ,jehovah did not reveal them to him2 but he knew that ,god had here made a covenant with him and bound it with his oath2 and that by these two certain and unchangeable things1 his word and his oath1 ,god would carry out his covenant in due time1 and that covenant would result in the blessing of all the families and nations of earth4 #ajj,the word covenant means contract2 and it is the solemn form for expressing a compact1 agreement1 or contract between parties1 or particularly on the part of one whereby he promises to do a certain thing4 ,with ,jehovah a covenant or a contract is sacred and inviolate1 because ,jehovah changes not4 7,malachi #c3f7 ,having promised it1 he will fulfill it4 7,hebrews #f3ah7 ,it is always necessary that there be two parties to a contract4 ,there may be more4 ,where one party only is bound to do a certain thing that contract is called unilateral1 or one-sided2 and where both parties are bound to perform certain things1 the contract is called bilateral1 or two-sided4 #aja;,it will be observed that this oathbound covenant that ,jehovah made with ,abraham contained no conditions or limitations1 but was merely a promise of ,jehovah bound by his oath1 and is therefore properly called a unilateral or one-sided covenant2 for the reason that ,god's purpose was and is to carry out his plan to bless the human race1 regardless of what any one may or may not do4 ,there was no need for him to make any conditions to the covenant4 ,he merely announced his benevolent purpose toward mankind4 ,the covenant does not even say that the blessing of the people will follow upon the condition that ,abraham should do a certain thing1 or that the people should seek him4 ,the covenant does not say that every person will be blessed with life everlasting2 but it does say that all the families of the earth shall be blessed1 which means that every one must in ,god's due time have a full1 fair opportunity for life everlasting4 ,it means1 furthermore1 that in ,god's due time knowledge will be brought to all in order that every one may avail himself of the opportunity thus provided for life4 ,it means1 furthermore1 that assistance will be given to every one1 that he may profit by this blessed opportunity2 and all who prove their loyalty under the test that will come by reason of the opportunity will be granted life everlasting4 ,how was the earth originally peopled8 #ib4 ,where did ,cain get his wife8 #ib4 ,to whom does ,jehovah show his favor8 #ib4 ,what effect does ,satan's influence have on the people8 #ib4 ,what kind of man was ,noah8 and whom did he serve8 #ic4 ,why did ,jehovah direct ,noah to build the ark8 #ic4 ,how many persons escaped destruction at the time of the flood8 and who were they8 #ic4 ,how was the earth peopled after the flood8 #ic4 ,what man is mentioned in the ,scriptures as the friend of ,god8 and what was the name of his wife8 #id4 ,what was the age of ,abraham when ,god spoke to him8 and what did ,jehovah say8 #id4 ,what was ,abraham's native land8 and to what land did he go in obedience to ,god's command8 #id4 ,at what places did ,abraham stop in ,canaan that are specially mentioned in the ,bible8 #id4 ,what promise did ,god make to ,abraham at ,bethel8 and what promise did he make while ,abraham dwelt in the plains of ,mamre8 #id4 ,describe the place of ,abraham's residence at the time ,jehovah promised him a son4 ,quote the ,scriptural account4 #ie4 ,how many sons did ,abraham have by his wife ,sarah8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #if4 ,to what special test did ,god put ,abraham with reference to his son ,isaac8 #if4 ,describe in detail the offering of ,isaac4 #ig4 ,repeat ,god's promise to ,abraham at the time of his offering of ,isaac4 #ih4 ,whom did ,abraham typify in this offering8 and of whom was ,isaac a type8 #ii4 ,what did the offering of ,isaac picture8 #ii4 ,did ,abraham understand the full meaning of ,god's promise8 #ii4 ,what is the meaning of the word covenant8 #ajj4 ,how does ,god regard his covenants8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #ajj4 ,how many parties are required to make a covenant8 #ajj4 ,where only one party is bound1 what kind of covenant is it8 #ajj4 ,where both parties are bound to perform certain things1 then what do we call the covenant8 #ajj4 ,why was ,god's covenant with ,abraham a one-sided covenant8 #aja4 ,what is the important statement of the ,abrahamic covenant or promise8 #aja4 ,whom will the ,abrahamic covenant ultimately affect8 #aja4 ,,is ,,it ,,come8 ,poet and seer that question caught1 ,above the din of life's fears and frets2 ,it marched with letters1 it toiled with thought1 ,through schools and creeds which the earth forgets4 ,and statesmen trifle1 and priests deceive1 ,and traders barter our world away2 ,yet hearts to that golden promise cleave1 ,and still1 at times1 ,is it come8 they say4 ,the days of the nations bear no trace ,of all the sunshine so far foretold2 ,the cannon speaks in the teacher's place2 ,the age is weary with work and gold2 ,and high hopes wither1 and memories wane2 ,on hearths and altars the fires are dead2 ,but that brave faith hath not lived in vain2 ,and this is all that our watcher said4 --,brown4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,v ,string #d3 ,the ,birth of ,jesus ,it has pleased ,jehovah to use men and women to picture or foreshadow various parts of his plan4 ,for instance1 ,abraham at times pictures or represents ,god2 while ,sarah his wife was used to picture or typify ,god's covenant with ,abraham through which he promised to bring forth the seed for the blessing of all the families of the earth4 ,sarah was the mother of ,isaac1 her only son4 ,isaac was used to typify or foreshadow ,jesus1 the son of ,god1 the ,redeemer of the world4 ,hagar had a son by ,abraham1 and ,hagar typified or foreshadowed the law covenant1 which was made by ,jehovah with ,moses as a mediator for the children of ,israel at ,mount ,sinai4 ,as ,hagar was a bondwoman1 the servant of ,sarah1 so was the law covenant one of bondage that brought forth no real blessings to the ,jews2 but it was made for the purpose of teaching the ,jews their inability to lift themselves up to life and to show them the absolute necessity for a redeemer4 ,after the death of his wife ,sarah1 ,abraham married ,keturah and by her had many children2 and ,keturah is used as a type foreshadowing the new covenant that is to be made by ,jehovah with ,christ as the ,mediator for the world of mankind1 through which all will have an opportunity to gain life everlasting4 #ajc,the apostle ,paul speaks of these figures or pictures relating to the covenants1 as follows3 ,for it is written1 that ,abraham had two sons1 the one by a bondmaid1 the other by a freewoman4 ,but he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh2 but he of the freewoman was by promise4 ,which things are an allegory3 for these are the two covenants2 the one from the mount ,sinai1 which gendereth to bondage1 which is ,agar4 ,for this ,agar is mount ,sinai in ,arabia1 and answereth to ,jerusalem which now is1 and is in bondage with her children4 ,but ,jerusalem which is above is free1 which is the mother of us all4 ,for it is written1 ,rejoice1 thou barren that bearest not2 break forth and cry1 thou that travailest not3 for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband4 ,now we1 brethren1 as ,isaac was1 are the children of promise4 7,galatians #d3bb-bh7 ,isaac pictures the entire ,christ1 head and body--,jesus the ,head1 the church the body members4 #ajd;,it is noted that ,god's covenant with ,abraham stated that there would be an offspring or seed which would bless all the families of the earth4 ,this seed is the ,redeemer1 ,christ ,jesus1 the ,savior of the world2 and by adoption into the family of ,god the true ,christians1 the church1 the members of ,christ's body1 become a part of that seed4 ,and the scripture1 foreseeing that ,god would justify the heathen through faith1 preached before the gospel unto ,abraham1 saying1 ,in thee shall all nations be blessed4 ,now to ,abraham and his seed were the promises made4 ,he saith not1 ,and to seeds1 as of many2 but as of one1 ,and to thy seed1 which is ,christ4--,galatians #c3h1af4 #aje;,before the blessing promised could come to the peoples of earth1 the seed which was promised must first come4 ,the ,israelites1 otherwise called ,jews1 therefore expected that one of the natural descendants of ,abraham would become their king and that through that king and his kingdom all the nations of the earth would be blessed by receiving the benefits first given to them4 ,for this reason the faithful ,jews looked forward with great expectancy to the birth of the one who was to be their king4 ,they based their hopes upon the repeated promise made by ,jehovah4 ,without doubt it was thought by some that ,isaac1 the son of ,abraham1 would be the one through whom the blessing would come4 ,after the death of ,abraham1 ,god blessed his son ,isaac2 and ,isaac dwelt by the well ,lahai-roi4 7,genesis #be3aa7 ,when ,isaac was about sixty years old there were born to him and his wife ,rebekah two sons1 twins1 who were named by them ,esau and ,jacob4--,genesis #be3bf4 #ajf;,isaac then went to live in the land of the ,philistines1 and while there1 ,god said to him3 ,sojourn in this land1 and ,i will be with thee1 and will bless thee2 for unto thee1 and unto thy seed1 ,i will give all these countries1 and ,i will perform the oath which ,i sware unto ,abraham thy father2 and ,i will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven1 and will give unto thy seed these countries2 and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed4 7,genesis #bf3c1d7 ,thus the ,abrahamic promise was renewed to ,isaac4 ,before the death of ,isaac1 he pronounced his blessing upon his son ,jacob1 and ,jacob thereby became the successor of his father to the ,abrahamic promise4 #ajg,under the rule of descent1 the firstborn or eldest son was the heir of the father's estate and any other rights or privileges that went with that estate1 unless for some cause there should be an exception to the rule4 ,esau having been born a few moments before his brother ,jacob1 under the operation of this rule would be the successor to the ,abrahamic promise and heir to his father4 ,his birthright1 therefore1 would include the promise made to ,abraham4 ,but the ,lord clearly indicated that there should be an exception to the rule in this case and that ,jacob should be the heir and not ,esau4 ,when it was known that the mother would bear two sons1 and just before the time of their birth1 ,rebekah the mother inquired of the ,lord concerning the expected children and the ,lord said unto her that two sons would be born to her and that the elder should serve the younger4 7,genesis #be3bb1bc7 ,this definitely shows that it was ,god's purpose that ,jacob1 who was born last1 should be the heir and successor to the ,abrahamic promise4 #ajh,these two sons grew to manhood's estate4 ,esau became a great hunter and loved the outdoor sports2 while ,jacob was a plain man1 remaining quietly at home4 ,esau showed that he did not appreciate the birthright1 viz41 the ,abrahamic promise1 even if it were his1 which in fact it was not1 since ,god had foreordained that it should belong to ,jacob4 ,esau thought more of his own selfish1 immediate comfort than anything that might come to him by reason of this promise4 ,on one occasion he was in the field hunting4 ,he returned hungry and faint4 ,he found that ,jacob had prepared a pot of lentils4 ,when ,esau smelled this appetizing food he said to ,jacob3 ,feed me1 ,i pray thee1 with that same red pottage1 for ,i am faint4 ,and ,jacob said3 ,sell me this day thy birthright4 ,and ,esau said1 ,behold ,i am at the point to die3 and what profit shall this birthright do to me8 ,and ,jacob said1 ,swear to me this day2 and he sware unto him3 and he sold his birthright unto ,jacob4 ,then ,jacob gave ,esau bread and pottage of lentils2 and he did eat and drink1 and rose up1 and went his way3 thus ,esau despised his birthright4 --,genesis #be3bg-cd4 #aji;,genuine1 real right and title to the birthright was now ,jacob's for two good and sufficient reasons3 7#a7 because it was so ordered by the ,lord before his birth1 as above stated2 and 7#b7 because he had bought it in an open and fair transaction with his brother ,esau4 ,these two brothers were not mere children at this time4 ,they were past forty years of age 7,genesis #bf3cd71 both capable of entering into a contract2 and they made a contract which was binding upon both4 #aaj,notwithstanding these two good reasons why ,jacob was justly entitled to the birthright1 ,esau attempted to deprive him of it4 ,the birthright carried with it the privilege of the special blessing from their father4 ,isaac was old and his eyes were dim1 so that he could not see2 and he knew that the day of his death might be near4 7,genesis #bg3a1b7 ,he directed his son ,esau to go into the field and take some venison and bring it to him that he might eat2 and give ,esau his blessing4 #aaa,the ,bible does not clearly show that ,isaac knew ,god had foreordained that this birthright should belong to ,jacob1 nor that he knew ,esau had sold it to ,jacob2 therefore we can excuse the old father for thinking it was his duty to bestow his blessing upon his son ,esau4 ,rebekah the mother1 however1 knowing of both these reasons why ,jacob was entitled to the birthright1 knowing that ,esau did not appreciate it1 and knowing of his wrongful intent to deprive his brother ,jacob of the privileges and blessings incident to the birthright1 advised ,jacob what to do in order to protect his own rightful and proper interests4 ,the mother therefore was carrying out ,god's will in this respect4 ,she was doing what all honest persons should do--try to protect the rights and privileges of those that are near and dear to them4 ,she therefore directed ,jacob to slay two kids of the goats and bring them to her and she prepared some savory meat2 and then1 in order that the blind father might not obstinately refuse to aid them in carrying out the divine purposes1 and in order that he might think he was blessing ,esau1 the mother ,rebekah fastened upon the arms of her son ,jacob the skins of the kids and also put the skins about his neck that he would appear as a hairy man like unto his brother ,esau4 #aab;,jacob then came in before his father and presented the savory meat4 ,his father kissed him and laid his hand upon him and gave to ,jacob his blessing4 ,the old father then spoke in prophetic phrase1 evidently under the direction of the ,lord1 saying unto his son ,jacob3 ,let people serve thee1 and nations bow down to thee3 be lord over thy brethren1 and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee3 cursed be every one that curseth thee1 and blessed be he that blesseth thee4--,genesis #bg3bi4 #aac;,almost immediately ,esau returned from the field and found that ,jacob had received his father's blessing and that he 7,esau7 had been unsuccessful in carrying out his purpose of defeating the open and fair transaction which he had made with ,jacob when he had sold his birthright4 ,he hated his brother ,jacob and determined to kill him as soon as his father ,isaac was dead4 #aad;,it seems rather strange that many ,christian people have severely criticized ,jacob and his mother ,rebekah in this transaction4 ,it has evidently been due to the fact that they were ignorant of the record4 ,no part of ,jacob's action in connection with the birthright is reprehensible4 ,everything with reference to ,esau is reprehensible4 ,god subsequently showed that ,esau pictured the peoples of earth who are ,christians in name only1 but not in truth and in fact1 who are hypocritical1 and who persecute the true ,christians2 while ,jacob pictured or foreshadowed the true followers of ,christ who have been misrepresented and persecuted by the merely nominal ,christians4 ,god showed his approval of the conduct of ,jacob and his mother ,rebekah1 and showed that it was his purpose and intention that ,jacob should receive the blessing going with the birthright4 ,jacob had shown his great desire for the birthright1 which was merely a promise2 while ,esau had despised it4 ,acting upon the advice of his mother1 ,jacob now fled from the wrath of ,esau2 and as he went away1 he lay down and slept at a place situated north of the present site of ,jerusalem and which afterward he named ,bethel1 which means the house of ,god4 ,there he had a dream1 in which ,god signified his approval of ,jacob and pronounced a blessing upon him4 #aae;,and he lighted upon a certain place1 and tarried there all night1 because the sun was set2 and he took of the stones of that place1 and put them for his pillows1 and lay down in that place to sleep4 ,and he dreamed1 and behold a ladder set up on the earth1 and the top of it reached to heaven3 and behold the angels of ,god ascending and descending on it4 ,and1 behold1 the ,lord stood above it1 and said1 ,i am the ,lord ,god of ,abraham1 thy father1 and the ,god of ,isaac3 the land whereon thou liest1 to thee will ,i give it1 and to thy seed2 and thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth1 and thou shalt spread abroad to the west1 and to the east1 and to the north1 and to the south3 and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed4 ,and1 behold1 ,i am with thee1 and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest1 and will bring thee again into this land2 for ,i will not leave thee1 until ,i have done that which ,i have spoken to thee of4--,genesis #bh3aa-ae4 #aaf,whom ,god approves and blesses all others should approve4 ,we may be assured1 then1 that ,jacob was blameless before ,jehovah in this transaction4 ,it shows how carefully ,jehovah was guarding his promise and the seed which would spring from it ultimately and through which the families of the earth should be blessed4 #aag,some years later ,god showed his further favor to ,jacob by changing his name from ,jacob to ,israel4 ,the name ,israel means1 ,he will rule as ,god4 ,and ,god said unto him1 ,thy name is ,jacob3 thy name shall not be called any more ,jacob1 but ,israel shall be thy name3 and he called his name ,israel4 ,and ,god said unto him1 ,i am ,god ,almighty3 be fruitful and multiply2 a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee1 and kings shall come out of thy loins2 and the land which ,i gave ,abraham and ,isaac1 to thee ,i will give it1 and to thy seed after thee will ,i give the land4 7,genesis #ce3aj-ab7 ,according to the promise given to ,jacob at this time1 a nation should spring forth of him4 #aah;,jacob had twelve sons4 ,there were born to him by his wife ,leah the sons ,reuben1 ,simeon1 ,levi1 ,judah1 ,issachar1 and ,zebulun2 and by his wife ,rachel1 ,joseph and ,benjamin4 ,his other sons were ,dan1 ,naphtali1 ,gad1 and ,asher4 ,jacob's wife ,rachel was the most beloved by him1 and she was the mother of his beloved son ,joseph4 ,after ,jacob had been deprived of ,joseph's presence and fellowship1 he devoted his affections to ,benjamin1 the other son by his beloved wife ,rachel4 ,the ,scriptures show that these two sons typified those who will be born on the spirit plane1 ,joseph being a type of the royal family of heaven2 while ,benjamin typified the great company or tribulation class born on a spirit plane lower than those possessing the divine nature4 #aai;,jacob spent his last days with his family in ,egypt4 ,just before his death he called before him his sons1 that he might bestow upon them his last blessings4 ,from this time forward dates the history of the nation of ,israel4 ,while pronouncing the blessing upon his various sons1 he said concerning his son ,judah3 ,judah is a lion's whelp3 from the prey1 my son1 thou art gone up3 he stooped down1 he couched as a lion1 and as an old lion2 who shall rouse him up8 ,the sceptre shall not depart from ,judah1 nor a lawgiver from between his feet1 until ,shiloh come2 and unto him shall the gathering of the people be4 7,genesis #di3i1aj7 ,this prophetic promise definitely shows that the mighty one to come through whom the blessings of the people would flow must spring from the tribe of ,judah1 the word ,shiloh being one of the titles applied to the great ,prince of ,peace1 the ,deliverer1 the ,savior of mankind4 #abj;,after the death of ,jacob his offspring were known as the children of ,israel1 or ,israelites4 ,joseph when a lad had been sold into ,egypt1 had grown to manhood1 had become a mighty man and ruler in ,egypt under the king1 and was dwelling there in power and glory when his father ,jacob and the other members of his family moved into ,egypt to live4 ,during the lifetime of ,joseph the ,israelites were well treated4 ,after his death1 however1 a new king came to the throne of ,egypt1 who began to oppress and persecute the ,israelites4 ,god raised up ,moses and used him to deliver the ,israelites from the land of ,egypt and the oppressive hand of ,egypt's king4 #aba,we incidentally remark that here are some other pictures foreshadowing portions of the divine plan4 ,egypt under the rule of a wicked king pictures or represents the world of mankind in darkness under the rule of the unrighteous one1 ,satan1 who is the god of this world4 ,the ,israelites in ,egypt picture the people of ,god and those who shall ultimately come into harmony with him2 while ,moses was a type foreshadowing the great ,messiah1 who is to deliver all mankind from the bondage of sin and death4 #abb,moses was a prophet of ,god and ,god spoke through ,moses1 using him as a mouthpiece or messenger4 ,after the ,lord had delivered the children of ,israel from ,egypt by the hand of ,moses1 he spoke through ,moses1 who prophesied unto ,israel1 saying3 ,the ,lord thy ,god will raise up unto thee a ,prophet from the midst of thee1 of thy brethren1 like unto me2 unto him ye shall hearken4 7,deuteronomy #ah3ae2 ,acts #c3bb7 ,from that time forward the ,israelites watched and waited for the coming of the great prophet1 priest1 and king who should be like unto ,moses and of whom ,moses was a picture or a type4 ,they knew that such a one must come from the house of ,judah1 because ,god had promised as much4 ,david was a direct descendant of ,judah4--,luke #c3ca-cd4 #abc;,from time to time ,god's prophets gave utterance to words that kept alive in the minds of the ,israelites the hope that ,god would send them a mighty one1 through whom the promise made to ,abraham would be fulfilled4 ,in time this promise was specifically limited to the house of ,david1 the ,lord causing his prophet to write thus3 ,the ,lord hath sworn in truth unto ,david2 he will not turn from it2 ,of the fruit of thy body will ,i set upon thy throne4 ,if thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that ,i shall teach them1 their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore4--,psalm #acb3aa1ab4 #abd;,david himself was a prophet of ,jehovah1 and the ,lord spoke through him with reference to the heir of the ,abrahamic promise who should be king over ,israel4 ,then ,david the king stood upon his feet1 and said1 ,hear me1 my brethren1 and my people3 ,as for me1 ,i had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the ,lord1 and for the footstool of our ,god1 and had made ready for the building3 but ,god said unto me1 ,thou shalt not build an house for my name1 because thou hast been a man of war1 and hast shed blood4 ,howbeit the ,lord ,god of ,israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over ,israel for ever3 for he hath chosen ,judah to be the ruler2 and of the house of ,judah1 the house of my father2 and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all ,israel3 and of all my sons 7for the ,lord hath given me many sons7 he hath chosen ,solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the ,lord over ,israel4 ,and he said unto me1 ,solomon thy son1 he shall build my house and my courts3 for ,i have chosen him to be my son1 and ,i will be his father4 ,moreover ,i will establish his kingdom for ever1 if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments1 as at this day1--#a ,chronicles #bh3b-g4 #abe,thus far the divine record definitely establishes the fact that the great heir or king of ,israel1 the seed through which the blessings of ,god would be bestowed1 must come through ,david's line2 and that also it should come through ,solomon1 provided1 of course1 the conditions laid upon ,solomon were fulfilled4 ,in any event1 it must come through ,david's line1 and through his son ,solomon provided ,solomon met the requirements4 ,we repeat the words for emphasis3 ,moreover ,i will establish his kingdom for ever1 if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments1 as at this day4 ,and then ,david said3 ,and thou1 ,solomon1 my son1 know thou the ,god of thy father1 and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind3 for the ,lord searcheth all hearts1 and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts3 if thou seek him1 he will be found of thee2 but if thou forsake him1 he will cast thee off for ever4 --#a ,chronicles #bh3i4 #abf,the question is1 ,did ,solomon receive the approval of the ,lord8 ,if so1 the great ,messiah must come through his line4 ,if not1 then he could not come through ,solomon4 ,this question is answered by the ,scriptures1 as follows3 ,for it came to pass1 when ,solomon was old1 that his wives turned away his heart after other gods3 and his heart was not perfect with the ,lord his ,god1 as was the heart of ,david his father4444 ,and the ,lord was angry with ,solomon1 because his heart was turned from the ,lord ,god of ,israel1 which had appeared unto him twice1 and had commanded him concerning this thing1 that he should not go after other gods3 but he kept not that which the ,lord commanded4 ,wherefore the ,lord said unto ,solomon1 ,forasmuch as this is done of thee1 and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes1 which ,i have commanded thee1 ,i will surely rend the kingdom from thee1 and will give it to thy servant4 ,notwithstanding in thy days ,i will not do it for ,david thy father's sake3 but ,i will rend it out of the hand of thy son4 ,howbeit ,i will not rend away all the kingdom2 but will give one tribe to thy son for ,david my servant's sake1 and for ,jerusalem's sake which ,i have chosen1--#a ,kings #aa3d1i-ac4 #abg;,after ,solomon's death the nation of ,israel was divided4 ,the last three kings of ,solomon's line to rule over ,israel were ,jehoiakim1 ,jehoiachin 7also called ,coniah7 and ,zedekiah4 ,zedekiah became a wicked ruler and of him it is recorded3 ,and thou1 profane and wicked prince of ,israel1 whose day is come1 when iniquity shall have an end1 thus saith the ,lord ,god3 ,remove the diadem1 and take off the crown2 this shall not be the same3 exalt him that is low1 and abase him that is high4 ,i will overturn1 overturn1 overturn it2 and it shall be no more1 until he come whose right it is2 and ,i will give it to him4 7,ezekiel #ba3be-bg7 ,this shows a complete overthrowing of the line of ,solomon and definitely settles the proposition that ,messiah could not be counted through the line of ,solomon1 but must be some other way4 ,seemingly ,god's promise to bring the mighty deliverer through the line of ,david had failed1 because of ,solomon's failure4 ,but not so4 ,david had another son1 whom the ,lord used4 ,solomon's line had been exalted4 ,now this line must be abased1 and the lower line must be exalted4 #abh,the obscure line of ,david was his son ,nathan4 ,mary the mother of ,jesus was a direct descendant of ,nathan of the house of ,david4 #abi;,jeremiah prophesied concerning the coming of ,messiah1 as follows3 ,behold the day is coming1 saith the ,lord1 that ,i will raise unto ,david a righteous branch and a king shall reign and prosper4444 ,in his day ,judah shall be saved1 and ,israel shall dwell safely2 and this is the name that ,jehovah proclaimeth him1 ,our ,righteousness4--,jeremiah #bc3e1f1 ,young4 #acj,mary1 the mother-to-be of ,jesus1 was approached by the angel of the ,lord1 who said to her3 ,fear not1 ,mary2 for thou hast found favor with ,god4 ,and1 behold1 thou shalt conceive in thy womb1 and bring forth a son and shalt call his name ,jesus4 ,he shall be great1 and shall be called the ,son of the ,highest2 and the ,lord ,god shall give unto him the throne of his father ,david3 and of his kingdom there shall be no end4 ,then said ,mary unto the angel1 ,how shall this be1 seeing ,i know not a man8 ,and the angel answered and said unto her3 ,the holy spirit shall come upon thee1 and the power of the ,highest shall overshadow thee2 therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the ,son of ,god4--,luke #a3cj-ce4 #aca,then ,mary1 seemingly directed by the power of ,jehovah1 said3 ,my soul doth magnify the ,lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in ,god my ,savior4 ,for he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden2 for behold1 from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed4 ,for he that is mighty hath done to me great things2 and holy is his name4 ,and his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation4 ,he hath showed strength with his arm2 he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts4 ,he hath put down the mighty from their seats1 and exalted them of low degree4 7,luke #a3df-eb7 ,her words draw the contrast between the once favored family of ,solomon and the humbler family of ,nathan1 ,solomon's family being abased and ,nathan's now exalted4 ,thus the proof is brought forth that the ,lord did raise up unto ,david a righteous branch4 ,,in ,,expectation #acb,the promise made to ,abraham1 which was subsequently repeated to others1 thoroughly impressed the minds of the devout ,israelites with the thought that at some future time there would be born of a woman of the ,jewish people a holy child1 and that in some way to them not understood this child would be the means of blessing all the families and nations of the earth4 ,they expected the ,jewish nation to become the greatest nation of earth1 and looked for all other nations to flow unto it1 be subservient to it and receive their blessings through it4 ,these conclusions they based upon the words of the prophets1 even though they did not fully understand the meaning of those prophecies4 ,to them the prophet ,isaiah had said3 ,and it shall come to pass in the last days1 that the mountain of the ,lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains1 and shall be exalted above the hills2 and all nations shall flow unto it4 ,and many people shall go and say1 ,come ye1 and let us go up to the mountain of the ,lord1 to the house of the ,god of ,jacob2 and he will teach us his ways1 and we will walk in his paths3 for out of ,zion shall go forth the law1 and the word of the ,lord from ,jerusalem4 7,isaiah #b3b1c7 ,and again3 ,for unto us a child is born1 unto us a son is given3 and the government shall be upon his shoulder3 and his name shall be called ,wonderful1 ,counselor1 ,the mighty ,god1 ,the everlasting ,father1 ,the ,prince of ,peace4 ,of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end1 upon the throne of ,david1 and upon his kingdom1 to order it1 and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever4 ,the zeal of the ,lord of hosts will perform this4--,isaiah #i3f1g4 #acc,the prophet ,zechariah said3 ,and it shall come to pass that every one that is left of all the nations which came against ,jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the ,king1 the ,lord of hosts1 and to keep the feast of tabernacles4 ,and it shall be1 that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto ,jerusalem to worship the ,king1 the ,lord of hosts1 even upon them shall be no rain4--,zechariah #ad3af1ag4 #acd,these prophecies1 while relating in a measure to the birth of ,jesus1 had only a partial fulfillment at that time4 ,their far greater fulfillment is yet future1 as we shall see4 #ace,the birth of ,jesus1 the greatest event in the world's history1 was about to be enacted4 ,two thousand years had passed since ,god had made the promise to ,abraham of the coming of the mighty ,one through whom all the families of the earth should be blessed4 ,during that time ,jehovah was executing his preconceived plan1 renewing his promise to keep it fresh in the minds of the faithful1 and shaping the course of those who should participate in this great transaction4 ,and now1 as the day drew near1 the stage was being set4 #acf,the place selected was ,bethlehem1 situated on an elevation south of ,jerusalem4 ,it was once the home of ,boaz1 whose fields the beautiful ,moabitish woman ,ruth had gleaned whom ,boaz redeemed and afterward took as his wife4 ,here ,jehovah had used ,boaz as a type of ,christ ,jesus and ,ruth as a type of the church1 his bride1 foreshadowing things yet to come4 #acg,later ,bethlehem was the home of ,jesse and of ,david his son4 ,the name ,david implies 'beloved one'2 and it was here that he was anointed to be king over ,israel1 from which time he typified ,jesus1 the mighty ,son of ,god4 ,jehovah had selected this as the birthplace of ,jesus2 hence here the birth must take place4--,matthew #b3e1f2 ,micah #e3b4 #ach;,away to the north in ,galilee stood the humble and despised city of ,nazareth4 ,it was the home of ,joseph the carpenter1 a meek1 little-known1 yet honest1 man4 ,he was espoused to ,mary4 ,we should expect that ,jehovah would time everything exactly2 and so he did4 ,the scepter had departed from ,judah2 the ,romans were in control of ,palestine1 and the time for the birth of the mighty ,one was due4 ,exercising his perfect wisdom and power1 ,jehovah was overruling all things to the accomplishment of his purpose4 ,augustus ,caesar1 then the emperor and ruler over all ,palestine1 issued a decree that all the people should be taxed4 ,every one must go to the city of his nativity1 there to be numbered and taxed4 ,joseph the carpenter1 although a resident of ,nazareth1 was of the house of ,david1 and hence must go to the city of ,david to be numbered and taxed4 ,naturally his espoused virgin would accompany him to that city4 ,she likewise was of the house of ,david through another line--another reason why she should go there4 ,but above all1 the ,lord directed them there because it was a part of his arrangement4 #aci;,at that time there were no means of easy and rapid transit4 ,it was a long journey1 a tedious and tiresome one4 ,joseph1 with his espoused seated upon an ass1 journeyed through the hills along the ,jordan probably for three days1 and late in the evening reached the city of ,bethlehem4 ,the city was crowded2 the private homes were full2 all the hotels1 inns1 and other places were crowded out4 ,tired1 worn1 and weary from their long journey1 they were jostled by the crowd in the narrow streets of the city4 ,applying to various places for lodging1 at each place they were turned away2 until finally they found a location where they could sleep in a stall with the cattle4 ,and they retired for the night's repose4 #adj,over the brow of the hill1 in the field once owned by ,boaz and gleaned by the beautiful ,ruth1 the faithful shepherds were watching their sheep4 ,according to custom1 they had four watches during the night4 ,some would watch while the others slept4 #ada,the earthly stage is now set4 ,but behold that there was no great earthly splendor or show6 ,in truth the condition of poverty of ,joseph and his espoused1 and the like poor condition of the shepherds who were now shortly to be used of the ,lord1 was the only fitting way that we should expect the ,lord would have it4 ,all the pomp and glory of earthly preparation would have been but tawdry tinsel1 detracting from the glorious things that were shortly to follow4 ,each one of the earthly players whom ,jehovah had assigned to perform a part upon this stage was humble1 meek1 and possessed of faith in the promises of ,god4 ,in heaven there was a host of angels that should participate in the great drama2 and all the hosts of heaven were witnesses to this unparalleled and never-again-to-be-performed event4 #adb,on earth it was night1 picturing the fact that the whole world was lying in darkness and a great light was coming into the earth4 ,the time had now arrived for the birth of the mighty ,one1 and all the heavenly hosts were awake to the importance of the hour4 ,doubtless while others slept1 ,mary was pondering in her heart the great events that had taken place during the few months past2 and while she thus meditated there in the silence of that night1 without pain and without suffering there was born to her ,jesus1 the ,savior of the world4 ,and the shepherds watching their sheep in the field were attracted by the angel of the ,lord1 who came upon them1 and the glory of the ,lord shone round about them2 and they were sore afraid4 ,and the angel said unto them1 ,fear not3 for1 behold1 ,i bring you good tidings of great joy1 which shall be to all people4 ,for unto you is born this day in the city of ,david a ,savior1 ,which is ,christ the ,lord4--,luke #b3h-aa4 #adc,when this heavenly messenger had finished his wonderful speech to the astonished shepherds1 then it was1 as if waiting a given signal1 the multitudinous heavenly host stood forth and sang the good tidings of great joy which ultimately shall be to all people4 ,their song was but the reflex of what had been announced4 ,there sweet singers told in words of praise of ,god's beneficent purpose ultimately to bless all the families of the earth4 ,it was a song of glory from heaven1 and the hills of ,judea echoed the message of peace and good will toward men4 ,and throughout the gospel age this sweet anthem has filled with joy the heart of many a sad wanderer2 and seemingly again and again these have heard the song from heaven3 ,glory to ,god in the highest1 and on earth peace1 good will toward men4 #add,the world is now entering its darkest period1 and when mankind reaches the point of extremity1 then will be ,god's opportunity to reveal to all sad hearts that the birth of ,jesus was the greatest event in history to that time2 and that shortly this same great ,jesus1 now in glory1 will extend the blessings of life1 liberty and happiness to the whole groaning creation4 #ade,the place of ,jesus' birth was truly according to and in fulfillment of prophecy1 thus showing that ,god had foreordained and prepared the conditions for his birth4 7,micah #e3b2 ,matthew #b3d-f7 ,jesus was not born on ,december #be1 as is generally supposed2 but his birth occurred about the first of ,october4 ,midwinter would have been a very inopportune time for the shepherds to be watching their sheep in the fields and sleeping in the open4 ,in addition to this circumstantial evidence1 all the facts show that the birth of ,jesus was in ,october1 and that ,december #be1 nine months previous1 was probably the date of the annunciation4 7,luke #a3cj1ca7 ,for a full discussion of this subject see ,,studies ,,in ,,the ,,scriptures1 ,volume #b1 page #ed4 #adf,much has been said and written concerning the three wise men who journeyed from the ,east to pay their homage to the babe ,jesus1 born in ,bethlehem4 ,particularly at ,christmas time is our attention called to this by pictures on cards1 etc41 of the wise men journeying to the ,west1 supposedly being guided by the star sent by ,jehovah4 ,it has been presumed that ,jehovah by the star led these wise men to the place of ,jesus' birth4 ,the ,bible proof shows1 however1 that these three wise men were not sent by the ,lord ,god1 but that they were directed by the great adversary1 the devil1 in his attempt to destroy the babe4 ,whether they knew it or not1 these three wise men were parties to a great conspiracy1 originated and carried out by the master mind1 ,satan1 the devil1 in his attempt to destroy the seed of promise1 the great ,savior of the world4 #adg,when ,jehovah drove ,adam and ,eve from ,eden he likewise pronounced a condemnation upon ,satan4 ,he said concerning ,satan and the woman3 ,i will put enmity between thy seed and her seed2 it shall bruise thy head1 and thou shalt bruise his heel4 7,genesis #c3ae7 ,from that time forward1 ,satan the great adversary has attempted to destroy every one whom ,god has favored and who he thought might constitute the seed of promise4 #adh;,jehovah has given to ,satan four separate and distinct names1 all of which have a deep significance4 ,besides the name ,satan he is designated as the dragon1 that old serpent and the devil4 ,dragon means devourer or destroyer2 and ,satan has at all times been seeking to destroy or devour ,jesus and his true followers1 who constitute the seed of promise4 ,his name ,satan indicates adversary2 and he has opposed in every way the development of the new creation1 consisting of ,jesus and his bride4 ,his name serpent means deceiver2 and he has applied all of his wily methods to deceive1 and as ,jesus has declared1 he would deceive1 if possible1 the very elect1 but ,god will not permit him thus to do4 ,his title devil means slanderer2 and he has constantly carried on a campaign of slanderous propaganda against the people of ,god even unto this day1 and has never lost an opportunity to try in his various ways to destroy them4 #adi,when it was announced to ,mary by the angel that she should bring forth a child whose name should be called ,jesus and that he would be the ,savior of his people1 ,satan recognized this promised and unborn babe as the one who would ultimately bruise his head4 ,the apostle ,paul plainly states to us that ,god sent ,jesus into the world1 one of his missions being ultimately to destroy the devil4 7,hebrews #b3ad7 ,the enmity of ,satan toward the seed of promise has never abated4 ,learning of the promised birth of the child1 ,satan at once began to lay his plans for its destruction4 ,he attempted to induce ,mary's espoused husband ,joseph to put her away and cause her to be put to death under the terms of the ,mosaic law2 but ,god prevented this by advising ,joseph through his messenger in a dream to fear not1 but to take ,mary for his wife4 --,matthew #a3ah-bd4 #aej,stars do not move above the canopy of heaven in such a manner as to lead men4 ,it seems unreasonable that ,jehovah would have made a star move from the ,east and stand over ,bethlehem4 ,satan and his emissaries1 the demons associated with him1 have power to produce lights2 and many instances are cited in history of these lights appearing near the earth4 ,the star or light that guided the wise men was without doubt such a light and not a star moved by the power of ,jehovah4 #aea,the wise men residing in the ,east were sorcerers and magicians4 ,they were star-gazers4 ,they were followers of the false religion4 ,they sacrificed to and worshiped the devil4 7#a ,corinthians #aj3bj7 ,pharaoh the king of ,egypt was a type of ,satan the devil2 and ,pharaoh used wise men like unto these sorcerers and magicians to oppose the ,lord and his messengers in the day that they were in ,egyptian bondage4 7,exodus #g3aa7 ,these were devotees of astrology and demon worship4 ,doubtless many of them were sincere1 but they were the dupes of a false religion inaugurated by ,satan4 ,the ,biblical record definitely fixes the fact that ,herod1 then ruler in ,jerusalem1 was a wicked man1 under the influence of ,satan4 #aeb,now when ,jesus was born in ,bethlehem of ,judea in the days of ,herod the king1 behold1 there came wise men from the east to ,jerusalem1 saying1 ,where is he that is born ,king of the ,jews8 for we have seen his star in the east1 and are come to worship him4 7,matthew #b3a1b7 ,be it noted that these wise men went directly to ,herod1 a representative of ,satan4 ,if the star guiding them was sent by the ,lord ,jehovah1 why would he guide them to ,herod1 a representative of ,satan1 and a mortal enemy of the babe ,jesus8 ,if the sole purpose of the star was to guide these men to the place of ,jesus' birth there was no need for them to go to ,herod at all4 ,the reasonable answer1 then1 is that ,satan had prepared a great conspiracy with the object of destroying the babe4 ,a conspiracy is a design to commit a wrongful act in which two or more join in committing the act or some part of it4 ,sometimes persons are involved in a conspiracy and participate without knowing the real purpose of the one who forms the conspiracy4 ,such may have been the case with these wise men2 but without doubt ,satan had formed and directed it4 #aec,when these wise men came into the presence of ,herod1 he was troubled1 because he feared the new king would interfere with his reign2 and he gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people the seed of ,satan and also his representatives--,john #h3dd together and demanded of them where ,christ should be born--in other words he demanded to know where the babe ,jesus could be found4 ,then ,herod1 in furtherance of the conspiracy1 privately consulted with these wise men4 ,we now see ,herod manifesting one of the characteristics of ,satan1 viz41 deception1 in this1 that he pretended to desire himself to find the babe ,jesus1 that he might go and worship him2 whereas all the facts and circumstances show that his real purpose was that he might find the babe in order to destroy him4 ,then ,herod1 when he had privily called the wise men1 inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared4 ,and he sent them to ,bethlehem1 and said1 ,go and search diligently for the young child2 and when ye have found him1 bring me word again1 that ,i may come and worship him also4 ,when they had heard the king1 they departed2 and1 lo1 the star1 which they saw in the east1 went before them1 till it came and stood over where the young child was4 #aed,we cannot for a moment believe that the heavenly ,father would use a wicked one like ,herod and aid him in carrying out his wicked purpose by having a star to direct these three wise men to the place of ,jesus' birth1 in view of the fact that the king had demanded that they should return and report to him1 and when it was ,king ,herod's purpose to destroy the babe4 ,the fact is that the devil and his instruments1 ,herod and others1 would have succeeded in this wicked conspiracy and have caused the death of the babe ,jesus had not ,god intervened to save the child4 #aee,the wise men reaching ,bethlehem found the babe and brought their presents and worshiped4 ,without a doubt it was their intention to return and report to ,herod4 ,and the result of such a return would have been the death of the child4 ,but ,god here intervened and warned them in a dream4 ,these wise magicians relied upon dreams4 ,being warned of ,god in a dream that they should not return to ,herod1 they departed into their own country another way4 ,satan again was thwarted in his wicked purpose4 #aef,the real intent of ,herod in sending these wise men is disclosed by what subsequently happened4 ,then ,herod1 when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men1 was exceeding wroth1 and sent forth1 and slew all the children that were in ,bethlehem1 and in all the coasts thereof1 from two years old and under1 according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men4 7,matthew #b3af7 ,determined not to be thwarted in his purpose1 ,satan and his instrument ,herod were willing to destroy all the babes in and about ,bethlehem1 with the hope of destroying the one that was to be the ,king and ,savior of the world4 ,jehovah saved the babe ,jesus from this slaughter by directing his mother and ,joseph to take the young child and flee into ,egypt1 which they did4--,matthew #b3ac4 #aeg,we would not be justified1 then1 in presuming that ,god was using these devil worshipers1 the wise men--,magians1 ,magicians--for the purpose of being his witnesses to the birth of his beloved ,son4 ,but on the contrary1 the facts show that it pleased him to reveal this great truth to the shepherds and to use them as his witnesses4--,luke #b3h-ah4 #aeh,there is nothing whatsoever in the account of this experience of the wise men to indicate that their mission was in any wise beneficial to mankind2 but the most charitable view we can take of it is that they were dupes of a deep-laid plot by ,satan1 the arch conspirator1 to destroy the seed of promise2 and that ,jehovah let the conspiracy proceed to the point where it would fully demonstrate the wickedness on the part of ,satan and his instrument1 and then demonstrated his great protecting power4 ,without a doubt ,satan has attempted to deceive and has deceived multitudes of honest people into believing that these wise men were the witnesses of the ,lord1 and hid from their minds the fact that they in truth and in fact represented ,satan4 #aei;,all the wicked persecution that came upon the ,lord ,jesus afterward1 and upon his followers to this day1 has been because of the influence of ,satan the devil4 ,and yet at all times the ,lord has protected his own at the very critical moment1 just as promised3 ,the angel of the ,lord encampeth round about them that fear reverence him1 and delivereth them4--,psalm #cd3g4 ,,how ,,undefiled8 #afj,st4 ,paul says3 ,as by one man sin entered into the world1 and death by sin2 and so death passed upon all men1 for that all have sinned4 7,romans #e3ab7 ,there is none that doeth good1 no1 not one4 7,psalm #ad3c7 ,these ,scriptures being true1 and since ,jesus was born of a woman1 was he not born like other children8 ,and if so1 was he not a sinner like others8 #afa;,jesus was not a sinner4 ,he was born pure1 holy1 sinless1 without spot or blemish4 ,he was not begotten and born like other children4 ,while he was born of the woman ,mary1 ,joseph was not his father4 ,joseph was espoused to ,mary1 ,jesus' mother1 and before they were married she was found to be with child4 7,matthew #a3ah7 ,mary was a virgin1 yet she was about to give birth and did give birth to the babe ,jesus4 7,matthew #a3bj1bc7 ,the holy child that was born of the virgin ,mary was and is the ,son of ,god4--,luke #a3ce4 #afb,the words translated in our ,bibles ,holy ,ghost should be properly translated holy spirit4 ,the holy spirit is the invisible power1 energy and influence of ,jehovah4 ,god is holy2 therefore his power1 energy1 and influence are holy4 ,father means life-giver4 ,jehovah is the ,father of ,jesus because he gave life to ,jesus2 hence ,jesus is called the ,son of ,god4 ,the spirit1 energy1 or influence of ,jehovah operating upon earthly substance produced earthly creatures4 7,genesis #b3g2 #a ,corinthians #ae3dg7 ,the same holy power1 energy1 and influence begat the child ,jesus1 who was born of his mother ,mary4 ,therefore the life of ,jesus was without sin or imperfection4 ,the germ of life of him who was born ,jesus was transferred from the spirit plane or nature to the human plane or nature4 #afc;,jesus was our ,lord's human name4 ,it implied his humiliation and lowly estate1 in comparison with the glory which he had with the ,father before the world was4 7,john #ag3e7 ,he existed long before he became a human being4 ,his prehuman name was the ,logos1 which is translated in our common version ,bible the ,word4 ,the word ,logos is therefore one of the titles of ,jesus and should not be translated at all4 ,it means the spokesman1 active agent1 or messenger1 of ,jehovah4 ,st4 ,john1 writing concerning the ,logos1 who later became ,jesus1 says3 ,in the beginning which means the beginning of ,god's creative activity was the ,logos1 and the ,logos was with ,god the ,god1 ,jehovah1 and the ,logos was a ,god a mighty one4 ,the same was in the beginning with ,god the ,god1 ,jehovah4 ,all things were made by him the ,logos2 and without him the ,logos was not anything made that was made--he was the active agent of ,jehovah in making all things1--,john #a3a-c4 #afd,the beginning here referred to could not mean the beginning of ,god the ,father1 because he is from everlasting to everlasting and never had a beginning4 7,psalm #da3ac2 #ij3b7 ,the work of ,jehovah1 however1 had a beginning1 and his creative work is clearly what is here meant4 ,the ,logos was the first and only direct creation of ,jehovah2 and thereafter ,god's creation was performed through his ,logos4 ,this is the thought expressed by the apostle ,paul1 who says of ,jesus3 ,he is the image of the invisible ,god1 the firstborn of every creature2 for by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth1 visible and invisible1 whether they be thrones1 or dominions1 or principalities1 or powers2 all things were created by him and for him1 and he is before all things and by him all things consist4--,colossians #a3ae-ag4 #afe;,as further evidence of ,jesus' prehuman existence1 we have his own words3 ,i came down from heaven1 not to do mine own will1 but the will of him that sent me4 7,john #f3ch7 ,i proceeded forth and came from ,god2 neither came ,i of myself1 but he sent me4 7,john #h3db7 ,again3 ,before ,abraham was1 ,i am4 7,john #h3eh7 ,again3 ,i came forth from the ,father1 and am come into the world3 again1 ,i leave the world1 and go to the ,father4 7,john #af3bh7 ,and now1 ,o ,father1 glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which ,i had with thee before the world was4 7,john #ag3e7 ,again ,jesus said3 ,i am the beginning of the creation of ,god4 7,revelation #c3ad7 ,furthermore1 the apostle ,paul under inspiration states3 ,god 444 hath in these last days spoken unto us by his ,son1 whom he hath appointed heir of all things1 by whom also he made the worlds4 7,hebrews #a3a1b7 ,and again he states3 ,for ye know the grace of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 that1 though he was rich1 yet for your sakes he became poor1 that ye through his poverty might be rich4 7#b ,corinthians #h3i7 ,he was in the form of ,god before he became a man4 ,who1 though being in ,god's form1 yet did not meditate a usurpation to be like ,god1 but divested himself1 taking a bondman's form1 having been made in the likeness of men4--,philippians #b3f1g1 ,diaglott4 #aff,some have earnestly believed that ,jesus was ,god himself4 ,but such a conclusion is not warranted by the ,scriptures4 ,john said3 ,the ,father loveth the ,son1 and hath given all things into his hand4 7,john #c3ce7 ,again ,jesus said3 ,the ,father judgeth no man1 but hath committed all judgment unto the ,son3 that all men should honor the ,son1 even as they honor the ,father4 ,he that honoreth the ,son honoreth the ,father which hath sent him4444 ,for as the ,father hath life in himself2 so hath he given to the ,son to have life in himself4 7,john #e3bb1 #bc1 #bf7 ,again ,jesus said3 ,it is also written in your law1 that the testimony of two men is true4 ,i am one that bear witness of myself1 and the ,father that sent me beareth witness of me4 7,john #h3 #ag1 #ah7 ,thus ,jesus definitely fixes the fact that he and the ,father are separate and distinct beings4 #afg;,again ,jesus said3 ,my ,father1 which gave them me1 is greater than all2 and no man is able to pluck them out of my ,father's hand4 ,i and my ,father are one4 7,john #aj3bi1cj7 ,it may be asked1 ,does this not prove that they were one being8 ,our answer is that it does not2 but that it does show1 in connection with the other ,scriptures quoted1 that ,jesus and the ,father1 ,jehovah1 are one in spirit1 one in purpose1 one in harmonious action2 just as ,jesus subsequently prayed to the ,father that the church1 his followers1 might be made one with him1 when he said3 ,neither pray ,i for these alone1 but for them also which shall believe on me through their word2 that they all may be one1 as thou1 ,father1 art in me1 and ,i in thee1 that they also may be one in us3 that the world may believe that thou hast sent me4 ,and the glory which thou gavest me ,i have given them2 that they may be one1 even as we are one4 7,john #ag3bj-bb7 ,thus ,jesus definitely shows what is meant by being one with the ,father4 #afh;,again ,jesus prayed to the ,father1 saying3 ,father1 save me from this hour3 but for this cause came ,i unto this hour4 ,father1 glorify thy name4 ,then came there a voice from heaven1 saying1 ,i have both glorified it1 and will glorify it again4 7,john #ab3bg1bh7 ,jesus could not have been praying to himself here1 but he was praying to ,jehovah ,god1 from whom he came4 #afi,that the ,father is greater than the ,son1 ,christ ,jesus1 he shows when he says3 ,i go away1 and come again unto you4 ,if ye loved me1 ye would rejoice1 because ,i said1 ,i go unto the ,father3 for my ,father is greater than ,i4--,john #ad3bh4 #agj,many others have believed that ,jesus1 while on the earth1 was still a spirit being and that his flesh was merely a covering or house in which that spirit being resided4 ,otherwise stated1 that he was merely an incarnated creature and not wholly a man4 ,the incarnation theory is that a spirit being inhabits for a time the human body1 or a human body is created for the express purpose of that spirit being's occupying it for a time4 ,the incarnation of ,jesus is ,scripturally erroneous4 ,indeed1 if he had been merely an incarnated being1 he could never have redeemed mankind4 ,it is not disputed that he could have appeared as a human being2 and such is attested to in the instances given in ,genesis #ah3a1b and #ai3a4 #aga,some insist that ,jesus when on earth was both ,god and man in completeness4 ,this theory is wrong1 however4 ,we should never formulate a theory concerning ,god's plan in direct contradiction to his plain ,word4 ,we should have faith in ,god and in his ,word4 ,faith means to have a knowledge of his ,word and then to rely upon that ,word confidently4 ,the ,bible is the revealed ,word of ,god1 given to man for his instruction2 and where plain statements of the ,bible are given1 we should take them at their face value4 ,following this course1 we find that the plan of ,god everywhere appears harmonious and beautiful4 #agb,the adversary takes advantage of an honest desire on the part of some and leads them into error4 ,every conscientious and reverential mind desires to honor ,god4 ,for fear they might dishonor him1 they are easily led into failure to give proper consideration to plain statements of the ,bible4 ,some have been induced to believe that should they say that ,jesus when on earth was a man and not ,god1 such would be a dishonor to ,god4 ,we should not permit ourselves to be beguiled or misled by sophistry or theories1 but should follow the plain teachings of the ,bible and then reach a conclusion in the light of that revealed ,word after a full examination4 #agc,the record concerning ,jesus' prehuman existence1 his being begotten and his birth1 entirely disproves the theory that he was incarnated4 ,the ,scriptures above cited plainly show that he was begotten in the womb of a woman1 ,mary1 by the holy spirit1 the power1 energy or influence of ,jehovah2 that thereafter he was born in the same general manner that other children are born of a woman 7,luke #b3i-aa72 that he grew to manhood's estate and increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with ,god and man4 7,luke #b3dj1eb7 ,none of these things would have been necessary were he merely an incarnated being1 a spirit being inhabiting a body of flesh4 ,he worked at the carpenter's trade until he was thirty years of age1 at which time he began his ministry4 ,at that time he went to ,john to be baptized in the ,jordan4 7,luke #c3ba-bc7 ,immediately following that he spent forty days and nights in the wilderness1 fasting and studying ,jehovah's plan4 7,luke #d3a-ad7 ,if he were ,god incarnate1 this experience in the wilderness would seem wholly unnecessary4 #agd;,jesus was not an angel or spirit being1 because we have the positive statement of the ,apostle to the effect that1 ,we see ,jesus1 who was made a little lower than the angels4 7,hebrews #b3i7 ,and again3 ,forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood1 he also himself likewise partook of the same4 7,hebrews #b3ad7 ,furthermore1 he was at one time rich in heavenly power and glory and became poor for the sake of mankind by taking upon himself the nature of man4 7#b ,corinthians #h3i7 ,he was made in the nature and likeness of man4 7,philippians #b3h7 ,the ,apostle1 writing under inspiration1 speaks of ,jesus as the man3 ,for since by man came death1 by man came also the resurrection of the dead4444 ,the first man is of the earth1 earthy2 the second man is the ,lord from heaven4--#a ,corinthians #ae3ba1dg2 see also #a ,timothy #b3e1f4 #age;,had ,jesus been merely an incarnated being it would not have been necessary for him to be born as a babe and grow to manhood's estate4 ,while he was born of a woman1 yet he was without sin1 because from his ,father1 ,jehovah2 for he was holy1 harmless1 undefiled1 separate from sinners 7,hebrews #g3bf72 and he was manifested to take away our sins1 and in him is no sin1 7#a ,john #c3e7 ,he was without spot or blemish2 therefore perfect and holy4--#a ,peter #a3ai2 ,hebrews #i3ad4 #agf;,god says to us3 ,come now1 and let us reason together1 444 though your sins be as scarlet1 they shall be as white as snow2 though they be red like crimson1 they shall be as wool4 7,isaiah #a3ah7 ,we should reason upon ,god's plan as revealed in the ,bible1 because he thus invites us to do4 ,when we see the reason why ,jesus was made a man1 why it was necessary for him to be a perfect man while on earth1 then we are glad and give praise to ,god4 ,had he not become a man1 there would have been no hope for any of the human race to get life through ,christ ,jesus2 and the ,apostle declares that there is no other name given under heaven whereby mankind can live4--,acts #d3ab4 ,in what peculiar manner has ,jehovah used men and women in the ,bible8 ,give some examples4 #ajb4 ,what was typified by ,hagar8 #ajb4 ,what was the purpose of the law covenant ,god made with ,israel8 #ajb4 ,give the name of ,abraham's third wife2 and what did she typify8 #ajb4 ,give the apostle ,paul's statement as to what the wives of ,abraham typified4 #ajc4 ,what did ,isaac typify or picture8 #ajc4 ,what constitutes the seed of ,abraham1 according to the promise8 #ajc4 ,quote the words of ,st4 ,paul concerning the seed of ,abraham4 #ajc4 ,what is first necessary relative to the seed before the people can be blessed8 #ajd4 ,what was the expectation of the ,jews concerning this seed8 #aje4 ,give the names of ,isaac's two sons2 and what was ,isaac's age when they were born8 #aje4 ,after the birth of his sons1 where did ,isaac go to reside8 and while there1 what did ,god say to him8 #ajf4 ,which of ,isaac's sons became successor to the promise8 and why8 #ajf4 ,what really determined who would be the successor to the father's estate8 #ajg4 ,did the ,lord indicate that there should be any exception to this rule relative to ,jacob and ,esau8 #ajg4 ,how did the ,lord indicate this to ,rebekah the mother8 #ajg4 ,how did ,esau occupy his time generally8 #ajh4 ,what different disposition did ,jacob possess8 #ajh4 ,did ,esau show an appreciation of the birthright1 particularly the ,abrahamic promise8 #ajh4 ,relate the circumstances of ,esau's selling of his birthright4 #ajh4 ,why did the birthright properly belong to ,jacob8 #aji4 ,about what was the age of ,jacob and ,esau at the time of this transaction8 #aji4 ,was their contract binding on both8 #aji4 ,what privileges did the birthright carry with it8 #aaj4 ,state the circumstances under which ,esau attempted to deprive ,jacob of the birthright after he had sold it to him4 #aaa4 ,was the mother of these men justified in her action in this matter8 and if so1 why8 #aaa4 ,relate the conditions under which ,jacob obtained the blessing from his father4 #aab4 ,what blessing1 as shown by the ,scriptures1 did ,isaac bestow upon ,jacob8 #aab4 ,after ,esau failed in his attempt to defeat his own contract with ,jacob1 what did he do toward obtaining the blessing from his father8 #aac4 ,why have ,christian people severely criticized ,jacob and ,rebekah because of this transaction8 #aad4 ,who was the more reprehensible1 ,jacob or ,esau8 and why8 #aad4 ,whom did ,esau picture or typify8 #aad4 ,whom did ,jacob picture or foreshadow8 #aad4 ,did ,god approve or disapprove ,rebekah's action8 #aad4 ,why did ,jacob flee the country8 and upon whose advice8 #aad4 ,at what important ,biblical place did ,jacob spend the night8 and what occurred there8 ,give the ,scriptural account4 #aad1 #aae4 ,why should we disapprove any one whom ,god approves8 #aaf4 ,how did ,god later show his favor to ,jacob8 #aag4 ,what is the meaning of the name ,israel8 #aag4 ,what promise did ,god make to ,jacob after his name was changed to ,israel8 #aag4 ,how many sons did ,jacob have8 #aah4 ,give the names of his wives1 and the sons by these wives1 respectively1 #aah4 ,which one of his wives did he love most8 #aah4 ,which was ,jacob's beloved son8 #aah4 ,under what circumstances was ,joseph taken away8 and upon whom did ,jacob bestow his affection thereafter8 #aah4 ,whom did ,joseph typify8 and of whom was ,benjamin a type8 #aah4 ,where did ,jacob spend his last days8 #aai4 ,what marks the beginning of the nation of ,israel8 #aai4 ,in pronouncing the blessings upon his sons1 what special prophecy was made by ,jacob concerning ,judah8 #aai4 ,who is foreshadowed by this prophecy8 #aai4 ,after ,jacob's death1 by what name were his offspring known8 #abj4 ,what position did ,joseph now hold in ,egypt8 #abj4 ,how were the ,israelites treated during ,joseph's lifetime8 #abj4 ,how were they after ,joseph's death8 #abj4 ,whom did ,god raise up as a deliverer of the ,israelites from ,egypt8 #abj4 ,what did ,egypt typify or picture8 and what was typified or pictured by ,egypt's ruler ,pharaoh8 #aba4 ,whom did the ,israelites in ,egypt picture8 and of whom was ,moses a type8 #aba4 ,who was ,moses8 #abb4 ,what prophecy did ,moses speak relative to a mighty one to follow him8 #abb4 ,after hearing this prophecy1 for whom were the ,israelites looking8 #abb4 ,from what tribe did ,david descend8 #abb4 ,through whom did ,god repeat the promises to ,israel8 #abc4 ,to what particular house or line was the promise finally limited8 #abc4 ,what promise did the ,lord make to ,david relative to the throne of ,israel8 ,quote the prophecy4 #abc4 ,when ,david was king1 what prophetic utterance did he make concerning the building of a house unto ,jehovah8 #abd4 ,why did ,god not permit ,david to build the temple8 #abd4 ,which one of ,david's sons was permitted to build the temple8 #abd4 ,upon what condition was ,solomon's to be the line from which the great ,deliverer would descend8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #abe4 ,did ,solomon receive ,jehovah's approval8 #abf4 ,why was the kingdom taken away from ,solomon8 #abf4 ,after ,solomon's death1 what happened to the nation of ,israel8 #abg4 ,name the last three kings of ,solomon's line to rule over ,israel4 #abg4 ,what did ,jehovah pronounce through the ,prophet concerning ,zedekiah8 ,give the ,scriptural statement4 #abg4 ,in view of this1 was it possible for the ,messiah to be counted through the line of ,solomon8 #abg4 ,what other son did ,david have who was subsequently exalted8 #abh4 ,from whom did ,mary the mother of ,jesus descend8 #abh4 ,what did the prophet ,jeremiah prophesy concerning the coming of ,messiah through ,david's lineage8 #abi4 ,what message did the angel of the ,lord bring to ,mary relative to the ,messiah8 #acj4 ,what did ,mary say in response to the messenger8 #acj4 ,why did ,mary say3 ,from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed8 #aca4 ,what was meant by her prophetic statement3 ,he hath put down the mighty from their seats and exalted them of low degree8 #aca4 ,why were the ,jews looking for some child to be born who would be a great ruler8 #acb4 ,why did they expect their nation to become great8 #acb4 ,what prophetic utterances led the ,jews to believe that there should be raised up amongst them a great king8 ,quote the prophecies4 #acb1 #acc4 ,did the prophecies of ,isaiah and ,zechariah relating to the coming king have a complete fulfillment at the birth of ,jesus8 #acd4 ,of what relative importance was the birth of ,jesus8 #ace4 ,how much time elapsed from the original promise made to ,abraham until the birth of ,jesus8 #ace4 ,during that time1 what was ,jehovah doing relative to the promise8 #ace4 ,where was ,jesus born8 #acf4 ,how was ,bethlehem foreshadowed by the ,prophet8 #acf4 ,give a brief statement of the important things which occurred in and about ,bethlehem4 #acg4 ,where was ,nazareth situated8 #ach4 ,state the relative importance of the city of ,nazareth4 #ach4 ,who were in control of ,palestine at the time of the birth of ,jesus8 #ach4 ,what important decree was issued by the ruler of ,palestine that led ,joseph and ,mary to ,bethlehem8 #ach4 ,why must they go to ,bethlehem and not to some other city8 #ach4 ,how did ,joseph and ,mary journey from ,nazareth to ,bethlehem8 and at what time did they reach the latter city8 #aci4 ,where did they find lodging8 #aci4 ,what important field lies near ,bethlehem8 and who were watching their flocks there8 #adj4 ,how many watches were kept in a night8 #adj4 ,was there great earthly splendor and show at the birth of ,jesus8 and if not1 why not8 #ada4 ,what kind of people had ,god chosen to participate in the events of that night8 #ada4 ,who in heaven were participating in this great event8 #ada4 ,what did the night on the earth picture8 #adb4 ,at what particular place was ,jesus born8 #adb4 ,what attracted the attention of the shepherds8 and what message was delivered to them8 ,repeat the message4 #adb4 ,repeat all the text of ,luke #b3h-aa4 #adb4 ,what song did the shepherds hear from the heavenly hosts on this occasion8 #adc4 ,what effect has this heavenly message had upon the hearts of men for centuries past8 #adc4 ,under what conditions will the peoples of earth learn of the importance of the birth of ,jesus8 #add4 ,what was the date of ,jesus' birth8 #ade4 ,tell what you can concerning the three wise men that journeyed from the ,east to ,bethlehem at the birth of ,jesus4 #adf4 ,who sent the wise men to ,herod8 #adf4 ,why should we expect ,satan to try to form a conspiracy to destroy the babe ,jesus8 #adg4 ,explain the significance of the names given ,satan2 and how do these apply to his operations against ,jesus and his followers8 #adh4 ,when the promise was made to ,mary that she should be the mother of ,jesus1 how did ,satan regard this promise8 #adi4 ,what was one of the purposes of ,jesus' coming to earth relative to ,satan8 #adi4 ,what attempt did ,satan make to destroy ,mary and her babe before the birth of ,jesus8 #adi4 ,what was the star or light that guided the wise men to ,bethlehem8 #aej4 ,who were these wise men and whom did they worship8 #aea4 ,had ,pharaoh the king of ,egypt employed similar men8 and for what purpose8 #aea4 ,what kind of man was ,herod8 and under whose influence was he8 #aea4 ,give the ,scriptural account of the wise men going to ,herod4 #aeb4 ,why would they go to ,herod1 the enemy of ,jesus8 #aeb4 ,define a conspiracy4 #aeb4 ,is it possible for one to be involved in a conspiracy without knowing the real purpose8 #aeb4 ,what did ,herod do when the wise men approached him8 #aec4 ,what characteristics did ,herod manifest in his consultation with the wise men8 #aec4 ,would we expect ,god to help a wicked man like ,herod carry out his purpose to destroy ,god's beloved ,son8 #aed4 ,where did the wise men find the babe8 #aee4 ,why did they not return to ,herod8 #aee4 ,how did ,god thwart ,satan's purpose here to destroy the babe8 #aee4 ,what wicked thing did ,herod do when he found that the wise men had not returned to him8 #aef4 ,who prompted ,herod to do this wicked act of slaying children8 #aef4 ,how was ,jesus saved from this slaughter8 and where did his parents take him8 #aef4 ,could we presume under these circumstances that ,god would use the wise men for his witnesses to the birth of ,jesus8 #aeg4 ,what humble1 honest creatures did he use as such witnesses8 #aeg4 ,was there anything in the mission of the wise men that is beneficial to mankind8 #aeh4 ,why would ,god permit this conspiracy8 #aeh4 ,does ,satan deceive honest people8 #aeh4 ,who has been responsible for all the persecution of ,jesus and his followers8 #aei4 ,who has protected them1 and how8 #aei4 ,why are all the descendants of ,adam sinners8 ,quote the ,scripture4 #afj4 ,jesus being born of a woman1 was he a sinner8 and if not1 why not8 #afa4 ,what is meant by the words holy ghost8 #afb4 ,what is the meaning of the word father8 #afb4 ,why is ,jesus called the ,son of ,god8 #afb4 ,why was our ,lord named ,jesus8 and what does the name imply8 #afc4 ,did he exist before he became ,jesus8 and what was his prehuman name8 #afc4 ,what is the meaning of the word ,logos8 and what relation has the ,logos to all of ,jehovah's creation8 #afc4 ,did ,jehovah have a beginning8 #afd4 ,what is meant by the term in the beginning as used in ,john #a3a1b8 #afd4 ,give further ,scriptural evidence of the prehuman existence of ,jesus4 #afd1 #afe4 ,are ,jesus and ,jehovah one and the same being8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #aff4 ,in what sense are the ,father and the ,son one8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #afg4 ,when ,jesus prayed to the ,father1 did he pray to himself or to another8 #afh4 ,who is the greater1 ,jehovah or ,jesus8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #afi4 ,when ,jesus was on earth1 was he a spirit or a human being8 #agj4 ,what is meant by the incarnation theory8 #agj4 ,do the ,scriptures warrant the conclusion that ,jesus was an incarnated being8 ,if not1 why not8 #agj4 ,when ,jesus was on earth1 was he both ,god and man8 ,if not1 why not8 #aga4 ,by what must we determine these questions8 #aga4 ,what is the meaning of faith8 #aga4 ,how does ,satan sometimes lead persons of honest heart into error8 #agb4 ,should we follow sophistry or the ,bible in reaching a conclusion on these questions8 #agb4 ,briefly review the argument of the begetting and birth of ,jesus which disproves that he was an incarnated being4 #agc4 ,if ,jesus was ,god incarnate1 why should he have had the experience in the wilderness8 #agc4 ,angels are spirit beings4 ,what ,scriptural proof have we that ,jesus was not an angel8 ,cite the ,scriptural proof4 #agd4 ,give further ,scriptures to show that he was a man1 made in the likeness of men1 and that he is the ,lord from heaven4 #agd4 ,had ,jesus been an incarnate being1 would it have been necessary for him to be born as a child8 #age4 ,why should we reason upon ,god's plan8 #agf4 ,could there have been any hope for the redemption of the human race except by ,jesus becoming a man and by his death providing the ransom-price8 #agf4 ,,the ,,angels' ,,song ,it came upon the midnight clear1 ,that glorious song of old1 ,from angels bending near the earth ,to touch their harps of gold3 ,peace to the earth1 good-will to men ,from heaven's all-gracious ,king6 ,the world in solemn stillness lay ,to hear the angels sing4 99 99 99 99 99 ,yet with the woes of sin and strife ,the world has suffered long2 ,beneath the angel-strain have rolled ,two thousand years of wrong2 ,and men1 at war with men1 hear not ,the love-song which they bring3 ,oh6 hush the noise1 ye men of strife1 ,and hear the angels sing6 ,and ye1 beneath life's crushing load ,whose forms are bending low2 ,who toil along the climbing way ,with painful steps and slow1-- ,look now6 for glad and golden hours ,come swiftly on the wing2 ,oh6 rest beside the weary road1 ,and hear the angels sing4 ,for lo6 the days are hastening on1 ,by prophet-bards foretold1 ,when with the ever-circling years ,comes round the age of gold2 ,when ,peace shall over all the earth ,its ancient splendors fling1 ,and the whole world send back the song ,which now the angels sing4 --,sears ,illustration ,,chapter ,,vi ,string #e3 ,the ,ransom ,the great ransom sacrifice is the most vital to man of the strings upon the harp of ,god1 because without it no real lasting joy could be had by mankind4 ,in due time its benefits shall result to the entire human race2 and all who appreciate it will sing aloud and rejoice with exceeding joy4 ,they will have melody in their hearts and upon their lips because of this wonderful provision made by ,jehovah for man's benefit4 ,for thousands of years divine wisdom has been working out his plan concerning man2 and the ransom sacrifice is the very pivotal part of that plan4 ,its importance cannot be overstated4 ,it is the gateway that leads to life and happiness4 ,it is the means of bringing back man into harmony with ,god4 ,to appreciate this great doctrine we must understand it4 ,therefore let us reason together in the light of the divine ,word1 that we may understand4 #agh,the most precious thing possessed by any creature is life1 because without life everything else would be useless and could not be enjoyed4 ,even now we observe that a man with but a small spark of life clings to that with desperation4 ,it is only when a creature is perfect and enjoying complete life and the right to it that he can properly glorify ,jehovah1 his great ,creator4 ,god's great arrangement must ultimately bring glory to his name4 #agi;,jehovah created ,adam the first man in his own image and likeness4 ,he created him perfect2 for all the works of ,jehovah are perfect4 7,deuteronomy #cb3d7 ,he gave to man life and the right to life4 ,life means any conscious existence4 ,right to life means the full authority to maintain existence4 ,adam and ,eve in ,eden were perfect in their bodies1 without pain1 without sorrow2 and were beautiful creatures4 ,they had not a scar nor a mark upon them anywhere4 ,they enjoyed life and all the blessings incident to that life4 ,their home was perfect2 and even all the animals and birds of ,eden were subject to them1 and they had absolute dominion and control4 ,god gave them all these privileges to enjoy eternally1 upon one expressed condition1 namely1 that they be obedient to his law and thereby honor him4 ,he informed man that a violation of this law would bring upon him loss of life1 loss of the right to life1 loss of all the blessings incident to it4 #ahj,satan induced mother ,eve to believe that ,god was keeping back something from them and1 therefore deceiving ,eve1 induced her to violate the law4 ,there was no real wrong in the fruit which ,eve ate4 ,the wrong was in disobeying the ,lord4 ,when ,adam found that she had violated ,god's law1 knowing that she must die he preferred to be with her in death rather than to be separated from her2 so he became a party to the transgression also by voluntarily and willingly violating the law of ,god4 ,jehovah in the exercise of his perfect justice1 sentenced man to death4 ,this sentence deprived ,adam and ,eve of the right to life4 ,they were driven out of ,eden and in due time they lost life itself4 ,for #icj years they were compelled to go about in the earth and earn their bread by digging in the soil and partaking of such food as they produced1 which was imperfect and poisonous4 ,in this manner they were put to death4 #aha,this sentence of death passed upon ,adam had an indirect effect upon his offspring4 ,before he was driven from ,eden he and ,eve had not exercised the authority given to them by ,jehovah to beget and bring forth children on the earth4 ,this they did exercise after being driven from ,eden4 ,being now under the sentence of death and undergoing that death penalty1 it was impossible for their children1 born under such conditions1 to come into existence perfect4 ,it would follow1 then1 that when the children were born1 while they would have a measure of life and the rights incident to that measure of life 7and these we call life rights as distinguished from right to live71 they would have no right to life1 because ,adam having no right to life could not bring children into the world who would have greater right than he had4 #ahb;,any human being that is living possesses the right to food1 air1 light and certain privileges in society2 and these are called life rights2 that is to say1 they are incident to animation1 privileges belonging to creatures that live in any measure4 ,the right to live1 then1 means a just right of existence which cannot be properly taken away4 #ahc;,because the parents possessed no right to life1 every child born into the world from then until now has been born imperfect1 unrighteous1 a sinner1 disapproved in ,god's sight1 under condemnation1 and therefore with no right to life4 ,the life that any of us has lived has been merely by permission2 and all who have died have died justly2 for nothing but a perfect creature is entitled to life4 ,for this reason the ,prophet wrote3 ,behold1 ,i was shapen in iniquity1 and in sin did my mother conceive me4 7,psalm #ea3e7 ,st4 ,paul writing under inspiration1 expressed the same thing1 saying3 ,wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world1 and death by sin2 and so death passed upon all men1 for all have sinned4--,romans #e3ab4 #ahd;,all the human race1 then1 from ,adam until now having been born imperfect1 it follows that if any ever get full life and the right to life he must get it through the loving ,jehovah ,god4 ,unless ,god had made some provision for the redemption of man from death and the lifting up of him again to the condition of life1 the time would come when there would be no people on the earth4 ,we remember that ,adam lived #icj years2 and now a man scarcely lives to be half a century old4 ,the race has been degenerating for centuries1 growing weaker and weaker1 and ultimately all would come to that condition in which they would be unable to transmit even the spark of life1 and the earth would be depopulated4 ,hence we see our utter dependence upon ,god2 and if we find the great ,jehovah has made a provision for us to live1 that ought to fill our hearts with gratitude2 and as we further examine his great plan it should fill our hearts with boundless love for him4 ,and surely that provision would bring joy to the heart and enable one to see that such provision constitutes one of the strings upon the great harp of ,god4 ,,redemption ,,foreshadowed #ahe;,at the time that ,jehovah entered the judgment or sentence against man he vaguely hinted at a time coming when man should be released from that judgment4 ,satan1 one of whose names is the old serpent1 was the first inducing cause of sin4 ,and ,god at that time said to him3 ,i will put enmity between thee and the woman1 and between thy seed and her seed2 it shall bruise thy head4 7,genesis #c3ae7 ,this foreshadowed the fact that ultimately ,satan should be destroyed and that the same would result as a blessing to man4 #ahf;,but we must remember that the judgment of ,god entered against man must stand forever4 ,it could not be reversed or set aside or annulled1 for the reason that ,jehovah cannot deny himself4 ,nor could any of his creatures have faith in him if he changed his mind4 ,while it is true that this judgment must stand forever1 it is equally true that ,god could make a consistent provision for having the terms of the judgment met by another1 equal to ,adam2 and this is exactly what we find the ,scriptures to disclose that he did4 #ahg;,jehovah desired that man should understand the necessity and reason for providing redemption1 that when man does understand it he will rejoice in the loving-kindness manifested by ,god toward him4 ,for this reason ,god caused certain pictures or types to be made by his people4 #ahh,on the night that ,jehovah led the children of ,israel out of the land of ,egypt he caused a lamb to be slain and its blood sprinkled upon the doorposts of the house and the people to eat that lamb1 and arranged that at midnight the death angel would pass through and smite the firstborn of every house where the blood did not appear upon the doorposts4 ,the firstborn here pictured the church1 about which we shall see later1 and which first must be saved before the blessing can come to the world in general4 ,the lamb pictured the one who should be the ransomer or redeemer of mankind4 ,the blood pictured the life poured out to provide a redemptive price4--,exodus #ab3c-ag4 #ahi,when ,jesus appeared at the age of thirty years1 ,john the ,baptist pointing to him said3 ,behold the ,lamb of ,god which taketh away the sin of the world4 7,john #a3bi7 ,and we read in the ,bible concerning ,jesus1 that he is the ,lamb slain from the foundation of the world4 7,revelation #ac3h7 ,these ,scriptures and others show that the sacrifice of the lamb foreshadowed the sacrifice of the great ,one who should become the redeemer of mankind and take away the sin of the world4 #aij;,a few days after this passover in ,egypt1 the ,israelites were all delivered when ,god commanded ,moses to smite the waters of the ,red ,sea and they passed over on dry land2 and when the ,egyptians attempted to follow they were swallowed up in the sea and drowned4 ,the deliverance of ,israel here pictured the deliverance from the great enemy1 ,satan and death1 of all the human race that will ultimately be obedient to ,god's holy will4 #aia;,after the children of ,israel were on the other side of the ,red ,sea1 they marched on in the desert2 and when they came to ,mount ,sinai ,god made with them a covenant1 which is known in the ,bible as the law covenant4 ,in connection with this covenant animals were sacrificed4 ,this covenant was instituted at the hands of ,moses as a mediator4 ,moses here was a type of ,christ ,jesus1 who in due time will make a covenant on behalf of all mankind for their deliverance4 #aib;,in connection with the law given to the ,israelites at this time1 ,god instructed ,moses to erect in the wilderness a tabernacle1 which was to be used by the ,israelites in connection with their ceremonies of sacrifice4 ,one day of each year was known as the atonement day1 and what was done on that day particularly foreshadowed the great sin-offering to be made on behalf of mankind4 #aic,the tabernacle was constructed of two parts4 ,it was #de feet long1 #ae feet wide1 and #ae feet high1 built of boards and then covered over with a tent of three thicknesses of material4 ,the first division of the tabernacle was called the ,holy4 ,it was #ae feet wide and #cj feet long4 ,the second or rear apartment was known as the ,most ,holy1 it being #ae feet long1 #ae feet wide1 and #ae feet high--an exact cube4 ,the tabernacle was situated inside of a court or yard1 which court was #ge feet wide and #aej feet in length4 ,the fence enclosing this court was made of linen curtains1 suspended from hooks which were fastened on wooden posts1 the posts being set in copper sockets at the base4 #aid,on the atonement day the high priest took a bullock1 which must be without spot or blemish4 ,inside of the court he killed the bullock1 took its blood in a vessel went from the court into the ,holy and from there into the ,most ,holy1 and sprinkled the blood upon the mercy seat which was in the ,most ,holy4 ,then he went back and slew a male goat1 which likewise must be without defect1 and did the same thing with its blood4 ,this was known as the atonement sacrifice4 7,see ,leviticus #af3a-cd7 ,it was an offering for sin1 made for the people of ,israel1 but in fact foreshadowing the great sin-offering that is to take away the sin of the world4 #aie,st4 ,paul plainly tells us that the things here done foreshadowed better things to come4 7,hebrews #aj3a7 ,god required in the law that the ,jews should keep this day of atonement and offer these sacrifices through the high priest once each year4 ,we remember that ,god had promised to ,abraham3 ,in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed4 ,so ,st4 ,paul says that the law was added because of transgressions1 till the seed should come to whom the promise was made2 and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator2 and that the law was a schoolmaster to bring the people unto ,christ4 7,galatians #c3ai1bd7 ,in other words1 ,jehovah was teaching the children of ,israel concerning the great sin-offering that must be made on behalf of mankind and he was using them to make living pictures2 and the record of the events concerning them has enabled all students of the ,bible since to see how ,jehovah foreshadowed the redemption and deliverance of mankind from the bondage of sin and death4 ,to foreshadow means to foretell something coming2 and this shows how important the great ransom is to mankind1 that ,god would take so much time and go into so much detail to teach the people by these pictures4 ,hence this should encourage us to study the subject earnestly that we might see1 understand1 and appreciate it4 ,,ransom ,,promised #aif;,adam was sentenced to death1 and when he actually went into death after #icj years1 justice was satisfied4 ,the law demanded the life of a perfect human being4 ,it had received it when ,adam died4 ,between the time of ,adam's sentence and the time of his death he begat many children that were born into the earth4 ,these being born imperfect had no right to life2 hence the living of the children was only by permission of ,jehovah1 and every one who died1 died because of imperfection resulting from the sin of father ,adam4 #aig,the ,scriptures clearly show that ,god planned long in advance for the redemption and deliverance of the human race4 ,hence his wisdom led him to embrace in the effects of this death sentence all of the human family1 all of the offspring of ,adam1 so that in due time he might redeem them all through the sacrifice of one4 7,galatians #c3bb7 ,the sentence against ,adam and the resulting effects upon all of his offspring must stand4 ,an earthly court may reverse its judgment because imperfect1 but ,god cannot reverse his1 because it is perfect2 and he cannot deny himself4 ,he could make provision1 however1 for another man exactly equivalent to ,adam to go into death voluntarily2 and by thus dying his life could be given as a corresponding price for ,adam and his offspring1 that ,adam and his offspring might be released from death and given a trial for life4 ,the ,scriptures definitely show that it was ,god's purpose and intention from the beginning to make just such a provision4 ,he made a specific promise to this effect when he said3 ,i will ransom them from the power of the grave2 ,i will redeem them from death3 ,o death1 ,i will be thy plagues2 ,o grave1 ,i will be thy destruction4 7,hosea #ac3ad7 ,this promise of ,jehovah to ransom the human race must be carried out1 because ,god is unchangeable4 ,having made the promise1 he will perform it4--,malachi #c3f2 ,james #a3ag4 #aih;,it is very important1 then1 that we understand the meaning of ransom2 hence we here define it4 ,ransom means something to loosen with2 that is1 a redemptive price4 ,it is the means or price or value which can be used in loosening or releasing something that is in bondage or in restraint or imprisoned4 ,necessarily the ransom price must be exactly equivalent to1 or corresponding with1 that which justice requires of the thing or being that is in bondage or imprisonment4 ,hence we say that ransom means an exact corresponding price4 ,a perfect man sinned and was sentenced to death2 hence an exact corresponding price would be the death of another perfect man and the value of that life presented in place of the one who first sinned and was held in bondage4 #aii,sin-offering means the presentation and use of the ransom-price4 ,on the atonement day performed by the ,jews in type1 the blood of the bullock represented the poured-out life2 and therefore it stood for the ransom-price or value of the life4 ,the carrying of the blood into the ,most ,holy and sprinkling it there pictured the sin-offering1 that is1 a presentation in the ,most ,holy 7which represented heaven itself7 of the value or merit of the perfect life4 ,we will see1 therefore1 as we examine this question that the ransom-price was provided on earth by the death of ,jesus2 that preparation for the sin-offering was begun on earth1 but must be finished in heaven1 where the value of the ransom-price is presented4 #bjj,other ,scriptures show that it was intended by ,jehovah that the great ,redeemer should pour out his life in death and that this should constitute the ransom-price1 which should be made an offering for sin4 ,god foretold this--which is equivalent to a promise--through his prophet when he wrote concerning the great coming ,redeemer the following3 #bja,who hath believed our report8 and to whom is the arm of the ,lord revealed8 ,for he shall grow up before him as a tender plant1 and as a root out of a dry ground3 he hath no form nor comeliness2 and when we shall see him1 there is no beauty that we should desire him4 ,he is despised and rejected of men2 a man of sorrows1 and acquainted with grief3 and we hid as it were our faces from him2 he was despised1 and we esteemed him not4 ,surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows2 yet we did esteem him stricken1 smitten of ,god1 and afflicted4 ,but he was wounded for our transgressions1 he was bruised for our iniquities3 the chastisement of our peace was upon him2 and with his stripes we are healed4 ,all we like sheep have gone astray2 we have turned every one to his own way2 and the ,lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all4 ,he was oppressed1 and he was afflicted1 yet he opened not his mouth3 he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter1 and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb1 so he openeth not his mouth4 ,he was taken from prison and from judgment3 and who shall declare his generation8 for he was cut off out of the land of the living3 for the transgression of my people was he stricken4 ,and he made his grave with the wicked1 and with the rich in his death2 because he had done no violence1 neither was any deceit in his mouth4 ,yet it pleased the ,lord to bruise him2 he hath put him to grief3 when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin1 he shall see his seed1 he shall prolong his days1 and the pleasure of the ,lord shall prosper in his hand4 ,he shall see of the travail of his soul1 and shall be satisfied3 by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many2 for he shall bear their iniquities4 ,therefore will ,i divide him a portion with the great1 and he shall divide the spoil with the strong2 because he hath poured out his soul unto death3 and he was numbered with the transgressors2 and he bare the sin of many1 and made intercession for the transgressors4--,isaiah #ec4 #bjb;,because of this death sentence standing against ,adam1 he was and is held in restraint or imprisonment of death4 ,he and his offspring who have died are in the great prison-house of death1 and the grave is thus spoken of by the ,prophet--,isaiah #db3f1g2 #di3i ,,qualifications ,,required #bjc,the dead could never again live1 nor could those who are living ever hope to have eternal happiness unless the disability resting upon mankind because of sin be first removed2 and the ,scripture is quite clear1 as above noticed1 that this can be removed only by means of the great ransom sacrifice4 ,since ransom means an exact corresponding price1 the ransomer must be exactly like the perfect ,adam in ,eden4 #bjd;,a perfect man had sinned and lost everything2 therefore none but a perfect man could provide a price sufficient to buy and release ,adam and his race from this sentence of death and its effects4 ,divine justice demanded the life of a perfect human being and this was received when ,adam went into death4 ,it followed that divine justice would accept nothing more or less1 as a price for releasing ,adam and his offspring1 than a perfect human life4 ,in order to meet these divine requirements1 the ransomer must be a perfect human being4 #bje,when ,god gave the law to ,israel at ,mount ,sinai he indicated by the promise of that law that the only means by which the human race could be redeemed or ransomed would be by the giving of a perfect human life in the place of ,adam's perfect human life1 which he had forfeited by his disobedience4 ,we remember that ,st4 ,paul said that this law was a shadow of better things to come4 ,that law required an eye for an eye1 a tooth for a tooth1 a foot for a foot1 a life for a life2 that is to say1 a price exactly corresponding to that which had been lost4 ,as an illustration3 ,under the law if one man knocked out another's tooth1 he must lose one of his own teeth4 ,if he struck out a man's eye1 he must give up his own eye4 ,if he took the life of his fellow creature1 he must give up his own life4 ,thus the law pictured that the great ransomer would correspond exactly with the perfect man ,adam when ,adam was in ,eden4--,exodus #ba3bc-be2 ,leviticus #bd3ag-ba2 ,deuteronomy #ai3ba4 ,,man',s ,,extremity #bjf;,but who in all the world was able to bear this burden or meet the requirements of the divine law8 ,adam could not redeem himself4 ,all of his offspring were imperfect and ,god could not accept an imperfect human being as a ransom4 ,was there nobody1 then1 on earth who could redeem the human race from death according to ,god's promise8 ,the ,prophet of the ,lord answers3 ,none of them no creature on earth can by any means redeem his brother1 nor give to ,god a ransom for him4 7,psalm #di3g7 ,for this reason1 then1 it seemed hopeless for man ever to expect to be released from the condition of death4 #bjg;,furthermore1 this judgment and sentence against ,adam was entered in the divine court of heaven and it follows that the ransom-price1 namely1 the value of a perfect human life1 must not only be provided by the death of a perfect human being1 but the value of that life must be presented to divine justice in heaven itself2 and no human being has access to heaven4 #bjh;,hence there were two reasons why it was utterly impossible for any of ,adam's stock or offspring to redeem mankind3 7#a7 ,because all were imperfect and could not provide the price2 and 7#b7 if the price were provided1 it could not be presented in heaven by any such4 #bji,thus is presented to the human race a condition of absolute helplessness4 ,thus we see that mankind was wholly without power to release itself from the condition of death1 and that there never could be any hope of any one of the human family enjoying life everlasting in a state of happiness unless ,god1 in the exercise of his loving-kindness1 should make some provision4 ,he had promised to make such provision4 ,his great plan provided for such4 ,it is first necessary1 however1 for us to see man's absolute extremity in order that we might appreciate ,god's opportunity for blessing mankind1 and the great debt which the human race owes to ,jehovah and his beloved ,son for the provision made4 #baj;,if a man found himself and his family in a dungeon and a million dollars were required to release him1 and he had not one penny1 but a friend of his appeared and provided the money and released him and his family1 that man would owe a great debt of gratitude to his deliverer4 ,he would feel much gratitude in his heart4 ,he would surely love his deliverer and would be anxious to do anything he could for him4 ,adam and all of his family are either in the prison-house of death or under the effects of death2 and if we find that the great ,jehovah ,god has made provision for the release and deliverance of all such from the tomb1 the prison-house of death1 with a view to granting them everlasting life1 liberty1 and happiness1 then such fact should bring joy to the heart of every one who learns of it4 ,,the ,,great ,,ransomer #baa,the apostle ,paul1 having in mind these things1 wrote3 ,we were children in bondage under the elements of the world3 but when the fulness of time was come1 ,god sent forth his ,son1 made of a woman1 made under the law4 7,galatians #d3c1d7 ,how did ,god send his ,son8 ,since a perfect man had sinned and the life of a perfect man must be given as a sin-offering1 it is now important to see if the ,son of ,god whom he sent was qualified to meet the requirements of the law and be the ransomer or redeemer4 #bab;,it is easy to be seen that ,jesus when on earth could not have been merely an incarnated spirit being1 because that would constitute a fraud1 and ,god would not sanction anything wrong4 ,he must be a man1 perfect in every respect1 equal and corresponding to the perfect ,adam while in ,eden4 ,it is also easy to be seen that ,jesus could not be part ,god and part man1 because that would be more than the law required2 hence divine justice could not accept such as a ransom4 ,the divine law definitely shows that the ransomer must be exactly corresponding to ,adam1 a perfect human being4 ,how1 then1 did ,god send his ,son8 ,and when he sent him1 was he part man and part ,god8 #bac,the ,scriptures answer1 as we have heretofore seen1 that prior to his coming to earth he was the ,logos1 a spirit being2 that his life was transferred to the human plane and he was born a human being4 ,he was rich and for our sakes became poor 7#b ,corinthians #h3i72 that is to say1 he was rich in heavenly glory and power possessed by him as the great active agent of ,jehovah in the creation of all things1 and he became poor by becoming a man4 ,it was absolutely necessary for him to be a perfect man2 hence he must be born holy1 harmless1 separate from sinners and without sin2 and he met this requirement4 7,hebrews #g3bf7 ,furthermore1 he met the requirements because he was made flesh and dwelt amongst men4 7,john #a3ad7 ,he partook of flesh and blood1 became a human being for the very purpose of destroying him that has the power of death1 that is the devil2 and to deliver mankind4 7,hebrews #b3ad1ae7 ,he took upon himself the form of a servant or bondsman and was made in the likeness of men4 7,philippians #b3g7 ,he was the only perfect man that has ever lived on earth1 except ,adam4 ,he was not part human and part spirit being1 because he was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death4 ,angels are spirit beings1 and thus creatures that are lower than angels are human beings4 ,he was human4 ,had he been part ,god and part man he would have been higher than the angels instead of lower1 for the reason that angels are the lowest order of spirit beings4 #bad;,being a perfect man1 he had the power to produce a perfect race of people and with these populate the earth2 therefore in every respect exactly corresponding to the perfect man ,adam in the condition he was in while in ,eden4 ,he was perfect in every respect1 full of grace and truth4 7,john #a3ad7 ,when he stood before ,pilate1 silent as a sheep is dumb before its shearers1 when the mob incited by the ,jewish clergy of that time were demanding his life blood1 ,pilate1 in order that he might shame the ,jews for such action1 cried out unto them3 ,behold the man4 ,the emphasis here is on the word the4 ,we might paraphrase ,pilate's words thus3 ',the man whom you are asking me to put to death is not only the greatest man among you1 but he is the man above all other men on earth'4 ,the people there had seen a perfect man4 ,none of us have seen a perfect man4 ,he was the only ,one who has ever lived on earth qualified to become the redeemer of mankind4 ,he was sent to earth by ,jehovah for that v qualify as a priest4 #bae,we note that ,jesus grew from boyhood's estate to manhood's estate and when he was thirty years of age he presented himself to ,john at ,jordan to be baptized4 ,at the age of thirty1 then1 he was perfect in body1 perfect in mind1 perfect under the law1 in every respect an absolutely perfect human being2 hence qualified to be the ransomer or redeemer of ,adam1 the perfect man1 and of all ,adam's offspring4 #baf,why did ,god send his beloved ,son1 this great ,man1 to earth8 ,when a great man of the world comes into prominence he expects others to minister unto him1 and they do minister unto him4 ,but ,jesus1 the greatest man who has ever lived on earth1 and the only perfect ,one aside from ,adam1 came to earth and became the servant of others1 that he might render the greatest good to mankind4 ,true greatness consists in doing good unto others4 ,true greatness is magnified in ,jesus4 ,he was the truest friend of the human race4 ,he said3 ,the ,son of man came not to be ministered unto1 but to minister1 and to give his life a ransom for many4 7,matthew #bj3bh7 ,and again he said3 ,whosoever will be great among you shall be your minister servant2 and whosoever will be the chiefest1 shall be servant of all4--,mark #aj3dc1dd4 #bag,the perfect man ,jesus became the servant of all4 ,the importance of ,jesus and his work is magnified when we consider that he in heaven and in earth was the dearest treasure to ,jehovah's heart4 ,he was ,god's dearly beloved ,son4 ,he was the most precious thing possessed by the great ,creator1 ,jehovah4 ,it was the supreme sacrifice on behalf of ,jehovah to use him to redeem the human race4 ,it was ,god's great love for fallen humanity that prompted him to do this2 hence we read3 ,god so loved the world1 that he gave his only begotten ,son1 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish1 but have everlasting life4 ,for ,god sent not his ,son into the world to condemn the world2 but that the world through him might be saved4--,john #c3af1ag4 #bah;,it was this truly good and truly great ,man who for three and a half years went about in the earth and taught and ministered unto the people and did good unto every one and evil unto none4 ,all the time he was thus ministering and doing good1 the scribes1 ,pharisees1 doctors of the law and other dupes engaged in misrepresenting and persecuting the ,lord1 sought to kill him4 ,why did they do this8 ,because they were instruments of ,satan1 the devil4--,john #h3dd4 #bai;,jesus1 the devil knew1 was and is the great ,seed of promise which ,god had promised to ,abraham should be the redeemer and blesser of mankind4 ,jesus ,christ is the ,seed of the woman foreshadowed in ,god's statement made to mother ,eve and ,satan4 7,genesis #c3ae7 ,satan sought1 therefore1 in every way to destroy him4 ,jesus was teaching the ,jews the message of ,god to lead them in the right way1 and to open unto them the way of life4 ,these scribes and ,pharisees were opposing him and therefore were the enemies of the people4 ,jesus said of them3 ,the scribes and the ,pharisees sit in ,moses' seat 7,matthew #bc3b72 meaning that they had assumed the position of leaders of the people4 ,because of their blinding the people he said to them3 ',you are hypocrites1 blind guides1 fools2 you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men2 you devour widows' houses and for a pretence make long prayers2 you compass sea and land to make one proselyte1 and when he is made1 you make him twofold more the child of gehenna than yourselves4 ,you are guilty of fraud and deceit1 and you are like unto whited sepulchres1 which are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness2 you are serpents1 a generation of vipers4 ,you do not understand my speech because you cannot hear and understand my word4 ,you are of your father the devil4'--,matthew #bc3ac-cc2 ,john #h3dc1dd4 #bbj;,jesus knew that he was to be crucified and he told his disciples of his coming death4 ,the last night he was on earth with them he spent teaching them great lessons and truths which were not only a blessing to them1 but have been a great blessing to every one from then until now who has loved the ,lord and sought to know and do his will4 ,while he was thus doing1 the enemy was preparing to take his life4 ,the ,sanhedrin was a high tribunal or court composed of seventy-three men1 made up of priests1 elders1 and doctors of the law1 ,pharisaical hypocrites1 the seed of the serpent1 blinded to ,god's purposes4 ,that body was the highest court of ,israel and it was the duty of this court to protect the innocent as well as to punish the guilty4 ,they beheld ,jesus doing good and the people flocking to him4 #bba,then gathered the chief priests and the ,pharisees a council a court1 and said1 ,what do we8 for this man doeth many miracles4 ,if we let him thus alone1 all men will believe on him3 and the ,romans shall come and take away both our place and nation4 ,and one of them1 named ,caiaphas1 being the high priest that same year1 said unto them1 ,ye know nothing at all1 nor consider that it is expedient for us1 that one man should die for the people1 and that the whole nation perish not4 ,and this spake he not of himself3 but being high priest that year1 he prophesied that ,jesus should die for that nation4444 ,then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death4--,john #aa3dg-ea1ec4 #bbb;,in other words1 this supreme tribunal secretly met1 indicted ,jesus1 prejudged his case1 and agreed to put him to death1 only waiting for an opportunity4 ,they acted as grand jury1 prosecutor1 and trial court4 ,they entered into a wicked conspiracy1 which was formulated by ,satan1 their father1 for the destruction of the ,son of ,god4 ,they conspired with ,judas and hired him1 for the paltry sum of thirty pieces of silver1 to betray the ,lord into their hands4 ,satan himself entered into ,judas as the latter executed the betrayal4 ,then they organized a mob1 sent it out after the ,master1 arrested him1 and brought him before this supreme court for trial at night1 which was contrary to their own laws4 ,they that had laid hold on ,jesus led him away to ,caiaphas the high priest1 where the scribes and the elders were assembled1 in furtherance of the wicked conspiracy4--,matthew #bf3eg4 #bbc,the meek and defenseless ,lamb of ,god was led into a den of ravenous wolves1 who were thirsting for his blood4 ,they did not dignify his case by even filing a formal charge against him4 ,they sought1 contrary to the law1 to make him testify against himself4 ,they knew nothing themselves against him2 and notwithstanding they sat as the high and dignified court of the nation of ,israel1 they resorted to subornation of perjury4 ,now the chief priests1 and elders1 and all the council the entire court1 sought false witness against ,jesus1 to put him to death2 but found none2 yea1 though many false witnesses came1 yet found they none4 ,at the last came two false witnesses4 7,matthew #bf3ei1fj7 ,this exalted tribunal1 in violation of every law and every precedent known to ,jewish jurisprudence1 demanded of ,jesus that he testify against himself4 ,the high priest arose and said unto him1 444 ,i adjure thee by the living ,god1 that thou tell us whether thou be the ,christ1 the ,son of ,god4 7,matthew #bf3fb1fc7 ,and when he told the truth1 saying1 ,ye say that ,i am1 they said1 ,what need we any further witness8 for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth4 7,luke #bb3ff-ga7 ,they immediately voted that he should die--also contrary to their law1 which required that each member of the court should consider the case and then vote individually4 ,holding the session of court at night to convict him1 they knew they were proceeding contrary to law2 so they convened the court the following morning to ratify the sentence1 which was likewise contrary to law4 #bbd,they condemned ,jesus to death1 but knew they had no legal power to put him to death4 ,then they led him before the ,roman governor1 ,pilate1 and placed against him the charge of sedition1 saying1 ,we found this fellow perverting the nation1 and forbidding to give tribute to ,caesar1 saying that he himself is ,christ a ,king4 7,luke #bc3a1b7 ,they knew the ,roman governor had power to put ,jesus to death1 and for this reason they sought his judgment4 #bbe,pilate was not convinced of ,jesus' guilt and was not willing that he should die1 but sought to release him4 ,then said ,pilate to the chief priests and to the people1 ,i find no fault in this man4 ,and they were the more fierce1 saying1 ,he stirreth up the people4 7,luke #bc3d1e7 ,when ,pilate sought to release him1 his accusers cried out1 saying1 ,if thou let this man go1 thou art not ,caesar's friend3 whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against ,caesar--against the civil power1 and such is therefore guilty of sedition4 7,john #ai3ab7 ,and he ,pilate said unto them the third time1 ,why1 what evil hath he done8 ,i have found no cause of death in him3 ,i will therefore chastise him1 and let him go4 ,and they were instant with loud voices1 requiring that he might be crucified4 ,and the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed4 ,and ,pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required4 7,luke #bc3bb-bd7 ,thus the civil power yielded to the importunities of ecclesiasticism1 and ,jesus was led away and crucified on ,calvary's hill4 ,and ,pilate1 more righteous than the clerics1 posted over his cross the sign3 ,jesus of ,nazareth1 the ,king of the ,jews4 #bbf,thus died the ,son of ,god1 the great antitypical ,lamb 444 which taketh away the sin of the world4 7,john #a3bi7 ,in the eyes of those that stood by he died as a sinner1 crucified between two thieves1 under the charge of disloyalty to the constituted powers1 yet wholly innocent1 harmless1 and without sin4 #bbg;,here he fulfilled that which the ,prophet of ,god had foretold of him long in advance1 in that he poured out his soul unto death1 and he was numbered with the transgressors1 and he bare the sin of many4 --,isaiah #ec3ab4 ,,why ,,must ,,he ,,die8 #bbh;,but why should the great1 the good1 the pure1 the sinless ,man die in such an ignominious manner as this8 ,was there no other means whereby man could live8 ,the ,scriptures answer that there is no other way whereby man could get life4 ,divine justice demanded the life of the perfect man ,adam and took that life4 ,divine justice could receive nothing as a substitute for ,adam except the life of a perfect human being4 ,adam was put to death because he was a sinner4 ,the one who would redeem ,adam must die as a sinner1 yet without sin4 ,and all this ,jesus did4 #bbi;,it is important here for us to see why ,jesus came to earth1 grew to manhood's estate and died4 ,the ,prophet speaking the words of ,jesus beforehand said3 ,lo1 ,i come3 in the volume of the book it is written of me1 ,i delight to do thy will1 ,o my ,god3 yea1 thy law is within my heart4 7,psalm #dj3g1h2 ,hebrews #aj3g-aj7 ,thus we see that he had come to do ,god's will4 ,the apostle ,paul expressed the will of ,god concerning mankind when he said3 ,god 444 will have all men to be saved from death1 and brought to an accurate knowledge of the truth4 7#a ,timothy #b3c1d7 ,this is in harmony with ,god's promise that he would redeem mankind from death 7,hosea #ac3ad72 and since ,jesus came to carry out the ,father's will to ransom the human race1 he must do this4 ,this is the only means whereby man could live4 ,therefore ,jesus said3 ,i am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly4--,john #aj3aj4 #bcj;,jesus likened his humanity to bread4 ,he said3 ,i am the bread of life4444 ,this is the bread which cometh down from heaven1 that a man may eat thereof1 and not die4444 ,for my flesh is meat indeed1 and my blood is drink indeed4444 ,as the living ,father sent me1 and ,i live by the ,father3 so he that eateth me1 even he shall live by me4 7,john #f3dh1ej1ee1eg7 ,by this we understand that ,jesus gave up his human life in order that the value thereof might be presented to divine justice in heaven as the great ransom-price4 ,to eat means to appropriate to oneself4 ,then it follows that any one who accepts or appropriates to himself the value of ,jesus' sacrifice by believing on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ and doing the ,father's will1 that one will have life everlasting through ,christ ,jesus4 ,the apostle ,paul makes it clear that the death of ,jesus was for the benefit of the entire human race when he says3 ',jesus1 444 by the grace of ,god1 tasted death for every man'4 ,there is one ,god1 and one mediator between ,god and men1 the man ,christ ,jesus2 who gave himself a ransom for all1 to be testified in due time4--,hebrews #b2i2 #a ,timothy #b3e1f4 #bca,sin is the transgression of the law4 7#a ,john #c3d7 ,the wages of sin is death4 7,romans #f3bc7 ,adam transgressed the divine law and for this reason suffered the penalty of death1 and this penalty came upon all mankind by inheritance4 ,jesus the perfect man permitted his life to be taken that it might be used for the purpose of releasing ,adam and his offspring from the great enemy death1 and that they might have a full opportunity for life4 ,hence his life was made an offering for sin1 or a sin-offering4 #bcb;,for many centuries ,jehovah foreshadowed this great event in his plan1 and this adds to the importance of it2 in fact1 without the sacrifice of ,jesus it would have been impossible for any of the human race ever to live at all4 #bcc,looking back1 then1 at the picture that ,jehovah made by the use of the ,jewish people and their ceremonies1 we see that the bullock slain on the atonement day pictured ,jesus the perfect man at the age of thirty years4 ,the court surrounding the tabernacle was a picture of perfect humanity4 ,therefore the bullock slain in the court foreshadowed or pictured the fact that the perfect man ,jesus died in that condition on earth as a perfect man4 ,by his death he provided the ransom-price4 ,he did this to carry out the ,father's plan4 #bcd;,in the picture1 the slaying of the bullock was the beginning of the sin-offering4 ,after the bullock was slain its blood was put into a vessel and the high priest carried it in this vessel1 ultimately reaching the ,most ,holy1 where it was sprinkled1 as above mentioned4 ,the high priest in the ,holy pictured ,jesus during the three and one-half years of his sacrificial ministry2 and the high priest's appearance in the ,most ,holy pictures ,jesus the high priest1 resurrected to the divine nature1 appearing in heaven itself in the presence of ,god1 there to present the merit of his sacrifice as the sin-offering on behalf of mankind4--,hebrews #i3bd4 #bce,the ,scriptures clearly show that ,jesus was the antitypical bullock and was made an offering for sin on behalf of mankind2 first on behalf of the church1 subsequently on behalf of the whole world4 ,christ died for our sins according to the ,scriptures 7#a ,corinthians #ae3c72 who gave himself for our sins1 that he might deliver us from this present evil world1 according to the will of ,god and our ,father 7,galatians #a3d72 for he hath made him to be sin an offering for sin for us1 who ,jesus knew no sin2 that we might be made the righteousness of ,god in him4--#b ,corinthians #e3ba4 #bcf,the law that ,god gave to the ,israelites merely foreshadowed what great things ,jesus would do4 ,because of the imperfections of mankind--,moses and others--that law could not accomplish the deliverance of mankind from death4 ,for what the law could not do1 in that it was weak through the flesh1 ,god sending his own ,son in the likeness of sinful flesh1 and for sin1 condemned sin in the flesh4--,romans #h3c4 #bcg;,in the type1 the slaying of the bullock and the carrying of its blood into the ,holy as a typical sin-offering foreshadowed the fact that the redemption of man's sins could be accomplished only through the blood of the perfect sacrifice4 ,and for this reason says the apostle ,paul3 ,without the shedding of blood is no remission4 ,it was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these2 but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these4 7,hebrews #i3bb1bc7 ,the patterns here referred to are the ,holy and ,most ,holy in the tabernacle picture1 which foreshadowed or pictured the heavenly condition2 and the entrance of the high priest into the ,most ,holy of the tabernacle with the blood foreshadowed ,christ ,jesus entering heaven4 ,for ,christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands1 which are the figures of the true2 but into heaven itself1 now to appear in the presence of ,god for us4--,hebrews #i3bd4 #bch,when ,jesus died upon the cross of ,calvary he provided the ransom-price1 because his was the death of a perfect human being1 exactly corresponding with the perfect man ,adam4 ,adam's death1 however1 was the result of a forfeited right to live4 ,jesus' death was a sacrifice4 ,adam was a sinner and died a sinner4 ,jesus was perfect1 holy1 and without sin2 and while he died in the same manner1 yet by his death he did not forfeit the right to live as a human being4 ,by dying he reduced his perfect human life to an asset that might thereafter be used to release ,adam and his offspring from death4 #bci,we here give an illustration to aid in understanding this point4 ,for convenience we will call a man ,john4 ,john is languishing in prison because he cannot pay a fine of one hundred dollars4 ,he has a brother named ,charles who is willing to pay the fine for his brother ,john1 but who has no money with which to pay4 ,charles is strong and vigorous1 has time to work1 is willing to work1 and can earn money by working2 but his strength and time and willingness will not pay the debt for ,john4 ,mr4 ,smith has some work to be done and is willing to pay money to have it done4 ,charles engages himself to work for ,mr4 ,smith and earns one hundred dollars and receives that amount of money in cash4 ,by his labor ,charles has here reduced his time and strength and vigor to a money value and has received that money value1 which money has purchasing power and which can be used to pay ,john's obligation and thus release him from prison4 #bdj;,charles then appears before the court which has entered the judgment against his brother ,john1 and offers to pay the one hundred dollars which the law demands of ,john4 ,the money is accepted from ,charles and ,john is released4 ,by this means ,john is judicially relieved from the effects of the judgment and is set free1 and his brother ,charles has become his ransomer or deliverer4 #bda;,in this illustration ,john represents ,adam4 ,because ,adam violated ,god's law1 ,jehovah judicially determined that ,adam should forfeit his life by dying4 ,he enforced this judgment during a period of #icj years1 during which time ,adam begat all of his children4 ,the effect of sentencing ,adam to death was to render all of his children subject to death4 ,adam went into death1 and since then great numbers of his children have likewise died4 ,we can say1 then1 that ,adam and all those who have died and are in their graves are in the great prison-house of death1 and that is what the ,prophet of the ,lord calls it4--,isaiah #db3g4 #bdb;,in this picture ,charles represents ,jesus4 ,it was ,god's will that the perfect man ,jesus should redeem ,adam and his offspring from the prison-house of death4 ,jesus was willing to pay ,adam's debt and redeem him1 but the perfect1 righteous1 human being ,jesus could not accomplish that purpose while living in the flesh1 for the same reason that ,charles could not use his strength1 time1 and energy to pay the debt of his brother ,john1 but must first reduce those things to a purchasing value4 ,jesus must reduce his perfect humanity to a purchasing value1 which we may call merit1 and which merit or purchasing value would be sufficient for the payment of ,adam's debt and release ,adam and his offspring from that judgment4 ,in order to provide this price it was necessary for ,jesus to die4 ,in his death upon ,calvary1 then1 he produced the price4 ,but the value of that price must be presented before ,jehovah in heaven itself before ,jehovah could release ,adam or his descendents from the effect of death4 ,and this1 we shall see from the ,scriptures1 is what was done4 #bdc,the inspired writer in the divine ,word tells us that it was the will of ,god that all men should be saved from death by the ransom-price and then brought to an accurate knowledge of the truth1 in order that they might accept the benefits of the ransom and live4 ,in due time the knowledge of these great truths will be given to every one of ,adam's race4 7#a ,timothy #b3c-f7 ,the ransom-price was provided at the cross4 ,the cross of ,christ is the great pivotal truth of the divine arrangement1 from which radiate the hopes of men4 ,when all men come to a knowledge of this fact and all the obedient ones have profited by the value of the ransom sacrifice1 there will be great rejoicing amongst the human race4 ,when the grand finale is sung and all the harpers of heaven and earth unite in beautiful harmony1 blending with the voices of all creatures perfected and happy1 the great ransom-sacrifice will be recognized by all as one of the strings of the harp of ,god that will yield sweet music to every ear4 ,then all can truly sing2 ,in the cross of ,christ ,i glory1 ,tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time2 ,all the light of sacred story ,gathers round its head sublime4 #bdd;,in order for the human race to receive the benefit of the ransom-sacrifice1 it was essential for ,jesus to be raised from the dead4 ,his resurrection is therefore of vital importance1 and this constitutes another string of the harp1 which we will treat separately4 ,why is the ransom the most vital string upon the harp of ,god8 #agg4 ,what effect will its appreciation have upon the human race8 #agg4 ,what is the most precious thing possessed by any creature1 and why8 #agh4 ,when can a creature properly glorify his ,creator8 #agh4 ,in whose image was man created8 #agi4 ,what did ,god give to man at the time of his creation8 #agi4 ,what is the difference between life and the right to life8 #agi4 ,describe the condition and environment of ,adam and ,eve in ,eden4 #agi4 ,were ,adam and ,eve informed as to what would be the result of the violation of ,god's law8 #agi4 ,was there any real wrong in eating the fruit8 and if not1 wherein was the wrong done by man8 #ahj4 ,what was the effect of the sentence pronounced against man8 #ahj4 ,what was the effect of the execution of that sentence8 #ahj4 ,in what manner was the sentence executed8 #ahj4 ,when did ,adam and ,eve first exercise the power of producing their offspring8 #aha4 ,was it possible for them to have perfect children8 and if not1 why not8 #aha4 ,their children were born and lived1 but did they have a right to life8 and if not1 why not8 #aha4 ,what is the difference between right to life and life rights8 #ahb4 ,what ,scriptural proof is there that all were born imperfect8 #ahc4 ,without divine provision for the redemption of man1 would the earth become depopulated8 and if so1 why8 #ahd4 ,is mankind wholly dependent upon ,god's provision for life8 #ahd4 ,if ,god has made full and complete provision that man shall live in happiness1 what effect should that have upon men's minds and hearts8 #ahd4 ,at the time ,god sentenced man to death did he foreshadow a provision for his release8 and if so1 how8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #ahe4 ,did he here foreshadow the ultimate fate of ,satan8 and if so1 what is that fate8 #ahe4 ,could the judgment ,jehovah entered against ,adam be annulled or set aside8 and if not1 why not8 #ahf4 ,if it could be changed1 what effect would it have upon the faith of men8 #ahf4 ,could ,god consistently provide for a substitute to meet the terms of that judgment8 #ahf4 ,is it ,jehovah's desire that men should understand the necessity and reason for redemption8 #ahg4 ,why did ,god cause certain types and pictures to be made by his people8 #ahg4 ,explain about the passover lamb slain by the ,israelites on the night of their leaving ,egypt4 ,give the ,scriptural account4 #ahh4 ,what was pictured there by the firstborn8 #ahh4 ,what was pictured by the lamb1 and also by the blood8 #ahh4 ,who was spoken of as the ,lamb slain from the foundation of the world8 #ahh4 ,what was pictured by the deliverance of ,israel from the ,egyptians8 #aij4 ,what arrangement did ,god make with ,israel at ,mount ,sinai8 #aia4 ,what was typified by the making of this law covenant at ,mount ,sinai8 #aia4 ,who erected the tabernacle in the wilderness8 #aib4 ,the services performed by the priest on the atonement day in connection with the tabernacle foreshadowed what8 #aib4 ,give a description of the construction of the tabernacle4 #aic4 ,describe what the high priest did with the bullock on the day of atonement4 #aid4 ,what did he do with its blood8 #aid4 ,what did these ceremonies foreshadow8 #aid4 ,how often were these services performed8 #aie4 ,why1 then1 was the law covenant made8 #aie4 ,what was the purpose of having the ,israelites to go through these ceremonies once each year8 #aie4 ,what did the law demand relative to ,adam8 and how was justice satisfied8 #aif4 ,the fact that ,adam's children were born after he was sentenced to death1 what effect did that have upon the children8 #aif4 ,why did ,god permit the sentence upon ,adam to have a vital effect upon all of ,adam's children8 #aig4 ,did ,jehovah promise to ransom man8 and if so1 give the ,scriptural proof4 #aig4 ,must this promise be carried out8 #aig4 ,define ransom4 #aih4 ,define sin-offering4 #aii4 ,where and how was the ransom-price provided8 #aii4 ,where was the sin-offering begun8 and where is it finished8 #aii4 ,by what prophecy did ,god show that it was his purpose to redeem man by his beloved ,son suffering death8 #bja4 ,in what sense are ,adam and his offspring held in restraint or imprisonment8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #bjb4 ,what was the first qualification of the one who would provide the ransom-price8 #bjc4 ,could divine justice accept anything more or less than the value of a perfect human life as a ransom for ,adam and his race8 #bjd4 ,was it necessary for the redeemer to be a perfect human being8 and if so1 why8 #bjd4 ,in what way did the law given to ,israel indicate that a perfect human life would be required as a ransom-price8 #bje4 ,give an illustration under the law4 #bje4 ,did the law picture what should constitute the qualification of the redeemer8 and if so1 where1 and what1 is it8 #bje4 ,how is man's extremity and dependence upon ,jehovah shown in connection with the ransom provision8 #bjf4 ,could ,adam redeem himself8 or could any of ,adam's children redeem him or their brethren8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #bjf4 ,why was man's condition hopeless without a redeemer8 #bjf4 ,the ransom-price when provided1 where must it be presented8 #bjg4 ,could any human being present the value of that ransom-sacrifice in heaven8 #bjg4 ,what two potent reasons1 then1 are there which make it impossible for ,adam's children to redeem their brethren8 #bjh4 ,show how man's future happiness wholly depends upon the divine provision for redemption1 #bji4 ,does man's complete extremity enable us to appreciate more highly the value of the ransom-sacrifice8 #bji4 ,what does this show with reference to the debt of gratitude man owes to ,jehovah8 #bji4 ,give an illustration of man's extremity2 and what would cause him to feel grateful to his benefactor8 #baj4 ,if we find the proof to be conclusive that ,jehovah has made provision for the redemption and deliverance of all mankind1 how should that affect the mind and heart of every honest person8 #baj4 ,whom did ,god send into the earth to be the redeemer or ransomer of mankind8 #baa4 ,what did ,st4 ,paul say about this to the ,galatians8 ,quote the ,scripture4 #baa4 ,was it important that ,jesus should be qualified to meet the requirements of the divine law in order to ransom the race8 #baa4 ,since ransom means exact corresponding price1 had ,jesus been an incarnated spirit being would he have been qualified to ransom mankind8 #bab4 ,if ,jesus had been part man and part ,god1 would he have been qualified to meet the requirements of the divine law8 #bab4 ,what does the divine law definitely require as to the qualification of the redeemer or ransomer8 #bab4 ,how did ,god send his ,son8 and when he came1 was he a man or was he ,god8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #bac4 ,had any perfect man lived on the earth from ,adam to ,jesus8 #bac4 ,suppose ,jesus had been greater than a man when he consecrated at the ,jordan1 could he have met the divine requirements and become the redeemer of mankind8 #bac4 ,did ,jesus have power to produce a perfect race8 and if so1 did he in this way correspond to the perfect ,adam8 #bad4 ,state what occurred before ,pilate4 ,paraphrase the substance of ,pilate's statement to ,jesus4 #bad4 ,under the ,jewish law1 what must be the age of a man in order to be qualified as priest8 #bad4 ,what was the age of ,jesus when he presented himself to ,john for baptism8 #bae4 ,why was it necessary for ,jesus to wait until he was thirty years of age to begin his ministry8 #bae4 ,what was the difference between ,jesus and prominent men of the earth with reference to receiving attention from others8 #baf4 ,of what does true greatness consist8 #baf4 ,why did ,jesus say he came to the earth8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #baf4 ,how did ,jesus become the servant of all8 #bag4 ,why was it a sacrifice on the part of ,jehovah to send ,jesus to earth to redeem man8 #bag4 ,what prompted ,god to make this sacrifice for man8 #bag4 ,why did the ,pharisees and doctors of the law misrepresent and persecute ,jesus8 #bah4 ,why was ,satan so anxious to destroy ,jesus8 #bai4 ,why did the scribes and ,pharisees occupy a responsible position toward the ,jewish people8 #bai4 ,what were some of the crimes ,jesus properly charged against the ,pharisees8 and why did he so charge them8 #bai4 ,did ,jesus know that he was to be crucified8 and how did he spend his last night with the disciples8 #bbj4 ,what were his enemies doing at the same hour8 #bbj4 ,what is meant by the ,sanhedrin8 and who composed it8 #bbj4 ,what was the duty of this high court toward the people1 including ,jesus8 #bbj4 ,when this court secretly met1 state what was said by it concerning ,jesus4 #bba4 ,who were the parties to the conspiracy to destroy ,jesus8 and whose was the master mind directing them8 #bbb4 ,how was ,judas brought into the conspiracy8 and under what consideration8 #bbb4 ,who was sent out to arrest the ,master8 #bbb4 ,did the court have any right to try him at night8 #bbb4 ,did it have a right to cause him to testify against himself8 #bbc4 ,was there any evidence against him8 #bbc4 ,what crime did the ,sanhedrin commit in getting witnesses against ,jesus8 #bbc4 ,did that court violate the ,jewish law in voting for his conviction8 #bbc4 ,why did the court reconvene the morning following to ratify the sentence8 and was this proper8 #bbc4 ,why did not the ,jews put ,jesus to death and not take him before ,pilate8 #bbd4 ,why did ,pilate wish to release ,jesus8 #bbe4 ,when ,pilate attempted to release ,jesus1 what did the accusers do8 #bbe4 ,who were the responsible men that incited the mob to cry against the ,master8 #bbe4 ,to what did the civil power yield in sentencing ,jesus to death8 #bbe4 ,which was more reprehensible1 the civil or the ecclesiastical power1 in this case8 #bbe4 ,who were put to death with ,jesus8 #bbf4 ,in the eyes of the world1 did ,jesus die as a righteous man8 #bbf4 ,in the death of ,jesus upon the cross1 what particular prophecy was fulfilled8 #bbg4 ,why must ,jesus die8 #bbh4 ,what was ,god's will concerning ,jesus with reference to his becoming a man and being put to death8 #bbi4 ,what did ,jesus mean by saying that he was the bread which came down from heaven1 and those eating that bread should live8 #bcj4 ,did ,jesus die only for those who become members of some church denomination8 or for whom did he die8 #bcj4 ,define sin2 and what is the penalty for sin8 #bca4 ,how was the life of ,jesus made an offering for sin1 or a sin-offering8 #bca4 ,would it have been possible for any of the human race to get life everlasting1 except for the ransom-sacrifice8 #bcb4 ,of what value are the pictures made in the ,old ,testament to us in studying the ,new8 and what did the bullock slain on the atonement day picture relative to ,jesus8 #bcc4 ,what did the court surrounding the tabernacle picture or typify8 #bcc4 ,what was foreshadowed by the slaying of the bullock in the court8 #bcc4 ,how was the ransom-price provided8 #bcc4 ,what pictured the beginning of the sin-offering8 #bcd4 ,what was done with the blood of the bullock after it was slain8 #bcd4 ,what was pictured by the high priest in the ,holy8 and what by his entering the ,most ,holy8 #bcd4 ,for whom did ,jesus give himself as a sin-offering8 #bce4 ,what was the purpose of the giving of the law covenant8 and could it operate to deliver man from death8 #bcf4 ,was the shedding of ,jesus' blood necessary for the remission of sin8 #bcg4 ,how was the entrance of ,jesus into heaven foreshadowed in the tabernacle service8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #bcg4 ,what is the distinction between the death of ,adam and the death of ,jesus8 #bch4 ,by dying as a man1 what did ,jesus provide for man's benefit8 #bch4 ,give an illustration showing how ,jesus' death provided the price for the release of the human race from bondage4 #bci-bda4 ,could the perfect man ,jesus deliver the human race from death and remain alive as a man8 #bdb4 ,what must ,jesus do in order to redeem mankind8 #bdb4 ,what did he produce upon ,calvary8 #bdb4 ,where must the value of that ransom-price be presented8 #bdb4 ,why is it necessary for man to be brought to the knowledge of the truth after the paying of the ransom-price8 #bdc4 ,who shall have the knowledge of this truth8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #bdc4 ,what is the great pivotal truth of the divine plan8 #bdc4 ,when the human race comes to a knowledge of the value of the ransom-sacrifice1 what effect will it have upon the ones who appreciate it8 #bdc4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,vii ,string #f3 ,resurrection ,nisan was the beginning of months in the ,jewish religious year2 and the fourteenth day of ,nisan1 ,a4,d4 #cc1 found ,jesus of ,nazareth dead and in the tomb4 ,the hopes of his followers were dashed to the ground4 ,looking back to the promises made by ,jehovah to faithful ,abraham1 his disciples and other associates had believed ,jesus to be the promised ,messiah and trusted that he would be the deliverer of ,israel from ,roman bondage and would also be the instrument for the blessing1 through ,israel1 of all the nations of the earth4 ,but now he who they had hoped would redeem ,israel 7,luke #bd3ba7 was dead4 ,they were perplexed and overwhelmed4 ,seemingly they did not expect him to rise again from the dead1 nor did they know at that time that ,jehovah would not suffer the flesh of his ,holy ,one to corrupt4 ,the conduct of the disciples at this time1 as well as of those who were in full sympathy with them1 shows that they did not expect his resurrection4 ,the body was carefully wrapped and placed in the tomb with myrrh1 aloes1 and spices1 evidently to prevent decomposition4 ,the subsequent great sorrow of the women at the tomb and their belief that the body of ,jesus had been wrongfully removed and hid elsewhere1 also the perplexity of the disciples1 all tends to show that they did not have any hope or expectation of the resurrection of ,jesus4 ,then we have the positive statement3 ,for as yet they knew not the scripture1 that he must rise again from the dead4--,john #bj3i4 #bdf,the disciples were ,jews and it might be supposed that they were somewhat acquainted with the ,scriptures4 ,we remember1 however1 that they were not learned men2 and even if they had been acquainted with the text of the ,scriptures they could not have had a very clear understanding of them at that time2 just as we now see there are many wonderful truths in the ,bible which have been there for centuries and which ,christians never understood until recently4 ,now as we look at the inspired ,word of ,god we can see some texts in the ,old ,testament which clearly refer to the resurrection of ,jesus1 and which texts must have been familiar to many ,jews at the time ,jesus was crucified4 ,for information we note some of these texts here4 #bdg,the prophet ,job pointed to the time of redemption and deliverance when he said3 ,for ,i know that my redeemer liveth1 and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth4 7,job #ai3be7 ,if the ,redeemer was to stand at the latter day upon the earth1 then he must arise from the dead after he had provided the redemptive price by his death2 hence this ,scripture must foreshadow his resurrection4 ,the psalmist ,david wrote prophetically concerning ,jesus' resurrection when he said3 ,for thou wilt not leave my soul in hell2 neither wilt thou suffer thine ,holy ,one to see corruption4 ,thou wilt show me the path of life3 in thy presence is fullness of joy2 at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore4 7,psalm #af3aj1aa7 ,we have the inspired testimony of the ,apostle that the ,prophet did there refer to the resurrection of ,jesus4--,acts #b3bg-ca2 #ac3ce-cg4 #bdh;,again the prophet ,david wrote concerning ,jesus1 the ,savior of the world3 ,as for me1 ,i will behold thy face in righteousness3 ,i shall be satisfied1 when ,i awake1 with thy likeness4 7,psalm #ag3ae7 ,the awakening clearly means the awakening out of death4 ,jesus was awakened out of death in the express image of the ,father4 7,hebrews #a3b7 ,again the ,psalmist wrote3 ,thou hast ascended on high1 thou hast led captivity captive3 thou hast received gifts for men4 7,psalm #fh3ah7 ,clearly the apostle ,paul refers to this same ,scripture in ,ephesians #d3h1 showing that the ,psalmist referred to the resurrection of ,jesus4 #bdi,the prophet ,isaiah wrote3 ,for unto us a child is born1 unto us a son is given3 and the government shall be upon his shoulder3 and his name shall be called ,wonderful1 ,counsellor1 ,the mighty ,god1 ,the everlasting ,father1 ,the ,prince of ,peace4 ,of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end1 upon the throne of ,david1 and upon his kingdom1 to order it1 and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth for ever4 7,isaiah #i3f1g7 ,here it is clearly stated that the ,one who would hold this exalted position1 the ,messiah1 is to be the everlasting ,father4 ,father means life-giver1 and it would be impossible for ,jesus to be the great ,life-giver to man unless he was raised from the dead4 #bej;,again the prophet ,isaiah described the sufferings of ,jesus and his death and subsequent resurrection when he wrote3 ,the ,lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all4444 ,he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter4444 ,he was taken from prison and from judgment3 444 ,he was cut off out of the land of the living3 for the transgression of my people was he stricken4 ,and he made his grave with the wicked1 and with the rich in his death3 444 when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin1 he shall see his seed4444 ,he shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied3 by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many4 7,isaiah #ec3f-aa7 ,he could not have poured out his soul unto death and afterward see the travail of his soul and be satisfied unless he should be raised from the dead4 #bea,these ,scriptures clearly foretell the resurrection of ,jesus4 ,besides this1 ,jesus had told his disciples while in ,galilee that he would be put to death and rise from the dead4 7,luke #bd3f1g7 ,and while they abode in ,galilee1 ,jesus said unto them1 ,the ,son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men3 and they shall kill him1 and the third day he shall be raised again4 ,and they were exceeding sorry4 7,matthew #ag3bb1bc7 ,but it may not be expected of them that they should understand the meaning of these ,old ,testament ,scriptures as referring to the resurrection of the ,lord4 ,they were not men of great learning4 ,they were poor and followed humble occupations4 ,they had doubtless not had the advantage of a great amount of education2 but a stronger reason is that the holy spirit had not then been given and their minds had not been illuminated1 and it is not to be expected that they would understand then the deep things of ,god's ,word4 7#a ,corinthians #b3ad7 ,nor is it at all surprising that they had forgotten some of the sayings of ,jesus concerning his betrayal1 his death and resurrection4 ,we must remember that they loved ,jesus very devotedly2 and uppermost in their minds was the hope that he would be the deliverer of ,israel4 ,only five days before his death they had joined him in his triumphal entry into ,jerusalem1 when the common people hailed him with gladness and joy4 7,matthew #ba3a-aa7 ,his death was so very sudden1 so cruel1 the shock so terrible1 that the minds of these faithful disciples and others who loved him dearly were stunned4 ,they were truly overwhelmed with sorrow and grief4 ,he had been rudely snatched from them2 unjustly tried1 brutally condemned1 and then subjected to the most ignominious death known to man1 the death of the cross4 #beb;,clearly in fulfillment of the prophecy of ,isaiah above noted1 ,jesus was put to death as an evil one1 thereby making his grave with the wicked2 and he was laid in the sepulchre of a rich man of ,arimathea1 named ,joseph4--,matthew #bg3eg4 #bec,little is said as to the doings of the disciples and their associates immediately following the crucifixion of ,jesus when he was laid away in the tomb4 ,the good women went and beheld where he was laid4 ,no doubt little else was done4 ,after #f o'clock p4m4 of that day was the beginning of the sabbath day1 and under the law the ,jews must rest2 hence we are not to expect that they did much of anything4 ,nor could it have been a day of much rest to them4 ,it was a day of great sorrow4 ,they could do no work to divert their minds from the terrible shock caused by the crucifixion of the ,lord4 ,the rest must have been one merely of cessation from labor4 ,surely they had little rest of body or peace of mind4 ,it was a day of sorrowful waiting for them1 because tomorrow they would go to the tomb4 ,the sabbath ended at #f o'clock p4m41 but the night followed1 which prevented them from visiting the tomb then4 #bed,the morning following was the first day of the week2 and early that morning1 before it became very light1 ,mary ,magdalene and other good women who had followed ,jesus from ,galilee and ministered unto him1 hastened to the ,savior's tomb4 ,when they reached there the angel of the ,lord appeared unto them1 saying3 ,fear not ye3 for ,i know that ye seek ,jesus1 which was crucified4 ,he is not here3 for he is risen1 as he said4 ,come1 see the place where the ,lord lay4 ,and go quickly1 and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead2 and1 behold he goeth before you into ,galilee2 there shall ye see him3 lo1 ,i have told you4 ,and they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy2 and did run to bring his disciples word4 7,matthew #bh3e-h7 ,this news to these faithful women sounded too good to be true4 ,they were dazed and bewildered2 yet with joy they hurried away to deliver the message to others who loved the ,lord4 #bee;,here we have the proof that the resurrection of ,jesus is one of the strings upon the harp of ,god1 yielding great joy to those who hear its blessed sound4 ,the first human being who heard of the resurrection rejoiced4 ,how much more joy there must have been in heaven at that hour6 #bef;,angel means messenger2 that is1 one who is sent on a mission as a representative or deputy1 or messenger of ,god4 ,these holy messengers or angels always have access to the ,father1 ,jehovah4 7,matthew #ah3aj7 ,we should expect1 of course1 that these holy ones of the heavenly host would sing praise and give utterance to joy before the ,lord at every progressive step of his plan4 ,these angels inhabit the heavens1 the high place4 ,and so the ,psalmist writes of them3 ,praise ye the ,lord4 ,praise ye the ,lord from the heavens3 praise him in the heights4 ,praise ye him1 all his angels3 praise ye him1 all his hosts4 7,psalm #adh3a1b7 ,the ,bible abounds with many instances wherein ,god has used these holy angels as messengers4 ,he communicated with ,abraham by his angels 7,genesis #bb3ae72 also with ,jacob4 7,genesis #ca3aa7 ,god appeared unto ,moses by his angel4 7,exodus #c3b7 ,he also delivered a message to ,elijah by his angel4 7#a ,kings #ai3e7 ,these holy messengers of ,god guarded the interests of ,jesus at all times1 from the moment he left the heavenly courts to become the man ,jesus for the purpose of redeeming the world of mankind4 7,zechariah #c3a-g7 ,the angel of the ,lord announced to ,mary that she was to be the mother of the babe ,jesus4 7,luke #a3ca7 ,when she gave birth to this wonderful child1 the angel of the ,lord brought the message to the faithful shepherds1 and the great multitude of the heavenly hosts joined together with that angel in praising1 ,god4--,luke #b3i-aa4 #beg,we may be sure that these faithful1 holy angels1 as ,god's instruments1 were carefully watching every step of ,jesus from the time of his birth up to the moment of his resurrection4 ,with eagerness they would watch and wait to see if ,jesus fully met all the requirements of ,god's law4 ,they evidently knew that his full compliance would meet with the marvelous reward of a resurrection from the dead4 ,it was one of these faithful messengers that the ,lord sent from heaven to roll back the stone from the door of the tomb at the resurrection of the ,master4 ,what great joy must have filled the heavenly courts now when they beheld ,jesus1 by the power of ,god1 triumphant over death and the grave6 #beh,lucifer1 who became ,satan1 who had once been associated with the holy angels and who had seduced some of their fellow angels1 had for centuries opposed ,jehovah and specially tried to destroy ,jesus4 ,jesus had been sent into the world that he might destroy the works of ,satan2 and now1 having been raised from the dead1 he would ultimately destroy him that had the power of death1 that is1 the devil1 which destruction would guarantee the deliverance of the human race4 7,hebrews #b3ad7 ,now ,jesus had broken the bonds of death1 being raised by ,jehovah to power and glory1 demonstrating the fact that he was fully approved by ,jehovah4 ,he now proved that he was worthy to be praised2 and without question he received the unlimited praise of all the heavenly host4 ,the ,revelator says3 ,and ,i beheld1 and ,i heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders3 and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand1 and thousands of thousands2 saying with a loud voice1 ,worthy is the ,lamb that was slain to receive power1 and riches1 and wisdom1 and strength1 and honor and glory1 and blessing4 --,revelation #e3aa1ab4 ,,scriptural ,,proof #bei;,it was not their previous knowledge of the ,scriptures and their faith in them that ,christ ,jesus would arise from the dead which induced the disciples to believe that he was risen1 but it was what they actually saw and experienced that led them to this conclusion4 ,the knowledge gained by experience1 coupled with the knowledge of the ,scriptures subsequently acquired by them1 not only established beyond a doubt in their own minds the resurrection of the ,lord ,jesus1 but it emboldened them to declare the message on every opportune occasion to others and to emphasize this great doctrine of truth in their epistles to the church4 #bfj;,it will profit us here to consider the ,scriptural testimony given by the ,evangelist in proof that ,jesus did arise from the dead three days after his crucifixion4 ,there have always been some that denied the resurrection and hence it is always well to fortify ourselves against such denial1 as well as to strengthen our own faith4 ,it must be remembered that the writers of these gospels were not learned men2 they were not such men as would arrange a fraudulent scheme to deceive anybody4 ,there would be no occasion for them to do this4 ,the fact that they did not expect a resurrection and gave evidence of that by their conduct and their speech at and just after the ,lord's death is strong circumstantial evidence that their testimony subsequently given is true4 ,besides this1 the testimony itself bears all the earmarks of truth4 #bfa;,at the time ,jesus died there was an earthquake4 ,the ,roman centurion who stood by exclaimed ,truly this was the son of ,god6 ,when the even was come1 there came a rich man of ,arimathea1 named ,joseph1 who also himself was ,jesus' disciple3 he went to ,pilate1 and begged the body of ,jesus4 ,then ,pilate commanded the body to be delivered4 ,and when ,joseph had taken the body1 he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth1 and laid it in his own new tomb1 which he had hewn out in the rock3 and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre1 and departed and there was ,mary ,magdalene1 and the other ,mary1 sitting over against the sepulchre4--,matthew #bg3eg-fa4 #bfb,the ,pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead1 basing their conclusion upon the words of the prophets4 ,they feared that ,jesus might arise from the dead4 ,they knew they were guilty of having him put to death and they hoped that would be the end of him4 ,now the next day1 that followed the day of the preparation1 the chief priests and ,pharisees came together unto ,pilate1 saying1 ,sir1 we remember that that deceiver said1 while he was yet alive1 ,after three days ,i will rise again4 ,command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day1 lest his disciples come by night1 and steal him away1 and say unto the people1 ,he is risen from the dead3 so the last error shall be worse than the first4 7,matthew #bg3fb-fd7 ,when the ,roman governor heard their request he granted them a ,roman guard1 saying to them3 ,ye have a watch3 go your way1 make it as sure as ye can4 ,so they went1 and made the sepulchre sure1 sealing the stone1 and setting a watch4--,matthew #bg2fe1ff4 #bfc,the ,lord ,jehovah must have held these ,pharisees in derision1 who presumed by having the stone sealed and a ,roman guard placed at the entrance that they could prevent his bringing ,jesus out of the tomb4 ,god could have easily resurrected the ,lord without removing the stone4 ,he chose1 however1 to do the latter4 ,and in addition to raising up ,jesus as a divine being1 he also removed the body in his own good way and to his own good place1 that it might not see corruption1 even as he had promised4--,psalm #af3aj4 #bfd,this ,roman guard kept a close vigil over the tomb during ,friday night1 ,saturday and ,saturday night2 and early ,sunday morning the angel of the ,lord appeared and rolled back the stone4 ,the keepers testified that the countenance of the angel was like lightning and his raiment as white as snow1 and these watchmen did shake because of fear4 #bfe,the sabbath day now ended1 the dawn of the first day of the week being here1 the faithful women were the first ones to start for the tomb4 ,in the end of the sabbath1 as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week1 came ,mary ,magdalene and the other ,mary to see the sepulchre4 ,and1 behold1 there was a great earthquake3 for the angel of the ,lord descended from heaven1 and came and rolled back the stone from the door1 and sat upon it4 ,his countenance was like lightning1 and his raiment white as snow3 and for fear of him the keepers did shake1 and became as dead men4 ,and the angel answered and said unto the women1 ,fear not ye3 for ,i know that ye seek ,jesus1 which was crucified4 ,he is not here3 for he is risen1 as he said4 ,come1 see the place where the ,lord lay4 ,and go quickly1 and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead2 and1 behold he goeth before you into ,galilee2 there shall ye see him3 lo1 ,i have told you4 ,and they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy2 and did run to bring his disciples word4 ,and as they went to tell his disciples1 behold1 ,jesus met them1 saying1 ,all hail4 ,and they came and held him by the feet1 and worshipped him4 ,then said ,jesus unto them1 ,be not afraid3 go tell my brethren that they go into ,galilee1 and there shall they see me4--,matthew #bh3a-aj4 #bff,there must have been great excitement about that time among some of the people of ,jerusalem4 ,these faithful women ran to tell the disciples1 while the ,roman soldiers hurried into the city to notify their employers of what had happened4 ,now when they were going1 behold1 some of the watch came into the city1 and showed unto the chief priests all the things that were done4 ,and when they were assembled with the elders1 and had taken counsel1 they gave large money unto the soldiers1 saying1 ,say ye1 ,his disciples came by night1 and stole him away while we slept4 ,and if this come to the governor's ears1 we will persuade him1 and secure you4 ,so they took the money1 and did as they were taught3 and this saying is commonly reported among the ,jews until this day4--,matthew #bh3aa-ae4 #bfg,the account given by ,st4 ,luke is almost identical with that given by ,st4 ,matthew4 ,likewise the testimony given by ,st4 ,mark4 ,st4 ,john also gives an accurate account of the resurrection of the ,lord4 ,we insert here the testimony of each of these witnesses for the purpose of showing that the four testified substantially to the same facts and fully corroborated each other4 #bfh;,and when the sabbath was past1 ,mary ,magdalene1 and ,mary the mother of ,james1 and ,salome1 had bought sweet spices1 that they might come and anoint him4 ,and very early in the morning the first day of the week1 they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun4 ,and they said among themselves1 ,who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre8 ,and when they looked1 they saw that the stone was rolled away3 for it was very great4 ,and entering into the sepulchre1 they saw a young man sitting on the right side1 clothed in a long white garment2 and they were affrighted4 ,and he said unto them1 ,be not affrighted3 ,ye seek ,jesus of ,nazareth1 which was crucified3 he is risen2 he is not here3 behold the place where they laid him4 ,but go your way1 tell his disciples and ,peter that he goeth before you into ,galilee3 there shall ye see him1 as he said unto you4--,mark #af3a-g4 #bfi,now upon the first day of the week1 very early in the morning1 they came unto the sepulchre1 bringing the spices which they had prepared1 and certain others with them4 ,and they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre4 ,and they entered in1 and found not the body of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,and it came to pass1 as they were much perplexed thereabout1 behold1 two men stood by them in shining garments3 and as they were afraid1 and bowed down their faces to the earth1 they said unto them1 ,why seek ye the living among the dead8 ,he is not here1 but is risen3 remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in ,galilee1 saying1 ,the ,son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men1 and be crucified1 and the third day rise again4 ,and they remembered his words1 and returned from the sepulchre1 and told all these things unto the eleven1 and to all the rest4 ,it was ,mary ,magdalene1 and ,joanna1 and ,mary the mother of ,james1 and other women that were with them1 which told these things unto the apostles4--,luke #bd3a-aj4 #bgj,the first day of the week cometh ,mary ,magdalene early1 when it was yet dark1 unto the sepulchre1 and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre4 ,then she runneth1 and cometh to ,simon ,peter1 and to the other disciple1 whom ,jesus loved1 and saith unto them1 ,they have taken away the ,lord out of the sepulchre1 and we know not where they have laid him4 ,peter therefore went forth1 and that other disciple1 and came to the sepulchre4 ,so they ran both together3 and the other disciple did outrun ,peter1 and came first to the sepulchre4 ,and he stooping down1 and looking in1 saw the linen clothes lying2 yet went he not in4 ,then cometh ,simon ,peter following him1 and went into the sepulchre1 and seeth the linen clothes lie1 and the napkin1 that was about his head1 not lying with the linen clothes1 but wrapped together in a place by itself4 ,then went in also that other disciple1 which came first to the sepulchre1 and he saw1 and believed4--,john #bj3a-h4 #bga;,added to the testimony of these four witnesses is that of ,st4 ,paul1 who had a miraculous vision of the ,lord on his way to ,damascus4 ,concerning the resurrection of the dead the ,apostle later testified3 ,for ,i delivered unto you first of all that which ,i also received1 how that ,christ died for our sins according to the scriptures2 and that he was buried1 and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures2 and that he was seen of ,cephas1 then of the twelve3 after that1 he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once2 of whom the greater part remain unto this present1 but some are fallen asleep4 ,after that he was seen of ,james2 then of all the apostles4 ,and last of all he was seen of me also1 as of one born out of due time4--#a ,corinthians #ae3c-h4 #bgb,st4 ,john1 subsequently writing concerning the ,lord1 emphasizes the fact that they saw with their own eyes1 saying3 ,that which was from the beginning1 which we have heard1 which we have seen with our eyes1 which we have looked upon1 and our hands have handled1 of the ,word of life2 7for the life was manifested1 and we have seen it1 and bear witness1 and show unto you that eternal life1 which was with the ,father1 and was manifested unto us27 that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you1 that ye also may have fellowship with us3 and truly our fellowship is with the ,father1 and with his ,son ,jesus ,christ4 ,and these things write we unto you1 that your joy may be full4--#a ,john #a3a-d4 #bgc,thus we see there were more than five hundred witnesses who testified to the resurrection of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,this alone should establish the fact beyond any question of a doubt2 but when we see the reason for the ,lord's resurrection1 the whole matter not only becomes clear but brings great joy to the heart of one who does see it4 ,we must furthermore consider that these faithful witnesses of the ,lord did not go to some isolated place to give their testimony concerning his resurrection1 but they gave it openly before the tribunals1 before ,jews and heathen philosophers1 courtiers1 lawyers1 as well as the common people4 ,they did not wait until years afterward to begin to give their testimony concerning his resurrection1 but did so immediately after the great event took place4 ,they were so bold in declaring it that had there been a possibility of refuting their testimony we may be sure that the ,pharisees would have attempted it4 ,they did not give this testimony for the purpose of gaining fame1 glory1 or riches4 ,but1 on the contrary1 they knew that they would bring upon themselves the indignation of the ,pharisees and rulers and would expose themselves to suffering and death4 #bgd;,at ,pentecost1 only fifty days after the resurrection of the ,lord1 the apostle ,peter stood forth before the multitude and proclaimed to the men of ,judea and all that dwelt in ,jerusalem concerning the resurrection of the ,lord4 ,in his eloquence he exclaimed3 ,therefore let all the house of ,israel know assuredly1 that ,god hath made that same ,jesus1 whom ye have crucified1 both ,lord and ,christ4 7,acts #b3cf7 ,so persuasive and convincing was the ,apostle's argument that the ,jews who had participated in having the ,lord put to death were pricked in their heart1 and said unto ,peter and to the rest of the apostles1 ,men and brethren1 what shall we do8 ,some of them suffered death and martyrdom because they preached ,christ and his resurrection4 7,acts #g3ei7 ,the apostles and early ,christians received much persecution because they testified boldly that ,jesus was raised from the dead4 ,they would not have done this had they been trying to carry out some fraudulent imposition4 ,their motive in preaching these doctrines was to be witnesses for the ,lord concerning the fulfillment of his great plan for the redemption and deliverance of mankind4 ,,christ ,,the ,,lord ,,divine #bge;,jesus was put to death in the flesh and was resurrected a divine being4 7#a ,peter #c3ah7 ,god had promised to grant unto him the divine nature1 giving him the power and authority to have inherent life4 ,only divine beings have life within themselves and need nothing to sustain life4 ,jesus said3 ,for as the ,father hath life in himself2 so hath he given to the ,son to have life in himself4 7,john #e3bf7 ,when on earth he was a man4 ,when he arose from the dead he was the express image of ,jehovah ,god4 ,who being the brightness of his ,jehovah's glory1 and the express image of his person1 and upholding all things by the word of his power1 when he had by himself purged our sins1 sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high2 being made so much better than the angels1 as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they4 7,hebrews #a3c1d7 ,he was begotten to the divine nature at the time of his baptism in the ,jordan4 ,he was born on the divine plane to the divine nature at his resurrection4 ,when he arose from the dead he was both ,lord and ,christ4 7,acts #b3cf7 ,lord means one who owns2 one who has power and authority1 and one whom his followers acknowledge as ,master and ,lord4 ,christ means the anointed one2 the one appointed by ,jehovah to carry out his great plan4 ,so now being raised from the dead he is both owner of all things and endowed with power and authority to carry out ,jehovah's plan4 ,the name ,jesus means ,savior of the people4 ,that was his earthly name4 ,it is more particularly associated with him as the sin-bearer1 or one who made his soul an offering for sin1 who suffered for us and who bore our sins--the one whom the ,prophet describes as the man of sorrows4 #bgf,when he arose from the dead ,jehovah highly exalted him and gave him a name above all other names4 ,he was once a man of sorrows1 acquainted with grief4 ,now1 resurrected from the dead1 he is the exalted one2 hence the ,apostle declares3 ,being found in fashion as a man1 he humbled himself1 and became obedient unto death1 even the death of the cross4 ,wherefore ,god also hath highly exalted him1 and given him a name which is above every name2 that at the name of ,jesus every knee should bow1 of things in heaven1 and things in earth and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that ,jesus ,christ is ,lord1 to the glory of ,god the ,father4--,philippians #b3h-aa4 #bgg;,god has decreed that since the earth was the scene of ,jesus' suffering it shall be the scene of his glory1 and all creatures shall bow at the name of ,jesus1 and that every creature shall confess that ,jesus is ,christ and is the ,lord4 #bgh,on the day ,jesus arose from the dead and on several occasions thereafter he appeared unto his disciples and others who specially loved him4 ,he did not appear to them in the same body which was crucified2 nor with the same clothing in which he was buried4 ,the ,scriptural account is that the clothing and a napkin were folded up and laid aside in the tomb4 ,had he appeared in the same body that was crucified1 those who were with him for three and a half years would have readily recognized him4 ,surely ,mary would have known him4 ,he appeared to her as a gardener on one occasion1 and only when he spoke her name in the tone so familiar to her did she recognize him4 ,the ,scriptural account of his appearing to the disciples and other witnesses is briefly noted as follows3 #bgi;,he appeared on ,sunday morning1 early in the day of his resurrection1 to ,mary ,magdalene near the sepulchre at ,jerusalem4--,john #bj3aa-ah4 #bhj,on the same ,sunday morning1 to the women returning from the sepulchre4--,matthew #bh3i1 #aj4 #bha,on the same ,sunday morning to ,simon ,peter alone near ,jerusalem4 --,luke #bd3cd4 #bhb,on the same day to two disciples going to ,emmaus1 between ,jerusalem and ,emmaus4--,luke #bd3ac-ba4 #bhc,on the same ,sunday evening to the apostles 7except ,thomas7 at ,jerusalem4--,john #bj3ai-be4 #bhd,thereafter he appeared again one week later 7,sunday evening7 to the apostles1 ,thomas this time being present1 at ,jerusalem4--,john #bj3bf-bi4 #bhe,some days thereafter he appeared on the shores of ,galilee to seven of his disciples who had gone back to fishing4--,john #ba3a-ac4 #bhf;,a little later he appeared to the eleven disciples on a mountain near ,galilee4--,matthew #bh3af-bj4 #bhg;,a short time thereafter he again appeared to a company of more than five hundred of his followers1 gathered by appointment1 in ,galilee4 --#a ,corinthians #ae3f4 #bhh;,he again appeared to the apostle ,james only4--#a ,corinthians #ae3g4 #bhi,then he appeared for the last time on the side of the ,mount of ,olives to his disciples at the time of his ascension4--,luke #bd3ej1ea2 ,acts #a3f-i4 #bij,the question will arise in the minds of many1 ,did he appear in a spirit body or a human body1 and how did he get the body if it was not the one in which he was crucified8 ,we may be sure that he did not arise from the dead with a human body1 because on one of these occasions he appeared to the disciples when they were in a room with the doors fastened4 7,john #bj3ai-bf7 ,the only answer is that now1 as a divine being1 he had the power to create a body and clothing and appear at any time and upon any occasion that he desired4 ,mary supposed him to be a gardener2 two of the disciples who walked with him thought he was a stranger in the community4 ,again1 none of the disciples recognized him by his body on the sea of ,galilee2 likewise on other occasions when he appeared unto them4 ,on all these occasions he was recognized by his actions1 his words1 and the familiar tone of his voice4 ,it was hard to convince ,thomas1 who declared he must have some more proof2 therefore the ,lord created a body having in it the marks of the nails in order that ,thomas might be convinced4 ,and when he was convinced1 ,jesus said to him3 ,thomas1 because thou hast seen me1 thou hast believed3 blessed are they that have not seen1 and yet have believed4--,john #bj3bg-bi4 #bia,the purpose of ,jesus' appearing to the disciples was that the fact might be fully established that he was resurrected and alive4 ,he had the power to create a fleshly body and appear in it and dissolve it at any time2 and without doubt when he appeared to his disciples behind locked doors he created the body immediately in their presence and dissolved it when he disappeared4 ,to prove to them that he was a real body of flesh and bones he said to them3 ,handle me1 and see2 for a spirit hath not flesh and bones1 as ye see me have4 7,luke #bd3ci7 ,this was not a spirit body1 but a body of flesh4 ,the body with which he ascended on high and which he has in heaven is a glorious body which no man can look upon and live except by the miraculous power of ,jehovah4 ,the apostle ,paul states3 ,flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of ,god4 7#a ,corinthians #ae3ej1ea7 ,in addition to this1 ,st4 ,john says3 ,it doth not yet appear what we shall be3 but we know that1 when he shall appear1 we shall be like him2 for we shall see him as he is4--#a ,john #c3b4 #bib,st4 ,paul was given a miraculous view of the ,lord in glory4 ,as he was journeying to ,damascus suddenly there shone about him a light from heaven4 ,he did not see the body of ,jesus but only the light from his glorious body4 ,he heard a voice saying unto him3 ,i am ,jesus4 ,so brilliant was this light that for three days he was blind2 and the ,lord performed a miracle by removing his blindness4 ,and immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales3 and he received sight forthwith and arose1 and was baptized4 7,acts #i3a-ai7 ,the apostle ,paul afterward relating this incident said3 ,and last of all he ,jesus was seen of me also1 as one born out of due time4 7#a ,corinthians #ae3h7 ,here we have a little glimpse of what the glorious body of the ,lord is4 ,these facts show that the bodies in which ,jesus appeared after his resurrection were not the body that was crucified nor his glorious spiritual body1 but bodies created expressly for the purpose of appearing unto his disciples4 ,our ,lord's human body1 the one crucified1 was removed from the tomb by the power of ,god4 ,had it remained there it would have been an obstacle in the way of the faith of his disciples1 who were not yet instructed in spiritual things4 ,they were not thus instructed until the giving of the holy spirit at ,pentecost4 ,the ,scriptures do not reveal what became of that body1 except that it did not decay or corrupt4 7,acts #b3bg1ca7 ,we can only surmise that the ,lord may have preserved it somewhere to exhibit to the people in the ,millennial age4 ,the ,scriptures tell us that ,god miraculously hid the body of ,moses 7,deuteronomy #cd3f2 ,jude #i72 and ,jehovah could just as easily have preserved and hid away the body of ,jesus4 ,jesus being resurrected a divine being1 the express image of the ,father1 we are sure that no man could look upon him and live4 7,exodus #cc3bj7 ,christ ,jesus the ,lord in heaven is a glorious being1 the fairest of ten thousand1 and altogether lovely1 and no human eye has ever seen him since glorified1 except the vision miraculously given to ,st4 ,paul4 #bic,the purpose of the resurrection of the ,lord ,jesus when understood is further proof that he was raised divine4 ,as we have seen1 the ransom must be provided by a perfect human being going into death4 ,this ransom-price1 namely1 the value of a perfect human life1 must be presented in heaven itself as a sin-offering on behalf of mankind4 ,unless this was done1 the ransom would be of no avail and there would be no purchase of the human race from death and its results4 ,the apostle ,paul plainly states that ,christ ,jesus has entered into heaven itself1 now to appear in the presence of ,god for us4 7,hebrews #i3bd7 ,he is now a great high priest who passed into the heavens1 becoming the high priest on behalf of those who come to ,god through him during the gospel age4 7,hebrews #d3ad-af7 ,on the typical atonement day1 as we have seen1 ,god caused ,israel through the priesthood to make a picture of the sin-offering4 ,the high priest appearing in the ,most ,holy and sprinkling the blood upon the mercy seat was a type of ,jesus appearing in heaven itself1 presenting the merit of his sacrifice as a great sin-offering4 ,this would have been impossible had not ,jesus been resurrected a divine being4 #bid;,afterward ,jesus ,christ gave unto ,st4 ,john a revelation by his angel1 which is recorded as the book of ,revelation4 ,in that he said3 ,i am he that liveth1 and was dead2 and1 behold1 ,i am alive for evermore1 ,amen2 and have the keys of hell and of death4 7,revelation #a3ah7 ,hell means the tomb1 the grave1 the condition of death into which the whole human race has been going for so many centuries4 ,death is the great enemy and in due time the ,lord will abolish or destroy both death and the grave1 as we shall see later on4 #bie;,as each person comes to a knowledge of the resurrection of ,jesus ,christ and understands and appreciates the purpose1 his heart is made glad4 ,only those who are enlightened have yet appreciated the fact that the resurrection of ,jesus is one of the strings on ,god's wonderful harp4 ,in due time these benefits will be made known to all1 and all shall recognize this wonderful truth4 ,after the ,lord has finished the selection of the members of his body1 which is called the church 7,colossians #a3ah71 then his merit or ransom-sacrifice will be presented on behalf of the world of mankind and all will reap the benefits of his resurrection4 ,the foregoing ,scriptures conclusively establish the resurrection of ,christ ,jesus from the dead4 #bif;,in ,st4 ,paul's day there were some who denied the resurrection1 even as it has been ever since4 ,to meet their argument ,st4 ,paul wrote3 ,now if ,christ be preached that he rose from the dead1 how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead8 ,but if there be no resurrection of the dead1 then is ,christ not risen3 and if ,christ be not risen1 then is our preaching vain1 and your faith is also vain4 ,yea1 and we are found false witnesses of ,god2 because we have testified of ,god that he raised up ,christ2 whom he raised not up1 if so be that the dead rise not4 ,for if the dead rise not1 then is not ,christ raised3 and if ,christ be not raised1 your faith is vain2 ye are yet in your sins4 ,then they also which are fallen asleep in ,christ are perished4 ,if in this life only we have hope in ,christ1 we are of all men most miserable4 ,but now is ,christ risen from the dead1 and become the firstfruits of them that slept4 ,for since by man came death1 by man came also the resurrection of the dead4 ,for as in ,adam all die1 so in ,christ shall all be made alive4 ,but every man in his own order3 ,christ the firstfruits2 afterward they that are ,christ's at his coming4 ,then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to ,god1 even the ,father2 when he shall have put down all rule and authority and power4 ,for he must reign1 till he hath put all enemies under his feet4 ,the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death4--#a ,corinthians #ae3ab-bf4 #big;,because of the death and resurrection of ,jesus ,christ and his ascension on high1 all men are guaranteed one full1 fair opportunity to obtain everlasting life4 ,god has made this provision and given this guarantee1 as ,st4 ,paul states4 ,because he ,god hath appointed a day1 in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained2 whereof he hath given assurance unto all men1 in that he hath raised him from the dead4 7,acts #ag3ca7 ,we are now just coming into that appointed day1 in which the world is beginning to know and soon will know much more about the wonderful benefits resulting from the resurrection of our ,lord4 ,in that great day the ,lord shall reign in glory and then will be fulfilled his words3 ,marvel not at this3 for the hour is coming1 in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice1 and shall come forth2 they that have done good1 unto the resurrection of life2 and they that have done evil1 unto the resurrection of judgment4 7,john #e3bh1bi1 ,r4,v47 ,of this we shall have more to say when we discuss the string of ,god's great harp1 restoration4 ,what is the first month of the ,jewish religious year8 #bde4 ,on the fourteenth day of that month1 ,a4,d4 #cc1 where was ,jesus8 #bde4 ,what had his disciples expected him to do8 #bde4 ,what was their condition of mind1 and what their hopes1 after his death8 #bde4 ,what was the expectation of the disciples with reference to his resurrection8 #bde4 ,how had the body of ,jesus been prepared for burial8 and what was the purpose8 #bde4 ,give further proof with reference to the expectation of the disciples concerning ,jesus' resurrection4 #bde4 ,did the disciples understand the ,scriptures at that time with reference to the resurrection of ,jesus ,christ8 #bdf4 ,is the student now able to understand ,scriptures in the ,old ,testament relative to the resurrection of the ,lord that have been heretofore little understood8 #bdf4 ,give some ,scriptural texts of the ,old ,testament bearing upon the resurrection of the ,lord ,jesus4 #bdg4 ,did the ,psalmist speak of ,jesus going to hell8 and if so1 what was meant8 #bdg4 ,give the ,apostle's interpretation of this statement4 #bdg4 ,what was meant by the statement of the ,psalmist in ,psalm #ag3ae8 #bdh4 ,in whose likeness was ,jesus awakened8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #bdh4 ,did the ,psalmist in ,psalm #fh3ah refer to ,jesus' resurrection8 and if so1 why8 #bdh4 ,quote the words of the prophecy of ,isaiah 7#i3f1g7 concerning ,jesus4 #bdi4 ,did the ,prophet here foreshadow the resurrection of ,jesus ,christ8 #bdi4 ,how did ,jehovah refer to ,christ's resurrection in the words of the prophet ,isaiah 7#ec3f-aa78 #bej4 ,had ,jesus told his disciples that he expected to arise from the dead8 and if so1 where8 #bea4 ,why were the disciples sorry1 as stated in ,matthew #ag3bb1bc8 #bea4 ,why could not the disciples of ,jesus understand the prophecies concerning his resurrection8 ,quote a ,scripture from the ,new ,testament in support of this answer4 #bea4 ,what was the hope uppermost in the minds of the disciples8 #bea4 ,what had happened just five days before ,jesus' death that increased such hopes in the minds of the disciples8 #bea4 ,what would be the probable effect upon the disciples of the sudden death of the ,master8 #bea4 ,in being put to death as an evil one and buried in the sepulchre of a rich man1 what prophecy did ,jesus fulfill8 #beb4 ,on what day was ,jesus crucified8 and what was the day following8 #bec4 ,what were ,jews expected to do on that day of the sabbath8 #bec4 ,when did the sabbath day end8 #bec4 ,what was done by ,mary and others on the morning of the first day of the week after ,jesus' crucifixion8 #bed4 ,who appeared unto them at the tomb8 and what did the messenger say8 #bed4 ,what effect did this message from the angel have upon these women8 and what did they do8 #bed4 ,what proof have we here that the resurrection of ,jesus is one of the strings upon the harp of ,god8 #bee4 ,what effect was produced upon the first human being who heard of the resurrection of the ,lord8 #bee4 ,how must this news have been received in heaven8 #bee4 ,what is the meaning of the word angel8 #bef4 ,do these angels have access to ,jehovah8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #bef4 ,is there ,scriptural proof that these holy messengers sing praises in heaven8 #bef4 ,what ,scriptural proof have we that ,god uses angels for messengers8 ,give several instances4 #bef4 ,is there any ,scriptural evidence that these holy angels guarded the interests of ,jesus while here on earth8 #bef4 ,cite ,scriptural proof as to what else the angels did with reference to ,jesus the babe4 #bef4 ,is it reasonable to suppose that the angels watched the progressive steps of ,jesus' course from his birth to his resurrection8 #beg4 ,might we expect them to be looking for the resurrection of ,jesus ,christ8 #beg4 ,who was sent from heaven to roll back the stone from ,jesus' tomb8 #beg4 ,when the triumph of ,jesus over death and the grave was marked1 what effect must that have produced in heaven8 #beg4 ,would the resurrection of ,jesus demonstrate his approval by ,jehovah8 #beh4 ,would his triumph over death and the grave be reason for his praise in heaven8 #beh4 ,give ,scriptural proof of the praise of ,jesus ,christ by the heavenly hosts after his resurrection4 #beh4 ,what was it that convinced the disciples of the resurrection of ,jesus ,christ8 #bei4 ,being convinced of his resurrection1 how did that affect ,jesus' disciples in regard to proclaiming the truth8 #bei4 ,why should we have ,scriptural proof of the resurrection of ,christ ,jesus8 #bfj4 ,is it reasonable to suppose that ,jesus' disciples would concoct a scheme indicating his resurrection1 contrary to the facts8 #bfj4 ,what convulsion of nature occurred at the time of ,jesus' death8 #bfa4 ,give the ,scriptural proof of the burial of ,jesus' body4 #bfa4 ,why did the ,pharisees believe in the resurrection of the dead8 #bfb4 ,did the ,pharisees specially request of ,pilate a special guard to be placed over the tomb of ,jesus8 and if so1 why8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #bfb4 ,what did ,pilate reply to them8 #bfb4 ,could ,god have resurrected ,jesus ,christ without removing the stone8 #bfc4 ,how would this indicate the derision in which he held the ,pharisees8 #bfc4 ,who rolled away the stone from the tomb8 #bfd4 ,what did the ,roman guard testify concerning the appearance of the one who rolled away the stone8 #bfd4 ,who first appeared at the tomb on the morning of ,christ's resurrection8 #bfe4 ,relate what took place there between ,mary ,magdalene and the messenger who appeared to her2 and what was the message delivered to her8 #bfe4 ,what other wrongful thing did the priests do1 when they heard of ,jesus ,christ's resurrection8 #bff4 ,compare the testimony given by ,st4 ,matthew1 ,st4 ,mark1 ,st4 ,luke1 and ,st4 ,john2 and state whether there is any real difference4 #bfg-bgj4 ,what other ,apostle's testimony is added to that of the ones just quoted8 and what did he say about the resurrection of ,jesus8 #bga4 ,what further testimony did ,st4 ,john subsequently give concerning ,jesus ,christ's resurrection8 #bgb4 ,how many witnesses testified to the resurrection of our ,lord ,jesus8 #bgc4 ,where did these faithful witnesses give their testimony concerning the resurrection of the ,lord8 #bgc4 ,did they endanger themselves by giving such testimony8 #bgc4 ,the fact that they gave it immediately and boldly1 what weight does that add to its truthfulness8 #bgd4 ,what was their motive in testifying of the ,lord's resurrection8 #bgd4 ,did anyone suffer martyrdom because of giving testimony to this effect8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #bgd4 ,to what nature was ,jesus ,christ resurrected8 #bge4 ,what does it mean to have inherent life8 #bge4 ,what did ,jesus say about the ,father giving him this favor8 #bge4 ,when the ,lord arose from the dead1 was he made lower or higher than the angels8 #bge4 ,when was he begotten and when born to the divine nature8 #bge4 ,what is the meaning of the terms ,lord and ,christ8 #bge4 ,what power and authority has the ,lord possessed since his resurrection8 #bge4 ,what is the meaning of the name ,jesus8 #bge4 ,state what the ,scriptures say of his exaltation at the resurrection4 #bgf4 ,has ,god decreed how the creatures of earth shall ultimately honor the ,lord ,jesus8 #bgg4 ,when was the first time ,jesus appeared to his disciples after arising from the dead8 #bgh4 ,with what body did he appear8 #bgh4 ,give the reasons why he did not appear in the body that was crucified4 #bgh4 ,how did ,mary recognize him8 #bgh4 ,state how many times ,jesus appeared prior to his ascension on high1 giving the ,scriptural proof4 #bgi-bhi4 ,did he appear in a spirit or a human body8 and how did he get the body in which he appeared8 #bij4 ,how could he appear in the room in the presence of the disciples when the door was locked8 #bij4 ,how did the disciples recognize him at the sea of ,galilee and other places8 #bij4 ,what was ,jesus' purpose in appearing to the disciples8 #bia4 ,describe the body in which ,jesus appeared behind locked doors2 and what did he say to his disciples then8 #bia4 ,could the body in which ,jesus was crucified ascend into heaven8 and if not1 why not8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #bia4 ,describe his appearance to ,saul on the way to ,damascus4 #bib4 ,did ,saul see the body of ,jesus at that time8 #bib4 ,what effect did the appearance of the ,lord to ,st4 ,paul have upon him8 #bib4 ,what did ,st4 ,paul later say about ,jesus appearing unto him8 #bib4 ,what does the appearance of the ,lord to ,st4 ,paul prove with reference to the bodies in which ,jesus appeared shortly after his resurrection8 #bib4 ,what became of the body of the ,lord that was crucified8 #bib4 ,christ ,jesus in glory possesses what kind of body8 #bib4 ,what did the resurrection of the ,lord and his appearance in heaven have to do with the ransom and sin-offering8 #bic4 ,were his resurrection and ascension on high necessary to complete the sin-offering8 #bic4 ,on the typical atonement day1 through what ceremonies did the high priest pass in connection with the sin-offering8 #bic4 ,what did this typify8 #bic4 ,in the ,revelation of ,jesus to ,st4 ,john1 what did he say about being the one who was once dead8 and what power does he now possess8 #bid4 ,what is meant by the terms hell and death as used in ,revelation #a3ah8 #bid4 ,up to this time who have appreciated the value of ,jesus' resurrection as a part of the divine plan8 #bie4 ,do the ,scriptures herein cited prove the resurrection of ,christ ,jesus8 #bie4 ,what argument did ,st4 ,paul produce against the contention that ,christ was not raised from the dead8 #bif4 ,what does the resurrection of ,jesus ,christ guarantee to mankind8 #big4 ,give the ,scriptural proof of such guarantee4 #big4 ,where are we now with reference to the 'day appointed'1 as referred to in ,acts #ag3ca8 #big4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,viii ,string #g3 ,mystery ,revealed ,a mystery is that which is kept a profound secret4 ,it is something unknown1 except to certain ones1 being kept carefully and continuously concealed from all others4 ,jehovah being all powerful can hide or keep secret from every creature1 earthly or heavenly1 any part or all of his great plan and reveal or make it known at such time as might please him4 ,one feature of his great plan he did keep secret for ages and it is still a secret to all except a few4 #bii,when ,jesus was on earth he taught the people in parables or dark sayings4 ,his disciples came to him and asked3 ,why speakest thou unto them in parables8 ,he answered and said unto them1 ,because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven1 but to them it is not given4 7,matthew #ac3aj1aa7 ,it will be observed that he did not say1 ',you now know the mysteries of ,god'2 but that it was given them to know those mysteries4 ,not even his disciples understood him in many things when they were with him4 ,on the last night before his crucifixion he was instructing them in various things that would be helpful to them in the days to come4 ,on that occasion he said3 ,when he1 the spirit of truth1 is come1 he will guide you into all truth3 for he shall not speak of himself2 but whatsoever he shall hear1 that shall he speak3 and he will show you things to come4 7,john #af3ac7 ,the spirit of truth here mentioned is the holy spirit1 the spirit of ,god1 the invisible power operating upon the minds of those who are in covenant relationship with ,god4 ,jesus here used the masculine pronoun in speaking of the holy spirit4 #cjj,the holy spirit was given to the disciples at ,pentecost1 that is to say1 fifty days after the resurrection of ,jesus4 ,and when the day of ,pentecost was fully come1 they were all with one accord in one place4 ,and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind1 and it filled all the house where they were sitting4 ,and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire1 and it sat upon each of them4 ,and they were all filled with the holy spirit1 and began to speak with other tongues1 as the spirit gave them utterance4 7,acts #b3a-d7 ,the ,king ,james ,version of our ,bibles1 translates the word here holy ghost1 but there is no warrant for such a translation4 ,it comes from the word which means spirit4 #cja;,it was at ,pentecost that for the first time ,god's great mystery began to be understood by the disciples4 ,the mystery of ,god has been a stumbling block to both ,jews and ,christians so-called2 but in ,god's due time he will make known to all the secret of his mystery and then all rightly exercised by this will rejoice with exceeding joy4 #cjb,the mystery is the ,christ1 the great one through whom redemption1 deliverance and blessing will ultimately come to all mankind who receive ,christ and obey him4 ,god foreshadowed his mystery for ages by the use of various men4 ,yet all of that time he kept it secret4 #cjc;,death has been and is the great enemy of man4 ,death is the very opposite of life4 ,the greatest desire of man is and always has been to have life everlasting in happiness4 ,from the time of his expulsion from ,eden man has been looking for something upon which to fasten a hope for life and happiness4 ,satan was the cause of death1 and when ,god pronounced the sentence in ,eden he said that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head4 ,this statement was in the nature of a promise1 but it could not then be understood4 ,since ,pentecost some have understood the meaning of these words to be an assurance that in ,god's due time the seed of promise1 the seed of the woman1 will destroy ,satan1 who has the power of death4 ,nearly two thousand years rolled by after this statement before anything further was promised4 #cjd,then unto ,abraham ,jehovah called and made him the promise3 ,in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed4 ,this was another reference to the mystery2 but that promise was not understood in its proper light4 ,abraham believed ,god would bless the human race1 but he did not understand just the manner in which it would be done4 ,at the time of this promise ,abraham had no children4 ,several years more passed and then ,isaac1 ,abraham's first legitimate son1 was born4 ,abraham believed that his natural seed1 his son1 would be the ruler through whom the blessing would come to the people2 but his son ,isaac was merely a type of the mystery1 ,god using him to foreshadow the greater one4 ,this promise was renewed to ,isaac and to ,jacob1 and at the death of ,jacob his descendants1 who of course were descendants of ,abraham1 were organized into twelve tribes1 forming the nation of ,israel1 and were thereafter recognized as ,god's chosen nation4 7,genesis #di3bh2 ,deuteronomy #bf3e7 ,then it was that the faithful believed that ,god's promised blessings would come through this nation1 his chosen people4 ,but in time they became slaves to the ,egyptians and their hopes were almost blasted4 ,they were sorely oppressed in ,egypt when ,god sent ,moses to be their deliverer and to lead the people of ,israel out of ,egyptian bondage4 ,moses was also a type foreshadowing the great ,one4 7,acts #c3bb7 ,moses died and the promised blessing had not yet come4 ,the prophetic statement made by ,moses that ,god would raise up unto ,israel one like unto himself led the prophets to understand that there would be a great one raised up from the nation of ,israel who would be the deliverer and blesser of mankind4 #cje;,joshua followed next in line after ,moses4 ,his name signifies savior or deliverer4 ,but he also was only a type of the great ,deliverer4 #cjf,then ,david became the king of ,israel4 ,his name means beloved one4 ,the ,jews had hoped that he would be the great deliverer1 but in his old age he abdicated the throne in favor of ,solomon1 and yet the blessing did not come4 ,solomon became the most famous man in the world for riches and wisdom1 and the hopes of ,israel were centered in him1 only to be disappointed4 ,david and ,solomon were also but mere types foreshadowing the coming of the great ,deliverer4 #cjg,the nation of ,israel degenerated and under the reign of ,zedekiah1 their last king1 they fell into captivity to the ,babylonians and they continued subject to other nations until they were finally driven out of ,palestine4 #cjh,moved by the holy spirit of ,god operating upon their minds1 the holy prophets testified of the coming of this great ,deliverer1 both of his sufferings and of his glory that would follow2 but they did not understand4 ,the matter was a mystery to them4 7#a ,peter #a3aa7 ,even the angels of heaven sought to look into it1 but they were not permitted4 ,god's purpose was to keep the matter secret until his own due time to reveal the great truth4 #cji,then came ,jesus1 whose coming was announced by ,john the ,baptist2 and he was pointed out as the one who would take away the sin of the world4 ,he chose his disciples and they walked with him1 and he taught them for three and a half years2 yet they did not understand the great mystery4 ,they expected ,jesus to be made an earthly king and hoped that they might be with him in the kingdom1 probably in his cabinet1 because he was asked if one might sit on his left and the other on his right hand in the kingdom4 ,they expected him to make ,israel a great nation and believed that through that nation other nations would be blessed4 ,when he was put to death they were greatly disappointed1 mystified1 and in great distress4 7,luke #bd3ba7 ,even after his resurrection they did not understand his mission1 and this is shown by their words to him on the day that he ascended into heaven4 ,when they were therefore come together1 they asked of him1 saying1 ,lord1 wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to ,israel8 ,and he said unto them1 ,it is not for you to know the times or the seasons1 which the ,father hath put in his own power4 ,but ye shall receive power1 after that the holy spirit is come upon you3 and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in ,jerusalem1 and in all ,judea1 and in ,samaria1 and unto the uttermost parts of the earth4 ,and when he had spoken these things1 while they beheld1 he was taken up2 and a cloud received him out of their sight4--,acts #a3f-i4 #caj;,in obedience to the command of ,jesus1 these faithful disciples went to ,jerusalem to the place known as the upper room1 and there waited4 ,ten days passed and then it was that the holy spirit1 the invisible power of ,god1 was visited upon them2 and true to his promise1 the disciples began to understand4 #caa;,jesus had now ascended on high and presented the merit of his sacrifice before ,jehovah and the acceptance of this was manifested by the giving of the holy spirit to his disciples who had been his consecrated followers for three and a half years4 ,doubtless the angels of heaven now began to know something about the great mystery4 ,what joy must have been in heaven when ,jesus ,christ appeared before the ,father and presented the merit of his sacrifice and was received by ,jehovah6 ,surely the heavenly host must have sung his praises4 ,they had beheld him triumphing over death and the grave and now exalted to a position in heaven next to the ,father4 ,it must have been a great joy to the heavenly host1 even as contemplation of it was a great joy to ,jesus himself4 ,for the joy that was set before him he endured the cross1 despising the shame1 and is set down at the right hand of the throne of ,god4 7,hebrews #ab3b7 ,what joy must have filled the hearts of his disciples when they began to understand the mystery of ,god and to see how wonderfully he had led them and their fathers before them1 preparing them now for the revelation of this great truth6 #cab;,in due time ,saul of ,tarsus1 who afterward was named ,st4 ,paul1 was illuminated and understood4 ,and then he wrote3 ,who now rejoice in my sufferings for you1 and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of ,christ in my flesh for his body's sake1 which is the church3 whereof ,i am made a minister1 according to the dispensation of ,god which is given to me for you1 to fulfill the word of ,god2 even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and from generations1 but now is made manifest to his saints3 to whom ,god would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles2 which mystery is ,christ in you1 the hope of glory4 7,colossians #a3bd-bg7 ,the ,apostle here emphasizes the fact that this mystery of ,god is now made known only to the saints4 ,saints means purified ones1 which purification comes through receiving the merit of ,christ's sacrifice4 #cac,the word ,christ signifies anointed4 ,anointing means designation to official position in ,god's arrangement4 ,the ,christ is the instrument or channel for the blessing of mankind4 ,the ,christ is composed of ,jesus1 the great and mighty head1 and #add1jjj members4 7,revelation #g3d7 ,christ ,jesus is the head and the church his body4 ,we ofttimes hear the expression1 a body of men with a general at their head4 ,of the ,christ the ,apostle says3 ,and he ,christ ,jesus is before all things1 and by him all things consist4 ,and he is the head of the body1 the church3 who is the beginning1 the firstborn from the dead2 that in all things he might have the preminence4 ,for it pleased the ,father that in him should all fullness dwell4--,colossians #a3ag-ai4 #cad,the apostle ,paul uses a human body to illustrate the ,christ1 the great mystery class2 the head representing ,jesus1 and the other members of the body those who are of his church4 ,for as the body is one1 and hath many members1 and all the members of that one body1 being many1 are one body3 so also is ,christ4444 ,now ye are the body of ,christ1 and members in particular4--#a ,corinthians #ab3ab1bg4 #cae,the ,christ is also designated in the ,scriptures as the seed of ,abraham according to the promise4 ,now to ,abraham and his seed were the promises made4 ,he saith not1 ,and to seeds1 as of many2 but as of one1 ,and to thy seed1 which is ,christ4 7,galatians #c3af7 ,addressing himself to the church1 the ,christians1 the followers of ,jesus1 the ,apostle further said3 ,for ye are all the children of ,god by faith in ,christ ,jesus4 ,for as many of you as have been baptized into ,christ1 have put on ,christ4444 ,and if ye be ,christ's then are ye ,abraham's seed1 and heirs according to the promise4 7,galatians #c3bf1bg1bi7 ,this is the seed1 then1 through whom the blessings will come to all the families of the earth4 ,church means a gathered out class2 and so the gospel age1 that is to say1 the period from ,jesus' first coming until his second coming1 is employed by ,jehovah for the selection of the church1 the seed of ,abraham1 through which blessings will come to all the remainder of mankind in ,god's due time4 #caf,this same class is called the elect of ,god1 according to his foreknowledge4--#a ,peter #a3b4 #cag;,again the ,apostle likens the whole of the ,christ to a living stone1 saying3 ,ye also1 as living stones1 are built up a spiritual house1 an holy priesthood1 to offer up sacrifices acceptable to ,god by ,jesus ,christ4444 ,behold1 ,i lay in ,zion a chief corner stone1 elect1 precious3 and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded4 ,unto you therefore which believe he is precious4 7#a ,peter #b3e-g7 ,in earthly buildings there is no chief cornerstone2 but in this building of ,god there is a chief cornerstone which is ,christ ,jesus4 ,the topstone or chief cornerstone of a pyramid is itself a perfect pyramid4 ,the other members of the body1 then1 must be built up into ,christ to conform to that chief cornerstone1 which is illustrated by the ,great ,pyramid in ,egypt4--,see ,isaiah #ai3ai4 #cah;,again this anointed class1 ,jesus the head and the church his body1 is spoken of as a royal priesthood1 a holy nation1 a peculiar people4 ,this was foreshadowed by the nation of ,israel1 particularly by the priesthood in connection with the house of ,israel4 ,the apostle ,peter speaking of this class says3 ,ye are a chosen generation1 a royal priesthood1 an holy nation1 a peculiar people2 that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light3 which in time past were not a people1 but are now the people of ,god3 which had not obtained mercy1 but now have obtained mercy4--#a ,peter #b3i1aj4 #cai,the members of the body of ,christ1 the church1 are also designated as his footstep followers2 and as such they are called to suffer with him that they might also reign with him4 ,for even hereunto were ye called3 because ,christ also suffered for us1 leaving us an example1 that ye should follow his footsteps4 7#a ,peter #b3ba7 ,these are also designated as ,christians4 ,it does not mean that because one is a member of some earthly organization called a church he is a ,christian or a member of the true church4 ,the true church is the body of ,christ2 and any one to be of the true church must be a follower of ,christ in the truest sense of the word4 ,to this class are given the exceeding great and precious promises recorded in the ,bible1 the promises of being associated with ,christ ,jesus in his kingdom4 7#b ,peter #a3d7 ,not to the world1 but to his followers ,jesus said3 ,be thou faithful unto death1 and ,i will give thee a crown of life4--,revelation #b3aj4 #cbj,no one has been able to understand these things and appreciate them except those who have given their hearts to the ,lord4 ,the apostle ,paul says3 ,the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of ,god3 for they are foolishness unto him3 neither can he know them1 because they are spiritually discerned4 7#a ,corinthians #b3ad74 ,jehovah has so arranged that only those who have their minds illuminated by the holy spirit1 which follows their consecration1 justification1 and acceptance by the ,lord1 can understand and appreciate the mystery of ,god4 ,these are the ones designated by the prophet ,joel as the servants and handmaidens of ,god2 and in the gospel age ,god pours out his spirit upon them2 which means to give them his spirit4 ,but in ,god's due time he will pour out his spirit upon all mankind1 so that all can understand his wonderful plan4--,joel #b3bh1bi4 #cba,the hiding of this mystery was illustrated by ,jehovah in the construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness and its furnishings4 ,the inside walls of the tabernacle were covered with pure gold4 ,inside the ,holy were the golden candlestick1 the table covered with gold for the showbread1 and the golden altar2 and in the ,most ,holy1 was the ark of the covenant4 ,the tabernacle inside1 therefore1 was beautiful1 but it was hidden from the people on the outside because it was covered with three heavy layers of cloth and skins4 ,the priest ministered inside the tabernacle1 and therefore was unseen by the people4 ,as ,god thus hid these things which were typical of greater things1 so he has hidden the glories and beauties of spiritual things1 seen only by those who have come into relationship with him through ,christ4 #cbb,the gospel age is the antitypical day of atonement4 ,with the ,jews there was one day each year called the day of atonement4 ,in that day the priest alone was in the ,holy and the ,most ,holy2 and even so on the antitypical day of atonement no one is in the ,holy condition except those who are in relationship with ,christ1 the great high priest4 ,the ,lord has been pleased to permit these during the gospel age to have some understanding of his ,word1 therefore receiving the sweet and refreshing music from his harp2 and the light has grown in brilliancy and the music in harmony as the understanding has increased4 ,to the world in general1 ,christians have been despised because not understood4 ,the ,lord of glory1 when on earth1 was despised because he was misunderstood4 ,and so his true followers seem to be a mean and despised people4 ,the poet has truly said3 ,why do they1 then1 appear so mean8 ,and why so much despised8 ,because1 of their rich robes1 unseen1 ,the world is not apprized4 #cbc,satan has tried to counterfeit every part of ,jehovah's plan2 so he organized a religious system in the earth which is iniquitous and is known as the mystery of iniquity4 7#b ,thessalonians #b3g2 ,revelation #ag3e7 ,this mystery of iniquity ,god will destroy in his great day of vengeance which is now on1 and then the mystery of ,god will be more clearly revealed to mankind4 ,it is revealed to individuals now as they come into ,christ4 ,it is important1 therefore1 for us to know how one becomes a member of the ,christ1 the great mystery of ,god4 ,,body ,,members ,,selected #cbd,the mystery of ,god involves an understanding and appreciation of the fundamental truths of repentance1 consecration1 justification1 spirit-begetting1 and sanctification4 ,let us now trace the steps of one in the world as he comes to ,jehovah that he might be a member of the body of ,christ4 #cbe;,because of the disobedience of father ,adam1 all of his children are born imperfect1 all sinners4 ,there is none righteous1 no1 not one4 7,romans #c3aj2 #e3ab7 ,all such are out of harmony with ,god4 ,they have no right to life4 ,it has pleased ,jehovah1 then1 during the gospel age to draw to ,jesus1 the great ,redeemer and ,deliverer1 those who have the desire to come into harmony with him4 ,the ,prophet says3 ',the reverence of the ,lord is the beginning of wisdom'4 7,psalm #aaa3aj7 ,the first thing essential for one becoming a ,christian is an honest desire to know the ,lord and to do his will4 ,a man with this honest desire1 then1 realizes that he is a sinner and born such2 and he has an honest desire to come to ,god4 ,he learns that ,jesus is his ,redeemer and he wants to know more about him and do his will4 ,in his mind he does not approve the ways of the world4 ,he begins to think about the ,lord and wants to know more about him4 ,he begins to turn his face in the right direction4 ,when he ceases to approve the course of the world1 he is repentant to that extent4 ,repentance means a change of mind respecting one's relationship to evil4 #cbf;,jesus said3 ,no man can come to me1 except the ,father which hath sent me draw him4 7,john #f3dd7 ,the man now is drawn to ,jesus by what he learns of ,jesus1 what ,jesus has done for him1 and by his own desire to follow a different course4 ,when one ceases to approve the worldly course and begins to seek after the ,lord1 he is in that condition mentioned by the ,apostle as seeking ,god1 if haply they might feel after him1 and find him4 7,acts #ag3bg7 ,when he is drawn to ,jesus1 seeking ,god1 then he is converted4 ,he is now in the condition spoken of by the ,apostle when he said3 ,repent ye therefore1 and be converted1 that your sins may be blotted out4 7,acts #c3ai7 ,repentance means a change of mind respecting one's relationship to evil2 and conversion means a change of one's course4 ,but neither repentance nor conversion1 nor both together1 brings the individual into relationship with ,god4 ,being drawn to ,jesus1 he must exercise faith4 ,faith means first to understand and believe that ,god exists2 that he is the great rewarder of them that diligently seek him2 that the ,bible is his ,word of truth2 that ,jesus is his beloved ,son and our ,redeemer2 and then to rely confidently upon these things and prove this reliance by his action4--,hebrews #aa3a1f4 #cbg;,he now needs information to increase his faith1 and the ,prophet has written3 ,the testimony of the ,lord is sure1 making wise the simple4 7,psalm #ai3g7 ,to such now1 as are feeling after ,god1 through ,christ ,jesus this message comes3 ,come unto me1 all ye that labor and are heavy laden1 and ,i will give you rest4 7,matthew #aa3bh7 ,heavy laden means to be weary of the sinful course of the world and to have a desire to be relieved of this burden4 ,such a one says3 ',i am tired of the wrongful course4 ,i want to follow the right course1 to know ,god1 and to do his will4' #cbh,now being drawn to ,jesus1 he learns through the ,word that he must do something4 ,to him ,jesus says3 ',i am the way1 the truth1 and the life3 no man cometh unto the ,father1 but by me'4 7,john #ad3f7 ,what can one who is now repentant and changing his course1 but still a sinner1 do to come into harmony with ,god8 ,he is informed that it will cost him much4 ,so ,jesus says to him3 ',sit down and count the cost'4 7,luke #ad3bh7 ,he learns it will cost him all he has1 namely1 the surrender of himself to the ,lord4 ,the next step for one1 then1 to become a ,christian is to make a consecration2 that is to say1 to commit himself to the ,lord and his arrangements4 ,and this he may do by saying in substance3 ',blessed ,lord1 ,i commit myself to thy arrangements2 here ,i am4 ,do unto me according to thy holy will4 ,i desire to do thy will4' #cbi,neither the ,lord ,jesus nor the heavenly ,father coerces any one1 but we must come to the ,lord voluntarily1 seeking his aid4 ,this is clearly indicated as necessary to become the follower of ,jesus by the words the ,master used3 ',if you will be my disciple1 you must deny yourself1 then take up your cross1 and follow me'4 7,matthew #af3bd7 ,self-denial means an agreement to abandon one's selfish course and to agree to do the will of the ,lord4 ,it means a full and complete surrender of oneself unto the ,lord4 ,and this is consecration1 the setting aside of oneself to do the ,lord's will4 #ccj,those who are selected to be members of the body of ,christ1 which selection is done during the gospel age1 must be justified in order that they might be accepted4 ,they are justified only for the purpose of being accepted as a part of the sacrifice of the ,lord4 ,on the typical day of atonement when the high priest of ,israel slew the animals1 the ,lord's goat pictured this class who come to the ,lord in consecration4 ,that goat must be perfect1 without any blemish2 thus foreshadowing how that all who are presented unto the ,lord to be accepted as a part of the sacrifice of ,jesus1 and hence to become members of his body1 must be perfect2 and since man is imperfect himself something must be done for him in order to make him stand before the ,lord ,jehovah as perfect4 ,he must be justified4 ,justification means to be made right with ,god4 ,this must all be done in the acceptable time of the ,lord4 7,isaiah #di3h2 #fa3b7 ,any one coming to the ,lord ,jesus with an honest desire to be presented to the ,father in the acceptable year or time may be assured that he will not be cast out1 because ,jesus said3 ,him that cometh to me ,i will in no wise cast out4 7,john #f3cg7 ,he would not decline to present any genuine consecration before the heavenly ,father4 ,of course this consecration must be made before the person can be presented4 #cca;,jehovah ,god is the great wise judge of the universe2 and he sits to determine whether or not one thus presented is right or not4 ,it is ,god that justifieth4--,romans #h3cc4 #ccb,the steps essential now to justification1 as shown by the ,scriptures1 briefly stated1 are these3 7#a7 ,faith in ,god and his promises1 which is exercised and proven by making a surrender of ourselves to the ,lord2 7#b7 receiving the merit of ,christ1 and his presentation to the ,father2 and 7#c7 the determination by ,jehovah ,god that the one thus presented is right4 ,the following ,scriptures show these points in the order named3 ,by faith are we justified 7,romans #e3a72 by the blood of ,jesus are we justified 7,romans #e3i72 ,it is ,god that justifieth4 7,romans #h3cc7 ,christ ,jesus is the great ,high ,priest4 ,when we make a consecration of ourselves1 then he presents us to the ,father4 7,john #f3cg7 ,but in order to make us acceptable or presentable to the ,father1 the merit of ,jesus' sacrifice must be imputed to us4 ,when he ascended on high1 he deposited with ,jehovah the ransom-price1 the merit of his sacrifice1 as we have seen1 pictured by the blood4 ,the second step1 then1 is taken when ,jesus imputes to the one thus coming to the ,lord the merit of his sacrifice1 which makes him presentable to the ,father1 ,jehovah2 then ,jehovah1 upon the merit1 determines1 as the great judge1 that the one thus presented is right1 is justified1 and is acceptable as a part of the sacrifice of his beloved ,son4 ,thus ,jehovah has been receiving sacrifices throughout the gospel age2 but that acceptable year or time will soon pass1 as indeed it is now passing4 --,hebrews #c3ac4 ,,spirit-,,begetting #ccc,the one that is justified before ,jehovah is then counted right or justified that he might be a part of the great sacrifice of ,god's beloved ,son ,jesus1 to the end that he might be a part of the mystery class and ultimately reign with ,christ4 ,the next thing indicated by the ,scriptures is the begetting of such a one as a new creature4 ,begetting means the beginning4 ,the begetting of the new creature1 then1 means the beginning of a newness of life4 ,when justified by ,jehovah1 there results to him the right to live as a human being on earth1 and this is what he immediately sacrifices4 ,at the same time ,jehovah begets him to a hope of life upon the high or heavenly plane1 because he is called to a high calling1 a heavenly calling4 7,philippians #c3ad2 ,hebrews #c3a7 ,this begetting is in the nature of a contract or an agreement4 ,covenant is also a word used for contract4 ,in order to make a contract there must be two or more parties1 and there must be a consideration passing from one to the other4 ,where there are mutual promises1 made on both sides1 this is sufficient consideration4 ,we will name the one whom we have been discussing as coming to justification ,honest ,heart4 #ccd;,honest ,heart presents himself to the ,lord ,jesus the high priest1 fully surrendering himself and agreeing to do the will of ,god4 ,there is the promise on his part1 then1 and he is one party to the contract through his advocate1 the ,lord ,jesus4 ,and when ,christ ,jesus the high priest presents him to the ,father1 ,jehovah1 the ,lord ,jehovah in substance says to ,honest ,heart3 ',in consideration of the fact that you have turned away from the wrongful course1 and have come to ,jesus1 and have made a full surrender of yourself in consecration1 thereby exercising faith in his blood shed for you and your faith in my plan2 and in consideration of the further fact that my beloved ,son has imputed to you his merit to make you acceptable before me1 ,i accept you and determine that you are right or justified1 and accepting you as a part of his sacrifice1 ,i give to you my exceeding great and precious promises that by these you might become partaker of the divine nature'4--#b ,peter #a3d4 #cce,this is in harmony with ,st4 ,james' statement3 ,of his own will begat he us with the word of truth1 that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures4 7,james #a3ah7 ,the ,psalmist shows that this begetting is in the nature of a contract when he says3 ,gather my saints together unto me2 those who have made a covenant contract with me by sacrifice4 7,psalm #ej3e7 ,honest ,heart now being begotten has the promise of life upon the highest plane1 the divine nature4 ,he is begotten to a new hope of life4 ,st4 ,peter thus writes3 ,blessed be the ,god and ,father of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a hope of life by the resurrection of ,jesus ,christ from the dead1 to an inheritance incorruptible1 and undefiled1 and that fadeth not away1 reserved in heaven for you1 who are kept by the power of ,god through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time4 7#a ,peter #a3c-e7 ,the inheritance to which ,honest ,heart is now begotten is an incorruptible inheritance1 which is the divine nature4 ,this means that if he is faithful unto death1 faithful to his part of the contract1 he is certain to be born upon the divine plane1 for the reason that ,jehovah is always faithful to his part of the contract2 and so ,jesus says3 ,be thou faithful unto death and ,i will give thee a crown of life4--,revelation #b3aj4 #ccf;,any one thus presented by ,jesus to the ,father1 ,jehovah1 justified1 accepted and begotten1 is designated in the ,scriptures as a new creature4 ,if any man be in ,christ1 he is a new creature3 old things are passed away2 behold1 all things are become new4 7#b ,corinthians #e3ag7 ,there is now a newness of life1 which does not result from being transferred to another climate1 but from being given a new dominating factor in our lives1 namely1 the will of ,god4 ,honest ,heart1 or whoever takes this step1 now has new hopes1 new aims1 new ambitions1 new aspirations1 and new ideas4 ,he is not looking for earthly honor and glory2 but he is looking forward to the time when he might be forever with the ,lord in his kingdom and be a part of the seed of ,abraham according to the promise1 through which the blessings of mankind will come4 #ccg,this one is now dead from the standpoint of a human being1 as the apostle ,paul puts it3 ,ye are dead1 and your life is hid with ,christ in ,god4 7,colossians #c3c7 ,the new creature now must be renewed1 refreshed and invigorated and strengthened by knowledge1 not by ordinary knowledge2 but by an acquaintance with ,god's will and a deep appreciation of his plan4 7,colossians #a3i7 ,the world cannot know anything about this2 only those who are in the relationship with the ,lord4 ,the whole world lies in the wicked one4 7#a ,john #e3ai7 ,but now the new creature in ,christ is admonished to be not conformed to this world1 but to be transformed by the renewing of his mind1 that he might prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of ,god4--,romans #ab3b4 #cch,the one begotten is begotten by the spirit of ,god1 the holy spirit4 ,he is also anointed4 ,this anointing is received by reason of coming into the body of ,christ4 ,he is baptized into ,christ's death2 therefore baptized into ,christ's body4 ,to be baptized means to be immersed4 ,to be baptized into ,christ's death means to be immersed into the death of ,christ4 ,and so the ,apostle puts it3 ,know ye not1 that so many of us as are baptized into ,jesus ,christ were baptized into his death8 ,therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death3 that like as ,christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the ,father1 even so we also should walk in newness of life4 7,romans #f3c1d7 ,baptism in water is merely a symbol of the real baptism4 ,it would do no one any good to be baptized in water unless he had first undergone the real baptism by being immersed into ,christ4 #cci;,all of those who are thus inducted into the body of ,christ receive the anointing through the head of the ,christ1 ,jesus the beloved ,one4 ,this is illustrated or pictured by ,god's dealings with ,israel4 ,in the type ,aaron the high priest was anointed4 ,he ,moses poured of the anointing oil upon ,aaron's head1 and anointed him1 to sanctify him4 7,leviticus #h3ab7 ,this anointing oil was poured upon ,aaron's head and ran down upon his garment4 7,psalm #acc3b7 ,aaron the high priest was a type of the entire ,christ1 head and body4 ,as the oil was poured upon his head and ran down to the skirt of his garments1 so in antitype1 ,jesus the head1 at the time of his baptism in the ,jordan1 received the anointing of the holy spirit without measure 7,matthew #c3af1ag72 and at ,pentecost his disciples received the anointing of the holy spirit4 ,and thereafter during the gospel age all who come into ,christ receive this anointing through ,christ ,jesus the head by virtue of being inducted into the body of ,christ4 #cdj,those who are thus anointed have the spirit of the ,lord and by virtue of his spirit are able to understand the mystery of ,god and to appreciate the fact that they have the promise of being joint-heirs with ,christ ,jesus in his kingdom4 ,to be anointed means to be assigned to a place in the body of ,christ4 ,the spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit1 that we are the children of ,god3 and if children1 then heirs2 heirs of ,god1 and joint-heirs with ,christ2 if so be that we suffer with him1 that we may be also glorified together4--,romans #h3af1ag4 ,,sanctification #cda,these new creatures in ,christ1 otherwise called members of his body1 must now be transformed and made into the image and likeness of their ,head4 7,romans #h3bi7 ,they must be sanctified4 ,sanctification means to be set apart for the use of ,jehovah4 ,it means the process of making us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light4 7,colossians #a3ab7 ,it is the process of perfecting the saints4 7,ephesians #d3ab7 ,this process begins when ,jehovah accepts our consecration and begets us2 and must continue until birth upon the spirit plane4 #cdb,sanctification1 then1 is to be made holy1 in the likeness of our ,lord4 ,concerning such ,jesus said3 ,sanctify them through thy truth2 thy word is truth4 7,john #ag3ag7 ,the ,christian now must feed upon or study the ,word of ,god1 learn its principles1 learn of ,jehovah's character and that of the ,lord ,jesus1 and strive to conform his own life thereto4 ,he now has set before him the hope of being made like the ,lord in glory2 and every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself1 even as he is pure4 7#a ,john #c3c7 ,this process of sanctification is done by the ,lord through his ,word4 ,both he who sanctifies and those whom he is sanctifying have all one ,father1 and for this reason he is not ashamed to speak of them as brethren4 7,hebrews #b3aa1 ,weymouth7 ,here we see the sanctifier is the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and those whom he is sanctifying are the members of his body2 and all of these have one ,father1 ,jehovah ,god2 therefore all of the one body1 constituting the mystery of ,god4 #cdc;,all this work of sanctification is done in what we designate the school of ,christ2 and it is only those who are in this school by being in ,christ ,jesus that can be sanctified and ultimately be a part of that glorious mystical body1 the heavenly kingdom class that will constitute the great prophet1 priest1 and king4 #cdd,this mystery hid from ages and generations and made known only to the saints is1 says the apostle ,paul1 the ,christ2 and the ,christ in you is the hope of glory4 ,those who are in ,christ and who have the spirit of ,christ in them have the glorious hope of being born on the divine plane as members of the body of ,christ4 ,these are called to the obtaining of the glory of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 and to them are given all the exceeding great and precious promises contained in the ,word of ,god4 ,the ,prophet speaking of them and to them said3 ,the nations shall see thy righteousness1 and all the kings thy glory3 and thou shalt be called by a new name1 which the mouth of the ,lord shall name4 ,thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the ,lord1 and a royal diadem in the hand of thy ,god4 7,isaiah #fb3b1c7 ,these have the promise3 ,when ,christ1 who is our life1 shall appear1 then shall ye also appear with him in glory4 7,colossians #c3d7 ,and then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their ,father4--,matthew #ac3dc4 #cde,the apostle ,paul declares that he was made a minister1 according to the gift of ,god1 that he should preach to the nations the unsearchable riches of ,christ1 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery1 which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in ,god1 who created all things by ,jesus ,christ3 to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of ,god1 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in ,christ ,jesus our ,lord4 7,ephesians #c3g-aa7 ,thus we see that this great mystery is the ,christ1 and that for six thousand years ,jehovah has been preparing for1 developing and completing this great mystery2 and that when completed1 he will use the ,christ as his prophet1 priest1 and king to minister unto the people1 to rule over the people1 and to bless the people1 according to his promise4 #cdf,the ,apostle declares that the whole creation is groaning and travailing in pain1 waiting for the manifestation of this great mystery4 7,romans #h3ai-bb7 ,the people do not know for what they are waiting4 ,but when the great mystery is complete and ,messiah's kingdom set up1 then ,god will bring his long-promised blessings to mankind1 and ultimately his will shall be done upon earth as it is done in heaven4 ,what is a mystery8 #bih4 ,how could ,jehovah hide or keep secret his plan from others8 #bih4 ,has he kept his plan secret8 #bih4 ,when ,jesus was on earth1 why did he teach by parables8 #bii4 ,did the disciples always understand his meaning8 #bii4 ,did he instruct the disciples how they would be taught after his departure8 and if so1 how8 #bii4 ,what is meant by the spirit of truth8 #bii4 ,when was the holy spirit given to the disciples8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #cjj4 ,what is the meaning of the term holy ghost8 #cjj4 ,when did ,god's mystery begin to be understood by the disciples8 #cja4 ,what effect has the mystery had on ,jews and so-called ,christians8 #cja4 ,define the mystery of ,god4 #cjb4 ,how did ,god foreshadow the mystery8 #cjb4 ,what is man's great enemy8 #cjb4 ,what is and always has been man's greatest desire8 and how long has man been seeking for this thing desired8 #cjc4 ,who was the cause of death8 #cjc4 ,at the time when ,god pronounced the sentence in ,eden1 was the statement1 ',the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head1' understood8 #cjc4 ,when did it begin to be understood8 #cjc4 ,what great promise was made nearly two thousand years after the expulsion from ,eden8 ,quote the promise4 #cjd4 ,did that promise have reference to the mystery of ,god8 and was it understood then8 #cjd4 ,did ,abraham understand the promise8 #cjd4 ,did ,abraham have any children at that time8 #cjd4 ,through whom did ,abraham expect the blessing to come to the people8 #cjd4 ,if the promise was renewed1 to whom was it renewed8 #cjd4 ,what was expected through the seed of ,abraham8 #cjd4 ,what effect did the ,israelites' enslavement have upon their hopes8 #cjd4 ,whom did ,god send to deliver the ,israelites from ,egypt8 and whom did he typify8 #cjd4 ,what effect did ,moses' prophetic statement have upon the people with reference to the ,one of whom he was a type8 #cjd4 ,what is signified by the name ,joshua8 and of whom was ,joshua a type8 #cje4 ,who was the beloved king of ,israel8 and what did the ,jews hope would come through him8 #cjf4 ,who succeeded this king on the throne8 #cjf4 ,for what was ,solomon famous8 #cjf4 ,what became the condition of ,israel under the reign of ,zedekiah8 #cjg4 ,did the prophets who testified of the coming of ,messiah understand their testimony8 #cjh4 ,were the angels of heaven permitted to understand8 #cjh4 ,why did ,god keep this mystery a secret8 #cjh4 ,who announced the coming of ,jesus8 and what was his particular message or announcement8 #cji4 ,how many disciples did ,jesus choose8 #cji4 ,how long did he teach them personally8 #cji4 ,what were the expectations of the disciples relative to ,jesus8 #cji4 ,what effect did his death have upon them8 #cji4 ,what was their expectation after his resurrection1 and why8 #cji4 ,what did ,jesus say to them at the time of his ascension to heaven8 #cji4 ,where did the disciples tarry after ,jesus' ascension8 and how long before they received any manifestation from the ,lord8 #caj4 ,how was ,god's power manifested toward them at ,pentecost8 #caj4 ,how was the acceptance of the merit of ,jesus as the sin-offering manifested to men by ,jehovah8 #caa4 ,may we believe that there was much joy in heaven when ,jesus presented the merit of his sacrifice8 and if so1 why8 #caa4 ,what effect did the understanding of the mystery have upon the disciples8 #caa4 ,what did ,st4 ,paul say about the mystery of ,god8 #cab4 ,what is the meaning of the word saints8 #cab4 ,what does the word ,christ signify8 #cac4 ,what is the meaning of anointing8 #cac4 ,who compose the ,christ8 #cac4 ,who is the head8 and who the body8 #cac4 ,give ,scriptural proof of who constitutes the ,head and the body of ,christ4 #cac4 ,how does ,st4 ,paul use the human body to illustrate the body of ,christ8 #cad4 ,what is meant by the seed of ,abraham8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cae4 ,what is the meaning of the term church8 #cae4 ,who is meant by the elect of ,god8 #caf4 ,give ,scriptural proof that the members of the ,christ are called living stones4 #cag4 ,who is the chief corner-stone in the building of ,god8 #cag4 ,what great building on earth pictures this building of ,god8 #cag4 ,who constitute the royal priesthood8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cah4 ,why are the members of the church called footstep followers of ,jesus8 #cai4 ,what are these followers called upon to do8 #cai4 ,define the term ,christian4 #cai4 ,is every church member a ,christian8 and if not1 why not8 #cai4 ,what promises are given to the ,christian8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cai4 ,what particular reward is promised to the ones who are faithful unto death8 #cai4 ,can everybody understand these great truths8 and if not1 why not8 #cbj4 ,what is essential in order to understand the mystery of ,god8 #cbj4 ,what is meant by the prophet ,joel's statement1 'the ,servants and handmaidens of ,god'8 #cbj4 ,how was the mystery illustrated in the tabernacle furnishings8 #cba4 ,could the priest be seen by the people while ministering in the tabernacle8 #cba4 ,what did this concealing of the priest in the holy illustrate relative to the mystery8 #cba4 ,what is the antitypical atonement day8 #cbb4 ,how often did the atonement day occur with the ,jews8 #cbb4 ,on that day1 who was in the holy and the most holy of the tabernacle8 #cbb4 ,what does this picture in the antitype8 #cbb4 ,why have the followers of ,jesus been despised by the world8 #cbb4 ,what counterfeit of the mystery of ,god has ,satan organized8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cbc4 ,what will be the ultimate end of the mystery of iniquity8 #cbc4 ,is it important to know how one becomes a member of the mystery class8 #cbc4 ,an understanding of the mystery involves what8 #cbd4 ,in what condition have all the human race been born8 #cbe4 ,whom has ,jehovah drawn to ,jesus during the gospel age8 #cbe4 ,what constitutes the beginning of wisdom8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cbe4 ,what is the first essential to one's becoming a ,christian8 #cbe4 ,what constitutes repentance8 #cbe4 ,how is one drawn to ,jesus8 #cbf4 ,when may it be said of one that he is converted8 #cbf4 ,define the difference between repentance and conversion4 #cbf4 ,do repentance and conversion bring one into relationship with ,god8 and if not1 why not8 #cbf4 ,define faith4 #cbf4 ,what is necessary to increase faith8 #cbg4 ,what does ,jesus say to those who are seeking after ,god and who are weary8 #cbg4 ,what is meant by being weary and heavy laden8 #cbg4 ,how can one come to the ,father8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cbh4 ,what does ,jesus say to the truth-seeker concerning the cost8 #cbh4 ,what is the meaning of consecration8 and how may one consecrate himself to the ,lord8 #cbh4 ,is it proper to compel consecration to the ,lord8 #cbi4 ,what does ,jesus say in reference to becoming his follower8 #cbi4 ,define the meaning of self-denial4 #cbi4 ,why is any one justified during the gospel age8 #ccj4 ,in connection with the tabernacle1 when the high priest slew the ,lord's goat1 what did that picture8 #ccj4 ,the fact that the goat must be without blemish foreshadowed what8 #ccj4 ,what is the meaning-of the term justification8 #ccj4 ,when must justification for the purpose of sacrifice take place8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #ccj4 ,what assurance has one that his consecration will be accepted8 #ccj4 ,must the consecration be made before or after the consecrator is presented to ,jehovah8 #ccj4 ,who is the great ,judge of the universe8 and who justifies8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cca4 ,give the steps essential to justification4 #ccb4 ,quote the ,scriptures proving the steps leading to justification--the first1 second1 and third steps1 in the order named4 #ccb4 ,for what purpose does ,god justify any one during the gospel age8 #ccc4 ,what is meant by begetting one as a new creature8 #ccc4 ,what results to the man who is justified by ,jehovah8 #ccc4 ,what does such a one sacrifice8 #ccc4 ,to what does ,jehovah beget this sacrificer8 #ccc4 ,state the nature of this begetting4 #ccc4 ,how many parties must there be to a contract8 and what is the consideration for begetting one as a new creature in ,christ8 #ccc4 ,state the terms of the arrangement between ,honest ,heart1 the one who presents himself to the ,lord1 and ,jehovah1 who justifies and begets him4 #ccd4 ,in this arrangement1 what office does the ,lord ,jesus perform8 #ccd4 ,what is meant by the word advocate8 #ccd4 ,give ,scriptural proof that the begetting is in the nature of a contract1 both from the ,old and the ,new ,testament4 #cce4 ,to what is ,honest ,heart1 or any sacrificer like him1 begotten8 #cce4 ,quote the ,scripture with reference to the nature to which he is begotten4 #cce4 ,should the one thus begotten continue faithful unto death1 what is his certain reward8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cce4 ,one thus begotten is how designated in the ,scriptures8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #ccf4 ,what is the great hope now of the new creature in ,christ8 #ccf4 ,why is it said that he is now dead as a human being8 #ccg4 ,as a new creature1 does he need renewing8 and if so1 how is this done8 #ccg4 ,why does not the world know about the development of the new creature8 #ccg4 ,how is the new creature transformed8 #ccg4 ,what does it mean to be baptized into ,christ8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cch4 ,what is the meaning of water baptism or immersion8 #cch4 ,is there any virtue in water baptism8 #cch4 ,who are the anointed ones in ,christ8 #cci4 ,how did ,aaron the high priest illustrate this8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cci4 ,whom did ,aaron the high priest typify8 #cci4 ,what does anointing mean8 #cci4 ,give ,scriptural proof of how one may know he has been begotten and anointed of the ,lord4 #cdj4 ,what is the meaning of the term sanctification8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cda4 ,when does the process of sanctification begin8 and how long must it continue8 #cda4 ,how is one sanctified8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cdb4 ,what influence has the hope of glory upon his sanctification8 #cdb4 ,why does ,jesus call the members of his body brethren8 #cdb4 ,who is the ,father of both the ,head and the body of the ,christ8 #cdb4 ,in what school does this sanctification take place8 #cdc4 ,can any one outside of the school of ,christ be sanctified8 #cdc4 ,those who are in ,christ and have the spirit of ,christ1 what is the hope set before them8 #cdd4 ,what promises are given to them8 #cdd4 ,quote some of those precious promises as set forth in the ,scriptures4 #cdd4 ,give one of the reasons why ,st4 ,paul was made a minister4 ,quote his words4 #cde4 ,the mystery class is known by what other titles8 and what will be the office of the mystery class1 the ,christ1 in the future8 #cde4 ,how will ,god use this mystery class for the benefit of the people in the future8 #cdf4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,ix ,string #h3 ,our ,lord's ,return ,suppose your dearest friend and benefactor is away on a long journey and you expect him to return1 because when he went away he promised to come again2 suppose that since that time you have been looking1 hoping and praying for his return1 and that you were informed he had arrived4 ,such news would fill your very soul with joy and you could not keep from singing4 #cdh;,a friend is one who loves you all the time2 one who even without your knowing it makes a great sacrifice in order that you might be the recipient of some real good4 ,the greatest friend that you have had1 or any one else has had1 is the ,lord ,jesus1 because he left all of his riches and glory1 became a man1 and laid down his life in ignominious death in order that all men might have one fair and full opportunity for the blessings of life everlasting4--,john #ae3ac4 #cdi,the facts show that nineteen hundred years ago1 ,jesus went away on a long journey1 even into heaven itself2 that when he went away he promised his disciples that he would return and that1 when returning1 those who loved his appearing would receive many precious gifts4 ,if the facts show that this precious friend has returned and we begin to see that all the fond hopes of ,christians are about to be realized and that even the world is soon to be blessed1 what unspeakable joy this brings6 ,those who have watched and waited for his coming necessarily break forth in singing the praises of the ,lord4 ,in this chapter we hope to prove the fact of the ,lord's return1 how he will return1 when1 and for what purpose1 and that he has already come4 #cej;,for centuries ,jews have been hoping1 looking1 and praying for the coming of a ,messiah4 ,for nineteen hundred years ,christians have been hoping1 watching1 and praying1 and waiting for the coming of ,christ ,jesus the ,lord4 ,messiah and ,christ mean the same4 ,the term means ,the ,anointed ,one4 ,the whole world of mankind1 groping in darkness1 laden with grievous burdens1 has been groaning and still groans in pain1 waiting for some relief1 but not knowing how it will come4 7,romans #h3ai1bb7 ,the world in fact is waiting for the ,messiah1 the ,christ1 and his kingdom of righteousness4 ,when the world comes to a knowledge of the fact that the ,lord1 the great deliverer and benefactor of man1 has returned1 every honest soul will be filled with joy and every grateful heart will respond in songs of gladness4 #cea,to the ,christian the ,lord's return is one of the most wonderfully precious strings upon the harp of ,god4 ,it yields music of unsurpassed sweetness4 ,blessed are the eyes of those who see and ears of those who hear and learn that the ,lord has come and is now present4 #ceb,the suffering and groaning of the whole creation daily increases1 and this condition is putting the people in an attitude of mind to take heed to the evidence of the meaning of these present events4 ,the time has come for all to awaken and diligently inquire concerning the presence of the ,king of kings4 ,,fact ,,of ,,his ,,coming #cec,the reasons why we should expect the ,lord's second coming are numerous1 but unless we call these to mind1 even though we once knew them1 we overlook their importance4 ,if we have never known them1 then an examination of these reasons is satisfying to the hungry soul4 ,reason should always be employed in the examination of ,scriptural questions4 ,sound reasoning and the ,scriptures are necessarily in accord4 ,come now1 let us reason together1 saith the ,lord4 7,isaiah #a3ah7 ,as our vision of the divine plan enlarges1 we can see a reason and a ,scripture for every step and every development in the divine arrangement4 #ced,the ,scriptures thus far examined prove conclusively that ,jesus ,christ died and rose from the dead that he might be the redeemer of mankind2 that he ascended on high and presented the value of his human sacrifice in behalf of man1 and that at some time all men must have an opportunity to receive the benefit of his great sacrifice4 7#a ,timothy #b3e1f7 ,if mankind in general is to be benefited by the ,lord's sacrifice after coming to a knowledge of that fact1 then it follows that there must be some relationship established between the world of mankind and the ,lord ,jesus in order that the world might be brought to a knowledge of the arrangement of ,jehovah and brought back into harmony with ,god4 ,if1 as the ,scriptures declare1 ,god formed the earth for man's habitation1 that he made it not in vain1 and that the earth abideth forever2 and if1 according to the promise to ,abraham1 through the seed1 the ,christ1 a blessing shall come to all mankind1 it follows that the ,lord must establish an order of things in the earth that man might enjoy the things which ,god intended for him to have1 and that he must be present to establish such a righteous order on earth4 #cee;,but the student is not left to theory nor conjecture4 ,the ,scriptural evidence is given in such abundance that all doubt is forever removed4 ,god's ,prophet long ago foretold the coming of a mighty one and said that this ,mighty ,one should have a government of righteousness2 that his name shall be called ,wonderful1 ,counsellor1 ,the mighty ,god1 ,the everlasting ,father1 ,the ,prince of ,peace2 of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end4 7,isaiah #i3f1g7 ,an 'everlasting ,father' presumes that there shall be some offspring who will have everlasting life4 ,hence this promise indicated that a government would be established wherein man would be granted the privilege of life everlasting4 #cef;,as we have heretofore observed1 ,jehovah made a covenant with the nation of ,israel1 to the exclusion of all other nations4 ,he gave them a law to shield them from the influences and machinations of the adversary and to lead them to ,christ1 their great ,messiah4 ,the ,jews as a nation did not keep this law1 because they were imperfect2 but some of their rulers were especially wicked4 ,the time came when ,god said concerning ,zedekiah1 the last king of ,israel3 ,and thou1 profane wicked prince of ,israel1 whose day is come1 when iniquity shall have an end1 thus saith the ,lord ,god3 ,remove the diadem1 and take off the crown2 this shall not be the same3 exalt him that is low1 and abase him that is high4 ,i will overturn1 overturn1 overturn1 it3 and it shall be no more1 until he come whose right it is2 and ,i will give it him1--,ezekiel #ba3be-bg4 #ceg;,it follows that at some future time there would come a mighty one who would establish a kingdom of righteousness1 having full authority and right thus to do4 #ceh;,at the overthrow of ,zedekiah ,god permitted the gentiles to establish a universal dominion in the earth4 ,the ,lord through the prophet ,daniel pictured the development of four world empires or kingdoms1 which would exist for a certain period of time1 and which would continue until he should come whose right it is and then he1 the ,righteous ,one1 should take possession of earth's affairs and rule4 ,it is to be expected1 of course1 that the unrighteous governments would hold on to their power in earth as long as possible1 and that they would still be thus doing at the coming of the great ,king1 and that he would oust these earthly kingdoms of unrighteousness and establish a righteous government4 ,thus says the ,lord through the prophet ,daniel3 ,in the days of these kings shall the ,god of heaven set up a kingdom1 which shall never be destroyed3 and the kingdom shall not be left to other people1 but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms1 and it shall stand for ever4 7,daniel #b3dd7 ,it follows1 then1 that this righteous ,king must be present before he breaks to pieces and consumes the other kingdoms4 ,the ,scriptures speak of the righteous kingdom as the kingdom of heaven1 because it is in accord with the heavenly ,father's will and ruled by the invisible power of the great ,messiah4 #cei,the term kingdom is used in a two-fold sense3 7#a7 referring to the king or ruler1 the dominating or controlling factor2 and 7#b7 to the dominion and subjects of that kingdom4 ,almost all the parables of ,jesus were concerning the kingdom of ,god1 or kingdom of heaven4 ,so great is that kingdom in importance in the ,lord's arrangement that ,jesus taught his disciples to pray3 ,thy kingdom come2 thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven4 7,matthew #f3aj7 ,from that time until now ,christians have been praying this prayer and hoping for its fulfillment4 ,the foregoing ,scriptures definitely establish the fact that such a kingdom of righteousness is to be put into operation4 ,who1 then1 will be the king of that great and glorious kingdom8 ,the ,scriptures answer1 ,jesus ,christ the ,son of ,god4--,luke #bb3cj2 ,colossians #a3ac2 #b ,peter #a3aa2 ,matthew #bh3ah4 #cfj,when ,jesus stood before ,pilate accused of sedition because he taught concerning his kingdom coming1 ,pilate asked him3 ,art thou the ,king of the ,jews8 ,and ,jesus answered3 ,my kingdom is not of this world4 7,john #ah3cc1cf7 ,by the word world here is meant a social and political order4 ,the ,scriptures show that from the time of ,zedekiah's overthrow until he whose right it is sets up his kingdom1 the gentiles are in power and that these lie in the wicked one1 ,satan1 who is the god or invisible ruler of this world4 7#b ,corinthians #d3c1d7 ,jesus speaks of him as the prince of this world4 7,john #ab3ca7 ,satan's rule has been unrighteous1 wicked1 and devilish2 and when he comes whose right it is1 he will establish a righteous kingdom in the place or stead of the unrighteous order of ,satan4 ,by these words1 then1 addressed to ,pilate we would understand the ,master to mean that his kingdom from that time is future1 yet definitely showing that in the future time he would have a kingdom4 #cfa;,jesus gave to his disciples a parable designated the parable of the pounds1 in which he pictured himself as a certain nobleman going into a far country to receive a kingdom and to return2 and he shows that this nobleman does return4 ,he said therefore1 ,a certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom1 and to return4 ,and he called his ten servants1 and delivered them ten pounds1 and said unto them1 ,occupy till ,i come4444 ,and it came to pass1 that when he was returned1 having received the kingdom1 then he commanded these servants to be called unto him1 to whom he had given money4 7,luke #ai3ab-ae7 ,a similar picture and lesson is taught by the parable of the talents4 7,matthew #be3ad7 ,as further evidence of his return1 ,jesus said3 ,when the ,son of man shall come in his glory1 and all the holy angels with him1 then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory2 and before him shall be gathered all nations4--,matthew #be3ca1cb4 #cfb;,just a short time before his crucifixion he was teaching his disciples4 ,they understood1 though imperfectly1 that he was to be taken from them4 ,his disciples were troubled at this information4 ,then ,jesus1 speaking plainly to them1 said3 ,let not your heart be troubled3 ye believe in ,god1 believe also in me4 ,in my ,father's house are many mansions3 if it were not so1 ,i would have told you4 ,i go to prepare a place for you4 ,and if ,i go and prepare a place for you1 ,i will come again and receive you unto myself2 that where ,i am1 there ye may be also4 7,john #ad3a-c7 ,this is indisputable proof of his second coming4 #cfc;,after his resurrection he had stated that he would ascend unto ,god the ,father in heaven4 7,john #bj3ag7 ,forty days after his resurrection he was with his disciples on the ,mount of ,olives1 instructing them to go to ,jerusalem and there wait until they should receive the power of the holy spirit1 that they might thereafter be witnesses for him4 ,and when he had spoken these things1 while they beheld1 he was taken up2 and a cloud received him out of their sight4 ,and while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up1 behold1 two men stood by them in white apparel2 which also said1 ,ye men of ,galilee1 why stand ye gazing up into heaven8 ,this same ,jesus1 which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven4 7,acts #a3i-aa7 ,without a doubt these men who here stood by the disciples in white apparel were angels or messengers sent of the ,lord thus to witness to them1 which angels doubtless materialized in human form for that very purpose and afterward dematerialized and disappeared4 ,this additional testimony was given1 however1 that the faith of the disciples might be complete that the ,lord would come again4 #cfd,this fact was so definitely established in the minds of the apostles that they often spoke and wrote of the second coming of the ,lord4 ,in fact1 it is the great event to which they and all other true followers of the ,master have looked forward4 7#a ,corinthians #a3g2 #ae3bc2 #a ,thessalonians #b3ai2 #b ,thessalonians #b3h2 ,james #e3g1h2 #b ,peter #a3af2 ,acts #c3ai-ba2 ,philippians #c3bj7 ,of his coming again and the blessings his presence will bring to those that love him further testimony was given by the apostle ,paul when he wrote to ,timothy3 ,i am now ready to be offered1 and the time of my departure is at hand4 ,i have fought the good fight1 ,i have finished my course1 ,i have kept the faith3 henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness1 which the ,lord1 the righteous judge1 shall give me at that day3 and not to me only1 but unto all them also that love his appearing4--#b ,timothy #d3f-h4 #cfe,the book of ,revelation in our ,bible is the revelation of ,jesus ,christ which he gave after his glorification4 ,he concludes this revelation by stating to ,st4 ,john3 ,he which testifieth these things saith1 ,surely ,i come quickly2 to which ,st4 ,john replies1 ,even so1 come1 ,lord ,jesus4--,revelation #bb3bj4 #cff,that the ,lord is to have a kingdom of righteousness1 that ,jesus ,christ is to be the great ,king of that kingdom1 and that he is coming a second time for the purpose of thus reigning1 is so abundantly established by the ,scriptures that all possible doubt is removed4 ,an important question1 therefore1 for us to determine is ,,how ,,he ,,comes #cfg,we must make up our minds at once that the ,bible testimony concerning the manner of our ,lord's coming is to be taken as conclusive4 ,a careful examination of this will disclose the fact that the ,bible does establish definitely and reasonably the manner of his appearing4 ,many have supposed and yet suppose that the ,lord will come again in his body of humiliation1 the very body in which he was crucified and which has the marks upon it1 and that such is to be visible to human eyes4 ,the words of ,jesus disprove this conclusion4 ,when instructing his disciples just before his crucifixion1 ,jesus said3 ,yet a little while1 and the world seeth me no more2 but ye see me3 because ,i live1 ye shall live also4 7,john #ad3ai7 ,thus he establishes the fact that his faithful disciples will see him as he is1 but that the world will see him no more4 ,and why is this true8 ,we answer1 ,because ,jesus was raised from the dead not a human but a spirit being1 with divine nature or organism4 ,the nature is determined by the organism or body4 ,he now has a glorious body1 which no man hath seen nor can look upon and live4 7#a ,timothy #f3ae1af7 ,we have heretofore examined the ,scriptural evidence showing that no one of the different organisms or bodies in which ,jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection was his glorious body1 but that such bodies were created by him for the purpose at the time4 #cfh;,he was put to death a human being4 ,he was raised from the dead a spirit4 7#a ,peter #c3ah2 #a ,corinthians #ae3de7 ,st4 ,john definitely shows that the body in which ,jesus will appear is not his human body because he says3 ,it doth not yet appear what we shall be1 but 444 we shall be like him4 7#a ,john #c3b7 ,jesus is no longer human1 but divine2 therefore we could not expect human eyes to see him4 ,he is now the express image of ,jehovah4 7,hebrews #a3c7 ,because he is no longer human and has not a body of flesh1 but a spirit body1 the apostle ,paul under inspiration wrote3 ,though we have known ,christ after the flesh1 yet now henceforth know we him no more4--#b ,corinthians #e3af4 #cfi;,after his resurrection ,jesus was exalted and given a name above every name 7,philippians #b3i7 and sat down at the right hand of the ,father in glory and in power4 7,revelation #c3ba7 ,of him the apostle ,paul writes3 ,now the ,lord is that spirit4 7#b ,corinthians #c3ag7 ,jesus explained to ,nicodemus concerning a spirit1 saying1 ,except a man be born of water and of the spirit1 he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god4 ,that which is born of the flesh is flesh2 and that which is born of the spirit is spirit4444 ,the wind bloweth where it listeth1 and thou hearest the sound thereof1 but canst not tell whence it cometh1 and whither it goeth3 so is every one that is born of the spirit4--,john #c3d-h4 #cgj,seeing1 then1 that ,jesus ,christ is a glorious spirit being with a divine organism1 and that as the wind cannot be seen1 but comes and goes1 so a spirit can thus come and go without being discerned by human eyes1 could not our ,lord be present and yet not observable by any natural eyes8 ,that is exactly according to the facts4 ,satan is a spirit being4 ,for many centuries ,satan has been the god or invisible ruler of the present evil world 7#b ,corinthians #d3c1d72 yet no human eyes have seen ,satan1 although men have felt his influence and still feel it4 ,satan is not only the god of this world1 but he is the chief one of his wicked1 invisible heaven2 that is to say1 the invisible ruling order of things composed of ,satan and the other fallen angels who exercise power over human beings4 ,the apostle ,peter said3 ,we1 according to his promise1 look for new heavens and a new earth1 wherein dwelleth righteousness4 7#b ,peter #c3ac2 ,revelation #ba3a-e7 ,the coming kingdom of the ,lord is the new heavenly kingdom4 ,this new ruling power1 the ,messiah1 is invisible1 and will be invisible to human eyes1 but will establish in the earth visible agencies and representatives1 namely1 a new social and political order of things4 ,we should not1 therefore1 expect the ,lord's second coming to be in a body visible to human eyes1 but should expect that he would be present1 exercising his power in his own sovereign way4 #cga;,in many places in our ,bible referring to the second coming of the ,lord the word translated into the ,english as coming is properly translated presence4 ,the proper meaning is distinguished by the ,greek word used1 from which the ,english is translated4 ,the ,greek word parousia 7pronounced par-oo-se-ah7 means presence1 and refers to the invisible presence of the ,lord and is used in the following ,scriptural texts4 ,we here quote the texts as they appear in the ,king ,james ,version1 putting in brackets the proper word immediately following the word coming4 #cgb,what shall be the sign of thy coming presence8--,matthew #bd3c4 #cgc;,as the days of ,noah were1 so shall also the coming presence of the ,son of man be4--,matthew #bd3cg1ci4 #cgd,they that are ,christ's at his coming presence4--#a ,corinthians #ae3bc4 #cge;,are not even ye in the presence of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ at his coming presence8--#a ,thessalonians #b3ai4 #cgf,to the end that he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before ,god1 even our ,father1 at the coming presence of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4--#a ,thessalonians #c3ac4 #cgg,we which are alive and remain unto the coming presence of the ,lord shall not prevent them which are asleep4--#a ,thessalonians #d3ae4 #cgh;,i pray ,god your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming presence of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 --#a ,thessalonians #e3bc4 #cgi,now we beseech you1 brethren1 by the coming presence of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4--#b ,thessalonians #b3a4 #chj;,be patient therefore1 brethren1 unto the coming presence of the ,lord4--,james #e3g4 #cha;,for the coming presence of the ,lord draweth nigh4--,james #e3h4 #chb,where is the promise of his coming presence8--#b ,peter #c3d4 #chc,when ,jesus was taken up into heaven1 the angels standing by the disciples said to them3 ,he shall come in like manner4 ,the manner of his going or being taken away was quiet1 without observation1 except by a few4 ,in a similar manner we should expect his return4 ,those watching for his coming necessarily would be the first to observe his presence4 ,this is in exact harmony with the thought expressed by the apostle ,paul when he wrote3 ,for yourselves know perfectly that the day of the ,lord so cometh as a thief in the night1 7#a ,thessalonians #e3b7 ,the same thought the apostle ,peter expressed3 ,the day of the ,lord will come as a thief in the night4 7#b ,peter #c3aj7 ,and of ,his coming ,jesus said3 ,behold1 ,i come as a thief1 ,if therefore thou shalt not watch1 ,i will come on thee as a thief1 and thou shalt not know what hour ,i will come upon thee4 7,revelation #af3ae2 #c3c2 ,matthew #bd3dc7 ,a thief comes usually in the night time when all are asleep1 and none see him except those who are watching or those who may be awakened by his presence4 ,even so the ,lord comes in the night time of the close of the gospel age1 just before the dawn of the new day2 and none discern his presence except those who watch and who have the eye of faith4 #chd,the ,lord spoke in symbolic phrase1 and speaking concerning the manner of his appearing he said3 ,behold1 ,i have told you before4 ,wherefore if they shall say unto you1 ,behold1 he is in the desert2 go not forth3 behold1 he is in the secret chambers2 believe it not4 7,matthew #bd3be1bf7 ,here he is warning and safeguarding against the error of believing that he will appear in the desert or that he will appear in some secret chamber2 as spiritists claim they have come in contact with him4 ,then he says3 ,for as the lightning cometh out of the east2 and shineth even unto the west2 so shall also the presence of the ,son of man be4 7,matthew #bd3bg7 ,the word lightning here is translated from the ,greek word astrapee and means bright shining1 or bright shiner4 ,we know that lightning does not come out of the east and shine even unto the west1 because flashes of lightning come from all directions1 and more often from the west than from the east4 ,the bright shining or bright shiner here really means the sun4 ,the sun begins to shed forth its light in the east before it is fully up2 and when it comes over the eastern horizon it shines everywhere from the east to the west4 ,just so the presence of the ,lord4 ,he quietly appears and his presence begins to shed light in all parts of the earth4 #che,the ,prophet of the ,lord also used the sun to illustrate the ,lord ,jesus1 saying3 ,the ,sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings4 7,malachi #d3b7 ,again ,jesus likened his faithful followers unto the sun when he said3 ,then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their ,father4--,matthew #ac3dc4 #chf;,in examining the evidence1 then1 with reference to the ,lord's second appearing1 if we will keep always in mind that his appearance is not and will not be visible to human eyes1 but that it will be gradually discernible in the physical facts which will occur in fulfillment of prophecy1 we shall be better enabled to understand the various ,scriptural texts bearing upon the subject4 ,,time ,,of ,,his ,,coming #chg,the time of the ,lord's second appearing is of great importance to all1 and ,christians1 since the days of the apostles1 have been watching for some evidence of his presence and asking the question1 ,when will the ,lord appear8 ,while those who love the ,lord discuss the important question1 some have answered saying1 ',the ,lord is liable to come any moment4 ,he may come tonight1' ,these expect the ,lord's appearing in a visible body4 ,others who have no real desire for his coming1 because it would interfere with their selfish plans1 say3 ',he will not come in my time2 he will not come for fifty-thousand years or more2 hence there is no reason for our concerning ourselves about his coming'4 ,still others who fear his coming and who do not desire to see him say3 ',no one can possibly know the time4 ,why1 therefore1 should one spend his time in discussing the question8' #chh,the last-named class1 in support of their contention1 cite the words of ,jesus when he said3 ,but of that day and hour knoweth no man1 no1 not the angels of heaven1 but my ,father only4 7,matthew #bd3cf7 ,it is assumed because he used these words that no one would ever know except ,jehovah4 ,we should remember that ,jesus spoke those words while he was yet a man on the earth4 ,he had not been glorified then4 ,he did not say that no one would ever know of the hour or the day of his coming4 ,if we conclude from these words that no man would ever know1 we might as well conclude that ,jesus would never know1 because he said at that time that only the ,father knew4 ,paraphrasing his words we note he said this3 ',the day of my coming no one now knows except my ,father4 ,neither man nor angel knows anything about it2 nor do ,i even know1' ,at the same time1 his words implied that conditions would change1 so that others would know1 because he said3 ,watch therefore3 for ye know not the hour your ,lord doth come4 7,matthew #bd3db7 ,why watch unless they would know when the time would arrive8 ,when ,jesus arose from the dead he said3 ,all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth4 7,matthew #bh3ah7 ,he must have known then the time of his coming1 because now as the creature divine everything was committed into his hands for the outworking of ,god's plan4 ,at the time of his appearing surely the angels of heaven would know about it2 and the day must come when the watchers would know4 #chi;,his last message to the disciples just before his ascension on high clearly indicated a time coming when the watchers would know4 ,he said unto them3 ,it is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the ,father hath put in his own power4 ,but ye shall receive power1 after that the holy spirit is come upon you4 7,acts #a3g1h7 ,those who are begotten of the holy spirit have the promise that the ,lord will reveal to them his great truths when due to be understood4 7#a ,corinthians #b3i1aj7 ,these are they that walk in the light1 and for them the light shines with increasing brilliancy unto the perfect day4 ,in harmony with this1 ,st4 ,paul wrote3 ,of the times and the seasons1 brethren1 ye have no need that ,i write unto you4 ,for yourselves know perfectly that the day of the ,lord so cometh as a thief in the night4 ,for when they shall say1 ,peace and safety2 then sudden destruction cometh upon them1 as travail upon a woman with child2 and they shall not escape4 ,but ye1 brethren1 are not in darkness1 that that day should overtake you as a thief4 7#a ,thessalonians #e3a-d7 ,plainly the ,apostle here tells the followers of ,jesus that if they are watching the things which the ,lord told them to watch1 the day of the ,lord will not come upon them unawares1 but they will mark the fulfillment of prophecy1 and in the light of its fulfillment they will discern the time of the presence of the great ,king4 ,furthermore he says to them3 ,ye are all the children of light1 and the children of the day2 we are not of the night1 nor of darkness4 ,therefore let us not sleep1 as do others2 but let us watch and be sober4--#a ,thes4 #e3e1f4 #cij,we shall find that ,jesus gave much evidence which enables the watcher to determine the ,lord's presence4 ,jesus spoke in prophetic language4 ,prophecy means a foretelling of future events before they take place2 and when they are taking place the watcher can ascertain that they are thus fulfilling the prophetic words previously spoken4 #cia;,jesus gave us the positive evidence as to when to expect him4 ,he gave a parable of the wheat and the tares1 saying1 ,the kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field3 ,but while men slept1 his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat1 and went his way4 ,but when the blade was sprung up1 and brought forth fruit1 then appeared the tares also4 ,so the servants of the householder came and said unto him1 ,sir1 didst not thou sow good seed in thy field8 from whence then hath it tares8 ,he said unto them1 ,an enemy hath done this4 ,the servants said unto him1 ,wilt thou then that we go and gather them up8 ,but he said1 ,nay2 lest while ye gather up the tares1 ye root up the wheat with them4 ,let both grow together until the harvest3 and in the time of harvest ,i will say to the reapers1 ,gather ye together first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them2 but gather the wheat into my barn4--,matthew #ac3bd-cj4 #cib;,interpreting his own parable1 ,jesus said that he was the man who had gown the good seed2 that the field is the world2 and that the good seed are the children of the kingdom1 and that the tares are the children of the wicked one2 that the enemy who sowed them is the devil2 and that the harvest is the end of the world4--,matthew #ac3cg-ci4 #cic;,from this statement of the ,master it is clearly shown that at the end of the age or world there must be a harvest2 that ,jesus ,christ must be present as the ,master of that harvest1 and that the harvest will consist of gathering together the true followers of ,christ in one body and of binding together the counterfeit or tare class for destruction4 ,stated in other phrase1 there will be a gathering of the true vine class1 true ,christians1 and the harvesting of the vine of the earth2 namely1 the nominal ,babylonish systems of the world4 ,since the ,master himself stated that he would come at this time to receive his own1 the truly consecrated ,christians1 to himself1 and that he1 as the ,master of the harvest1 would direct what should be done1 it follows that he must be present before the beginning of the harvest and during the time of the harvest4 ,it would also follow that he would be present before the end of the world or age4 #cid;,jehovah caused the prophet ,daniel to write the salient features of events that would come to pass during the rule of the world powers that would be in existence from the time of the empire of ,persia until the time of the end4 ,that which ,daniel wrote was prophecy2 that is to say1 guided by the divine power1 he recorded long in advance the happenings of certain events1 which of itself shows that this prophecy could not be understood until the events had transpired4 ,daniel wrote concerning these events1 but did not understand them4 ,they are set forth in his prophetic utterances recorded in the book of ,daniel1 chapters #g to #ab1 inclusive4 ,daniel himself said3 ,i heard1 but ,i understood not3 then said ,i1 ,o my ,lord1 what shall be the end of these things8 ,and he said1 ,go thy way1 ,daniel2 for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end4 ,many shall be purified1 and made white1 and tried2 but the wicked shall do wickedly3 and none of the wicked shall understand2 but the wise shall understand4 7,daniel #ab3h-aj7 ,the ,lord had caused ,daniel to record specifically what would happen when the time of the end should begin4 ,the time of the end means a specific period at the end of gentile dominion4 ,and at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him2 and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind1 with chariots1 and with horsemen1 and with many ships2 and he shall enter into the countries1 and shall overflow and pass over4 ,he shall enter also into the glorious land1 and many countries shall be overthrown4--,daniel #aa3dj1da4 #cie,the fulfillment of this prophecy fixes the beginning of the time of the end1 because the prophecy definitely so states4 ,the campaign of the great warrior ,napoleon ,bonaparte is clearly a fulfillment of this prophecy1 as reference to the historical facts concerning his campaign plainly show4 ,the king of the south mentioned in the prophecy refers to ,egypt2 the king of the north means ,great ,britain1 which was then an integral part of the ,roman empire4 ,napoleon was in ,egypt fighting the ,egyptian armies1 which were led by ,murat ,bey1 and which he defeated4 ,his victory not only struck terror to the ,egyptians1 but far into ,africa and ,asia1 and all the surrounding tribes submitted to the great conqueror4 ,while he was doing this1 the ,british in the north1 under the leadership of ,lord ,nelson1 were making an effective attack upon ,napoleon's forces at sea4 ,napoleon began this ,egyptian campaign in #agih1 finished it and returned to ,france on ,october #a1 #agii4 ,the campaign is briefly1 yet graphically1 described in the prophecy1 verses #dj to #dd2 and being completed in #agii1 marks1 according to the ,prophet's own words1 the beginning of the time of the end4 #cif;,from the time of the overthrow of ,zedekiah 7#fjf ,b4,c47 and the establishment of the gentile universal empire under ,nebuchadnezzar1 the organizations of the world powers or governments have been designated in the ,scriptures by ,god's ,prophet as beasts4 ,the prophet ,daniel 7#g3g1h7 describes a fourth beast1 dreadful and terrible4 ,this terrible beast was a form of government composed of three elements or component parts1 namely1 professional politicians1 great financiers1 and ecclesiastical leaders4 ,this ,satanic organization became dreadful and terrible from the time that these three forces were united4 ,of this unholy trinity1 we see the ,papacy1 the ecclesiastical element1 in the saddle1 riding and directing everything4 ,the date of its beginning was at the overthrow of the ,ostrogothic monarchy1 which occurred in ,a4,d4 #eci4 #cig,the prophet ,daniel was given a vision of the events following1 yet he did not understand them2 and he says3 ,i looked1 and1 behold1 there stood other two1 the one on this side of the bank of the river1 and the other on that side of the bank of the river4 ,and one said to the man clothed in linen1 which was upon the waters of the river1 ,how long shall it be to the end of these wonders8 ,and ,i heard the man clothed in linen1 which was upon the waters of the river1 when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven1 and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time1 times1 and an half4 7,daniel #ab3e-g7 ,in ,biblical symbology a time means a year of twelve months of thirty days each1 or #cfj days4 ,each day is considered for a year1 as the ,prophet says3 ,i have appointed thee each day for a year4 7,ezekiel #d3f7 ,here are mentioned1 then1 three and a half times of #cfj prophetic days each1 or a total of #abfj prophetic days1 equal to #abfj years4 ,the ,prophet then was shown that the #abfj years would mark the beginning of the time of the end of this beastly order4 ,twelve-hundred sixty years from ,a4,d4 #eci brings us to #agii--;another proof that #agii definitely marks the beginning of the time of the end4 ,this also shows that it is from the date #eci ,a4,d4 that the other prophetic days of ,daniel must be counted4 #cih,the most important thing to which all the prophecies point and for which the apostles looked forward has been the second coming of the ,lord4 ,it is described by the ,prophet as a blessed time4 ,daniel then says3 ,blessed is he that waiteth1 and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty #acce days4 7,daniel #ab3ab7 ,the watchers here1 without question1 are those who were instructed by the ,lord to watch for his return4 ,this date1 therefore1 when understood1 would certainly fix the time when the ,lord is due at his second appearing4 ,applying the same rule1 then1 of a day for a year1 #acce days after #eci ,a4,d4 brings us to ,a4,d4 #ahgd1 at which time1 according to ,biblical chronology1 the ,lord's second presence is due4 ,if this calculation is correct1 from that time forward we ought to be able to find some evidences marking the ,lord's presence4 #cii;,it ,is not the purpose of this writing to enter into a detailed statement of ,biblical chronology4 ,the searcher for truth can find an extensive treatment of this question in ,volumes #b and #c of ,,studies ,,in ,,the ,,scriptures4 ,the purpose here is to call attention to certain important dates and then see how much1 if any1 prophecy has been fulfilled within these dates4 ,chronology1 to some extent at least1 depends upon accurate calculations and there is always some possibility of mistakes4 ,fulfilled prophecy is the record of physical facts which are actually existent and definitely fixed4 ,physical facts do not stultify themselves4 ,they stand as silent witnesses whose testimony must be taken as indisputable4 #djj,there are two important dates here that we must not confuse1 but clearly differentiate1 namely1 the beginning of the time of the end and of the presence of the ,lord4 ,the time of the end embraces a period from ,a4,d4 #agii1 as above indicated1 to the time of the complete overthrow of ,satan's empire and the establishment of the kingdom of the ,messiah4 ,the time of the ,lord's second presence dates from #ahgd1 as above stated4 ,the latter period is within the first named1 of course1 and at the latter part of the period known as the time of the end4 #dja,the understanding of the prophecies with reference to the time of the end and the ,lord's presence was purposely concealed by ,jehovah until the due time4 ,daniel desired to know what would be the end of these things1 but ,god said to him3 ,but thou1 ,o ,daniel1 shut up the words1 and seal the book1 even to the time of the end4 7,daniel #ab3d7 ,it is reasonable to expect that ,jehovah would indicate something by which the time of the end could be discerned when it arrived4 ,he did not say to ,daniel to look for some words emblazoned across the sky that the end had come1 but told him to look for such evidences as could be seen and understood by men familiar with the prophecies1 and who in the light of the prophecies should be watching for their fulfillment4 ,he did not expect ,daniel to understand it in his day1 because he said3 ,go thy way1 ,daniel3 for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end4--,daniel #ab3i4 #djb,when that time should arrive1 what was to be expected8 ,jehovah answers3 ,many shall run to and fro1 and knowledge shall be increased4 7,daniel #ab3d7 ,from and shortly after #agii1 the date of the beginning of the time of the end1 we should expect to find an increase of knowledge1 particularly with reference to the ,bible4 ,prior to that time the people had been kept in ignorance of the ,bible4 ,it was the practice of the ,papacy to forbid any one aside from the clergy class to have access to the ,bible2 in fact1 it was made a crime under the ,roman law1 subjecting the offender to heavy penalties for having in possession a copy of the ,bible4 ,in #agii the beastly power of ,rome1 predominated by the ,papal system1 received a deadly wound4 ,the people had been taught to believe in the divine right of kings to rule and the divine right of the clergy to dominate the conscience of the people4 ,when ,napoleon took the ,pope a prisoner and carried him away to ,france1 and when later he refused to permit the ,pope to crown him as king1 but put the crown on himself and treated the ,papal claimed authority with contempt1 this began to open the eyes of the peoples of earth1 kings as well as people1 to the fact that ,papacy did not possess the divine right it claimed4 #djc;,a short time thereafter the first ,bible societies that ever existed were organized4 ,the ,british and ,foreign ,bible ,society was established in #ahjc2 the ,new ,york ,bible ,society in #ahjd2 the ,berlin-,prussian ,bible ,society in #ahje2 the ,philadelphia ,bible ,society in #ahjh2 and the ,american ,bible ,society in #ahag4 ,the ,bible was translated and published in many different languages and sold at such low prices that the poor could have access to it1 and within a short time millions of ,bibles were in the hands of the people4 ,the ,papal system denounced these ,bible societies as pestiferous ,bible societies4 ,the time had come1 however1 for an increase of knowledge and the ,lord was fulfilling his promise by putting it within the reach of those who were hungry for truth4 ,the people began to learn that ,god is no respecter of persons2 that kings and popes1 priests and the common people alike must all render their account to the ,lord and not to man4 #djd;,from that time forward there has been a great corresponding increase of knowledge in all the sciences2 and in fact1 in all lines of learning4 ,the common school1 always opposed by the ,papacy1 has afforded a means of general education and increase of knowledge for people in all walks of life4 ,colleges and universities have sprung up throughout the world4 ,with the increase of knowledge on various lines have come the numerous inventions that man now has1 time-and labor-saving machines1 etc4 #dje;,before #agii the means of transportation were such that a man could travel only a short distance in a day4 ,he must go either by a vehicle drawn by horses or oxen1 or afoot2 and when he would cross the sea he must go in a sailboat that made little progress4 ,in #ahca the first locomotive steam engine was invented4 ,such wonderful progress has been made in this regard that now one can travel through almost any part of the earth at a rapid rate upon a railway train4 ,later came the electric engines and electric motor cars and gas engines2 and now there is a tremendous amount of travel in every part of the earth4 ,it is no uncommon thing for one to travel at the rate of #ge and #ajj miles per hour2 and particularly is this true by means of a flying machine1 which is a very modern invention4 #djf;,god's ,prophet designates this same time as the day of ,god's preparation4 ,in ,nahum #b3a-f the ,prophet records his vision of a railway train traveling at a high rate of speed1 as another evidence of the day of preparation for the establishment of ,christ's kingdom4 #djg;,in #ahdd the telegraph was invented1 and later the telephone4 ,these instruments were first used with wires and by electricity messages were conveyed throughout the earth2 but now by later invention wires are dispensed with and messages are flashed through the air by the use of instruments all over the earth4 #djh,this great increase of knowledge and the tremendous running to and fro of the people in various parts of the earth without question is a fulfillment of the prophecy testifying as to the time of the end4 ,these physical facts cannot be disputed and are sufficient to convince any reasonable mind that we have been in the time of the end since #agii4 #dji,the latter part of the time of the end ,jesus designates as a time of harvest1 because he says3 ,the harvest is the end of the world age4 ,he stated that he would be present at that time4 ,from #ahgd forward is the latter part of the period of the time of the end4 ,from #ahgd is the time of the ,lord's second presence1 as above stated4 ,the apostle ,paul enumerating many things done concerning ,israel states that they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world age are come4 7#a ,corinthians #aj3aa7 ,it must be presumed1 then1 that these things would be understood at the time of the end4 #daj,the ,lord's illustration of the sun rising in the east and shining across to the west1 which would occur at the time of his presence1 is further proof of the increased light at the time of his presence2 and true to prophecy1 this has taken place4 ,the laboring classes have always been down-trodden and kept in subjection to the financial1 ecclesiastical1 and political princes4 ,it was in the year #ahgd1 the date of our ,lord's second presence1 that the first labor organization was created in the world4 ,from that time forward there has been a marvelous increase of light and the inventions and discoveries have been too numerous for us to mention all of them here1 but mention is made of some of those that have come to light since #ahgd1 as further evidence of the ,lord's presence since that date1 as follows3 ,adding machines1 aeroplanes1 aluminum1 antiseptic surgery1 artificial dyes1 automatic couplers1 automobiles1 barbed wire1 bicycles1 carborundum1 cash registers1 celluloid1 correspondence schools1 cream separators1 ,darkest ,africa1 disk ploughs1 ,divine ,plan of the ,ages1 dynamite1 electric railways1 electric welding1 escalators1 fireless cookers1 gas engines1 harvesting machines1 illuminating gas1 induction motors1 linotypes1 match machines1 monotypes1 motion pictures1 ,north ,pole1 ,panama ,canal1 ,pasteurization1 railway signals1 ,roentgen rays1 shoe sewing machines1 smokeless powder1 ,south ,pole1 submarines1 radium1 sky scrapers1 subways1 talking machines1 telephones1 typewriters1 vacuum cleaners1 and wireless telegraphy4 ,,the ,,harvest #daa,the ,scriptures disclose a complete parallel concerning the ,jewish and gospel ages4 ,the parallel exists with reference to time as well as events4 ,the ,jewish age ended with a harvest1 which harvest began with the ascension of our ,lord in the year ,a4,d4 #cc4 ,by the term harvest here used is meant the gathering of the remnant of the ,jews to ,christ4 ,jesus' statement plainly is that the gospel age will end with a harvest1 during which time he would be present1 directing the work of that harvest4 ,in the earth three and a half years from the time of his consecration and baptism1 ,jesus was preparing the ,jews for the harvest of that age4 ,we should expect to find a parallel of this with reference to the harvest of the gospel age1 and we do find it4 ,counting three and a half years from #ahgd1 the time of his presence1 brings us to #ahgh4 ,during the presence of the ,lord from #ahgd to #ahgh he was making preparation for the harvest of the gospel age4 ,the ,jewish harvest covered a period of forty years1 ending in ,a4,d4 #gc4 ,we should expect1 then1 the general harvest of the gospel age to end in #aiah4 #dab,the natural harvest was used by the ,lord to illustrate his harvest of ,christians4 ,in the ,jewish natural harvest it was customary to glean the field after the regular harvest was over4 ,we should therefore expect to find a harvest period from #ahgh to #aiah1 and thereafter for a time a gleaning work going on1 in which a few ,christians would be gathered in1 as well as another part of the harvest work to be done1 which we will indicate4 ,the question now is1 ,do we find a period of harvest in the gospel age after #ahgd which serves as a fulfillment of the prophecy of the ,lord8 #dac;,in addition to his words cited in ,matthew #ac3bd-cj1 and in answer to the specific question with reference to his presence1 ,jesus said3 ,and he the ,lord shall send his angels messengers with a great sound of a trumpet1 and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds1 from one end of heaven to the other4 7,matthew #bd3ca7 ,the following facts bear unmistakable testimony of the great harvest period of the gospel age in fulfillment of prophetic utterances1 which fulfillment is one of the strongest proofs of the ,lord's presence4 #dad;,in this text the words sound of a are not contained in the oldest manuscripts and should be omitted4 ,the text is written1 as will be observed1 in symbolic language4 #dae,under the terms of the law covenant the ,jews were required to keep the fiftieth year as a jubilee1 and the jubilee year was announced by the blowing of a trumpet4 ,in the text here under consideration the trumpet symbolizes the message announcing the presence of the ,lord1 proclaiming the fact that the harvest is due1 that the time has come when the saints should be gathered together1 because the kingdom of ,messiah is at hand4 #daf;,angels in this text means messengers or servants who make announcement of the presence of the ,lord and the incoming of the kingdom4 ,such messengers are the truly consecrated ,christians who make the announcements to other ,christians and to all who have a hearing ear4 ,it would be reasonable to expect the ,lord to have some special messenger1 as distinguished from others or general messengers in announcing his presence and the time of the harvest4 ,and such is the case4 ,jesus said that an office had been provided for such a special messenger and that at the time of his second appearing he would appoint some one to that office and give him the responsibility of dispensing meat to the household of faith in due season4 ,the ,christian's meat in due season is a proper explanation of the ,scriptures as they become due to be understood4 ,we mark a wonderful fulfillment of this statement of the ,lord as further corroborative proof of the ,lord's second presence from #ahgd forward4 ,he had said1 in answer to the question relative to his second presence3 ,who then is a faithful and wise servant1 whom his lord hath made ruler over his household1 to give them meat in due season8 ,blessed is that servant1 whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 ,that he shall make him ruler over all his goods4--,matthew #bd3de-dg4 #dag;,about #ahgj ,charles ,taze ,russell1 of ,allegheny1 ,pennsylvania1 then a truly consecrated ,christian and a careful student of ,god's ,word1 learned from the ,scriptures that ,god has a great and harmonious plan for the salvation and blessing of mankind4 ,like other earnest watchers1 he was watching for the evidences of the ,lord's coming4 ,about #ahge1 while carefully and prayerfully studying the ,scriptures1 he became convinced of the ,lord's second presence1 resulting in his writing and publishing a booklet entitled1 ,the ,object and ,manner of ,our ,lord's ,return1 which had a phenomenal circulation amongst the ,christian people of the world4 ,in #ahgi he began the publication of a journal1 ,the ,watch ,tower and ,herald of ,christ's ,presence1 which has since been issued regularly twice each month4 ,this is the first and only publication that for more than forty years has announced the second presence of the ,lord4 ,this journal is devoted exclusively to discussion of ,scriptural questions1 being the means of carrying the food to the household of faith in due season4 #dah,then followed the great work of gathering together the true followers of ,christ ,jesus1 regardless of denomination1 sect1 kindred1 or tongue4 ,charles ,taze ,russell1 who afterwards became better known as ,pastor ,russell1 was the greatest preacher of modern times4 ,he was elected pastor of upwards of #a1bjj congregations at one time4 ,he traveled all over the earth proclaiming the message of the divine plan of the ages1 particularly calling attention of ,christians to the presence of the ,lord4 ,between the years #ahha and #aijd he wrote and published in six volumes the ,,studies ,,in ,,the ,,scriptures giving a full and detailed explanation of the various features of the divine plan4 ,these books were translated into about thirty languages and their combined circulation exceeded #aa1jjj1jjj copies4 ,in #aiag the seventh volume of the series of ,,studies ,,in ,,the ,,scriptures was published1 known as ,the ,finished ,mystery1 which has had a very wide circulation4 ,these books are the first clear explanation of the divine plan ever published4 ,in addition to the above1 he published and widely circulated various booklets1 ,what ,say the ,scriptures ,about ,hell8 ,spiritism1 ,the ,bible ,versus ,evolution1 ,tabernacle ,shadows1 and many other tracts1 pamphlets1 etc4 ,he was the author of the ,photo-,drama of ,creation1 as well as the scenario used for this drama1 which gives an outline of the divine plan from the creation to the times of restitution4 ,he organized and conducted a lecture bureau which employed a large force of ,bible lecturers who traveled and who yet travel throughout the world1 proclaiming the message of the divine plan4 ,for a period of time his sermons were published weekly in more than #b1jjj newspapers1 with a combined circulation of #ae1jjj1jjj readers2 and in all about #d1jjj different newspapers published his sermons4 ,some idea of the scope of his work can be understood from the words written in ,the ,continent1 a publication not friendly to him3 #dai;,his writings are said to have a greater newspaper circulation every week than those of any other living man2 greater1 doubtless1 than the combined circulation of the writings of all the priests and preachers in ,north ,america2 greater even than the work of ,arthur ,brisbane1 ,norman ,hapgood1 ,george ,horace ,lorimer1 ,dr4 ,frank ,crane1 ,frederick ,haskins1 and a dozen other of the best known editors and syndicate writers put together4 #dbj,without a doubt ,pastor ,russell filled the office for which the ,lord provided and about which he spoke1 and was therefore that wise and faithful servant1 ministering to the household of faith meat in due season4 ,pastor ,russell finished his earthly course in #aiaf4 #dba;,in #ahhd he caused to be incorporated the ,watch ,tower ,bible and ,tract ,society1 intended by him to continue the work of the harvest after his earthly career was finished1 and which is yet carrying it on4 #dbb,this great work of gathering together ,christian people can be designated in no other way than as a harvest1 and fully meets that which was foretold by the ,lord ,jesus4 ,this work1 which has covered a period of about forty-five years1 has never had for its purpose the forming of any arrangement by which ,christians join anything4 ,its purpose and work has been and is to enlighten men and women concerning the great divine plan1 and by this means of proclaiming the message of truth has gathered together ,catholics and ,protestants1 ,christians from all denominations in all parts of the earth4 ,these ,christians are not the followers of ,pastor ,russell1 but are followers of the ,lord and rejoice to feed upon the food that the ,lord has provided for them through his wise and faithful servant4 #dbc;,furthermore1 ,jesus said with reference to his second presence3 ,for wheresoever the carcass is1 there will the eagles be gathered together4 7,matthew #bd3bh7 ,and so it is4 ,the carcass here refers to the spiritual food provided for the household of faith4 ,the eagles are those of keen vision and sharp appetite1 anxious to know of the ,lord's ,word1 and equally anxious to feed upon it4 ,hence we find gathering together many earnest ,christian people in groups in various parts of the earth1 who know no nationality1 whose citizenship is in heaven1 whose allegiance and devotion is to the ,lord and to his kingdom of righteousness4 #dbd;,jesus defines the wheat class as the true followers of himself1 children of the kingdom1 and the tares as the imitation ,christians1 who are ,christians in name only4 ,he declared3 ,let both grow together until the harvest2 and in the time of the harvest ,i will say to the reapers1 ,gather ye together first the tares1 and bind them in bundles to burn them2 but gather the wheat into my barn4--,matthew #ac3 #cj4 #dbe;,it is a well-known fact that since #ahgh there has been a tendency on the part of all denominations to bind themselves into leagues and combines1 associations1 ,interchurch ,world ,movement1 etc41 thus fulfilling this prophetic statement of the ,lord of binding together the merely nominal ,christians preparatory for the great fire1 the great time of trouble1 which is now upon the earth4 ,to the truly consecrated people of ,god1 who have been identified with these various sectarian or denominational systems the ,lord has been calling in this time of the harvest1 saying3 ,come out of her1 my people1 that ye be not partakers of her sins1 and receive not her plagues4 7,revelation #ah3d7 ,concerning his work with the others1 the wheat class1 ,jehovah through his ,prophet long ago said3 ,gather my saints together unto me1 those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice4 7,psalm #ej3e7 ,the great work of the harvest1 that is to say1 the proclaiming of the second presence of the ,lord and the gathering together of those who truly love his appearing1 has been so remarkably fulfilled since #ahgd that it is one of the most striking and conclusive proofs of the ,lord's second presence4 ,,scoffers #dbf;,it might be reasonably expected that the clergy of various denominations would be anxious to know and anxious to tell the people about the presence of the ,lord1 and would therefore joyfully receive any news concerning his presence4 ,we find the facts to be just to the contrary1 however1 and we again notice that this is one of the evidences given by ,jesus himself marking his second presence4 ,he said3 ,but as the days of ,noah were1 so shall also the coming presence of the ,son of man be4 ,for as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking1 marrying and giving in marriage1 until the day that ,noah entered into the ark1 and knew not until the flood came1 and took them all away2 so shall also the coming presence of the ,son of man be4 7,matthew #bd3cg-ci7 ,instead of these clergymen as a class joining in the proclamation1 ',behold the ,bridegroom6 the ,lord has returned1 the kingdom is at hand1' they scoff and jeer1 and if they say anything concerning the ,lord's second presence1 even though they get all their information from what ,pastor ,russell wrote1 they discredit him and mock and scoff at what he wrote or said4 ,of course the ,lord foreknew this and therefore he caused the ,apostle under inspiration to write3 ,there shall come in the last days scoffers1 walking after their own lusts1 and saying1 ,where is the promise of his coming presence8 for since the fathers fell asleep1 all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation4 --#b ,peter #c3c1d4 ,,end ,,of ,,the ,,world #dbg;,jesus having taught his disciples concerning his second coming1 and having informed them that the world would end at or during that time1 they desired to know how they might be able to ascertain the fact of his presence and what would be the indication or proof of it to them or to any one4 ,he was sitting on the side of the ,mount of ,olives when his disciples came to him privately and propounded the question3 ,tell us1 when shall these things be8 and what shall be the sign proof or indication of thy presence1 and of the end of the world8 7,matthew #bd3c7 ,the word world as here used does not mean the earth4 ,the earth will never end or pass away1 because ,god himself that formed the earth and made it1 he hath established it1 he created it not in vain1 he formed it to be inhabited4 7,isaiah #de3ah7 ,the earth abideth forever4--,ecclesiastes #a3d4 #dbh,the word world means the social and political order or rule governing the people4 ,from ,adam to the time of the great deluge was the first world or social order of government2 which was under the administration of angels 7,hebrews #b3e71 and which passed away in a great flood1 during which only ,noah and his family1 consisting in all of eight persons1 were carried over from the old to the other or newer world1 and were saved4 7#b ,peter #c3f2 #a ,peter #c3bj7 ,there began with ,noah and his family a new order or world1 which in the time of the ,apostle's day and before that time had grown evil1 and which he designated as the present evil world4 7,galatians #a3d7 ,the ,apostle clearly shows that that world must pass away to make way for the new and righteous kingdom1 which will rule and govern and bless the people4 #dbi;,it was during the early part of this world that ,god made promise to ,abraham that through his seed all the families of the earth should be blessed4 ,later1 at the death of ,jacob1 ,god organized the nation of ,israel or the ,jews into a nation and at ,mount ,sinai made a covenant with them4 ,jehovah dealt with the nation of ,israel exclusive of all other nations for a number of years4 ,they had many kings1 some good and some bad4 ,zedekiah was their last king1 and because of his wickedness ,god said concerning him3 ,therefore thus saith the ,lord ,god3 ,because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered1 in that your transgressions are discovered1 so that in all your doings your sins do appear2 because1 ,i say1 that ye are come to remembrance1 ye shall be taken with the hand4 ,and thou1 profane wicked prince of ,israel1 whose day is come1 when iniquity shall have an end1 thus saith the ,lord ,god3 ,remove the diadem1 and take off the crown3 this shall not be the same2 exalt him that is low and abase him that is high4 ,i will overturn1 overturn1 overturn1 it3 and it shall be no more1 until he come whose right it is2 and ,i will give it to him1--,ezekiel #ba3bd-bg4 #dcj;,in the year #fjf ,b4,c4 ,zedekiah was overthrown4 ,he was taken a prisoner1 carried away to ,babylon1 and ,nebuchadnezzar established in the earth the first universal empire and the gentile times dated from that time forward4 ,the length of the gentile times is definitely fixed in the ,scriptures as a period of seven symbolic times of #cfj years each1 or a total of #b1ebj years4 ,this period beginning with the year #fjf ,b4,c4 necessarily must end in #aiad ,a4,d4 ,god had declared that he would overturn the right of the descendants of ,abraham to rule1 thereby permitting the gentiles to have an uninterrupted sway until he should come whose right it is4 ,the one whose right it is is the great ,messiah1 ,christ ,jesus the ,lord4 ,it would be reasonable to expect him to be present some time before he would take unto himself his great power to reign4 ,his presence beginning in #ahgd1 he has carried on his harvest work from #ahgh forward1 but has not interrupted the gentile dominion until that dominion should end4 ,the end of the gentile rule1 therefore1 would mark necessarily the end of the present order2 therefore1 the end of the world4 ,we should expect1 then1 to find #aiad as the beginning of the end of the old world or order of government4 ,and that this would take place during the presence of the ,lord he definitely stated4 #dca,when the gentile dominion legally ends1 the order being a wicked one under the supervision of ,satan1 the god of the evil world 7#b ,corinthians #d3c1d71 and all these nations lying in the wicked one 7#a ,john #e3ai71 it would be expected that the gentile kingdoms and nations would strive to hold on to their power4 ,but when the proper time should come it would also be expected that the ,lord1 whose right it is1 would take over the affairs into his own hands4 ,and so he said3 ,we give thanks1 ,o ,lord ,god ,almighty1 which art1 and wast1 and art to come2 because thou hast taken to thee thy great power1 and hast reigned4 ,and the nations were angry1 and thy wrath is come1 and the time of the dead1 that they should be judged1 and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets1 and to the saints1 and them that fear thy name1 small and great2 and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth4--,revelation #aa3ag1ah4 #dcb;,it will be observed that the ,lord does not do all of his work in a twenty-four-hour day1 but that gradually he performs his sovereign will4 ,specifically answering the question concerning the end of the world during the time of his presence1 ,jesus said3 ,nation shall rise against nation1 and kingdom against kingdom2 and there shall be famines1 and pestilences1 and earthquakes literal and symbolic--revolutions in divers places4 ,all these are the beginning of sorrows4 7,matthew #bd3g1h7 ,exactly on time1 at the end of the gentile dominion1 at the beginning of the end of the world1 nation rose against nation and kingdom against kingdom in the most devastating war that man ever dreamed would come to the world4 ,there followed in its wake a great pestilence1 the ,spanish influenza1 which swept the earth2 and the famine is still raging amongst many peoples and kindreds of the earth2 and there have been revolutions1 as well as many literal earthquakes in various parts of the earth4 ,and these1 said the ,master1 mark the beginning of the end of the world1 which takes place during the time of his presence4 ,the evidence here is overwhelming1 proclaiming his presence and the end of the world4 #dcc,these facts mark a corroboration and a clear fulfillment of the words of ,jehovah's ,prophet announced centuries before1 namely3 ,in the days of these kings shall the ,god of heaven set up a kingdom1 which shall never be destroyed3 and the kingdom shall not be left to other people1 but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms1 and it shall stand for ever4 7,daniel #b3dd7 ,literally the kingdoms of earth are being broken in pieces1 and any one who takes a map of ,europe today and looks it over can see how completely this prophecy is now in course of fulfillment4 ,nearly all the kings of earth are gone and their kingdoms are broken in pieces and are being consumed4 ,this is being done because the ,lord is present1 because the old world has ended and he is clearing away the unrighteous things to make way for his new and righteous government4 #dcd;,furthermore ,jesus said concerning the end of the world within the time of his second presence3 ,then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted1 and shall kill you3 and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake4 7,matthew #bd3i7 ,but take heed to yourselves3 for they shall deliver you up to councils courts2 and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten3 and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake1 for a testimony against them4 7,mark #ac3i7 ,but before all these1 they shall lay their hands on you1 and persecute you1 delivering you up to the synagogues1 and into prisons1 being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake4 ,and it shall turn to you for a testimony4 7,luke #ba3ab1ac7 ,literally did these ,scriptures have fulfillment in the years #aiag1 #aiah1 and #aiai4 ,the ,world ,war furnished the excuse for the world-wide persecution of humble and honest and faithful ,christians4 #dce,the ,christian truly consecrated to the ,lord believes and follows the ,lord's teaching3 ,thou shalt not kill4 7,matthew #e3ba7 ,and again3 ,though we walk in the flesh1 we do not war after the flesh2 for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal4 7#b ,corinthians #aj3c1d7 ,during the ,world ,war many of the nations passed laws to govern conscientious objectors1 that is1 those who object to taking human life4 ,the officers of the present evil order upon whom devolved the duty and obligation of construing and enforcing this law1 disregarded it2 and at the instance of an apostate and dishonest clergy1 truly consecrated ,christians1 particularly those known as ,bible ,students1 were1 in fulfillment of ,jesus' utterances1 hated1 beaten1 persecuted1 haled into the courts and imprisoned1 and some of them killed4 ,but the ,lord's protecting care has been about them through it all4 #dcf;,in ,germany they were persecuted1 some put in the front ranks of the assaulting army4 ,one ,christian man1 for instance1 who refused to take human life because of his faith in the ,lord1 was placed in the front line of attack during a battle4 ,a soldier was placed on either side of him with gun and bayonet and instructed to kill him if he attempted to escape4 ,he went through the battle4 ,most of his regiment was annihilated1 including the two guards by his side4 ,when the battle was over this ,christian brother had not a scratch4 ,again he was put in a similar position2 and again he went through another battle without injury4 ,he was then charged with being insane because he would not fight and placed in an insane asylum and kept there for a period of time1 until he was turned out2 and then he proceeded with proclaiming the message of the ,lord's presence and his glorious incoming kingdom4 #dcg,the persecution in ,great ,britain of the same class of ,christians1 and in ,canada1 and in the ,united ,states--long boasted of as the land of the free and the home of the brave--was so terrible that words are inadequate to describe it4 ,number #bg of the ,,golden ,,age magazine1 issued ,september #bi1 #aibj1 gives a detailed description of many of these wicked persecutions1 which mark a clear fulfillment of these prophetic utterances of the ,lord4 ,the ones who had the privilege of passing through them and who had the many evidences of the ,lord's blessings1 rejoice because accounted worthy to suffer as our ,lord had suffered1 remembering his words3 ,the servant is not greater than his lord4 ,if they have persecuted me1 they will also persecute you4--,john #ae3bj4 #dch;,jesus furthermore said3 ,this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations2 and then shall the end come4 7,matthew #bd3ad7 ,in the year #aiai many of the ,bible ,students in different parts of the earth1 emerging from army camps and prison dungeons1 rejoicing in their privileges1 again assembled together and with united action went forth to proclaim the message of the presence of the ,lord2 and particularly the message1 ,the ,world ,has ,ended--,millions ,now ,living ,will ,never ,die1 clearly in fulfillment of the words of the ,master in the text last above quoted4 ,numbers of public lectures delivered upon this subject throughout ,christendom have gladdened the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people1 comforting those that mourn4 ,in #aibj this message was put into printed form in the booklet entitled ,millions ,now ,living ,will ,never ,die1 and in the lands where the greatest persecution prevailed against the people of the ,lord1 greatest has been the witness4 ,within eight months #b1ejj1jjj copies of this booklet were placed in the hands of the people2 and yet the message goes on1 giving a wider and wider witness1 looking forward to the full consummation of the time of the end1 the end of the old order and the incoming of ,messiah's kingdom4 ,,regathering ,,of ,,israel #dci;,jesus furthermore said that the regathering of ,israel to ,palestine 7,luke #ba3bd7 would be one of the most conclusive proofs of his presence and of the end of the world4 ,a full discussion of this point1 together with many other points concerning the end of the world1 is set forth in detail in the above mentioned booklet1 ,millions ,now ,living ,will ,never ,die4 ,therein is shown conclusively that the prophecies have been fulfilled exactly on time2 that ,israel is now being regathered and is rebuilding ,palestine exactly as the ,lord foretold4 ,jesus said3 ,and when these things begin to come to pass1 then look up1 and lift up your heads2 for your redemption draweth nigh4--,luke #ba3bh4 #ddj;,jesus1 speaking further through his chosen vessel1 refers to the harvest of the tare class1 saying1 ,the harvest of the earth is ripe4 ,and he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth2 and the earth was reaped4 7,revelation #ad3ae1af7 ,this gathering of the elements of ,christendom1 the vine of the earth1 and the reaping of it for destruction1 is now in progress4 ,it is one feature of the ,lord's work1 which proves his presence at this time4 #dda,there are many other corroborative evidences of the presence of the ,lord1 but space will not permit the examination of all of them here4 ,we leave the reader to find a more detailed explanation of these great corroborative truths set forth in ,volumes #b and #c of ,,studies ,,in ,,the ,,scriptures4 #ddb,why should any one deceive himself by being induced to cease an investigation of this subject because some self-constituted wise one will say3 ',you can never know when the ,lord will come'8 ,jesus himself said to his faithful followers3 ,watch therefore3 for ye know not what hour your ,lord doth come4 7,matthew #bd3db7 ,and what ,i say unto you ,i say unto all1 ,watch4 7,mark #ac3cg7 ,the clear inference here is that the watchers in due time would recognize the evidences of his presence1 and recognizing these1 would rejoice4 #ddc,suppose we admit1 for the sake of the argument1 that no man knows the day nor hour of the ,lord's appearing4 ,what difference does that make8 ,the hour and the day have already passed4 ,he is here6 ,and let all truly consecrated ,christians rejoice4 ,but of the times and the seasons1 brethren1 ye have no need that ,i write unto you1 says ,st4 ,paul4 7#a ,thessalonians #e3a7 ,the times and seasons are clearly established by the overwhelming proof that the ,lord is now present4 ,therefore1 ye1 brethren1 are not in darkness1 444 ye are all the children of light1 and the children of the day2 we are not of the night1 nor of darkness4 ,why quibble now about dates1 days or hours8 ,the physical facts1 the fulfilled prophecy and prophecy further in course of fulfillment1 prove overwhelmingly and beyond the shadow of a doubt that the ,lord is present1 that the world has ended1 that the kingdom of heaven is at hand6 ,and the true watchers are joyfully exclaiming3 ,behold the ,bridegroom6 ,as faithful members of his body1 as the feet of him1 they are standing upon the mountains1 that is1 upon or above the kingdoms of earth1 singing out to the peoples of ,zion3 ',thy ,god reigneth6 ,the kingdom of heaven is at hand6' ,the ,prophet of the ,lord describes them thus3 ,how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings1 that publisheth peace2 that bringeth good tidings of good1 that publisheth salvation2 that saith unto ,zion1 ,thy ,god reigneth6 ,thy watchmen shall lift up the voice2 with the voice together shall they sing3 for they shall see eye to eye1 when the ,lord shall bring again ,zion4--,isaiah #eb3g1h4 #ddd,these are they who1 having the harps of ,god1 are singing the song of ,moses the servant of ,god and the song of the ,lamb1 harmonizing the great truths of the ,old and ,new ,testaments1 the ,mosaic law and the gospel of ,christ ,jesus1 singing3 ,great and marvelous are thy works1 ,lord ,god ,almighty2 just and true are thy ways1 thou ,king of saints4 ,who shall not fear thee1 ,o ,lord1 and glorify thy name8 for thou only art holy3 for all nations shall come and worship before thee2 for thy judgments are made manifest4--,revelation #ae3b-d4 ,,why ,,the ,,lord ,,comes #dde,there are three primary purposes or reasons why the ,lord appears the second time4 ,these are3 7#a7 ,to bind ,satan and destroy his kingdom and all the false systems inaugurated by his agencies2 7#b7 to receive unto himself his bride1 the church1 which includes the work of the harvest of gathering them unto him2 and 7#c7 to set up his kingdom1 for which he taught his followers to pray4 #ddf,the purpose of our ,lord's second coming has been much misunderstood and misrepresented4 ,some have said that he is coming to burn up the earth4 ,the ,scriptures answer this charge3 ,the heaven1 even the heavens1 are the ,lord's2 but the earth hath he given to the children of men4 7,psalm #aae3af7 ,how then can we harmonize this statement of the ,scriptures with ,st4 ,peter's words8--,but the day of the ,lord will come as a thief in the night2 in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise1 and the elements shall melt with fervent heat1 the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up4444 ,the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved1 and the elements shall melt with fervent heat4--#b ,peter #c3aj1ab4 #ddg;,it is manifest that the ,apostle is here using symbolic language4 ,he states that the ,lord comes as a thief1 illustrating how quietly and unobservedly his second coming or appearing takes place1 as we have already noted4 ,then we must conclude that the other main elements here mentioned are symbolic4 ,the heavens taken symbolically mean the invisible power of control1 consisting of ,satan and his unseen agencies1 as well as his visible agencies in the earth4 ,the earth symbolically represents organized society under ,satan's dominion4 ,the elements here meant are the various selfish elements of the earth1 composed of ecclesiasticism1 political parties1 lodge systems1 etc41 that go to make up the various elements of human society2 and we can see that these are all discordant and warring amongst themselves4 ,they shall all be dissolved and shall melt with fervent heat2 that is to say1 during the heated time of trouble4 #ddh;,but the ,apostle states in the thirteenth verse of this chapter3 ,nevertheless we1 according to his promise1 look for new heavens and a new earth1 wherein dwelleth righteousness2 meaning thereby that we look for a new invisible power of control1 ,messiah's kingdom1 and a new earth1 society organized along new lines1 to take the place of the old4 ,the words here have no reference to the mundane sphere or globe upon which the human race resides4 #ddi,the symbolic fire is now burning fiercely in the troublesome time that we see amongst the peoples and nations of the earth2 and it will continue to burn until all the false systems of ,satan's empire are completely destroyed4 ,this is a further evidence of the ,lord's presence at this time1 as well as one of the purposes for which he comes4 #dej;,in speaking of the proof of his presence1 ,jesus further stated that at that time there would be upon the earth distress of nations1 with perplexity2 the sea restless humanity and the waves various organized parts of it roaring2 men's hearts failing them for fear1 and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth2 for the powers of heaven shall he shaken4 ,and then shall they see discern the ,son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory2 that is to say1 they will discern the ,lord's presence through the clouds1 symbolic of great trouble1 and glory1 the manifestation of his justice and power4 7,luke #ba3be-bg7 ,no one will attempt to gainsay the fact that just now1 in the year #aiba1 all the nations are in distress and the people in all branches of business--socially1 politically and otherwise--are in perplexity and know not what to do4 ,and men of earth who are engaged in business affairs are so fearful that their hearts are failing them1 not knowing which way to turn nor what to do4 #dea,on one hand we observe the employers who own the factories and the mills and who employ the laboring element to do the work1 striving to curtail their expenses1 reducing wages1 discharging men1 resulting in millions being out of employment with no means of earning a livelihood for themselves or families4 ,on the other hand is the laboring class of men1 who have received their employment at the hands of the wealthier1 who are distressed in mind4 ,and because of the injustices heaped upon them they are becoming more restless each day and are threatening to take complete possession and control of the factories and mills and mines and operate these themselves4 ,the political class1 striving always to do the will of the financial powers1 are perplexed and frightened as to what they shall do1 yet constantly acting in a vain attempt to help their allies in the great beastly order2 while the apostate clergy1 which goes to make up the third element of the beastly order1 is trying to induce the order-loving people to unite themselves with church systems and thereby support the employing class4 #deb,these various elements1 selfishly exercising what power they have1 are going from bad to worse1 leading on to a great disaster for the unrighteous systems of earth4 ,jesus points this out as the final and conclusive evidence of his presence and of the end of the world1 saying3 ,then shall be great tribulation1 such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time1 no1 nor ever shall be4 ,and except those days should be shortened1 there should no flesh be saved3 but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened4 7,matthew #bd3ba1bb7 ,the prophet ,daniel corroborates the words of the ,master to the effect that in this time of trouble the great ,messiah will manifest himself and put into operation his kingdom4 ,he says3 ,and at that time shall ,michael ,god's representative1 the ,messiah stand up1 the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people2 and there shall be a time of trouble1 such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time2 and at that time thy people shall be delivered1 every one that shall be found written in the book4--,daniel #ab3a4 #dec,the world is madly rushing on now to this time of trouble4 ,it is the time spoken of by the prophet ,haggai1 who says3 ,and ,i will shake all nations1 and the desire of all nations shall come2 and ,i will fill this house with glory1 saith the ,lord of hosts4 7,haggai #b3g7 ,and when this great shaking is over1 then the desire of all nations and peoples will come1 namely1 an honest1 righteous government1 administered in behalf of mankind under the supervision of the great ,messiah4 ,the apostle ,paul refers to this time as a time of great shaking1 which immediately precedes the full establishment of the ,messianic kingdom4 7,hebrews #ab3ah-bh7 ,the ,lord by his presence is bringing to light every hidden thing4 ,the ,apostle foretold it would be thus1 saying3 ,therefore judge nothing before the time1 until the ,lord come1 who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness1 and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts4--#a ,corinthians #d3e4 #ded,thus the ,lord is letting the light of truth shine out1 and by the truth is binding ,satan1 which means the great adversary1 the devil1 and his various agencies and influences in the earth4 ,and this is further evidence of the ,lord's presence4 ,truly ,satan's house is divided against itself and cannot stand4 ,it is going to pieces4 ,jesus in his revelation to ,st4 ,john caused to be written these words3 ,and ,i saw an angel come down from heaven1 having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand4 ,and he laid hold on the dragon1 that old serpent1 which is the devil1 and ,satan1 and bound him a thousand years1 and cast him into the bottomless pit1 and shut him up1 and set a seal upon him1 that he should deceive the nations no more1 till the thousand years should be fulfilled2 and after that he must be loosed a little season1 7,revelation #bj3a-c7 ,this is the time that ,jesus foretold when the nations shall be as vessels of a potter1 444 broken to shivers4 7,revelation #b3bg7 ,satan soon shall be restrained and his empire completely and forever destroyed4 7,isaiah #cd3a-d2 #ea3f7 ,thus shall the ,lord be revealed to the world1 and they shall know of his presence by the fiery time of trouble which shall take vengeance upon the unrighteous systems and things of the earth4 7#b ,thessalonians #a3g1h7 ,this is the day of ,god's vengeance and his fire will continue to burn until all parts of the ,satanic order are destroyed4 ,the ,prophet wrote concerning this first work of the ,messiah3 ,thou shalt break them with a rod of iron2 thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel4 --,psalm #b3 #i4 ,,to ,,receive ,,his ,,bride #dee;,jesus is likened unto a bridegroom1 while the church is likened unto a bride4 7,john #c3bi2 ,revelation #ba3i2 #b ,corinthians #aa3b7 ,many beautiful word pictures or types appear in the ,old ,testament1 which ,god caused to be made for the purpose of teaching his great plan to those who would search for the truth4 ,one of these pictures is that of ,isaac and ,rebekah4 ,abraham the father of ,isaac sent his servant ,eliezer into a distant land to find a wife for his son ,isaac4 ,the servant took ten camels and went into ,mesopotamia1 unto the city of ,nahor4 ,there he found ,rebekah1 the daughter of ,bethuel1 a virgin very fair to look upon4 ,eliezer took a golden earring of half a shekel weight1 and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold4 ,rebekah agreed to accompany ,eliezer to become the wife of ,isaac4 ,and ,rebekah arose1 and her damsels1 and they rode upon the camels1 and followed the man ,eliezer1 who brought her unto ,isaac4 ,and ,isaac brought her into his mother ,sarah's1 tent1 and took ,rebekah1 and she became his wife1 after his mother ,sarah's death4--,see ,genesis #bd4 #def;,in this picture ,abraham is a type of ,jehovah2 his wife ,sarah1 a type of the ,abrahamic covenant1 from which the ,messiah springs2 ,isaac1 the son1 a type of ,jesus ,christ2 while ,rebekah is a type of the church1 the bride of ,christ4 ,eliezer1 ,abraham's servant1 is a type of the holy spirit1 whose mission it is to invite the church and to assist her1 and ultimately to bring her and her companions to the antitypical ,isaac1 the ,lord ,jesus1 the ,bridegroom4 ,before ,jesus departed from the earth he said to his disciples3 ,i will pray the ,father1 and he shall give you another ,comforter1 444 even the spirit of truth4444 ,i will not leave you comfortless3 ,i will come to you4 ,yet a little while1 and the world seeth me no more2 but ye see me3 because ,i live1 ye shall live also1 7,john #ad3ae-ai7 ,eliezer here pictures the comforter1 the holy spirit1 which was given at ,pentecost1 at which time the way was opened and the invitation was given to men who love the ,lord to become followers of the ,lord ,jesus and be of the bride class4 ,the ten camels which ,eliezer took with him represent the ,word of ,god1 the ten strings of the harp4 ,the golden earring presented to ,rebekah represents the blessed and pleasing effect of hearing the call to be the bride of ,christ2 while the two bracelets picture the happy effect of responding to the divine call and doing with our might what our hands find to do4 #deg,the call to become members of this glorious bride class is beautifully pictured by the ,psalmist thus3 ,hearken1 ,o daughter1 and consider1 and incline thine ear2 forget also thine own people1 and thy father's house2 so shall the king greatly desire thy beauty3 for he is thy ,lord2 and worship thou him4 7,psalm #de3aj1aa7 ,responding to that call1 one consecrates his all to the ,lord1 is begotten of the holy spirit1 and henceforth being borne up by the spirit of the ,lord through his ,word grows in the likeness of his ,master and prepares for the coming of the beloved ,bridegroom4 ,the death of ,sarah1 ,abraham's wife1 pictures the end of the ,sarah-,abrahamic covenant1 from which springs the bride of ,christ2 and ,isaac receiving ,rebekah and taking her as his wife after his mother's death foreshadowed the complete union of ,christ ,jesus the bridegroom and the church his bride at the end of the world4 #deh,throughout the entire gospel age from ,pentecost until now the ,lord has been preparing his bride1 the church4 ,many have been called1 but few have been chosen1 and still fewer will be faithful2 but only the faithful ones will he receive4 ,just before his departure at the time of his first advent he said3 ,in my ,father's house are many mansions3 if it were not so1 ,i would have told you4 ,i go to prepare a place for you4 ,and if ,i go and prepare a place for you1 ,i will come again1 and receive you unto myself2 that where ,i am1 there ye may be also4--,john #ad3b1c4 #dei;,here1 then1 is one of the positive statements that one of the chief purposes of the ,lord's return is to receive unto himself his bride4 ,since his appearance1 therefore1 he has been doing the harvest work1 namely1 gathering unto himself those who will constitute the bride class4 #dfj,the ,lord gives a picture in the twenty-fifth chapter of ,matthew of this kingdom class4 7,matthew #be3a-ac7 ,here he speaks of ten virgins who took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom4 ,a virgin means a pure one4 ,lovers of the ,lord ,jesus1 the bridegroom1 long for his return4 ,these took their lamps4 ,the lamp represents the ,word of ,god2 as the ,psalmist says3 ,thy word is a lamp unto my feet4 7,psalm #aai3aje7 ,part of these virgins were wise2 therefore they took oil in their vessels4 ,the wise represent the bride class1 the faithful ones2 while the foolish ones picture a class of greater numbers who will not be of the bride class1 but will be born on the spirit plane4 ,while these have waited for the coming of the ,lord1 the foolish ones have been indifferent4 ,they have had no oil1 have not had the spirit of the truth1 the loving zeal for the ,lord and his cause2 hence they have been negligent4 ,whereas the wise virgins have been watching and have kept their lamps trimmed and burning2 which means they have studied the ,word of ,god and watched the fulfillment of prophecies1 striving to develop the fruits and graces of the spirit and to be prepared for the coming of the ,bridegroom4 ,as these1 then1 of the bride class come to a knowledge of the fact that the bridegroom is present1 they join in the cry3 ,behold the ,bridegroom6 ,and they hasten to prepare to meet him4 ,during the time of the harvest of the gospel age1 during the second presence of the ,lord1 members of the wise virgin class coming to a knowledge of the truth of his presence have rejoiced greatly because the ,lord has returned2 and the joy of the bride class has increased as the members have marked the ever-increasing evidence manifesting the ,lord's presence and the preparation for his kingdom4 ,and as they have cried out1 ,behold the ,bridegroom6 they have been zealous in presenting the message of truth to others1 that their hearts might be refreshed4 ,the ,lord has a special reward for those who love his second appearing1 as the ,apostle plainly stated4 7#b ,timothy #d3h7 ,there will not be a great number of this bride class4 ,on the contrary1 they are small in number4 ,jesus said there would be but a little flock4 7,luke #ab3cb7 ,through the ,revelator he designates the number as #add1jjj4--,revelation #ad3a4 #dfa,some of these dear saints1 however1 have been developed from time to time throughout the gospel age1 beginning with the apostles at ,pentecost4 ,these have died and waited for the return of the ,lord4 ,since the ,scriptures show that the dead know not anything until the resurrection1 it would be reasonable to expect the ,lord to do something for these who had died faithful to their covenant and to expect that he would do something for them early in the time of his presence4 ,st4 ,paul says3 ,for this we say unto you by the word of the ,lord1 that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the ,lord shall not prevent them which are asleep4 ,for the ,lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout1 with the voice of the archangel1 and with the trump of ,god3 and the dead in ,christ shall rise first3 then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds1 to meet the ,lord in the air2 and so shall we ever be with the ,lord4--#a ,thessalonians #d3ae-ag4 #dfb,some have misconstrued this ,scripture to mean that the ,lord would appear the second time and give a great shout and wake up the dead4 ,the word here translated shout means a message of encouragement4 ,it implies a public message designed for the ears not of a few1 but for a great number4 ,the shout1 the voice of the archangel and the trump of ,god are all symbols4 ,literally1 it means that the appearing of the ,lord will be at the time of or during the shout of encouragement2 and this is in full harmony with the evidences heretofore examined that the presence of the ,lord has been at a time when the people have been encouraged concerning their own rights4 ,christians have encouraged each other by passing the message of the ,lord's presence on to each other4 ,the peoples have encouraged one another with reference to their liberties1 rights1 and privileges4 ,the voice of the archangel1 as used in this passage1 means one with authority1 the chief messenger1 ,christ ,jesus himself4 ,he comes with light and truth1 illuminating the minds of men1 leading them into greater light which has come upon the end of the age when the shout of encouragement for the rights and liberties of the people and the deliverance of ,christians into the kingdom of the ,lord has begun throughout the earth4 #dfc;,during this time1 then1 we should expect the resurrection of those saintly ones who died before the second coming of the ,lord2 and should expect that these would be awakened out of death and gathered unto the ,lord1 thus to be forever with him4 ,and therefore those believers who were alive at his coming1 when the time came for their death1 would experience an instantaneous change from human to spirit beings4 ,and finally1 when all the members of the bride class shall have finished their course and all have passed from the human into the spiritual condition1 with glorious bodies1 they will enjoy peace and happiness for evermore4 ,the ,lord is taking unto himself his bride class1 because the promise is that these shall be heirs of ,god and joint-heirs with ,christ ,jesus in his kingdom1 and that they shall reign with him4--,romans #h3af1ag2 ,revelation #bj3f4 ,,establishing ,,his ,,kingdom #dfd;,before the foundation of the world ,god foreordained that he would have a kingdom and a royal family who would have charge of the kingdom4 ,the kingdom necessarily embraces the royal house or royal family1 as well as the dominion4 ,foreknowing the end of all things1 ,god provided in his great plan not only for the redemption of the human race1 but the selection from amongst men of a certain number whom he would transform into the image and likeness of his beloved ,son4 ,god provided also that these should constitute the royal family of heaven4 ,the apostle ,peter says of this class3 ,but ye are a chosen race1 a royal priesthood1 a holy nation1 a people for a purpose1 that you may declare the perfections of him who called you from darkness into his wonderful light2 who once were not a people1 but now are ,god's people4--#a ,peter #b3i1aj4 ,diaglott4 #dfe,to his disciples1 and to those who should thereafter become such1 ,jesus said3 ,i appoint unto you a kingdom1 as my ,father hath appointed unto me4 7,luke #bb3bi7 ,and again3 ,to him that overcometh will ,i grant to sit with me in my throne4 7,revelation #c3ba7 ,from these ,scriptures it is to be seen that the church constitutes with ,jesus the royal family1 the kingdom class1 otherwise called the seed of ,abraham1 through which the blessings shall flow out to mankind4 ,this is the kingdom for which he taught his disciples to pray4 ,this is the kingdom which the prophet ,daniel declares shall be set up to have no successor1 and which shall be established during the last days of the kingdoms of the unrighteous order4--,daniel #b3dd2 #g3ad1bg4 #dff,the truly consecrated followers of ,jesus1 obedient to his admonition1 have been watching and waiting2 and those who were permitted to live at the time of his second presence and since have experienced that blessedness spoken of by ,daniel the prophet at the end of the #a1cce symbolic days or years4 ,as the great divine plan has been revealed to these they have learned that the ,lord has returned and is here1 invisible to human eyes1 yet exercising his great power in binding ,satan and dashing to pieces the present unrighteous order1 gathering unto himself his saints1 and putting in order the affairs of his kingdom2 that he has taken unto himself his great power to reign1 and that soon all the saints shall participate with the ,lord in glory in carrying out the further divine arrangement4 ,as this string upon the harp of ,god is revealed to them1 they sing with exultant joy3 ,our lamps are trimmed and burning1 ,our robes are white and clean2 ,we've tarried for the ,bridegroom1 ,and now we'll enter in4 ,we know we've nothing worthy ,that we can call our own-- ,the light1 the oil1 the robes we wear1 ,are all from him alone4 ,behold1 behold the ,bridegroom6 ,and all may enter in1 ,whose lamps are trimmed and burning1 ,whose robes are white and clean4 #dfg;,and these saints while yet on earth1 beholding with the eye of faith the marvelous fulfillment of prophecy1 are patiently waiting for the time of their glorification1 when they each shall be clothed upon with a new and beautiful body like unto ,jesus'1 the beloved ,bridegroom1 and when they each shall see him as he is4 ,what effect is produced upon one by the return of a very dear friend long absent8 #cdg4 ,define the term friend4 #cdh4 ,who is mankind's dearest friend1 and why8 #cdh4 ,how long since ,jesus journeyed to a far country8 and what did he say about returning8 #cdi4 ,if the facts show that this dear friend has returned for the blessing of mankind1 what effect should this have upon those who have been expecting his return8 #cdi4 ,would his returning constitute one of the strings upon the harp of ,god8 #cdi4 ,for what have the ,jews been long hoping and praying8 #cej4 ,for what have ,christians been looking and waiting for the past nineteen centuries8 #cej4 ,for what is the world of mankind groaning and waiting8 #cej4 ,what effect will be produced upon mankind when they learn that their benefactor is present to bestow blessings upon them8 #cej4 ,is the returning of the ,lord to ,christians a precious string upon the harp of ,god8 and if so1 why8 #cea4 ,what conditions in the earth are preparing the people for a knowledge of our ,lord's return8 #ceb4 ,are the reasons for our ,lord's return few or many8 and should they be kept in mind8 #cec4 ,should we reason upon the ,scriptures8 and if so1 why8 #cec4 ,in the advancement of the divine plan1 do we find reason and the ,scriptures harmonizing8 #cec4 ,what points are conclusively proven by the ,scriptures thus far examined8 #ced4 ,why is it necessary for relationship to be established between the world and the ,lord ,jesus8 #ced4 ,what reason do we see for the ,lord establishing in the earth a righteous order of things8 #ced4 ,must he be present to establish that order8 #ced4 ,is there ,scriptural evidence to support these reasonable conclusions8 #cee4 ,what did the prophet ,isaiah say about the coming of this mighty ,one8 #cee4 ,what presumption follows the term everlasting father8 #cee4 ,what blessing1 then1 should we expect man to receive through the promised government8 #cee4 ,what presumption must be indulged concerning the coming of the ,lord from the utterance of ,jehovah to ,king ,zedekiah through the prophet ,ezekiel when ,god overturned the government of ,israel8 #cef4 ,what is to be expected that the coming of this mighty ,one would do in the earth8 #ceg4 ,when ,zedekiah was overthrown1 what did the gentiles do1 by the ,lord's permission8 #ceh4 ,through the prophet ,daniel1 what world empires did the ,lord ,jehovah foretell8 and how long would they last8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #ceh4 ,would we expect the righteous ,king to be present when this breaking to pieces of the old kingdoms occurs8 #ceh4 ,why do the ,scriptures speak of this righteous kingdom as the kingdom of heaven8 #ceh4 ,in what two-fold sense is the term kingdom used8 #cei4 ,to what did most of the parables of ,jesus relate8 #cei4 ,what did ,jesus teach the disciples indicating the importance of the ,lord's coming kingdom8 #cei4 ,should ,christians expect the fulfillment of their prayers8 #cei4 ,since this coming ,king must have a kingdom1 do the ,scriptures indicate who is to be the king of this new order8 ,quote the ,scriptural proof4 #cei4 ,when ,jesus stood before ,pilate1 of what crime was he accused8 #cfj4 ,what question did ,pilate ask him8 and what was the ,lord's reply8 #cfj4 ,what is meant by the term world as used in this and other ,scriptures8 #cfj4 ,what peoples were to have dominion in the earth from the time of ,zedekiah's overthrow until the second coming of the ,lord8 #cfj4 ,who is the invisible ruler of that social order of things8 #cfj4 ,by what other terms is ,satan designated8 #cfj4 ,what has been the nature of ,satan's rule through his earthly representatives8 #cfj4 ,what do we understand1 then1 to be the meaning of the ,master's words to ,pilate8 #cfj4 ,did the parable of the pounds taught by our ,lord to his disciples indicate his return8 #cfa4 ,what is also indicated by the parable of the talents8 #cfa4 ,what did ,jesus say to his disciples just before his crucifixion about his second coming8 ,quote his words4 #cfb4 ,where were ,jesus and his disciples when ,jesus ascended into heaven8 #cfc4 ,give the ,scriptural account of what occurred at the time of his ascension1 #cfc4 ,who were the men who stood by and spoke to the disciples at that time8 #cfc4 ,why did these angels thus materialize and speak to the disciples8 #cfc4 ,were the disciples thoroughly convinced of the second coming of the ,lord8 and if so1 how did it influence their teachings8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cfd4 ,what did ,st4 ,paul say to ,timothy about the time of the end of his earthly career concerning the second coming of the ,lord8 #cfd4 ,what special promise is indicated for the benefit of those who would love his appearing8 #cfd4 ,what is the book of ,revelation8 #cfe4 ,what is stated in the latter part of that book concerning the ,lord's return8 #cfe4 ,can there be any doubt about the ,lord's second coming8 and if not1 why not8 #cff4 ,what1 then1 is one of the important questions to be first determined concerning his coming8 #cfg4 ,from what should we expect to get the evidence concerning the manner of the ,lord's return8 #cfg4 ,is it reasonable to suppose that he would return in the body in which he was put to death8 and if not1 why not8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cfg4 ,in what manner will the faithful followers of ,jesus see him8 #cfg4 ,has any human being seen the ,lord ,jesus' glorious body8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cfg4 ,why shall the disciples see him as he is8 #cfh4 ,why could not human eyes see him8 #cfh4 ,is he like ,jehovah8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #cfh4 ,in what manner did ,st4 ,paul say the ,christian should henceforth know ,christ ,jesus8 #cfh4 ,after the ascension of ,jesus on high1 what was his position with reference to the ,father8 #cfi4 ,give ,scriptural proof that he is a spirit being4 #cfi4 ,what did ,jesus say to ,nicodemus about a spirit being8 and how does this illustrate that human eyes cannot see the glorious ,lord8 #cfi4 ,should we expect1 then1 our ,lord to be present1 not seen by human eyes1 but discernible by those who are his true followers8 #cgj4 ,satan is the god of this present evil world4 ,have human eyes seen him8 #cgj4 ,what will constitute the new heavens and new earth8 #cgj4 ,will the ruler of those new heavens1 the ,messiah1 be visible or invisible8 #cgj4 ,is there any reason for us to expect human beings to see the ,lord8 #cgj4 ,is it always proper to use the word coming with reference to our ,lord's second appearance8 ,if not1 what other word is properly used8 #cga4 ,quote a number of ,scriptures in which the word coming is properly translated presence4 #cgb-chb4 ,when ,jesus ascended on high1 what did the angels standing by advise his disciples as to the manner of his return8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #chc4 ,what does this suggest as to the manner of his return8 #chc4 ,what is meant by coming as a thief in the night8 and how does this illustrate the second coming of the ,lord8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #chc4 ,what does the night illustrate8 #chc4 ,what did the ,lord say concerning those who would report his return in the desert or in the secret chambers8 #chd4 ,explain the ,lord's statement of his second appearing wherein he said1 ,as the lightning cometh out of the east1 and shineth even unto the west1 so shall the presence of the ,son of man be4 #chd4 ,what heavenly planet or body is used to picture the second appearing of the ,lord8 #che4 ,why is it important to keep in mind that the ,lord's second appearing will be invisible to human eyes8 #chf4 ,is the time of his coming important to ,christians8 #chg4 ,state the various opinions expressed by some concerning the ,lord's second coming4 #chg4 ,why do some of these desire him not to come8 #chg4 ,are we justified in assuming that no one could ever know the time of his second appearing8 and if not1 why not8 #chh4 ,is it reasonable to suppose that ,jesus himself would know some time before8 #chh4 ,why would he tell his disciples to watch if they would never know of his coming8 #chh4 ,when ,jesus arose from the dead1 what did he say about the power committed to him8 #chh4 ,is it reasonable to conclude that he then knew of his second appearing and when it would take place8 #chh4 ,should we expect the angels in heaven to know when that great event takes place8 #chh4 ,did the ,lord promise the disciples that after they received the holy spirit they might know concerning his second coming8 #chi4 ,what ,scriptural promise is given the ,christian that he shall have revealed to him these things in due time8 #chi4 ,what did ,st4 ,paul1 after he had received the holy spirit1 writing under inspiration to the ,thessalonians1 say about the times and seasons and the second coming of the ,lord8 #chi4 ,should we expect the watching ,christians to be in darkness as to the time of the ,lord's appearing8 #chi4 ,how did ,jesus speak concerning his second coming8 #cij4 ,what is the meaning of prophecy as relating to the ,lord's presence8 #cij4 ,does the fulfillment of prophecy enable the watcher to determine about the ,lord's presence8 #cij4 ,in what way did ,jesus use the natural harvest to illustrate his second coming8 #cia4 ,repeat the parable of the wheat and the tares1 and give the ,scriptural interpretation of it4 #cia1 #cib4 ,what definite conclusion must be drawn from this statement of the ,lord relative to his second presence8 #cic4 ,would it be necessary for the ,lord to be present before the harvest8 #cic4 ,would it be necessary for him to be present some time before the end of the age or world8 #cic4 ,what great historical facts were written prophetically by the prophet ,daniel8 #cid4 ,could these statements of the prophet ,daniel leading up to the time of the end be understood by him8 #cid4 ,what did ,daniel himself say about understanding his prophecy8 #cid4 ,who did he say would understand in due time8 #cid4 ,what is meant by the term time of the end8 #cid4 ,what did the prophet ,daniel definitely state would take place at the time of the end8 ,quote the ,scripture4 #cid4 ,state the fulfillment of ,daniel's prophecy 7#aa3dj1da74 #cie4 ,in connection with ,napoleon's campaign1 who was meant in this prophecy by the king of the south and by the king of the north8 #cie4 ,when did ,napoleon's campaign end as in this prophecy described8 #cie4 ,how is the time of the end definitely fixed and stated8 #cie4 ,from what time in the world's history have governments been pictured by beasts8 #cif4 ,what did the prophet ,daniel say about a fourth beast8 #cif4 ,what constitutes the three principal component parts of the beast8 #cif4 ,give the historical date of the beginning of this great beast4 #cif4 ,quote ,daniel's words in ,daniel #ab3e-g4 #cig4 ,in ,biblical symbology1 what is meant by a time8 #cig4 ,how much time was indicated by the prophet ,daniel in this prophecy as elapsing from the beginning of this beastly order to the time of the end8 #cig4 ,how is the beginning of the time of the end definitely fixed at #agii ,a4,d48 #cig4 ,what other periods of time does the prophet ,daniel mention in the twelfth chapter8 #cih4 ,from what date must these prophetic days be counted1 as shown by the foregoing facts8 #cih4 ,what was the most important thing to which the ,prophet pointed8 #cih4 ,applying the above rule1 a day for a year1 when would the #a1cce days of ,daniel's prophecy end8 #cih4 ,what should be expected at that date8 #cih4 ,if we are correct in reaching this date of #ahgd1 should we expect corroborative evidence of the ,lord's presence8 #cih4 ,why is fulfilled prophecy conclusive proof concerning the question at issue8 #cii4 ,what is the value of physical facts in examining any question8 #cii4 ,is there a difference between the date of the beginning of the time of the end and the presence of the ,lord8 #djj4 ,what period of time is covered by the time of the end8 #djj4 ,from what time does the ,lord's second presence date8 and during what period of the time of the end does his presence occur8 #djj4 ,was there any reason why these important dates should be concealed for a time8 ,give ,scriptural reason4 #dja4 ,is it reasonable to expect that ,jehovah would indicate something by which the event could be determined in the future8 #dja4 ,for what did he tell ,daniel to look as evidence of the time of the end8 #djb4 ,if #agii marks the beginning of the time of the end1 should we expect a specific fulfillment of this prophecy of ,daniel shortly thereafter8 #djb4 ,who had access to the ,bible prior to #agii8 #djb4 ,what penalties were attached to common people for having a ,bible in possession8 #djb4 ,what happened in #agii that caused a change of conditions8 #djb4 ,who had taught the doctrine of the divine right of kings and the divine right of the clergy8 #djb4 ,what historical event occurred to open the minds of the people to the truth concerning these doctrines8 #djb4 ,how did this mark a beginning of the fulfillment of ,daniel's prophecy8 #djb4 ,state when and how soon after #agii1 the beginning of the time of the end1 the great ,bible societies were organized4 #djc4 ,give approximately the number of ,bibles that were distributed amongst the people thereafter4 #djc4 ,did the ,papal system gladly participate in distributing the ,bible amongst the people8 #djc4 ,when did the people begin to learn that ,god makes no distinction between persons1 whether they are priests or of the common herd8 #djc4 ,relate something concerning the increase of knowledge generally since #ahjj ,a4,d4 #djd4 ,prior to #agii1 what was the means of travel through the countries8 #dje4 ,was there any increase of travel shortly after #agii ,a4,d48 #dje4 ,when was the steam locomotive put in operation8 and how have means of rapid transit increased since that time8 #dje4 ,what is meant by the day of ,god's preparation8 #djf4 ,what prophet describes a railway train8 ,quote the prophecy4 #djf4 ,when was the telegraph invented8 and what other means of communication have followed since8 #djg4 ,can there be any doubt about these physical facts marking a fulfillment of ,daniel's prophecy concerning the time of the end8 #djh4 ,what did ,jesus say concerning the latter part of the time of the end and in what way it would be indicated8 #dji4 ,did the apostle ,paul indicate that greater light would come to the people at the time of the end8 #dji4 ,what other evidence have we of increasing light at that time8 #daj4 ,what class of people have been trodden down for centuries8 and when did they begin to get their eyes opened as to their privileges8 #daj4 ,when was the first labor organization formed in the world8 #daj4 ,enumerate some of the great inventions and discoveries since #ahgd1 marking the fulfillment of ,daniel's prophecy1 and the ,lord's presence1 and the time of the end4 #daj4 ,what do the ,scriptures disclose concerning a parallel between the gospel and the ,jewish ages8 #daa4 ,when did the ,jewish harvest begin8 #daa4 ,what is meant by the term harvest8 #daa4 ,did ,jesus state that there would be a harvest at the end of the world1 during his second presence8 #daa4 ,describe the parallel between the ,jewish and the gospel-age harvests4 #daa4 ,the natural harvest of the ,jews was used to illustrate what8 #dab4 ,what was the custom following the reaping of the grain by the ,jews8 #dab4 ,what would this indicate that we might expect from #ahgh to #aiah1 and following that period8 #dab4 ,in answer to the disciples' question as to when he would be present1 what did ,jesus say about the harvest and the sending of messengers8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #dac4 ,in ,jesus' statement of ,matthew #bd3ca1 what is meant by the word trumpet8 #dae4 ,explain the term angels as used in this text4 #daf4 ,would it be reasonable to expect some special messenger to be used of the ,lord during the time of this harvest8 #daf4 ,what did ,jesus promise about providing such a messenger8 ,quote ,matthew #bd3de-dg4 #daf4 ,from #ahgj ,a4,d4 forward1 what evidence do we have in fulfillment of this prophetic statement of the ,lord8 #dag4 ,what publication has for some forty years consistently announced the ,lord's second presence8 #dag4 ,from #ahgh forward1 what evidence has there been of a gathering of ,christians1 regardless of denominations8 #dah4 ,describe some of the work done by the special messenger of the ,lord4 #dah4 ,quote the words of the publication ,the ,continent concerning ,pastor ,russell4 #dai4 ,what society was incorporated in #ahhd8 and what has been its work in connection with the harvest of this age8 #dba4 ,what has been and is the purpose of this society8 #dba4 ,are these ,christians who are thus gathered together followers of any man8 #dbb4 ,quote ,matthew #bd3bh1 and give its meaning4 #dbc4 ,jesus likened the true children of ,god to wheat4 ,what did he use to illustrate imitation ,christians8 ,quote ,matthew #ac3cj4 #dbd4 ,what has been the tendency of so-called ,christian denominations since #ahgh8 #dbe4 ,since that time1 how has the ,lord's message in ,revelation #ah3d applied to ,christians8 #dbe4 ,what did the ,lord through the ,prophet say concerning the gathering of his people at this time8 ,quote ,psalm #ej3e4 #dbe4 ,what does this prove concerning the ,lord's second presence8 #dbe4 ,do we find the clergy of various denominations anxious to tell of the ,lord's second presence8 and if not1 why not8 #dbf4 ,why do these distinguished gentlemen scoff and jeer at those who teach the ,lord is now present8 #dbf4 ,did the ,lord foretell this8 ,quote the ,apostle's language with reference to it4 #dbf4 ,why did the disciples want to know what would be the proof of the ,lord's presence and of the end of the world8 #dbg4 ,repeat the question that they propounded to ,jesus on the ,mount of ,olives4 #dbg4 ,will the physical earth ever be destroyed8 ,give ,scriptural proof for answer4 #dbg4 ,what is meant1 then1 by the end of the world8 #dbh4 ,what became of the first world8 #dbh4 ,how many persons were carried over from the first world to that designated as the present evil world8 #dbh4 ,what period of time is designated in the ,scriptures as the present evil world8 #dbh4 ,what ,scriptural proof is there as to how the present evil world shall pass away8 #dbh4 ,in what world and what part of that world did ,god make the promise to ,abraham that in his seed all the families of the earth should be blessed8 #dbi4 ,what was ,god's declaration to ,zedekiah1 the king of ,israel8 ,repeat it4 #dbi4 ,when was ,zedekiah overthrown8 #dcj4 ,who established the universal gentile empire then8 #dcj4 ,when did the gentile times begin8 and how long must that period last8 #dcj4 ,who is the one spoken of by the ,prophet here as he whose right it is8 #dcj4 ,would it be reasonable1 then1 to expect the presence of this mighty ,one before the overthrow of the old order or present evil world8 #dcj4 ,why was the year #aiad ,a4,d4 an important date8 #dcj4 ,what would be reasonably expected to be the conduct of the gentile nations after #aiad with reference to continuing in power8 #dca4 ,what does the ,revelator say would be the condition of these nations at that time8 ,quote the ,scripture4 #dca4 ,what did ,jesus say would mark the beginning of the end of the world8 ,quote his answer to the question4 #dcb4 ,what fulfillment of this prophecy began in #aiad8 #dcb4 ,how does the fulfillment of this prophecy also mark the fulfillment of the prophecy of ,daniel 7#b3dd78 #dcc4 ,why are these kingdoms of earth being broken to pieces8 #dcc4 ,quote the words of ,jesus given by various evangelists concerning the persecution of his followers at the end of the world4 #dcd4 ,what fulfillment of these prophetic utterances of the ,master took place in #aiag1 #aiah1 and #aiai8 #dcd4 ,give some instances of the ,lord's protecting care of his followers during this period of persecution4 #dce-dcg4 ,why should ,christians not complain but rejoice because of these trying experiences8 #dcg4 ,quote the ,master's words in ,matthew #bd3ad1 in answer to the question propounded to him4 #dch4 ,what evidence is there of a fulfillment of these prophetic words8 #dch4 ,what did ,jesus say relative to the regathering of ,israel to ,palestine as evidence of his second presence8 #dci4 ,what did ,jesus tell his followers to do when they should see these things coming to pass1 and why8 #dci4 ,how is the ,lord's presence and the end of the world shown by the reaping of the vine of the earth8 #ddj4 ,why would ,jesus admonish his followers to watch for his second coming8 #ddb4 ,suppose it were true that 'no man knows the day nor the hour' of the ,lord's appearing1 what difference would it now make8 #ddc4 ,is there any reason why a ,christian should be in darkness concerning the times and seasons of the ,lord's presence8 #ddc4 ,should we waste our time to quibble about dates1 or days1 or hours8 #ddc4 ,what do fulfilled prophecy and the physical facts establish relative to this question8 #ddc4 ,what words are upon the lips of the true watchers in view of this overwhelming evidence8 #ddc4 ,how does the prophet ,isaiah describe this class of faithful watchers8 ,quote his words4 #ddc4 ,describe those who now have the harp of ,god2 and what are they singing8 #ddd4 ,give the three primary purposes of the ,lord's presence4 #dde4 ,some have thought that the ,lord's second presence would be for the purpose of destroying the earth4 ,what proof have we that this is erroneous8 #ddf4 ,what is the proper explanation of ,st4 ,peter's words in #b ,peter #c3aj-ab8 #ddg4 ,what did the ,apostle mean when he said that 'we look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness'8 #ddh4 ,what evidence is there that the fire is now burning8 #ddi4 ,how long will it continue to burn8 #ddi4 ,what bearing has this on the presence of the ,lord8 #ddi4 ,what ,scriptural explanation is given for the distress of nations and perplexity of business men on earth at this time8 ,quote the ,scripture and analyze it4 #dej4 ,describe the actions of the employing and the laboring classes4 #dea4 ,how are all these perplexed8 #dea4 ,to what is this disturbed condition leading8 #deb4 ,is there greater trouble just ahead8 and if so1 what proof have we8 ,quote the ,scriptures4 #dec4 ,what will follow this general shaking of the nations8 #dec4 ,how is the ,lord's presence revealing the hidden things8 ,quote the ,scriptural authority for your answer4 #dec4 ,what effect is this light having upon ,satan and his kingdom8 #ded4 ,what effect is the ,lord's presence having upon the nations of the earth8 #ded4 ,quote the prophecies of ,isaiah #cd3a-d and #ea3f1 and explain4 #ded4 ,how will this trouble bring to the minds of the people the presence of the ,lord8 #ded4 ,what is meant by the day of ,god's vengeance8 and what did the ,lord say he would do with the nations at this time8 #ded4 ,what is meant by the ,bridegroom and bride8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #dee4 ,give the picture of ,abraham1 ,isaac1 and ,rebekah1 stating what each typified1 and what the whole picture shows4 #dee4 ,in this picture1 what did ,eliezer represent8 #def4 ,quote the words of the ,master with reference to sending a comforter to his followers4 #def4 ,what was pictured by the ten camels which ,eliezer took with him8 #def4 ,what was pictured by the golden ornaments presented to ,rebekah8 #def4 ,quote the words of the ,psalmist inviting the church to become the bride of ,christ4 #deg4 ,what do the ones called do1 in response to the call8 #deg4 ,what did ,sarah picture with respect to the covenants8 and what did her death represent8 #deg4 ,what is pictured by ,isaac receiving ,rebekah and making her his wife after the death of his mother ,sarah8 #deg4 ,during what period of time has the ,lord been preparing the bride of ,christ8 #deh4 ,what did ,jesus say about preparing a special place for these1 and his return to receive his bride8 ,quote his words4 #deh4 ,what do his words show with reference to one of the principal reasons for his second coming8 #dei4 ,explain the parable of the virgins4--,matthew #be3a-ac4 #dfj4 ,explain the meaning of the lamp and the oil in the lamp4 #dfj4 ,define virgin2 and what does a virgin picture here8 #dfj4 ,what is meant by keeping their lamps trimmed and burning8 #dfj4 ,how has knowledge of the ,lord's presence affected the wise virgin class8 #dfj4 ,what proof is this that his presence is one of the strings of the harp of ,god8 #dfj4 ,do the ,scriptures indicate how many will be in the bride class8 ,if so1 give the proof4 #dfj4 ,what do the ,scriptures show the ,lord does for the faithful saints who died long ago when he first returns8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #dfa4 ,what is meant in the ,scriptures by a great shout8 #dfb4 ,state how this has been fulfilled4 #dfb4 ,what is meant by the voice of the archangel8 #dfb4 ,should we expect the resurrection of the saints during this time8 #dfc4 ,how is he gathering unto himself the saints who are still on earth during his presence8 #dfc4 ,give some ,scriptural promises concerning the church being forever with the ,lord4 #dfc4 ,what is meant by the kingdom of ,god8 #dfd4 ,who constitute the royal family of heaven8 ,quote the apostle ,peter's words relating to this4 #dfd4 ,what promise did ,jesus make to this class concerning a kingdom8 #dfe4 ,where will these be associated with the ,lord ,jesus in his kingdom8 #dfe4 ,for what kingdom did the ,lord teach his disciples to pray8 and is it the same spoken of by the prophets of old8 #dfe4 ,who have enjoyed and are enjoying the blessedness spoken of by ,daniel the ,prophet in ,daniel #ab3ab8 #dff4 ,as these appreciate this string of the harp1 what song is appropriate to them8 #dff4 ,while the saints thus rejoice1 for what do they patiently wait8 and to what do they look forward8 #dfg4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,x ,string #i3 ,glorification of the ,church ,the church means a called out class1 separate and distinct from all others4 ,the church of ,christ consists of ,jesus ,christ the head and the #add1jjj members of his body4 7,colossians #a3ah2 ,revelation #g3d7 ,those composing this special class are otherwise designated saints4 ,a saint is one who is pure1 holy1 blameless4 ,the followers of ,christ ,jesus are not holy or blameless within themselves1 but their holiness is by virtue of his imputed merit4 ,this same class of ,christians is otherwise designated in the ,bible as a chosen race1 a royal priesthood1 a holy nation1 a people for a purpose4 7#a ,peter #b3i7 ,they are also designated new creatures 7#b ,corinthians #e3ag72 therefore they constitute the new creation4 ,this new creation when completed will be of the divine nature4 7#b ,peter #a3d7 ,nature is determined by organism4 ,the nature of the church1 then1 will be like unto ,jehovah ,god4 ,it pleased ,god that ,jesus ,christ1 his beloved ,son1 should have preeminence in his great plan2 hence he is made the head of the new creation4--,colossians #a3ah4 #dfi,this new creation had its beginning with ,jesus ,christ at the time of his baptism in ,jordan when he was begotten to the divine nature and anointed with the holy spirit without limitation4 ,as a man1 he was pure1 blameless1 holy4 ,at the age of thirty years1 he was qualified under the law to be a priest1 and there he consecrated himself and at that time was baptized and begotten to the divine nature2 hence became a new creature there from the divine standpoint4 ,as a new creature he was made perfect by the things which he suffered4--,hebrews #e3h4 #dgj;,from the time of his baptism he was opposed by ,satan the devil1 who sought to destroy him4 ,the reason for this opposition lay in the fact that when ,god sentenced ,adam to death he had said unto ,satan3 ,i will put enmity between thee and the woman1 and between thy seed and her seed2 it shall bruise thy head1 and thou shalt bruise his heel4 7,genesis #c3ae7 ,the woman here symbolized or typified the ,abrahamic-,sarah covenant1 from which the seed of promise springs4 ,as ,isaac was the son of promise1 so the church was typified by ,isaac4 7,galatians #d3be-bi7 ,the seed of promise is therefore the new creation4 ,the seed of the serpent consists of those agencies visible and invisible which are his offspring1 and which are used by him for his wicked work4 ,in ,jesus' day the scribes and ,pharisees and doctors of the law were classed as the offspring of ,satan1 his seed 7,john #h3dd72 and it has been true at all times that many who have pretended to be ,christians are really the seed of ,satan and engage in persecuting others who love the ,lord4 #dga;,immediately after the baptism of ,jesus he went up into a mountain in the wilderness to study ,god's plan and to meditate upon it1 that he might be instructed in the way that ,jehovah would have him go2 and when this season of forty days was ended and he came forth1 he was subjected to a great temptation by the devil4 ,jesus resisted all of these efforts of ,satan4 7,luke #d3a-ac7 ,jesus1 the head of the seed of promise1 was the target of ,satan's instruments4 ,for three and a half years he suffered daily at the hands of ,satan and those who represented him1 namely1 those human beings who possessed the devilish spirit4 ,during that period of three and a half years he was indeed a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief2 but all this suffering was necessary for his perfection as a new creature4 7,hebrews #e3h1i7 ,because of his faithfulness1 his fidelity and loyalty to ,god even unto death1 he won the great victory1 became an overcomer4 ,hence we read3 ,wherefore ,god also hath highly exalted him1 and given him a name which is above every name2 that at the name of ,jesus every knee should bow1 of things in heaven1 and things in earth1 and things under the earth2 and that every tongue should confess that ,jesus ,christ is ,lord1 to the glory of ,god the ,father4 7,philippians #b3i-aa7 ,the members of the body of ,christ1 the members of the church1 must follow in his footsteps4--#a ,peter #c3ba4 ,,predestinated #dgb,while the selection of the new creation began with the baptism of ,jesus1 ,god had foreordained long in advance that there should be a church1 of which ,jesus ,christ is the head4 ,st4 ,paul wrote3 ,according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world1 that we should be holy and without blame before him in love2 having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by ,jesus ,christ to himself1 according to the good pleasure of his will1 to the praise of the glory of his grace1 wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved4 ,in whom we have redemption through his blood1 the forgiveness of sins1 according to the riches of his grace2 wherein he hath abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence2 having made known unto us the mystery of his will1 according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself4--,ephesians #a3d-i4 #dgc,the world referred to here means the social and political order existing from the time of the flood until the coming of the ,lord's kingdom1 and is designated in the ,scriptures as the present evil world4 ,st4 ,paul therefore says that before the foundation of this world ,god made provision for the choosing of the members of the church4 ,he did not choose the individuals1 but he predestinated or foreordained that there should be such a church or new creation1 and that these should be adopted as his children through his beloved ,son ,jesus ,christ1 and should become the members of his household1 and that these should be made in the image and likeness of ,christ ,jesus the head4 7,romans #h3bi7 ,as we view the experiences through which ,jesus passed1 we may expect to find that the body members would have similar experiences2 and this we do find4 #dgd;,fifty days after the resurrection of ,jesus was the day of ,pentecost4 ,there went forth the call to the remnant of the ,jews to come unto the ,lord1 accept ,jesus as their head and be transferred from ,moses into ,christ and become the members of the #add1jjj1 constituting the church4 ,a call means an announcement or an invitation4 ,the call here signified an announcement of ,god's purpose of electing the members of the church and an invitation to those of the right heart condition to accept that invitation4 ,many were called1 but only a few responded to that call and were chosen4 7,matthew #bb3ad7 ,for three and a half years this call was confined to the ,jews1 at the end of which time ,cornelius1 the first gentile1 was granted the gospel4 ,he heard1 believed on the ,lord and fully consecrated himself to do ,god's will1 and was accepted4 7,acts #aj7 ,from that time forward the call has been general to any one who might desire to respond to the terms and follow in the ,master's footsteps4 #dge;,for this purpose the gospel has been preached1 that men might know of the plan of ,god and understand that he is selecting the church4 ,men of worldly wisdom have given no heed to the gospel4 ,to them it has been foolishness4 ,and so ,st4 ,paul wrote3 ,for after that in the wisdom of ,god the world by wisdom knew not ,god1 it pleased ,god by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe4 ,for the ,jews require a sign1 and the ,greeks seek after wisdom2 but we preach ,christ crucified1 unto the ,jews a stumblingblock1 and unto the ,greeks foolishness2 but unto them which are called1 both ,jews and ,greeks1 ,christ the power of ,god1 and the wisdom of ,god4 ,because the foolishness of ,god is wiser than men2 and the weakness of ,god is stronger than men1--#a ,corinthians #a3ba-be4 #dgf,this message of ,christ ,jesus1 the crucified one1 the selection of the church and the setting up of his kingdom1 was a stumblingblock to the ,jews2 they could not understand2 they would not believe4 ,and to most of the gentiles it seemed foolishness4 ,it was not foolishness1 however4 ,it was the greatest wisdom4 ,a few have responded to this divine wisdom4 ,the man1 however1 who thought himself wise would not become a follower of ,jesus4 ,it was not a popular thing4 ,and so it has ever been throughout the gospel age that those who have really come to the ,lord1 made a consecration and followed in his footsteps1 have been the meek and lowly of heart who are anxious to know the ,lord and his great plan4 ,hence ,st4 ,paul writes3 ,for ye see your calling1 brethren1 how that not many wise men after the flesh1 not many mighty1 not many noble1 are called2 but ,god hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise2 and ,god hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty2 and base things of the world1 and things which are despised1 hath ,god chosen1 yea1 and things which are not1 to bring to nought things that are2 that no flesh should glory in his presence4--#a ,corinthians #a3bf-bi4 #dgg,the thought here is that ultimately no creature will ever be standing in ,jehovah's presence boasting of what he did4 ,but all those who compose the church will realize that all they have came to them as a gracious gift from ,jehovah4 ,to those who have really had the desire to know and serve the ,lord the call has been and is beautiful indeed4 ,such have been thrilled with the gracious words of ,jehovah spoken through his prophet1 inviting them to become members of the royal family of heaven4 ,the ,psalmist wrote3 ,hearken1 ,o daughter1 and consider1 and incline thine ear2 forget also thine own people1 and thy father's house2 so shall the king greatly desire thy beauty2 for he is thy ,lord1 and worship thou him4--,psalm #de3aj1aa4 #dgh;,as ,jesus is the ,son of ,god1 so the church1 the bride of ,christ1 is the daughter of ,god4 ,hence the ,psalmist speaks to her here1 inviting those who are to become the daughter to forget their own people and their earthly father's house and earnestly and willingly follow in the ,master's footsteps4 ,these are invited to worship the ,lord and grow in his likeness and thereby become beautiful2 and it is that beauty1 the character-likeness of the ,lord1 that he desires4 ,,development #dgi,the development of the church is not an instantaneous matter4 ,it is a gradual process4 ,some have erroneously thought and taught that a man might be wicked all his life and then on his deathbed confess his sins1 accept ,christ1 become a ,christian and die and go immediately to heaven4 ,there is no ,scripture that warrants such a conclusion4 ,time is required for the development of the ,christian4 ,he must first repent2 that is to say1 become displeased with the wrongful course of the world1 change his own course and seek the ,lord4 ,he must become converted1 turn away from a wrongful course and turn to the ,lord4 ,he must be drawn to the ,lord ,jesus1 make a full consecration1 be accepted of the ,lord1 presented to the ,father1 justified1 and begotten of the holy spirit1 before he becomes a new creature2 and from that time forward he must develop4 ,he must have the opportunity to pass through1 and must pass through1 many experiences and by these experiences learn the lessons that ,god desires the members of the new creation to learn4 #dhj;,a boy or a girl in school who is being trained for a special purpose is required to have some hard mental exercise in order to develop the mind4 ,for this reason many mathematical problems are required of the pupil2 and other lessons are required to develop the mental faculties4 ,one who is training for a race or other physical contest is required to have some strenuous experiences4 ,with stronger reasoning are these principles true relative to the members of the new creation4 ,these are being trained for the high and exalted position of membership in the royal family of heaven4 ,hence we may not be surprised to find often that their training is quite severe4 ,the understanding of this requirement enables one to appreciate why ,christians have never been popular and why they have suffered so much during the past nineteen centuries4 #dha,the ,psalmist wrote concerning the new creation2 ,i am become a stranger unto my brethren1 and an alien unto my mother's children4 ,for the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up2 and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me4 7,psalm #fi3h1i7 ,jesus became a stranger to the ,jews in this1 that they despised and rejected him4 ,because of his zeal for the heavenly ,father's great plan1 his earthly life was consumed4 ,satan had reproached ,jehovah from the time of ,eden2 and now these reproaches fell upon ,jesus4 ,we should expect the body members to have similar experiences4 ,and so the ,apostle quotes this text and applies it to those who are the followers of ,jesus1 saying1 ,for even ,christ pleased not himself2 but1 as it written1 ,the reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me4--,romans #ae3c4 #dhb;,god is a great economist4 ,he makes the wrath of men and other creatures to result to his own praise4 ,satan and his seed have always persecuted and buffeted the ,christians1 and ,jehovah has caused this persecution to result in the development of the members of the body of ,christ4 ,he could have prevented the church from suffering at ,satan's hands had he desired so to do2 but by being permitted to buffet them with trying experiences1 ,satan has demonstrated his own depraved character1 and the resistance of the church has shown their love and devotion to the ,lord and thus developed characters that are pleasing unto him4 #dhc,when one first becomes a ,christian he does not usually suffer so much as later1 when he is more developed4 ,he is at first designated in the ,scriptures as a babe in ,christ4 ,as we deal with babes1 so our heavenly ,father deals with his baby children4 ,as earthly babies are fed upon milk and other light diets1 so is one when he first becomes a ,christian2 and his experiences are in harmony therewith1 as the apostle ,peter says3 ,as newborn babes1 desire the sincere milk of the word1 that ye may grow thereby4--#a ,peter #b3b4 #dhd,the ,apostle then illustrates the growth of a ,christian by likening the entire new creation to a building1 with ,jesus as the chief corner-stone and the other members of the body as built up in harmony with him4 ,he says3 ,if so be ye have tasted that the ,lord is gracious4 ,those who have been begotten of the holy spirit have tasted that the ,lord is gracious4 ,to whom coming1 as unto a living stone1 disallowed indeed of men1 but chosen of ,god1 and precious1 ye also1 as living stones1 are built up a spiritual house1 an holy priesthood1 to offer up sacrifices acceptable to ,god by ,jesus ,christ4 ,wherefore also it is contained in the scripture1 ,behold1 ,i lay in ,zion a chief corner stone1 elect1 precious3 and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded4 ,unto you therefore which believe he is precious2 but unto them which be disobedient1 the stone which the builders disallowed1 the same is made the head of the corner1 and a stone of stumbling1 and a rock of offense1 even to them which stumble at the word1 being disobedient4--#a ,peter #b3c-h4 #dhe,paraphrasing these words1 the ,apostle states that ,jesus is the chief corner-stone4 ,he is the ,head of the elect2 he is the precious ,one4 ,those who believe on him1 to such he is precious2 and those who hold fast to that belief shall not be confounded4 ,to believe means to act by fully consecrating oneself to do the ,lord's will4 ,this great ,one1 the ,lord ,jesus1 has been and is a stumbling-stone and a rock of offense to those who have not believed4 ,those who have not appreciated the fact that he is the ,king of kings and ,lord of lords1 and that it is a privilege to suffer with him1 have been offended and turned away from him4 ,it is a great privilege to suffer with ,christ4 ,for unto you it is given in the behalf of ,christ1 not only to believe on him1 but also to suffer for his sake4--,philippians #a3bi4 #dhf,the course of the world is directly opposite to the course of the ,christian2 hence the ,christian finds that he must constantly put forth an effort to develop4 ,for this reason the apostle ,peter wrote3 ,giving all diligence1 add to your faith virtue that is1 fortitude1 steadfastness1 being determined to stand for the truth and on the side of right2 and to virtue knowledge in order to do this one must study the ,word of ,god1 not only occasionally1 but regularly1 systematically2 and to knowledge temperance which means self-control1 learning to control oneself under provocation1 being calm1 gentle1 self-possessed1 trusting in the ,lord2 and to temperance patience which means cheerful endurance1 no matter how fiery the trials are2 to endure cheerfully because it is pleasing to the ,lord and because it makes a strong character2 and to patience godliness which means to grow in the likeness of the ,lord1 with piety1 purity2 and to godliness brotherly kindness which means that kind and loving disposition that exists and should exist between those who are really brothers2 and to brotherly kindness charity1 or love which means an unselfish desire to do good and doing good to others even at a sacrifice to ourselves4--#b ,peter #a3e-g4 #dhg,when we recognize that the course of the world is exactly opposite to this1 we may know it requires a warfare1 a constant vigilance1 and the subjection to persecution because of misunderstanding4 ,but if we do these things1 we shall make our calling and election sure4 ,the ,apostle puts it thus3 ,wherefore the rather1 brethren1 give diligence to make your calling and election sure3 for if ye do these things1 ye shall never fall2 for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ4--#b ,peter #a3aj1aa4 #dhh,while thus undergoing development1 the new creature finds that he has to war against the downward tendencies of his own fleshly disposition1 against the spirit of the world1 and against ,satan's machinations through various instruments4 ,but this warfare is what makes him strong4 ,it is not a warfare with carnal weapons4 ,it is the power of ,god working in him to war against these enemies1 and it is mighty to the pulling down of the strongholds of wrong4 7#b ,corinthians #aj3d7 ,it is the great hope of an entrance into the kingdom that enables him1 by the ,lord's grace1 to battle steadfastly for the right4 ,st4 ,john states3 ,every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself1 even as he is pure4 7#a ,john #c3c7 ,these fiery trials through which the ,christian passes have the same effect upon him that a fire has upon metal4 ,it burns up the dross and refines the gold4 ,it has a cleansing effect2 and also for this reason the ,lord permits it4 #dhi;,god foreordained that all the members of the new creation should be made in the likeness of his beloved ,son4 7,romans #h3bi7 ,this does not take place by meditating upon wrongful things1 but by resisting these and keeping the mind upon heavenly things4 ,the ,christian now has his face unveiled2 that is1 he is enabled by his mental vision to understand the things of ,god's ,word1 and when he looks into the ,word1 the ,bible1 he sees reflected from that ,word the character-likeness of the ,lord2 and having the ,lord's spirit in him1 he is being transformed from one degree of glory to another4 ,the apostle ,paul puts it thus3 ,we all1 with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the ,lord1 are changed into the same image from glory to glory1 even as by the spirit of the ,lord4 7#b ,corinthians #c3ah7 ,the pathway of the ,christian is not strewn with flowers or ease or comfort1 but as ,jesus said1 it is a narrow way and few there be that walk in it4--,matthew #g3ad4 #dij,st4 ,james says3 ,take1 my brethren1 the prophets1 who have spoken in the name of the ,lord1 for an example of suffering affliction1 and of patience4 7,james #e3aj7 ,the prophets of old suffered much and they will not be privileged to be a part of this heavenly kingdom class2 but their suffering was for a two-fold purpose3 7#a7 to develop them1 which will result to their benefit when they are resurrected as perfect men2 and 7#b7 to serve as examples for the church1 the followers of ,jesus4 #dia;,jesus said3 ,and from the days of ,john the ,baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence1 and the violent take it by force4 7,matthew #aa3ab7 ,here he showed that the kingdom-of-heaven class1 meaning the royal family1 suffers violence at the hands of the adversary's instruments1 and the violent ones take these by force4 ,it was so of him2 it has been so of his followers1 as ,st4 ,paul writes3 ,our hope of you is steadfast1 knowing1 that as ye are partakers of the sufferings1 so shall ye be also of the consolation4--#b ,corinthians #a3g4 #dib;,but why should the ,christian suffer8 you may ask4 ,and the ,apostles answer3 ,beloved1 think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you1 as though some strange thing happened unto you3 but rejoice1 inasmuch as ye are partakers of ,christ's sufferings2 that1 when his glory shall be revealed1 ye may be glad also with exceeding joy4 ,if ye be reproached for the name of ,christ1 happy are ye2 for the spirit of glory and of ,god resteth upon you3 on their part he is evil spoken of1 but on your part he is glorified4444 ,yet if any man suffer as a ,christian1 let him not be ashamed2 but let him glorify ,god on this behalf4 7#a ,peter #d3ab-ad1af7 ,it became him1 for whom are all things1 and by whom are all things1 in bringing many sons unto glory1 to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings4 ,for both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one3 for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren4--,hebrews #b3aj1aa4 #dic;,again the apostle ,paul shows that the ,christian does not complain because of persecution and suffering2 neither does he murmur against ,god4 ,but the true sentiment of his heart is expressed in the words of the ,apostle3 ,we glory in tribulations also1 knowing that tribulation worketh patience2 and patience1 experience2 and experience1 hope2 and hope maketh not ashamed1 because the love of ,god is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit which is given unto us4 7,romans #f3c-e7 ,again says the ,apostle3 ,i reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us4--,romans #h3ah4 #did,no true ,christian would expect to be without suffering or chastisements from the ,lord1 because these are evidences that he is a follower of ,jesus and a son of ,god4 ,it is one of the ways in which the spirit of the ,lord testifies to us that we are his4 7,hebrews #ab3b-aa2 ,romans #h3af1ag7 ,these sufferings of the ,christian come from various agencies4 ,the ,christian suffers by being misunderstood4 ,his motives are presumed to be wrong4 ,he is sometimes charged with sedition because he does not desire to join with peoples of the world in engaging in war to destroy human lives2 sometimes persecuted by false brethren1 and sometimes by those who are ignorant4 ,but all these afflictions he patiently endures1 gladly4 #die,st4 ,paul probably suffered as much or more than any follower of ,christ4 ,he suffered shipwreck1 imprisonment1 his back was flogged on three occasions at least1 he was stoned and dragged out by the wayside and left for dead2 and notwithstanding all these afflictions he wrote3 ,for our light affliction1 which is but for a moment1 worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory while we look not at the things which are seen1 but at the things which are not seen4 7#b ,corinthians #d3ag1ah7 ,he was looking forward to the glory that shall follow1 as should all ,christians--not only some glory1 but a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory4 ,the ,christian delights to meditate upon the promises given in ,god's ,word concerning this glory4 ,,promises #dif,the great promise set before the church is that of eternal life--being for ever with the ,lord4 ,addressing these1 ,st4 ,paul wrote3 ,god will render to every man according to his deeds3 to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality1 eternal life4 7,romans #b3f1g7 ,it is to be noticed that those who are looking for that great reward patiently continue in doing well2 that is to say1 they cheerfully endure whatsoever experiences come1 while they continue to walk in the ,master's footsteps4 ,let us1 then1 examine some of the texts setting forth ,god's precious promises relative to the glory and honor that shall be the portion of the church in his great arrangement4 #dig;,glory is the term used to describe ,jehovah's presence4 ,it suggests the brightness of the divine person and character4 ,glory is associated with ,god's holiness4 7,isaiah #f3a-d7 ,our ,lord ,jesus is mentioned as the 'brightness of ,god's glory'4 ,he is also spoken of as being 'the express image of the ,father'1 and we are told that he is at the right hand of the ,father4 7,hebrews #a3c7 ,the #add1jjj members of his body are to be with him in his throne and in the ,father's presence1 thus in glory4 7,revelation #c3ba7 ,this glory that they shall enjoy will be so transcendently more wonderful than all the things of earth that could be glorious1 that ,st4 ,paul describes it as a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory4 ,the members of the church while undergoing development bear the image of the earthly4 ,imperfect human beings they are1 with imperfect bodies and minds4 ,but the promise to them is3 ,as we have borne the image of the earthly1 we shall also bear the image of the heavenly4--#a ,corinthians #ae3di4 #dih;,from the time of ,pentecost until the coming of the ,lord1 those dear and faithful saints who died in ,christ slept and waited for his coming2 but as the ,apostle says1 these would be the first to be honored with an awakening from the dead4 ,hence we understand that shortly after the second appearing of the ,lord ,jesus1 during the time of the shout of encouragement that was going on among the peoples of earth1 these dead saints in ,christ were resurrected and caught up with the ,lord ,jesus in the air1 to be for ever with him1 as stated by the ,apostle4 --#a ,thessalonians #d3af1ag4 #dii,those remaining1 who had not died up to the time of the ,lord's appearing1 but who since die as do other men1 have their change instantaneously4 ,their resurrection is instantaneous1 as ,st4 ,paul plainly says3 ,behold1 ,i show you a mystery3 ,we shall not all sleep1 but we shall all be changed1 in a moment1 in the twinkling of an eye1 at the last trump3 for the trumpet shall sound1 and the dead shall be raised incorruptible1 and we shall be changed4 7#a ,corinthians #ae3ea1eb7 ,these are the blessed ones of the ,lord because they participate in the first or chief resurrection and thereafter reign with ,christ4 7,revelation #bj3f7 ,these promises1 then1 are to the effect that they shall be forever with the ,lord ,jesus in the presence of ,jehovah3 therefore in glory4 ,jehovah for centuries has been preparing this class1 the new creation1 that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy1 which he had afore prepared unto glory1 even us1 whom he hath called4--,romans #i3bc1bd4 #ejj;,it is customary for the royal family of a nation to have the choicest jewels of that nation in possession4 ,these jewels are kept in the presence of the king1 that they might be admired by him4 ,concerning those who shall constitute the new creation1 the church1 the ,prophet of ,god wrote3 ,they shall be mine1 saith the ,lord of hosts1 in that day when ,i make up my jewels2 and ,i will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him4 7,malachi #c3ag7 ,that these shall be admired by the ,lord ,jehovah as the zenith of his glorious creation is indicated by the ,prophet who writes3 ,thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the ,lord1 and a royal diadem in the hand of thy ,god4--,isaiah #fb3c4 #eja,those who by patient continuance in well doing battle faithfully unto the end have the precious promise of being made a part of the temple of ,god2 hence will be in his presence4 ,him that overcometh will ,i make a pillar in the temple of my ,god1 and he shall go no more out3 and ,i will write upon him the name of my ,god1 and the name of the city of my ,god1 which is new ,jerusalem1 which cometh down out of heaven from my ,god2 and ,i will write upon him my new name4--,revelation #c3ab4 #ejb,the brightness and glory of the earth is the sun1 which illuminates and gives life to the things of earth4 ,scientists declare that this light is produced by explosive gas which ascends from the sun to a height of from #e1jjj to #cjj1jjj miles4 ,it is the brightness of the firmament2 and the glory in the presence of ,jehovah is illustrated by this brightness1 as indicated by the ,prophet3 ,they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament4 7,daniel #ab3c7 ,the wise ones are those who devote themselves to understanding and doing ,jehovah's will4 ,they are the righteous ones1 who have been made so through the merit of ,christ ,jesus1 and whom he gathers in during his presence4 ,when these enter into the glorious presence of ,jehovah1 then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their ,father4 --,matthew #ac3dc4 #ejc;,it was ,jesus who said to his disciples3 ,in my ,father's house are many mansions3 if it were not so1 ,i would have told you4 ,i go to prepare a place for you1 444 that where ,i am1 there ye may be also4 7,john #ad3b1c7 ,the promise here is1 then1 that a special habitation shall be prepared for the church1 which habitation will be in the glorious presence of the ,lord ,jehovah4 ,this holy or heavenly kingdom class1 the royal family1 is spoken of as ,zion1 and of it the ,prophet of the ,lord wrote3 ,the ,lord hath chosen ,zion2 he hath desired it for his habitation4 7,psalm #acb3ac7 ,of its beauty and glory the ,psalmist wrote3 ,out of ,zion1 the perfection of beauty1 ,god hath shined4 7,psalm #ej3b7 ,jehovah will shine forth through the new creation for the blessing of all the families of the earth4 ,the glory to be experienced by the church in the presence of ,jehovah will bring unspeakable joy2 for 'in his presence is fullness of joy2 at his right hand there are pleasures for evermore'4--,psalm #af3aa4 #ejd;,in the glorious presence of ,jehovah1 we may be sure that all will be his friends2 and as an inducement to strive for that place his ,prophet wrote3 ,he that loveth with a pure heart and hath grace upon his lips will have the king as his friend 7,proverbs #bb3aa1 ,leeser71 and he will be sure of being loved for evermore4--,proverbs #ag3ag4 #eje;,honor applies more to a recognized station or position in ,god's arrangement4 ,always glorious1 ,god is honored in the minds of his creatures who worship him4 ,the position of the glorified church will be that of the bride of ,christ1 for ever with him2 and he being at the right hand of the ,father1 their position will be one of great honor4 ,the special honor1 therefore1 of the church is that of being the glorious bride or associate of the ,lord ,jesus1 the ,king of glory4 ,his recognition of her station as his own wife pictures the superlative degree of her honor and glory4 ,jesus said3 ,father1 ,i will 444 that they be with me where ,i am4--,john #ag3bd4 #ejf,of ,jesus it is written that he is the 'express image of the ,father' 7,hebrews #a3c72 and that he is the beloved ,bridegroom and ,friend of the body members of the church4 7,canticles #e3af7 ,now it does not appear what the church shall be1 but1 says ,st4 ,john1 we know that1 when he shall appear1 we shall be like him2 for we shall see him as he is4 7#a ,john #c3b7 ,god hath appointed him heir of all things4 7,hebrews #a3b7 ,these children of ,god1 members of the body of ,christ1 are heirs of ,god1 and joint-heirs with ,christ in all the glory and honor of his position4--,romans #h3ag4 #ejg,when ,jehovah took away from ,israel the right to rule1 he promised to give it to him whose right it is1 the great ,messiah1 when he should come4 7,ezekiel #ba3bg7 ,of him the ,prophet of ,god wrote3 ,and there was given him dominion1 and glory1 and a kingdom1 that all people1 nations1 and languages should serve him3 his dominion is an everlasting dominion1 which shall not pass away1 and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed4444 ,and the kingdom and dominion1 and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven1 shall be given to the people of the saints of the most ,high1 whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom1 and all dominions shall serve and obey him4 7,daniel #g3ad1bg7 ,to his disciples ,jesus promised that they should share his kingdom1 saying1 ,i appoint unto you a kingdom1 as my ,father hath appointed unto me2 that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom1 and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of ,israel4--,luke #bb3bi1cj4 #ejh;,as ,jesus the bridegroom will be the great ,king of glory to rule over the nations1 so the members of the body1 the bride1 the overcomers1 are promised that they with him shall have power over the nations4 --,revelation #b3bf4 #eji,throughout the ,millennial age not only will the position of the bride be that of associate with ,christ ,jesus in the kingdom1 but her position in all the ages to come will be one of honor4 ,st4 ,paul writes that ,god hath raised us up together1 and made us sit together in heavenly places in ,christ ,jesus2 that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through ,christ ,jesus4--,ephesians #b3f1g4 #eaj,when ,jesus was in the earth he was despised and rejected of men4 ,he was dishonored of men1 and has since been dishonored of all except those who have come to a knowledge of the truth4 ,the time will come1 however1 as the ,apostle declares1 when 'every knee shall bow1 and every tongue shall confess that ,jesus ,christ is ,lord1 to the glory of ,god the ,father'4 7,philippians #b3g-aa7 ,the members of his body1 the truly consecrated children of ,god1 following in the footsteps of their ,master have been despised of men1 have been counted as the offscourings of the earth1 have been persecuted and imprisoned1 and many of them killed2 and the world has known them not1 even as it knew him not4 ,but in due time all those born in the glorious kingdom of our ,lord will be honored among men1 because mankind will know of their position1 as it is written3 ,of ,zion it shall be said1 ,this and that man was born in her2 and the highest himself shall establish her4 ,the ,lord shall count1 when he writeth up the people1 that this man was born there4 7,psalm #hg3e1f7 ,then shall the people rejoice that it has pleased the heavenly ,father to select out from amongst poor1 imperfect men the #add1jjj1 and to make them perfect through ,christ ,jesus4 ,he will cause the peoples of earth to honor them1 as he has promised3 ,i will make thy name to be remembered in all generations2 therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever4--,psalm #de3ag4 #eaa,the ,apostle says also that these are seeking immortality4 ,that word here means incorruptibility2 a condition not subject to death4 ,the ,messianic class1 head and body1 will not be subject to decay1 sickness1 or death4 ,even a perfect human being requires nourishment to sustain his organism2 but the exalted church1 the ,messiah1 the ,christ1 will need nothing in the way of food to replenish any powers1 because their powers will not be exhausted4 ,these will have life in themselves in such an abundant measure that they can give it out1 and will give it out1 and still need no replenishing4 ,of himself ,jesus declared3 ,as the ,father hath life in himself1 so hath he given the ,son to have life in himself4 --,john #e3bf2 #d3ad4 #eab,this same promise is made to those who participate in his sacrificial death4 7,john #f3ec1ed7 ,these have the promise that they shall be partakers of the divine nature 7#b ,peter #a3d71 and thus shall have power to give life unto others4 ,the great prize that is here to be given is eternal life2 and immortality is that quality of eternal life that is indestructible4 ,to those who have entered into relationship with the ,lord through ,christ1 he says3 ,be thou faithful unto death1 and ,i will give thee a crown of life4 7,revelation #b3aj7 ,and again says ,st4 ,james3 ,blessed is the man that endureth temptation trial2 for when he is tried1 he shall receive the crown of life1 which the ,lord hath promised to them that love him4--,james #a3ab4 #eac,when one is begotten to membership in the body of ,christ1 he has new hopes1 new ambitions1 and new aspirations4 ,he looks forward1 not to the glorious things of the earth1 but to the glory and honor of being with the ,lord and serving in the capacity in which the ,lord places him4 ,he has in mind the words of ,st4 ,paul3 ,your life is hid with ,christ in ,god4 ,when ,christ1 who is our life1 shall appear1 then shall ye also appear with him in glory4--,colossians #c3c1d #ead;,david1 being a type of the church1 prophetically wrote concerning the church1 and his words apply in a broader sense to the church4 ,he expressed the heart's desire of the members of the body of ,christ3 ,one thing have ,i desired of the ,lord1 that will ,i seek after2 that ,i may dwell in the house of the ,lord all the days of my life1 to behold the beauty of the ,lord1 and to inquire in his temple4 7,psalm #bg3d7 ,here he has hope of the glory of dwelling in the house of the ,lord1 in his presence1 beholding his beauty and acquiring knowledge concerning his great plan4 #eae;,again ,david represents the church as in the presence of ,jehovah1 enjoying the glory and honor that will be granted to those who participate in the first resurrection4 ,of this in beautiful poetic phrase he writes3 ,the king shall joy in thy strength1 ,o ,lord2 and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice6 ,thou hast given him his heart's desire1 and hast not withholden the request of his lips4 ,selah4 ,for thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness3 thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head4 ,he asked life of thee1 and thou gavest it him1 even length of days for ever and ever4 ,his glory is great in thy salvation2 honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him4 ,for thou hast made him most blessed for ever2 thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance4--,psalm #ba3a-f4 #eaf,what a contrast in the eyes of the people between the man ,christ ,jesus who suffered ignominy at the hands of the ,jews and the ,christ ,jesus glorified1 the brightness of whose glory shines above that of the brightness at noonday6 ,great will be the honor and dignity in the minds of the people of the position of ,jesus ,christ when all have come to know the ,lord4 ,what a great contrast between the body of humiliation and the body of glory6 ,these members of the body1 as the ,prophet beautifully expresses it1 were 'digged from the pit and hewn from the rock'4 7,isaiah #ea3a7 ,they have trudged along the narrow way1 suffering at the hands of ,satan and his seed4 ,but all the way they have had these precious promises of what would be the result1 amongst which is this promise3 ,behold my servant1 whom ,i uphold2 mine elect1 in whom my soul delighteth2 ,i have put my spirit upon him3 he shall bring forth judgment to the gentiles4--,isaiah #db3a4 #eag;,in the eyes of the world these die like ordinary men2 yet they really fall like ,prince ,jesus4 7,psalm #hb3g7 ,st4 ,paul1 discussing the humiliation of the church this side the vail1 and contrasting it with the glory on the other side1 said3 ,there is one glory of the sun1 and another glory of the moon1 and another glory of the stars3 for one star differeth from another star in glory4 ,so also is the resurrection of the dead4 ,it is sown in corruption2 it is raised in incorruption4 ,it is sown in dishonor2 it is raised in glory4 ,it is sown in weakness2 it is raised in power4 ,it is sown a natural body2 it is raised a spiritual body4--#a ,corinthians #ae3da-dd4 #eah,we have now come to the time in which these members of the body have their change instantaneously4 ,one moment they are sown in corruption2 the next1 raised in incorruption4 ,one moment in dishonor2 the next in glory4 ,one moment in weakness2 the next in power4 ,when the church is finished and all of the #add1jjj members are with the ,lord1 then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written1 ,death is swallowed up in victory4 ,o death1 where is thy sting8 ,o grave1 where is thy victory8 7#a ,corinthians #ae3ed1ee7 ,then it will be that all composing that class will enjoy glory1 honor1 immortality1 even eternal life4 ,,approaching ,,the ,,kingdom #eai;,it is certain that the time must come when all those composing the body of ,christ will have finished their course on this side the vail and passed into heavenly glory2 and since the ,lord promised that his second presence would be for the purpose of gathering unto himself those who would compose his bride1 we should expect the glorification of the church to take place within a reasonably short time after the second presence of the ,lord4 ,the apostle ,paul's mind was illuminated by the power of ,jehovah1 the holy spirit2 and he wrote concerning the coming kingdom of ,messiah1 describing conditions that would immediately precede its inauguration4 #ebj;,at ,mount ,sinai ,jehovah made a covenant with the nation of ,israel1 and at the time of making this covenant ,god directed ,moses to instruct the people1 to prepare them for what was about to take place4 ,when ,moses came down out of the mountain to deliver ,god's message to ,israel1 it was amidst a great convulsion of nature4 ,there were thunders and lightnings1 and a thick cloud of smoke upon the mountain1 and the voice of a trumpet exceeding loud1 so that the people in the camp trembled with fear1 and the whole earth quaked greatly4 ,this was a picture foreshadowing the time of trouble in the earth1 the great shaking of the nations just before the inauguration of ,messiah's kingdom and the taking unto himself of his bride for the setting up of his kingdom4 ,st4 ,paul1 referring to that time1 by way of comparison says3 ,ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched1 and that burned with fire1 nor unto blackness1 and darkness1 and tempest1 and the sound of a trumpet1 and the voice of words2 which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more 7for they could not endure that which was commanded1 ,and if so much as a beast touch the mountain1 it shall be stoned1 or thrust through with a dart2 and so terrible was the sight1 that ,moses said1 ,i exceedingly fear and quake74--,hebrews #ab3ah-ba4 #eba,we should expect1 then1 an antitypical fulfillment of these conditions4 ,and so we do find it4 ,the mountains 7symbolically meaning kingdoms of the world7 are on fire1 and there is a great tempest1 and trouble1 and disturbance in the earth2 and so terrible is the time that men's hearts are failing them for fear of what they see coming on the earth4 ,speaking of that time1 and directing his words to the church1 ,st4 ,paul wrote3 ,ye are come unto mount ,zion1 and unto the city of the living ,god1 the heavenly ,jerusalem1 and to an innumerable company of angels1 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn1 which are written in heaven1 and to ,god the ,judge of all1 and to the spirits of just men made perfect1 and to ,jesus the mediator of the new covenant1 and to the blood of sprinkling1 that speaketh better things than that of ,abel4--,hebrews #ab3bb-bd4 #ebb,thus ,st4 ,paul pictures the gathering together of those who compose the spiritual phase of ,messiah's kingdom1 namely1 the church1 ,head and body4 ,he describes this as the heavenly ,jerusalem4 #ebc,that the peoples of earth and the creatures of heaven might ever have in remembrance the importance of this great day in which we are now living ,god is manifesting his power and his justice through his dealings with the nations1 and in due time the people will learn to appreciate the love of ,god4 #ebd,what a marvelously wonderful time now to be on the earth6 ,four thousand years ago holy men looked down to the time when ,god's kingdom might come1 but they could not understand it4 ,the angels of heaven were not permitted to know4 ,many of these faithful men were martyrs to the cause of righteousness4 ,moved by the spirit of ,jehovah1 they wrote concerning the kingdom4 ,the ,psalmist composed songs and sang of the coming blessed day4 ,for nineteen hundred years ,christians have been trudging along the narrow way4 ,and now it can be truly said1 ,the ,lord is present2 the ,lord reigneth6 ,the kingdom of heaven is at hand6 #ebe,necessarily the members of the body this side the vail are looking forward with anticipation to their change1 when they may put off this mortal and be clothed upon with immortality1 and be caught up to be forever with the ,lord1 and by him be presented to the great ,jehovah4 ,when all the members of the body have passed beyond the vail1 then in ,god's due time they will be presented by the ,lord ,jesus before the presence of ,jehovah4 ,since we are so close to that time1 let us now assume in our minds that we are standing just beyond the vail and that we are getting the first glimpse of the glories of the kingdom4 #ebf,whom would the true ,christian first expect to meet in the kingdom8 ,necessarily he would look for some one who had been a special friend to him during the time of his humiliation4 ,if a person who expected to be presented to an earthly king or potentate had an acquaintance or friend at that court1 he would first desire to consult his friend and receive some advice and suggestions before entering the presence of the noble one4 ,entering heaven1 the ,christian expects to see the ,lord ,jesus1 and ultimately the heavenly ,father1 according to the promise4 ,as the ,christian looks over the precious promises given to the church1 he finds many assurances that he has had an unseen friend during his earthly pilgrimage1 namely1 his guardian angel4 ,of such the ,psalmist wrote3 ,the angel of the ,lord encampeth round about them that fear him1 and delivereth them4 7,psalm #cd3g2 ,hebrews #a3ad7 ,these angels are doubtless messengers for ,jehovah1 because of them ,jesus said3 ',in heaven they do always behold the face of my ,father'4--,matthew #ah3aj4 #ebg;,describing the conditions and events in connection with the general assembly of the church of the firstborn1 ,st4 ,paul writes3 ,ye are come 444 to an innumerable company of angels4 ,these must be pure1 lovable1 and beautiful in form and character4 ,these have been the ones who have kept the record of each member of the body of ,christ4 7,malachi #c3af7 ,it will be a real joy to become acquainted with these precious and beautiful creatures who have been helpers of the ,christians along the way4 ,it would be expected that they would render assistance to the one just appearing in the presence of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,therefore it is not unreasonable to anticipate that the first one to be met beyond the vail is the ,christian's guardian angel4 #ebh,next in order the ,apostle mentions the church of the firstborn4 ,jesus ,christ is the head of this church1 the great ,king of glory4 ,certainly all the body members will be eager to see our wonderful ,lord1 who redeemed us to ,god with his precious blood4 ,he is not only our ,redeemer1 ,advocate1 and ,deliverer1 but our dearest ,friend2 and now the relationship of bride and bridegroom is about to be fully consummated4 ,how thrilling will be that time6 ,by long and patient continuance in well doing1 their experiences1 by the grace of the ,lord and through his ministration1 have perfected every one of the body for this happy time1 making each member beautiful1 ,so shall the king greatly desire thy beauty3 for he is thy ,lord2 and worship thou him4 ,each member of the bride then will be permitted to see ,jesus as he is and will then be like him4 ,happy will be that time4 7#a ,john #c3b7 ,every one of these ,christians has had some dear fellow ,christian friend on earth4 ,he will be looking for such a one1 doubtless1 when he arrives in heaven4 ,of course each one will look for the faithful apostles whom the ,lord used to furnish the food to the household of faith4 ,then they will look for others whom the ,lord specially used as teachers1 instructors1 and servants of the church1 who were loving and kind and ministered to the wants of the various members and did it joyfully4 #ebi,we may be sure that of all those who are there every one will be perfected in love1 because the ,apostle says they must thus be4 7,ephesians #d3af2 ,colossians #c3ad7 ,we may expect to see some there whom we have loved and may be disappointed in not seeing them2 but no ,christian will ever see any one of his fellow-,christians in heaven except those who have loved their brethren with a pure heart1 all of whom have passed through the fiery trials and rejoiced in the experiences that the ,lord brought to them4 ,each one of the members of the divine family will be beautiful1 for all will be like the ,lord4 ,as star differs from star in glory1 so shall the various members differ in that glorious realm4 ,but what a marvelous gathering that will be3 #add1jjj glorious beings assembling with their glorious head ,christ ,jesus6 #ecj;,all united together with the ,lord ,jesus1 it seems1 according to ,st4 ,paul1 that the next in order would be to grant unto the church the glory that is promised1 by presenting the bride class before the great divine throne of ,jehovah4 ,st4 ,jude informs us not only that our ,lord keeps the members of the body from falling1 but that he will present them faultless before the presence of ,jehovah's glory with exceeding joy4--,jude #bd4 #eca,the day approaches for the presentation of the bride4 ,in vision we behold an innumerable company of angels assembled before the throne of ,god1 forming a guard of honor4 ,the heralds of heaven with golden trumpets appear1 announcing the approach of the ,bridegroom with his bride4 ,music of surpassing sweetness fills the heavenly courts4 ,all eyes are fixed upon the conquering ,hero1 the ,king of kings and ,lord of lords1 the great ,bridegroom1 who now approaches with his bride of #add1jjj members4 ,the hosts of heaven are singing1 ,hallelujah3 for the ,lord ,god omnipotent reigneth6 ,let us be glad and rejoice1 and give honor to him2 for the marriage of the ,lamb is come1 and his wife hath made herself ready4--,revelation #ai3f1g4 #ecb;,it is well that we take note here of the apparel of the bride of ,christ now entering glory4 ,and to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen1 clean and white4 7,revelation #ai3h7 ,the king's daughter is all glorious within the palace2 her clothing is of wrought gold4 ,she shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework4 7,psalm #de3ac1ad7 ,thus in symbolic phrase the ,prophet describes her inherent beauty when she is presented faultless before the glorious presence of ,jehovah4 ,it will be impossible for human words to approximate the grandeur and the majesty of that scene4 ,before the great white throne of the heavenly ,father1 bride and ,bridegroom will be made one1 and the glory of the church will be complete4 ,there1 in the presence of ,jehovah1 she will have fullness of joy and pleasures for evermore4 ,o that will be a union ,such as earth has never known4 ,when bride and ,bridegroom are made one ,before the great white throne4 #ecc,the members of the body of ,christ in glory will be a monument of the grace of ,god1 because thus will be demonstrated the power1 as well as the love1 of ,jehovah in taking insignificant creatures from amongst men and exalting them to the highest place in the universe1 next to the ,lord ,jesus4 ,then she will be held forth in the power of ,jehovah1 exhibited as a crown of glory in his hand1 and be used by him to accomplish that which he purposed from the foundation of the world4 ,as the glorified bride of our heavenly ,bridegroom1 clothed with honor and immortality1 she will possess life everlasting1 inherent life2 and with her ,bridegroom she will minister life and blessing to others4 #ecd,st4 ,john had a vision of this wonderful royal family of heaven1 and in symbolic language he described it as the holy city1 the new ,jerusalem1 coming down from ,god out of heaven4 7,revelation #ba3a-e7 ,thus he depicts the approaching kingdom of ,messiah4 ,in vision he saw the faithful followers of ,jesus who are still on this side the vail1 by faith beholding the approach of this happy time2 and he describes them as those who had gotten the victory over the beast the devil's earthly organization1 and over his image1 and over his mark1 and over the number of his name whose allegiance is wholly to the ,lord1 and who stand on the sea of glass1 having the harps of ,god4 ,and they sing the song of ,moses the servant of ,god the song taught by the law1 which foreshadowed the better things to come1 and the song of the ,lamb the song of the clear fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of ,god's plan1 as set forth in the ,new ,testament2 they are playing upon their harps and praising ,jehovah1 saying1 ,great and marvelous are thy works1 ,lord ,god ,almighty2 just and true are thy ways1 thou ,king of saints4 --,revelation #ae3b1c4 ,define the word church4 #dfh4 ,of what does the church of ,christ consist8 #dfh4 ,what other name is given to those composing the church8 #dfh4 ,what is a saint8 #dfh4 ,how are those composing the body of ,christ purified8 #dfh4 ,what is meant by the terms new creature and new creation8 #dfh4 ,how is nature determined8 #dfh4 ,who has preeminence in the divine plan8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #dfh4 ,when did the new creation have its beginning8 #dfi4 ,what occurred with reference to ,jesus when he was thirty years of age8 #dfi4 ,how was he perfected as a new creature8 #dfi4 ,who opposed ,jesus from the time of his baptism8 #dgj4 ,why this opposition8 #dgj4 ,in the sentence by ,jehovah1 as set forth in ,genesis #c3ae1 what is symbolized by the woman8 #dgj4 ,whom did ,isaac typify8 #dgj4 ,of what does the seed of the serpent consist8 ,give some ,scriptural proof4 #dgj4 ,what is the disposition of the seed of the serpent8 #dgj4 ,where did ,jesus go immediately following his baptism1 and for what purpose8 #dga4 ,to what temptation was he subjected shortly thereafter8 ,give the ,scriptural account4 #dga4 ,how long did he suffer at the hands of ,satan and his representatives8 #dga4 ,how did he gain the victory8 #dga4 ,how did ,jehovah reward ,jesus for his faithful devotion to the divine arrangement even unto death8 #dga4 ,what ,scriptures indicate that the body members most follow in his steps8 #dga4 ,did ,god predestinate or foreordain a new creation8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #dgb4 ,what is meant by the word world as used in ,ephesians #a3d-i8 #dgc4 ,did ,god foreordain or choose the individuals who would compose the church8 ,or what is meant by his foreknowledge8 #dgc4 ,should we expect the body members to have experiences similar to those of ,jesus8 #dgc4 ,when was the day of ,pentecost8 #dgd4 ,what call went forth to the ,jews from that time8 #dgd4 ,what is meant by the call8 #dgd4 ,what did ,jesus say about the number called and chosen8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #dgd4 ,how long was this call confined to the ,jews8 #dgd4 ,who was the first gentile to receive the gospel8 ,give the ,scriptural account4 #dgd4 ,thereafter to whom did the call extend8 #dgd4 ,why has the gospel been preached8 #dge4 ,how has the gospel appeared to worldly-wise men8 #dge4 ,what did ,st4 ,paul say about the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of ,god8 #dge4 ,how did the ,jews as a people receive the message of ,christ and him crucified8 #dgf4 ,how did the majority of the gentiles receive the gospel8 #dgf4 ,what proportion of the wise and mighty and noble are called and respond to the call of the gospel8 #dgf4 ,why have not many wise and noble accepted the truth8 #dgf4 ,how has the call impressed the humble-minded8 #dgf4 ,give ,scriptural proof of ,jehovah's invitation to become members of the bride class4 #dgg4 ,why can the church be called the daughter of ,god8 #dgh4 ,what beauty is it that the ,lord desires in the body members8 #dgh4 ,is time required for the development of the church8 #dgi4 ,what can be said about deathbed confessions8 #dgi4 ,what is the first thing to do to become a ,christian8 #dgi4 ,what is meant by repentance8 #dgi4 ,what is meant by being converted8 #dgi4 ,after conversion1 what further things take place before one becomes a new creature8 #dgi4 ,why must the ,christian thereafter pass through many varied experiences8 #dgi4 ,why are children in school required to have hard mental exercises8 #dhj4 ,is it necessary for one to train for a physical contest8 #dhj4 ,why is it necessary for a new creature to be trained and to pass through experiences8 #dhj4 ,what did the ,psalmist say concerning the standing of the new creature with his brethren and others8 #dha4 ,to whom did ,jesus become a stranger8 and what reproaches fell upon him8 #dha4 ,give ,scriptural proof that the body members have similar reproaches4 #dha4 ,how has ,god overruled for good ,satan's persecution of the church8 #dhb4 ,is the ,christian's suffering greater when he first knows the ,lord or later8 #dhc4 ,how is a ,christian1 when first begotten1 designated in the ,scriptures8 #dhc4 ,what kind of spiritual food does he need8 #dhc4 ,give a figure of speech illustrating the development of the church1 with ,scriptural proof of same4 #dhd4 ,give a paraphrase of the ,apostle's words in #a ,peter #b3c-h4 #dhe4 ,give ,scriptural proof that it is a privilege to suffer with ,christ4 #dhe4 ,what course must a ,christian take as compared to the world8 #dhf4 ,explain the development of the ,christian1 as taught by ,st4 ,peter in #b ,peter #a3e-g4 #dhf4 ,what should a ,christian do with reference to making his calling and election sure8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #dhg4 ,against what enemies does the new creature war8 #dhh4 ,with what weapons does he war8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #dhh4 ,what hope strengthens him in the battle8 #dhh4 ,what effect does this hope have upon his purifying himself8 #dhh4 ,to what likeness were the members of the church foreordained8 #dhi4 ,why can the ,christian understand things that the world cannot8 ,give ,scriptural proof1 #dhi4 ,how is the pathway of the ,christian designated8 and is it an easy one8 #dhi4 ,what does ,st4 ,james say to the ,christian about considering the suffering of the prophets8 #dij4 ,what was the purpose of the prophets' suffering8 #dij4 ,what did ,jesus say about the violent taking the kingdom8 ,give explanation4 #dia4 ,why should the ,christian suffer8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #dib4 ,why is ,jesus not ashamed to call the members of the church his brethren8 #dib4 ,does the true saint of ,god complain or murmur because of his persecution8 ,give ,scriptural reason4 #dic4 ,does the true ,christian expect to be without suffering8 #did4 ,what does suffering testify to him8 #did4 ,from what source do these sufferings come8 #did4 ,who was one of the greatest sufferers amongst ,christ's followers8 #die4 ,enumerate some of his experiences4 #die4 ,what did he say about such afflictions8 #die4 ,to what was ,st4 ,paul looking forward as his great hope8 #die4 ,upon what does the ,christian meditate with delight8 #die4 ,what is the great promise set before the church8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #dif4 ,what does the word glory mean1 as used in the ,scriptures8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #dig4 ,how is ,jesus mentioned with reference to ,god's glory8 #dig4 ,how are the body members to be with him in glory8 #dig4 ,how will this glory compare to things of earth8 #dig4 ,what did ,st4 ,paul say about that glory8 #dig4 ,what image will the church bear in glory8 #dig4 ,what was the condition of faithful saints who died between ,pentecost and ,christ's second coming8 #dih4 ,what do the ,scriptures say about their awakening at the second coming of ,christ8 #dih4 ,what do the ,scriptures say concerning the resurrection change of those saints living on the earth after ,christ's second appearing8 #dii4 ,why are they called blessed of the ,lord8 #dii4 ,why has ,jehovah been for centuries preparing the new creation8 #dii4 ,what is the custom of royalty concerning jewels8 #ejj4 ,in what way do the ,scriptures compare the saints to jewels8 ,give the proof4 #ejj4 ,how are they to be regarded by ,jehovah8 and how illustrated by jewels8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #ejj4 ,give a ,scriptural promise of glory to the overcomer4 #eja4 ,how is the sun used to illustrate glory8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #ejb4 ,what ,scriptural promise did the ,lord give to his church concerning a heavenly habitation8 #ejc4 ,what did the ,psalmist say about the ,lord's habitation8 #ejc4 ,what did the ,prophet write concerning the beauty of ,zion8 #ejc4 ,for what purpose will ,jehovah shine through the new creation8 #ejc4 ,what joy will this bring to the new creation8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #ejc4 ,what is the ,scriptural promise with reference to having the great ,king as a friend8 #ejd4 ,how will this great friend love the members of the church8 #ejd4 ,what is meant by the ,scriptural term honor8 #eje4 ,how is ,god honored by his creatures8 #eje4 ,how will the church occupy a position of honor8 #eje4 ,what particular relationship with ,jesus pictures the great honor that the body members will have8 #eje4 ,what does the ,scripture say concerning the likeness of ,jesus and his relationship to the body members8 #ejf4 ,what does the ,apostle say concerning the appearance and likeness of the church8 #ejf4 ,who has been appointed heir of all things8 #ejf4 ,who shares with him in this honor8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #ejf4 ,to whom did ,jehovah promise the rulership and dominion of the earth at the time of ,zedekiah's overthrow8 #ejg4 ,what does the prophet ,daniel say with reference to granting this dominion to ,jesus8 #ejg4 ,what will be the extent of his dominion and kingdom8 #ejg4 ,how shall the nations regard it8 #ejg4 ,what promise of honor is given to the church in this connection8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #ejg4 ,who will be the great ,king of glory to rule the nations8 #ejh4 ,is any promise of honor to the church given in this connection8 #eji4 ,what ,scriptural promise is there that the church shall enjoy a position of honor in the coming ages8 #eji4 ,to what extent has ,jesus been honored by the world8 #eaj4 ,what ,scriptural proof is there that the world will yet honor him8 #eaj4 ,how have the body members of the church been regarded by the world8 #eaj4 ,will they be honored in the future8 #eaj4 ,will the world know who is born a member of the glorified church8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #eaj4 ,what effect will this knowledge have upon the world8 #eaj4 ,how will the people regard the church in the future ages8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #eaj4 ,besides glory and honor1 what else is the church seeking8 #eaa4 ,define immortality4 #eaa4 ,what will be the difference between a perfect human being and a member of the new creation with reference to requiring nourishment to sustain life8 #eaa4 ,what ,scriptural proof is given that ,jesus possesses inherent life8 #eaa4 ,what ,scriptural promise is given to the body members that they will have inherent life8 #eab4 ,with what power will they be clothed with reference to giving life to others8 #eab4 ,give some ,scriptural proof of the degree of life to be possessed by the church4 #eab4 ,what is meant by the crown of life8 #eab4 ,when one becomes a new creature in ,christ1 how does that affect his hopes1 ambitions and aspirations8 #eac4 ,what did ,st4 ,paul say concerning the life of such8 #eac4 ,whom did ,david typify8 and how do his words apply to the church8 #ead4 ,how is the desire of the church expressed by the ,psalmist8 ,quote the ,scripture4 #ead4 ,what did the psalmist ,david say about the ,king and the new creation in the presence of ,jehovah8 ,quote the psalm4 #eae4 ,show the contrast in the minds of the people between the position of the ,christ during the period of humiliation and the period of glory4 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #eaf4 ,in the eyes of the world1 how do members of the church die8 #eag4 ,in the eyes of ,jehovah1 how do they die8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #eag4 ,how does ,st4 ,paul contrast the humiliation with the glory of the church8 ,quote the ,scripture4 #eag4 ,when will all the members of the church enjoy glory1 honor1 and immortality1 eternal life8 #eah4 ,when should we reasonably expect the church to be glorified8 #eai4 ,under what influence did ,st4 ,paul write concerning the approaching kingdom8 #eai4 ,describe what took place at the time of the making of the law covenant by ,jehovah with ,israel at ,mount ,sinai4 #ebj4 ,give the ,scriptural statement by ,st4 ,paul concerning that time4 #ebj4 ,what did such convulsions of nature foreshadow concerning the present time8 #ebj4 ,what does a mountain symbolize8 and in what sense can we say that present conditions were foreshadowed by the disturbance at ,mount ,sinai8 #eba4 ,using this to illustrate the approaching kingdom1 quote the apostle ,paul's words in ,hebrews #ab3bb-bd4 #eba4 ,what do these words of ,st4 ,paul picture with reference to the kingdom8 #ebb4 ,why is ,god now manifesting his power and justice in dealing with the nations of earth8 #ebc4 ,how does the privilege of living on earth now compare with that in centuries past8 #ebd4 ,did the prophets understand what would happen at this time8 #ebd4 ,did the angels understand8 #ebd4 ,did these seek to find out8 #ebd4 ,what is the privilege of the ,christian now compared with that of ,christians living in the early part of the gospel age8 #ebe4 ,to what are saints this side the vail looking forward8 #ebe4 ,whom will the ,christian first expect to meet in the heavenly kingdom8 #ebf4 ,quote the ,scriptures with reference to the ,christian's guardian angel4 #ebf4 ,what records have these angels kept8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #ebg4 ,who would be the next whom the ,christian would expect to meet in glory8 #ebh4 ,why will the ,king of glory desire to greet the body members in the kingdom8 #ebh4 ,describe others in the church for whom the ,christian will be looking in the kingdom4 #ebh4 ,what grace of the holy spirit will be possessed by every one who is in the kingdom8 #ebi4 ,what will be the appearance of each member of the body of ,christ8 #ebi4 ,after all the bride class is united with the ,bridegroom1 then what is next to be expected8 #ecj4 ,to whom is granted the honor of presenting the bride before ,jehovah8 #ecj4 ,give a picture based upon the ,scriptures of the appearance of the bride with the ,bridegroom before the throne of ,jehovah4 #eca4 ,describe the appearance of the bride class4 #ecb4 ,how will that marriage compare with earthly marriages or unions8 #ecb4 ,why will the members of the body of ,christ be a monument to the grace of ,god8 #ecc4 ,in vision1 how did ,st4 ,john describe the church class this side the vail using the harp of ,god8 #ecd4 ,,thee ,,for ,,ever ,,blest ,thy works all praise ,thee3 all ,thy angels praise3 ,thy saints adore1 and on ,thy altars burn ,the fragrant incense of perpetual love4 ,they praise ,thee now3 their hearts1 their voices praise1 ,and swell the rapture of the glorious song4 ,harp6 lift thy voice on high--shout1 angels1 shout6 ,and loudest1 ye redeemed6 glory to ,god1 ,and to the ,lamb1 who bought us with ,his blood1 ,from every kindred1 nation1 people1 tongue2 ,and washed1 and sanctified1 and saved our souls2 ,and gave us robes of linen pure1 and crowns ,of life1 and made us kings1 and priests to ,god4 ,shout back to ancient ,time6 ,sing loud1 and wave ,your palms of triumph6 sing1 ,where is thy sting1 ,o ,death8 where is thy victory1 ,o ,grave8 ,thanks be to ,god1 eternal thanks1 who gave ,us victory through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,harp1 lift thy voice on high6 shout1 angels1 shout1 ,and loudest1 ye redeemed6 glory to ,god1 ,and to the ,lamb--all glory and all praise2 ,all glory and all praise1 at morn and even1 ,that come and go eternally2 and find ,us happy still1 and ,thee for ever blest4 ,glory to ,god1 and to the ,lamb4 ,amen4 ,for ever1 and for evermore4 ,amen4 --,pollok ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xi ,string #aj3 ,restoration ,the restoration string of the harp of ,god is one that will fill the earth with joyful song4 ,although every prophet from ,samuel to ,john the ,baptist spoke of the coming days of restoration1 this wonderful doctrine represented by the tenth string of the harp was for a long time lost to the vision of many who claimed to be ,christians1 as was also the doctrine of the ,abrahamic promise4 ,hence we see that the eight-string harp sometimes used by the ,jews represents the harp of ,god minus the strings picturing the ,abrahamic promise and restoration4 ,now these strings or doctrines have been found and appreciated by ,god's people2 and the harp fully strung yields music of unspeakable sweetness4 #ecf,restoration means to restore that which was lost4 ,the first man ,adam was made perfect1 in the image and likeness of ,god1 with power and authority to fill the earth with a race of people and to rule the earth as his dominion4 ,by reason of his sin1 he brought upon himself the manifestation of divine justice2 and being sentenced to death1 he lost the right to life1 and this right was lost also for his offspring4 ,the first man1 ,adam1 was created a human being1 not a spirit being4 ,the first man is of the earth1 earthy4 7#a ,corinthians #ae3dg7 ,god created the earth for man4 ,god 444 formed the earth and made it2 he hath established it1 he created it not in vain1 he formed it to be inhabited4 7,isaiah #de3ab1ah7 ,the ,scriptures conclusively prove that ,god's original purpose was that man should have an everlasting home on the earth as long as he obeyed the divine law4 ,man having disobeyed forfeited his right to live on earth1 and ,jesus1 the perfect man1 having by his great sacrifice purchased this right for man1 the time must come when man will be restored to that which was lost4 #ecg,some noted teachers of the ,bible deny the doctrine of restoration4 ,let us observe1 then1 what else must fail if this doctrine fails4 ,if there is to be no restoration of man to his original state1 then it must be admitted that the creation of man was and is a failure4 ,not only would the creation of man result in a failure1 but the very purpose for which ,god created the earth must fail4 ,this would mean1 then1 that his word has not and will not accomplish what he said4 ,but ,god being all-wise1 and having unlimited power1 his purposes cannot fail4 ,if we believe the ,bible1 we will have to believe the doctrine of restoration4 ,jehovah has said3 ,my word that goeth forth out of my mouth 444 shall not return unto me void1 but it shall accomplish that which ,i please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto ,i sent it4--,isaiah #ee3aa4 #ech;,if there is to be no restoration of man to his original state and no opportunity for him to be so restored1 then the manifestation of divine justice against ,adam amounts to nothing more than ,god's destroying the work of his own hands and admitting he was and is unable to people the earth with a perfect race4 ,if we believe in his omnipotence1 we must believe that he will accomplish his design4 ,having made the promise at the time of the sentence of man that the great enemy should ultimately perish1 we may take this as one truth upon which to hang a hope that something better is to come in the future4 #eci;,if there is to be no restoration of mankind to original perfection1 then ,god's promise made to ,abraham is meaningless and must fail1 because the express purpose of that promise is the blessing of all the families of the earth2 and that blessing is life4 7,genesis #ab3c2 #bb3ah2 #bh3ad2 ,romans #f3bc7 ,not only did ,jehovah make this promise to ,abraham1 but he bound the promise with his oath2 and by these two things 7his word and his oath1 both of which are unchangeable7 it is impossible for the promise to fail2 but in due time it must be carried out4--,hebrews #f3ag1ah4 #edj;,beyond question1 the ,scriptures show that ,jesus1 who in his prehuman existence was the ,logos1 left the heavenly courts1 his life being transferred from spirit to human plane1 took upon him the nature and form of man1 and became ,jesus for the very purpose of saving the people from their sins4 7,matthew #a3ba7 ,he came that man might have life4 7,john #aj3aj7 ,he came and gave his life as a ransom1 that others might live4 7,matthew #bj3bh7 ,he was rich and for our sakes became poor1 that we through his poverty might become rich4 7#b ,corinthians #h3i7 ,when he was born as a man1 the angels of heaven announced glad tidings of great joy which shall be unto all people1 because the purpose of his birth was to redeem mankind and to restore to them that which had been lost4 7,luke #b3i-aa7 ,if there is to be no restoration of man to his original state1 then all these purposes of ,god in sending his beloved ,son to earth must fail4 ,we know that ,god's word cannot fail4 #eda;,it was the perfect man ,adam who had sinned and by his sin lost the right to life and the blessings incident to a perfect human life4 ,the only means provided for satisfying that judgment and releasing mankind was by substituting another perfect human life4 ,the substitution of that one perfect human life for the other is called in the ,scriptures the ransom-sacrifice4 ,god made the specific promise that he would ransom man from the power of the grave1 and that he would redeem him from death4 7,hosea #ac3ad7 ,in keeping with this promise1 his ,word declares that ',jesus1 by the grace of ,god1 tasted death for every man'4 7,hebrews #b3i7 ,there is one ,god1 and one mediator between ,god and men1 the man ,christ ,jesus1 who gave himself a ransom for all1 to be testified in due time4--#a ,timothy #b3e1f4 #edb,unless1 therefore1 mankind has a full and fair opportunity to be restored to the perfect condition enjoyed by father ,adam while in ,eden1 then all of these promises of ,jehovah are meaningless and must fail4 ,if they should fail1 such would prove that ,god is not all-powerful4 ,it would also prove that his promises are not sure2 whereas the ,scriptures declare3 ,all the promises of ,god1 whatever their number1 have their confirmation in him2 and for this reason through him also our ',amen' acknowledges their truth and promotes the glory of ,god through our faith4 ,but he who is making us as well as you stedfast through union with the anointed one1 and has anointed us1 is ,god1 and he has also set his seal upon us1 and has put his spirit into our hearts as a pledge and foretaste of future blessing4--#b ,corinthians #a3bj-bb1 ,weymouth4 #edc;,jesus arose from the dead and ascended on high4 ,the fact of his resurrection is a guarantee that all men shall have an opportunity for life4 ,if there is to be no restoration of the human race1 then the resurrection of ,jesus and the awakening of others from the dead are meaningless and for no purpose4 ,if we believe the ,scriptures1 we must believe in restoration1 because ,god hath appointed a day1 in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained2 whereof he hath given assurance unto all men1 in that he hath raised him from the dead4 7,acts #ag3ca7 ,if we do not accept the doctrine of restoration of the human race1 then we must ignore the positive words of the ,apostle1 who wrote3 ,now is ,christ risen from the dead1 and become the firstfruits of them that slept4 ,for since by man came death1 by man came also the resurrection of the dead4 ,for as in ,adam all die1 even so in ,christ shall all be made alive4 ,but every man in his own order3 ,christ the firstfruits2 afterward they that are ,christ's at his coming4 ,then cometh the end1 when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to ,god1 even the ,father2 when he shall have put down all rule and authority and power4 ,for he must reign1 till he hath put all enemies under his feet4 ,the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death4--#a ,corinthians #ae3bj-bf4 #edd,the mystery is the ,christ1 the anointed class--,jesus the head and his body members--designated in the ,scriptures as the seed of ,abraham1 according to the promise4 7,colossians #a3bf1bg7 ,it is the repeatedly announced purpose of ,jehovah that through this seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed4 7,galatians #c3h1af1bg1bi7 ,jehovah has devoted much time and effort to the development of the seed of promise4 ,if1 therefore1 there is to be no opportunity for full restoration of mankind1 then the time and effort spent in developing the seed of ,abraham has been wasted1 and the promise of blessing through this seed is meaningless and void4 ,if we believe the ,scriptures above cited1 that ,god's word cannot return unto him void1 then we must know that his purposes cannot fail4 #ede,the ,lord ,jesus went away to prepare a place for his bride1 the church1 which is the seed of ,abraham through which the promised blessing of mankind must come4 ,he promised to return and receive his bride unto himself4 ,he has come again1 as the ,scriptural evidence herein cited clearly and conclusively shows4 ,if there is to be no opportunity for the restoration of man to the condition which ,adam enjoyed before he sinned1 then the second coming of the ,lord must fail in one of its primary purposes4 ,that one of the primary purposes of his second coming is the restoration of the human race1 is definitely stated by the inspired witness3 ,god 444 shall send ,jesus ,christ1 which before was preached unto you2 whom the heaven must receive retain1 hold until the times of restitution restoration of all things1 which ,god hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began4 ,for ,moses truly said unto the fathers1 ,a prophet shall the ,lord your ,god raise up unto you of your brethren1 like unto me2 him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that every soul1 which will not hear that prophet1 shall be destroyed from among the people4 ,yea1 and all the prophets1 from ,samuel and those that follow after1 as many as have spoken1 have likewise foretold of these days4 --,acts #c3 #bj-bd4 #edf;,added to this positive statement of the inspired ,apostle is the testimony of all the prophets foretelling the time coming for the restoration of the things that were lost through the disobedience of ,adam4 #edg;,enoch was the first of the holy prophets4 7,jude #ad1ae7 ,then followed ,jacob 7,genesis #di3aj71 ,moses 7,genesis #c3ae2 #ab3c2 #ac3ae2 #ah3ah2 #bb3ah2 ,deuteronomy #ah3ae1ai2 #cj3ae71 ,samuel 7#a ,samuel #b3f71 ,job 7#ad3ac-ae2 #cc3ai-cj71 ,david 7,psalm #bb3bg2 #cj3e2 #cg3aa2 #df3aj2 #fg3a-g2 #gb3c1d1f1aj2 #hf3i2 #ic3b2 #if3aa-ac2 #ih3d-i2 #ajd3e71 ,solomon 7,proverbs #b3ba2 #aa3ca2 ,ecclesiastes #a3d71 ,isaiah 7#b3b-d2 #i3g2 #aa3d-i2 #ad3g2 #ai3bb2 #be3f-ab2 #bh3ag1ah2 #bi3ag1ah2 #cc3bd71 ,jeremiah 7#c3ag2 #bd3g2 #ca3af1bi1cd2 #cb3ci1dj2 #cc3h1i2 #df3bg2 #ej3d1e71 ,ezekiel 7#aa3ai2 #af2ee1fa-fc2 #ah3b1ca1cb2 #bh3bf2 #cd3be-bh2 #cf3bf1bg1bi1cj1ce2 #cg3bd2 #ci3bi71 ,daniel 7#b3dd2 #g3bg71 ,hosea 7#b3ah1ba2 #c3e2 #ac3ad71 ,joel 7#b3bb1cb71 ,amos 7#i3aa1ab2 ,acts #ae3ad-ah71 ,obadiah 7verse #ba71 ,jonah 7chapter #d71 ,micah 7#d3a-e1h71 ,nahum 7#a3ae2 #b3c-f71 ,habakkuk 7#b3ad71 ,zephaniah 7#b3aa2 #c3i1ac71 ,haggai 7#b3g71 ,zechariah 7#b3aa2 #c3aj2 #h3c1h1ab1ae1ba1bb2 #i3aj1ag2 #ad3i1aa1bj71 ,malachi 7#a3aa2 #c3aa2 #d3b71 and ,john the ,baptist4 7,john #a3bi2 ,matthew #aa3i1aa7 ,this entire array of holy witnesses1 without a single exception1 unite in testifying to the coming days of restoration of man4,a ,footnote ,a3 ,see discussion of this in ,the ,finished ,mystery1 pages #fb-ie4 #edh,the reasonable mind cannot conceive that ,jehovah would develop a new creation and glorify that creation by committing to the head of it all power in heaven and in earth without assigning the new creation some work to do with reference to man4 ,the very purpose of the glorification of the new creation1 the church1 is that the members thereof1 directed by the head1 the ,lord ,jesus1 might judge and bless and restore the families of the earth4 ,there could be no judgment without a trial2 and a trial means an opportunity4 ,jesus plainly said3 ,in the regeneration when the ,son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory1 ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones1 judging the twelve tribes of ,israel4 7,matthew #ai3bh7 ,here is the positive statement of regeneration4 ,regeneration means the act of reproducing or giving life anew to a creature4 #edi;,again it is written concerning those who participate in the first resurrection and thereby become members of the royal family of heaven3 ,blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection2 on such the second death hath no power1 but they shall be priests of ,god and of ,christ1 and shall reign with him a thousand years1 which thousand-year reign is for the purpose of restoring mankind4--,revelation #bj3f2 ,acts #ag3ca4 #eej;,again says the ,apostle3 ,do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world8 7#a ,corinthians #f3b7 ,again ,jesus plainly declared that at his second coming he would sit upon his throne of glory1 and before him should be gathered all nations1 and he would separate them and reward them according to their obedience to his laws4 7,matthew #be3ca-df7 ,if the church1 ,jesus the head and his body members glorified1 endowed with power and authority1 are not to act as the great deliverer and uplifter of the human race1 then why should they be clothed with such power and authority8 ,if there is to be no opportunity for the restoration of mankind1 then ,god's plan with reference to the new creation and its work must fail4 ,he has positively announced that one of the very purposes for calling and developing the new creation is the blessing of mankind4--,genesis #ab3c2 ,galatians #c3af1bg1bi4 #eea;,i the ,lord have called thee in righteousness1 and will hold thine hand1 and will keep thee1 and give thee for a covenant of the people1 for a light unto the gentiles2 to open the blind eyes1 to bring out the prisoners from the prison the grave1 condition of death1 and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house4 7,isaiah #db3f1g7 ,thus saith the ,lord1 ,in an acceptable time have ,i heard thee1 and in a day of salvation have ,i helped thee2 and ,i will preserve thee1 and give thee for a covenant of the people1 to establish the earth1 to cause to inherit the desolate heritages4--,isaiah #di3h4 #eeb,thus we see that every purpose of the divine plan points to the restoration of mankind4 ,every vital doctrine speaks of that coming time for man's blessing4 ,every other string of the harp of ,god harmoniously blends with the music of the tenth string1 the restoration of man4 ,it must be admitted by every honest student of the ,bible that all the fundamental doctrines point to ,god's purpose of offering restitution blessings to the entire human race1 and that the obedient ones will enjoy the blessings upon the earth4 ,and now let us examine some more specific texts further corroborating the already strong proof that restitution is the great object of the divine plan relative to the human race4 #eec;,god made a covenant with the nation of ,israel1 by which covenant he promised to give life to all who would keep that covenant4 7,leviticus #ah3e7 ,the ,israelites1 like others of ,adam's offspring1 having been born sinners and imperfect1 could not keep this covenant2 therefore could not get life through it4 ,the specific reasons are3 7#a7 ,because the ransom-sacrifice had not yet been given2 7#b7 because of the imperfections of the human race and the imperfections of ,moses the mediator of the covenant it yielded life to none of the nation of ,israel4 7,romans #h3c7 ,there was a two-fold purpose for this law covenant being made4 ,one was1 that it might serve as a schoolmaster to lead ,israel to ,christ 7,galatians #c3bd72 and the other1 to foreshadow a better or new law covenant arrangement which ,god would make through his beloved ,son ,christ ,jesus4 7,hebrews #aj3a2 #h3e7 ,christ is the great high priest2 and by his fulfilling the divine purposes1 he is now the mediator of a better covenant1 the new covenant1 which ,god purposes to make for man's benefit4 7,hebrews #h3f2 #i3ae7 ,when the church is glorified and the kingdom set up1 then the blood 7merit7 of ,christ will be applied for the sealing of the new covenant1 through which covenant promised blessings are to be extended to the human race4 #eed;,after these days1 then--after the gathering out of the ,christ class or new creation--this covenant is to be made1 as ,st4 ,paul states3 ,behold1 the days come1 saith the ,lord1 when ,i will make a new covenant with the house of ,israel and with the house of ,judah2 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 ,egypt2 because they continued not in my covenant1 and ,i regarded them not1 saith the ,lord4 ,for this is the covenant that ,i will make with the house of ,israel after those days1 saith the ,lord2 ,i will put my laws into their mind1 and write them in their hearts2 and ,i will be to them a ,god1 and they shall be my people2 and they shall not teach every man his neighbor1 and every man his brother1 saying1 ,know the ,lord3 for all shall know me1 from the least to the greatest4 ,for ,i will be merciful to their unrighteousness1 and their sins and their iniquities will ,i remember no more4--,hebrews #h3h-ab4 #eee,under this new covenant the whole human race shall have the opportunity to come back to ,god through ,christ the mediator4 ,mark that it is plainly stated that during the time of restoration ',god will put his laws into their minds1 and write them in their hearts1 and will be to them a ,god and they shall be to him a people2 for he will be merciful to them1 and their sins and iniquities he will remember no more'4 ,this could mean nothing less than the taking away of the imperfections of the obedient and restoring them to a righteous condition4 #eef;,following the glorification of the church and the making of the new covenant1 ,abraham1 ,isaac1 ,jacob1 ,david1 ,barak1 ,jepthae1 and the prophets 7all of whom we term faithful worthies71 the ,lord has promised shall be brought forth from the tomb1 being given a better resurrection4 7,hebrews #aa7 ,these shall be princes1 rulers1 or legal representatives of the ,christ1 in the earth2 and through them the ,lord will establish a righteous government in the earth4 7,psalm #de3af2 ,isaiah #cb3a7 ,and then out of ,zion the ,christ1 invisible to men shall go forth the law1 and the word of the ,lord from ,jerusalem--the headquarters of ,christ's visible representatives4 #eeg;,it shall come to pass in the last days1 that the mountain of the ,lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains kingdoms1 and shall be exalted above the hills2 and all nations shall flow unto it4 ,and many people shall go and say1 ,come ye1 and let us go up to the mountain of the ,lord1 to the house of the ,god of ,jacob2 and he will teach us of his ways1 and we will walk in his paths3 for out of ,zion shall go forth the law1 and the word of the ,lord from ,jerusalem4 ,and he shall judge among the nations1 and shall rebuke many people2 and they shall beat their swords into plowshares1 and their spears into pruninghooks2 nation shall not lift up sword against nation1 neither shall they learn war any more4--,isaiah #b3b-d2 ,micah #d3a-d4 ,,the ,,living ,,first #eeh,st4 ,paul emphatically states that the ,lord ,jesus shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom4 7#b ,timothy #d3a7 ,in this he is corroborated by ,st4 ,peter 7#a ,peter #d3e7 ,the word quick here means the living1 those who have some measure of life2 and the text is so rendered in the ,weymouth translation4 ,when the new covenant is made and the ,lord begins to deal with the people1 it will be with the living first4 ,it would be unreasonable to suppose that he would first awaken the dead and deal with them1 and then with the living later4 ,jesus1 speaking of the great time of trouble with which the present world reaches a final conclusion1 indicated that many human beings will pass through the trouble4 7,matthew #bd3ba1bb7 ,the prophet ,zechariah informs us that a portion of the people will be brought through the fiery trouble1 and refined1 and then will call upon the name of the ,lord and he will hear them4 7,zechariah #ac3h1i7 ,those who learn of the ,lord's kingdom and readily put themselves under its direction and become obedient to the laws and rules of his new kingdom will be the ones who will be blessed and acknowledged of the ,lord1 and rapidly restored4 #eei;,further corroborative proof is given by the prophet ,isaiah that restoration will begin with those living on the earth at the beginning of the ,messianic reign4 ,there are millions of persons now living who have a sincere and honest desire for righteousness4 ,many of these love the ,lord to the extent of their knowledge of him2 but their knowledge is so limited because they have been taught so much error concerning his character that they are filled with fear and dread4 ,they have not sufficient knowledge of him to have real faith4 ,they have not gone on to the point of consecration4 ,they have heard of the ,lord's second coming and hope for something better4 ,they realize that there is great trouble in the world and see no human remedy for it4 ,they long for a complete and proper relief4 #efj,to such ,jehovah says through his ,prophet3 ,be strong1 fear not3 behold1 your ,god will come with vengeance1 even ,god with a recompence2 he will come and save you4 ,then the eyes of the blind shall be opened1 and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped4 ,then shall the lame man leap as an hart1 and the tongue of the dumb sing4 7,isaiah #ce3d-f7 ,these words could have no application to persons who are in their graves1 and must exclusively apply to those who are living at the beginning of the ,messianic reign4 ,furthermore1 when the dead are raised up1 they will not come forth from the graves minus arms1 or legs1 or other parts of the body2 but ',god will give to each a body as it pleaseth him' 7#a ,corinthians #ae3ch7--;a reasonably sound body4 ,and as a man renders himself in obedience to righteousness1 his body will develop toward perfection4 ,there are now on earth millions who are blind1 or deaf1 or lame1 or dumb1 or cripples in some form2 and these are the ones to whom the ,prophet refers4 ,the kingdom being in operation1 as these come to a knowledge of ,god's great arrangements and obey the righteous laws under the new covenant1 they will develop new arms1 legs1 eyes2 be given the power of speech1 and gradually develop a sound body4 #efa,when these great miracles begin to be performed in the earth1 then the most skeptical1 it is to be hoped1 will believe that the ,lord ,jesus reigns4 ,the miracles which he performed while on earth in opening the eyes of the blind and healing the sick were merely examples of what he will do in his glorified condition4 ,because it is both unreasonable and unscriptural to expect that the dead will come forth from their graves in a maimed1 deaf1 and dumb condition2 but will come forth with reasonably sound bodies1 these words of the ,prophet conclusively prove that restoration will begin with those who are living on the earth at the beginning of the ,messianic reign4 #efb;,concerning the work of the ,christ of restoring the peoples of earth1 and looking forward to that time1 ,st4 ,paul writes2 ,the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now1 waiting for the manifestation of the sons of ,god--the kingdom class4 7,romans #h3ai1bb7 ,those who thus travail in pain1 groan1 wait1 and hope for something better1 could not be the dead ones1 but those who are living at the inauguration of the new order4 ,there are millions now on earth who are looking and hoping for a better time1 and groaning for that relief4 ,they understand not the mystery of ,god4 ,they do not understand how his sons constitute the seed of ,abraham for their blessing2 yet they hope for something4 #efc;,during the ,world ,war millions were maimed and disfigured in various ways1 and many deprived of one or both arms or legs4 ,because the ,lord is now present1 putting his kingdom into operation1 it is to be expected that many of these crippled and maimed ones will be among the first to receive the restoration blessings4 ,as they come to a knowledge of the fact that the ,lord is giving these blessings1 and render themselves in obedience to his righteous rule1 they will be thus blessed4 ,happy will be their portion when they begin to be restored4 ,joyful will be their friends and loved ones to see such restoration blessings being ministered unto them4 #efd,while the trouble in the earth is ever increasing and the suffering of the poor increases1 some are manifesting a greater amount of sympathy and consideration2 while others are becoming more unreasonable and harsh toward the poor4 ,the ,lord indicates what class he will favor in this time of trouble1 saying3 ,blessed is he that considereth the poor3 the ,lord will deliver him in the time of trouble4 ,the ,lord will preserve him1 and keep him alive2 and he shall be blessed upon the earth4 7,psalm #da3a1b7 ,surely this could apply to none other than those now living in this time of trouble1 because when restitution blessings begin the time of trouble will be over4 #efe,upon the earth there are now1 according to the best statistics obtainable1 approximately #a1gjj1jjj1jjj persons who have a measure of life4 ,the proof cited herein shows that the old world 7social and political order7 ended and began to pass away in #aiad1 and that this will be completed in a few years and righteousness fully established4 ,the ,scriptural evidence further is that many will be brought through this time of trouble1 and these will be the ones with whom the ,lord will first begin the work of restoration4 #eff,the first world ended with a great flood1 in which a few persons1 to wit1 eight1 were saved by being carried over in the ark from the old to the new order of things that ,god established immediately after the flood under ,noah4 ,this was an example or picture representing the passing away of the present evil world and showing that many will be carried over from the old to the new4 ,when ,god had delivered ,noah and his family from the perils of the deluge and ,noah builded an altar before the ,lord and offered a sacrifice1 the ,lord made promise to ,noah1 saying3 ,i will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake2 444 neither will ,i again smite any more every thing living1 as ,i have done4 ,while the earth remaineth1 seedtime and harvest1 and cold and heat1 and summer and winter1 and day and night shall not cease4 7,genesis #h3ba1bb7 ,the ,scriptures show that the earth abideth forever4 7,ecclesiastes #a3d7 ,therefore this statement to ,noah is a positive promise that never again will the earth witness the destruction of every living thing4 ,seeing1 then1 that we are at the end of the old order and the opening of the new1 and that according to the ,scriptures many must pass over to the new1 it can be confidently announced that ,,millions ,,of ,,people ,,now ,,living ,,will ,,never ,,die1 because these being offered restitution blessings the presumption must be indulged that many of them will accept and be obedient to the new order of things4 #efg;,it was ,jesus who said3 ,whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die4 7,john #aa3bf7 ,the people of the world do not yet live1 nor have they had an opportunity of life2 and this opportunity cannot come to mankind in general until the times of restoration begin4 ,then the living ones who believe on the ,lord shall not die4 ,we should keep in mind1 however1 that to believe means to act upon that belief1 in accordance with it1 and to be obedient to the new order that the ,lord will establish in the earth4 ,furthermore ,jesus said3 ,if any man keep my saying1 he shall never see death4 7,john #h3ea7 ,men cannot keep the sayings of ,jesus until they hear them2 and the world cannot hear until the ,lord's due time4 7#a ,timothy #b3e1f7 ,we are now entering that due time and the message of the kingdom is being given out1 by the ,lord's grace1 that some may hear1 and hearing1 may profit and live4 #efh,the majority of mankind practise unrighteousness4 ,this is due largely to the fact of their imperfections4 ,as the ,prophet puts it1 each one was born and shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin4 7,psalm #ea3e7 ,they have been surrounded by conditions and influences that have induced wrong-doing4 ,a great many of these have not the power of resistance against evil2 but during the reign of ,messiah evil will be punished and righteousness rewarded1 and evil influences restrained4 ,then even those who are wicked and turn from unrighteousness to righteousness shall live and shall not die4 ,of this ,god gives positive assurance through his ,prophet4--,ezekiel #ah3bg1bh4 #efi;,as further proof that restoration blessings will begin with those living on the earth at the beginning of the ,messianic reign1 we cite the words of the prophet ,job4 ,in poetic phrase he draws a picture of mankind in a condition of suffering and sorrow1 almost upon the brink of the grave4 ,this picture describes vividly the conditions now existing in the earth4 ,it depicts those who have a measure of life1 all of whom must be brought to a knowledge of the truth4 ,christ is the messenger of the new covenant1 through which mankind must receive the blessing4 ,job then pictures the appearance of this messenger of the covenant and shows that the message delivered turns many to righteousness4 ,and those who hear1 appreciate and obey the message are represented as saying1 ',i have found my redeemer'2 and then restitution blessings shall follow1 and the old shall be restored to a condition of manly youth4 ,man now is filled with pride and pursues his own selfish purposes4 ,the great time of trouble will break this pride and bring the haughty low4 ,note ,job's description3 #egj,then he openeth the ears of men1 and sealeth their instruction1 that he may withdraw man from his purpose1 and hide pride from man4 ,he the ,lord keepeth back his man's soul from the pit1 and his life from perishing by the sword4 ,he is chastened also with pain upon his bed1 and the multitude of his bones with strong pain2 so that his life abhorreth bread1 and his soul dainty meat4 ,his flesh is consumed away1 that it cannot be seen2 and his bones that were not seen stick out4 ,yea1 his soul draweth nigh to the grave1 and his life to the destroyers4 ,thus describing the miserable condition of humankind ,if there be a messenger the ,christ1 the ,messenger of the new covenant with him1 an interpreter1 one among a thousand1 to show unto man his uprightness1 then he the ,lord is gracious unto him man1 and saith1 ,deliver him from going down to the grave thus showing that not all are to be sent into death4 ,then man is represented as saying3 ,i have found a ransom4 ,the result then is pictured in the next phrase when the ,prophet says concerning man3 ,his flesh shall be fresher than a child's2 he shall return to the days of his youth4--,job #cc3af-be4 ,,punishment ,,of ,,the ,,wicked #ega,the ,scriptures clearly indicate that some stubborn1 proud1 disobedient ones will refuse to hear the word of the ,lord and to obey his righteous laws4 ,the loving kindness of the ,lord is manifested when his long-suffering is shown in the fact that he does not immediately destroy all such1 but gives each one a full and fair opportunity1 the ,prophet showing that each one shall have at least a hundred years of trial2 and if at the end of that time he is persistent in disobeying the ,lord1 he shall be counted accursed and cut off in everlasting destruction4 7,isaiah #fe3bj7 ,st4 ,peter corroborated this in his statement concerning restoration times1 saying3 ,it shall come to pass1 that every soul1 which will not hear that prophet1 shall be destroyed from among the people4--,acts #c3bc4 #egb;,again the testimony of ,jesus is to the effect that at the beginning of his reign the nations and peoples shall be gathered before him in the sense that they will be instructed concerning his reign4 ,in parabolic phrase he pictures them being separated as sheep are separated from goats4 ,a goat is an animal that is unruly1 disobedient4 ,it refuses to stay in the pasture where it is placed1 but insists on getting outside and destroying things where it has no business4 ,the goat1 therefore1 pictures an unruly or disobedient class4 ,sheep are docile1 submissive1 and in ,oriental countries they are led by the shepherd4 ,they know his voice and follow him4 ,the ,lord used this to illustrate the ones who are obedient to him4 ,the goats1 therefore1 picture the wicked class2 and concerning them the ,lord said3 ,these shall go into everlasting punishment2 whereas the sheep picture the obedient class1 and of them he says that they shall go into everlasting life4--,matthew #be3da-df4 #egc,punishment does not mean torture4 ,the laws of the land provide for the punishment of wrongdoers1 and the duration of that punishment is according to the enormity of the crime4 ,if a man steals his neighbor's chickens1 the duration of his punishment would probably be a few days in prison4 ,if he burns his neighbor's house1 the duration of his punishment would probably be a term of years in prison4 ,if he takes his neighbor's life1 the duration of his punishment is death4 ,there is no limitation to that punishment4 ,it is a lasting one--one that does not end4 ,so those who go into destruction suffer a punishment that is everlasting2 therefore everlasting punishment4 #egd,this punishment the ,apostle plainly describes as destruction4 7#b ,thessalonians #a3i7 ,it is certain that they do not get life1 because the ,lord plainly says in this statement that the righteous1 the obedient ones1 go away into life eternal4 ,the final fate of the wicked1 therefore1 is an everlasting destruction2 whereas the final state of the obedient and righteous ones is life everlasting in peace and in joy4 ,,all ,,must ,,have ,a ,,chance #ege,the great ransom-sacrifice presented in heaven by the ,lord ,jesus is a guarantee that every man must have one full and fair opportunity for life4 ,life is pictured as a gift4 ,in order for a gift to be effective there must be a giver or donor1 and a receiver or donee4 ,the giver must be willing to give2 the receiver must have knowledge that the thing is offered and must be willing to accept4 ,there must be two parties1 the giver and the receiver2 and there must be knowledge on the part of both4 ,for this reason we read3 ,this is good and acceptable before ,god1 our ,savior1 who desires all men to be saved1 and to come to an accurate knowledge of the truth4 7#a ,timothy #b3c1d1 ,diaglott7 ,the salvation here mentioned is effected by the great ransom-price which constitutes the price of deliverance4 ,then all must come to a knowledge of this fact and either accept it or reject it1 just as one who is offered a gift must either receive or reject4 ,hence the ,apostle writes3 ,therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation2 even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life4 7,romans #e3ah7 ,the wages of sin is death2 but the gift of ,god is eternal life through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4--,romans #f3bc4 #egf;,as further proof that all must have an opportunity1 ,st4 ,john wrote3 ,he is the propitiation for our sins3 and not for ours only1 but also for the sins of the whole world4 7#a ,john #b3b7 ,the word our as used in this text means the class to which ,st4 ,john belonged1 namely1 the church1 the ,christ2 whereas the world includes all the race of mankind4 ,the statement1 then1 is that the ransom was provided for all4 ,furthermore1 when ,jesus was born1 it was announced by the angel of heaven3 ,behold1 ,i bring you good tidings of great joy1 which shall be to all people4 7,luke #b3aj7 ,furthermore1 ,god's promise to ,abraham was that in him and his seed all the families and nations of the earth should be blessed4 7,genesis #ab3c2 ,galatians #c3h7 ,hence all must have an opportunity for such blessing4 #egg,that those who are to be saved are not confined to the ones who go to heaven ,jesus proved when he said3 ,other sheep ,i have1 which are not of this fold3 them also ,i must bring1 and they shall hear my voice4 7,john #aj3af7 ,this fold means the church2 and after this class is selected1 then all must have an opportunity to come into the fold of ,christ4 ,and this is true because he bought them all with his precious blood4 #egh;,god caused the prophet ,david to write3 ,all nations whom thou hast made shall come find worship before thee1 ,o ,lord2 and shall glorify thy name4 7,psalm #hf3i7 ,this is further corroborative proof that all must have an opportunity4 #egi;,a highway is a means of travel4 ,for instance1 we have built across the ,united ,states what is known as the ,lincoln ,highway4 ,a highway is used to illustrate the way that the ,lord will provide for the return of the people to him through the terms of the new covenant4 ,the prophet ,isaiah thus wrote3 ,a highway shall be there1 and a way1 and it shall be called1 ,the way of holiness2 the unclean shall not pass over it1 but it shall be for those2 the wayfaring men1 though fools1 shall not err therein4 7,isaiah #ce3h7 ,it will be noticed that there is a way to go over this highway1 and it shall be called ,the way of holiness4 ,in other words1 those who pass over it will be made holy4 ,the highway pictures the whole journey from the beginning to the end of the ,millennial reign of ,christ4 ,the unclean shall not pass over it1 because unless a man will be cleaned up before he progresses a great way1 he will be permitted to go no further4 ,but as he strives to cleanse himself and be obedient to the ,lord1 he will be helped4 ,there shall be nothing there to hinder him1 because ,satan's influence will be restrained4 7,revelation #bj3a-d7 ,the way shall be so plain and clear that any and all may see it4 ,the ,lord1 therefore1 has graciously provided a way for the oppressed and sin-sick to be led back over the highway of holiness into a condition of perfection and happiness4 #ehj;,because ,abraham1 ,isaac1 ,jacob1 and the other faithful prophets described by the apostle ,paul in ,hebrews #aa are promised a better resurrection2 because of the statement of the ,prophet that they shall be princes or rulers in all the earth 7,psalm #de3af71 it is to be expected that they will be the first ones raised under the terms of the new covenant4 ,therefore it is reasonable to expect them to be back on earth at the beginning of the restoration blessings4 ,hence these faithful men may be expected on earth within the next few years4 ,they will constitute the legal representatives of the ,christ in the earth4 ,they will be the visible representatives of the kingdom of heaven4 ,these are the ones who shall administer the affairs of earth under the direction of the ,lord4 #eha,we therefore see that there are two phases of ,god's kingdom3 the heavenly1 which is invisible2 and the earthly1 which is visible1 the faithful prophets of old1 namely1 the ancient worthies1 representing the ,lord in this regard4 #ehb,the ,lord through his prophet ,zechariah gives a wonderful picture of the establishment of this kingdom and of the blessings that will come4 ,the prophecy is written in highly symbolic phrase4 ,it reads3 ,his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of ,olives1 which is before ,jerusalem on the east1 and the mount of ,olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west1 and there shall be a very great valley2 and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north1 and half of it toward the south4 ,and ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains2 for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto ,azal3 yea1 ye shall flee1 like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of ,uzziah king of ,judah2 and the ,lord my ,god shall come1 and all the saints with thee4 7,zechariah #ad3d1e7 ,his feet in this prophecy represent ,jehovah's feet2 while mountain symbolizes kingdom4 ,the olive is a symbol of light1 peace1 and divine blessing2 hence the picture is that ,jehovah's authority1 represented by his feet1 will be established upon earth1 by a kingdom of light1 peace1 and blessing4 ,the cleaving of this mountain in the midst1 showing a part on the north and a part on the south1 pictures the two phases1 heavenly and earthly1 of the ,messianic kingdom2 and the valley between represents the valley of blessings4 ,into this valley the sin-sick1 sore1 feeble1 oppressed1 yea all1 shall flee and there receive the blessings of the ,lord1 which will make them rich in health and peace and happiness for ever4 #ehc;,every one1 then1 who believes ,god's ,word and who confidently expects the kingdom to bring blessings to mankind and who sees it now being established should watch for the return of ,abraham and the other faithful prophets and get into communication with them as soon as possible after their return4 ,and acting under their advice1 all such will doubtless find early many opportunities of service1 which will bring to them blessings and happiness4 #ehd,the ,psalmist gives us another picture of this kingdom of blessing1 saying3 ,the mighty ,god1 even the ,lord1 hath spoken1 and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof4 7,psalm #ej3a7 ,the earth here represents the new organized government4 ,the rising of the sun means the beginning of the ,messianic reign2 while its going down pictures the completion of that reign4 ,therefore1 throughout the whole ,millennial reign the ,lord will be calling to the peoples of earth to come into this valley of blessing and receive life1 peace1 and happiness4 ,he shall call to the heavens the spiritual1 invisible part of the kingdom from above1 and to the earth the new organized government1 that he may judge his people4 7,psalm #ej3d7 ,to judge means to give opportunity for blessings by means of a trial2 and this is in harmony with the other statements of the ,scriptures that every one must have a fair trial for life4 ,,the ,,dead ,,to ,,rise #ehe,the first few years of restitution blessings will find multitudes of people diligently seeking to be restored to health and strength2 and as they grow strong themselves and prepare homes for themselves and their families1 they will be thinking of their beloved dead4 ,naturally they will want to see them again1 and they will pray to the ,lord to restore them4 ,and the ,lord will hear their prayers and answer them4 ,it shall come to pass1 that before they call1 ,i will answer2 and while they are yet speaking1 ,i will hear4 7,isaiah #fe3bd7 ,jesus declared that all that are in the graves shall hear his voice1 and shall come forth2 they that have done good1 unto the resurrection of life2 and they that have done evil1 unto the resurrection of judgment4 7,john #e3bh1bi7 ,they that have done evil here means the entire human race aside from the church4 ,they were born evil1 born sinners4 7,romans #e3ab7 ,they are coming forth to judgment1 to a trial2 and this is the great trial time spoken of by the ,apostle1 in which all men shall have an opportunity4 7,acts #ag3ca7 ,there shall be a resurrection of the dead1 both of the just and unjust4--,acts #bd3ae4 #ehf,st4 ,paul then produces his wonderful and beautiful argument on the resurrection1 saying1 ,if the dead rise not1 then is not ,christ raised2 and if ,christ be not raised1 your faith is vain2 ye are yet in your sins4 ,then they also which are fallen asleep in ,christ are perished4 ,if in this life only we have hope in ,christ1 we are of all men most miserable4 ,but now is ,christ risen from the dead1 and become the firstfruits of them that slept4 ,for since by man came death1 by man came also the resurrection of the dead4 ,for as in ,adam all die1 even so in ,christ shall all be made alive4 7#a ,corinthians #ae3af-bb7 ,then the ,apostle shows that after the resurrection of the church in the beginning of the kingdom every man must come forth in his own order4 ,jesus declared3 ,many that are first shall be last2 and the last shall be first4 7,matthew #ai3cj7 ,this principle may be properly applied to the resurrection of the dead4 ,those who died last will be the first to be awakened2 while those who died centuries ago will be among the last to be awakened4 #ehg;,in the ,world ,war millions of men died upon the battlefield4 ,that was indeed the land of the enemy1 the land of death4 ,the ,lord gives us a picture through the ,prophet as to the coming days of blessing1 saying to the woman who wept for her children1 and thus illustrating all who weep for their dead3 ,refrain thy voice from weeping1 and thine eyes from tears2 for thy work shall be rewarded1 saith the ,lord2 and they shall come again from the land of the enemy4 ,and there is hope in thine end1 saith the ,lord1 that thy children shall come again to their own border4 --,jeremiah #ca3af1ag4 #ehh;,as the dead come back from the tombs1 provision will be made for them by their friends who are living on the earth4 ,families long broken up will be again united2 and sadness will give way to joy4 ,the whole human race1 ransomed by the ,lord1 will have this opportunity2 and the ,prophet describes it thus3 ,the ransomed of the ,lord shall return1 and come to ,zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads2 they shall obtain joy and gladness1 and sorrow and sighing shall flee away4 7,isaiah #ce3aj7 ,gradually1 throughout the thousand years of ,messiah's reign1 will the human race march up over the highway of holiness1 until all will have had a full and fair opportunity1 the willfully wicked destroyed and the obedient ones restored to perfection of body and mind and heart4 #ehi,the people of ,sodom and ,gomorrah were destroyed by fire4 ,it does not mean1 however1 that they went into an endless torture1 as we have heretofore been led to believe4 ,on the contrary1 the ,lord plainly states that they shall be brought back to their former estate2 that is1 as human beings on the earth1 for the purpose of being given a trial4 ,when thy sisters1 ,sodom and her daughters1 shall return to their former estate1 and ,samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate1 then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate4 7,ezekiel #af3ee7 ,while the ,lord will rule with an iron hand1 compelling obedience1 yet his rule will be a righteous one1 and he will reprove with justice4 ,he is pictured by the ,prophet as ruling in faithfulness and righteousness1 thus3 ,with righteousness shall he judge the poor1 and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth3 and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth1 and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked4 ,and righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins1 and faithfulness the girdle of his reins4--,isaiah #aa3d1e4 #eij,the beneficial effect of his righteous reign is also pictured by the ,prophet1 in the passage which shows how that the wild beasts of the earth will become subject to man1 and how a little child shall direct them4 ,the wolf also shall dwell with the lamb1 and the leopard shall lie down with the kid2 and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together2 and a little child shall lead them4 ,and the cow and the bear shall feed2 their young ones shall lie down together2 and the lion shall eat straw like the ox4 ,and the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp1 and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den4--,isaiah #aa3f-h4 #eia;,all must come to a knowledge of the truth2 and those obeying it will have their sins and iniquities wiped out for ever4 ,thus says the ,prophet3 ,they shall teach no more every man his neighbor1 and every man his brother1 saying1 ,know the ,lord3 for they shall all know me1 from the least to the greatest of them1 saith the ,lord3 for ,i will forgive their iniquity1 and ,i will remember their sin no more4 7,jeremiah #ca3cd7 ,when the ,lord remembers their iniquities and sins no more1 then it must be that they are restored4 ,when ,john the ,baptist announced the approach of ,jesus1 he exclaimed3 ,behold the ,lamb of ,god1 which taketh away the sin of the world4 ,when the sin of the world is gone1 when there is a world without sin1 then it must be a world with perfect people4 #eib,that the people will be brought to a condition of health and be cured of their sickness the ,lord assures us through his ,prophet4 ,behold1 ,i will bring in health and cure1 and ,i will cure them1 and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth4 7,jeremiah #cc3f7 ,and the inhabitant shall not say1 ,i am sick2 the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity4--,isaiah #cc3bd ,,paradise ,,restored #eic,the restoration means the bringing back to earth of the ,edenic condition for man's benefit4 ,some may think there will be not sufficient room upon the earth for all the restored ones4 ,according to the best authority1 there have lived and died about #bj1jjj1jjj1jjj people4 ,there are now on earth approximately #a1gjj1jjj1jjj persons4 ,this is a total of #ba1gjj1jjj1jjj4 ,in order to be liberal1 let us suppose that all the human race will total #ej1jjj1jjj1jjj4 ,as a suggestion that there will be ample room for all on the earth1 let one take his pencil and divide the area of the state of ,texas by #ej1jjj1jjj1jjj2 and he will find that that number of people could be placed in the state of ,texas alone1 giving each one about #adf square feet of land upon which to stand4 ,of course it is not to be expected that the earth will be crowded thus2 but when we remember that only a small portion of the earth's surface is now inhabited1 that a great portion of it is desert1 and when this desert shall become productive and all parts of the earth habitable1 then we may see that #ej1jjj1jjj1jjj of people could comfortably be taken care of in the earth and have plenty of room to spare4 #eid;,but will the earth produce sufficiently to feed this multitude8 ,the ,scriptures answer3 ,the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them2 and the desert shall rejoice1 and blossom as the rose4 ,it shall blossom abundantly1 and rejoice even with joy and singing2 the glory of ,lebanon shall be given unto it1 the excellency of ,carmel and ,sharon3 they shall see the glory of the ,lord1 and the excellency of our ,god4444 ,and the parched ground shall become a pool1 and the thirsty land springs of water4 7,isaiah #ce3a1b1g7 ,the desolate land shall be tilled1 whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by4 ,and they shall say1 ,this land that was desolate is become like the garden of ,eden2 and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced1 and are inhabited4 7,ezekiel #cf3cd1ce7 ,when the whole earth's surface is brought up to a condition of high cultivation like unto the garden of ,eden1 then indeed the earth will be a fit habitation for man4 ,the reclamation of desert land such as the ,imperial ,valley of ,california has now begun4 ,only a few years ago that valley was a desolate wilderness in which no animal or human being could live2 and now it produces abundant crops because it has been watered4 ,when all the vast deserts of ,sahara1 ,arabia1 and ,america are fully irrigated and blossom as the rose1 they will produce abundantly for man's needs4 #eie,the reign of ,christ will result in the destruction of all man's enemies4 ,the weeds1 the thistles1 the thorns1 the pests that destroy crops1 shall all be destroyed4 ,everything that produces sickness shall be destroyed4 ,the ,apostle plainly says2 ,he ,christ must reign1 till he hath put all enemies under his feet4 ,the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death4--#a ,corinthians #ae3be1bf4 #eif,we can well imagine great multitudes of people assembling in different parts of the earth to celebrate their deliverance from ,satan and his wicked organizations2 and as the people witness the passing away of ignorance1 crime1 superstition2 and see knowledge1 goodness1 loving kindness taking their place1 they will fill the earth with joyful song4 ,the ,prophet describes some of the effects of these restitution blessings thus3 ,in this mountain kingdom shall the ,lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things1 a feast of wines on the lees1 of fat things full of marrow1 of wines on the lees well refined4 ,and he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people1 and the vail that is spread over all nations taking away ignorance1 etc14 ,he will swallow up death in victory2 and the ,lord ,god will wipe away all tears from off all faces2 and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off the earth2 for the ,lord hath spoken it4--,isaiah #be3f-h4 #eig,st4 ,john on the ,isle of ,patmos had a vision of the great ,messianic kingdom and described it in symbolic phrase4 ,the word heaven symbolically means the invisible ruling power2 while the earth means organized society4 ,the old heaven has been wicked1 because ,satan1 the wicked one1 has been ruling4 ,the old earth has been wicked1 because the organizations of men have been under the dominion of ,satan4 ,st4 ,john1 observing the ,messianic kingdom and the blessings that would follow1 wrote3 ,i saw a new heaven and a new earth2 for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away2 and there was no more sea4 ,thus he shows the new heaven 7the ,messianic kingdom7 and the new earth 7society organized on a righteous basis in the earth74 ,sea is symbolic of restless humanity1 thus picturing the fact that there will be no more strikes1 lock-outs1 revolutions1 or anarchy4 ,continuing1 he describes the kingdom as a holy city1 the new ,jerusalem1 in this beautiful phrase3 ,and ,i ,john saw the holy city1 new ,jerusalem1 coming down from ,god out of heaven1 prepared as a bride adorned for her husband4 ,and ,i heard a great voice out of heaven saying1 ,behold1 the tabernacle of ,god is with men1 and he will dwell with them1 and they shall be his people1 and ,god himself shall be with them1 and be their ,god--picturing here the dwelling place of the ,lord4 ,the place of meeting between ,jehovah and mankind is through the ,christ4 ,the results will be the destruction of the enemy death1 and the full restoration of the obedient ones2 and thus he describes it3 ,and ,god shall wipe away all tears from their eyes2 and there shall be no more death1 neither sorrow1 nor crying1 neither shall there be any more pain2 for the former things are passed away4 ,and he that sat upon the throne said1 ,behold1 ,i make all things new4 ,and he said unto me1 ,write3 for these words are true and faithful4--,revelation #ba3a-e4 #eih,let the reasonable person ask himself these questions3 #eii,why would ,god outline such a marvelous plan as this8 #fjj,why would he establish a new heaven and a new earth8 #fja,why would he awaken the dead out of their graves unless he intended to give them an opportunity to be restored to the perfection enjoyed by ,adam before he sinned8 #fjb;,god has invited us to use our reasoning faculties 7,isaiah #a3ah72 and if we believe these great truths taught in the ,bible1 we can reach no other reasonable conclusion than that restitution is the great objective of ,god's plan relative to the human race1 and that restitution blessings are near because the kingdom of heaven is at hand1 even at the door4 ,let those who are cast down look up now2 let the sorrowful be glad2 let the sad hearts be comforted1 and the broken hearts be bound up4 ,lift up your heads and rejoice in the fact that the day of deliverance for mankind is at the door6 #fjc;,call to mind for a moment the great amount of suffering in the densely populated cities4 ,old men and old women1 young men and young women1 children1 infants in arms1 all crowded into foul tenements1 with not sufficient food1 impure air1 and improper clothing2 and everything tending to degrade their morals4 ,call to mind the countries devastated by the war1 the homes destroyed1 families broken up1 the crippled1 blind1 deaf1 dumb1 and insane4 ,imagine for a moment the intense suffering of the millions of people throughout the earth2 and then know that this dark vail of suffering and death will shortly be lifted and the sunlight of ,god's love will shine in upon all4 ,like the sun1 the great ,messianic kingdom1 shining forth with healing beams1 shall dispel the darkness1 drive away the sickness1 clean up the bodies and clean up the minds and morals1 point the people to proper food--what to eat and how to eat it1 what to think upon and how to conduct themselves2 and above all1 to give them a full knowledge of the loving kindness of our great ,god and of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 the dearest ,friend of all4 ,and know1 then1 that these blessings will bring eternal happiness in the earth4 ,men and women will not only grow strong1 but they will reach that state in which they will not even fear1 think1 or expect1 to be sick4 #fjd,with the establishment of the new order under the ,messiah wars and revolutions shall cease1 because he has promised that then they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruninghooks2 nation shall not lift up sword against nation1 neither shall they learn war any more2 and thus there shall be no more restless humanity1 symbolically called sea4--,isaiah #b3d2 ,micah #d3c2 ,revelation #ba3a4 #fje,the profiteers will no longer be permitted to prey upon the people1 because ,god's promise is that under the righteous reign none shall be permitted to injure another nor defraud his neighbor4--,isaiah #aa3i2 #fe3be4 #fjf,then shall famines vanish away and no more shall be hungering for food nor vainly striving for sustenance of life1 because then the earth shall yield her increase and there shall be plenty for all4--,psalm #fg3f4 #fjg,then shall disease and sickness be destroyed1 because ,god has promised under this new order to bring in health and strength and to bless the people with all favors incident thereto4 ,the inhabitant shall not say1 ,i am sick4--,isaiah #cc3bd2 ,revelation #ba3d4 #fjh;,funerals now are the order of the day1 and the family and loved ones left behind assemble in sorrow to pay the last tribute to their beloved dead4 ,but under the new order of things funerals will cease1 undertakers will seek a more pleasing employment1 and the hearses will be changed from vehicles of sorrow to equipages of pleasure4 ,there shall be no more death4--,rev4 #ba3d4 #fji;,families have been torn asunder and each member has borne his or her sorrow until claimed by the grave2 but under the new order families will be reunited1 parents will be brought back to the children1 and children to the parents1 and they shall dwell together in happiness4--#a ,corinthians #ae3bb1bc4 #faj,no more will the poor be vainly hunting for a habitation or fleeing from greedy landlords1 because then1 as ,god has promised1 the people shall 'build houses and live in them2 they shall not build for another to live in but then every man shall have his own habitation and every man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall make them afraid'4--,isaiah #fe3ba-bc2 ,micah #d3d4 #faa;,at that time there will be full liberty to do right1 because right will always be encouraged4 ,every one will have the liberty to do all the good he can4 ,there will be no secret service men nor espionage laws under the reign of ,messiah4 ,this will result in the development and exhibition of the beauty of character4 ,justice will prevail amongst men2 they will become wise concerning the things pertaining to their welfare and happiness4 ,love will be the motive directing their actions and their every power shall be exercised for good4--,revelation #ba3bd-bg4 #fab,life1 that which has been the desire of men in all ages1 will be completely realized--life in fullness1 when men and women will be strong and vigorous1 and there shall be no more pain1 no suffering1 no sorrow1 no death2 when all obedient ones shall return to the days of their youth and enjoy life as perfect human beings through endless ages4--,job #cc3be2 ,romans #f3bc2 ,revelation #ba3d4 #fac,praise then shall take the place of sorrow4 ,no longer will the people assemble in cemeteries on ,decoration ,day to pay tribute to their hero dead1 because then their dead will be restored to them2 and the one who shall be the greatest hero in their minds and hearts will be the great ,messiah1 who has brought the people the unspeakable blessings4 ,then will the people assemble1 not to discuss politics1 nor to wrangle over who shall hold the offices1 but to improve their minds and to study the beauties and wonders of ,god's creation and to sing songs of gladness to his praise4--,isaiah #ce3aj2 #ea3aa2 ,philippians #b3aj1aa4 ,,consolation ,,to ,,christians #fad;,death is a cruel enemy of the human race4 ,its sting has been felt for ages4 ,it takes away beloved ones and leaves a burning dagger in the heart of the surviving friend4 ,it has filled the earth with sadness1 and the people with grief4 ,but the sweet music from the harp of ,god has cheered some sad hearts who have learned of the divine arrangement to restore their dear ones whom they have loved and lost awhile4 ,by faith the ,christian sees that in his own good time and way ,god will bring back their beloved dead and give them an opportunity for endless life and happiness1 because he has promised thus to do4 ,the ,christian knows that ,god's promises are certain of fulfillment and that his power to perform is unlimited4 ,such faith1 based upon the precious promises1 helps now in a measure to allay the sting of death4 #fae;,beside the tossing billows of the mighty ocean one walks in silent meditation4 ,her mind turns to a beloved one who during the ,world ,war was taken away to serve in the navy4 ,for a time he sailed the seas and returned1 only to sicken and die1 leaving behind a bleeding heart1 which only time and the ,lord can heal4 ,as her feet silently tread the soft sands recently caressed by the waves1 her mind is filled with thoughts of happy days spent with her beloved brother1 whose laughter is now hushed in death and who sleeps in ,jesus1 waiting for the time of resurrection4 ,the former joyful days were turned into sorrow because of ,death's wicked hand4 ,but the great ,burden-,bearer lightens her load and helps her to bear her sorrow as there come to her mind the words spoken through his messenger3 ,sorrow not as others1 who have no hope2 for if we believe that ,jesus died and rose again1 even so them also which sleep in ,jesus will ,god bring by him4444 ,comfort one another with these words4--#a ,thessalonians #d3ac1ad1ah4 #faf;,gazing far out to sea1 she observes a mighty ship being tossed by the power of the waves as though it were an empty shell4 ,what marvelous power is thus displayed by those waves6 ,yet it is but a semblance of the power of ,god4 ,he who made the great ocean and caused the moon to kiss its bosom at nightfall2 he who hung the stars in the heavens1 which serve to guide the weary and wave-tossed mariner in his stormy course1 and who holds back the winds until he has reached his desired haven--he it is who is clothed with all power and authority in heaven and in earth1 and has promised to bring back the beloved dead from the grave4 ,his promise he will faithfully keep4 #fag;,her meditations for a time sad1 are now turned into silent joy because of the hope planted in that once troubled bosom by the precious promises of ,god4 ,by faith she sees the blessed day1 not far distant1 when back to life shall come that beloved brother4 ,by faith she sees him hurrying over the highway of holiness1 until he is made strong1 vigorous1 and returns to the days of his youth1 and shall dwell in peace and happiness for ever4 #fah,oh6 what sweet and consoling music the restoration string of ,god's harp brings to the heart of the ,christian now6 ,what great joy will fill that heart when1 as a member of the glorified body of ,christ1 the blessed privilege will be had of awakening out of death that beloved one and marking his gradual restoration to perfect manhood6 ,then both the blesser and the blessed will praise ,god for his boundless love4 ,until that happy day1 blessed is the one who claims the promise3 ,thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind meditation is stayed on thee1 because he trusteth in thee4--,isaiah #bf3c4 #fai;,for centuries ,christians lost sight of the beautiful doctrine of the restoration pictured by the tenth string of the harp of ,god4 ,this was due to the fact that the consecrated were in captivity to the religious systems formed by man and into which ,satan injected false doctrines1 thereby blinding the understanding of even the honest-hearted4 ,but with the second presence of the ,lord his people have been released from such ,babylonian captivity4 ,the eyes of their understanding opening because of the brightness of his presence1 they have learned of the restoration string of the harp of ,god2 and its sweet melody has cheered their hearts so much that they could not keep back the singing4 ,god foreknew this1 of course2 and for the further encouragement of such caused his ,prophet to write these appropriate words relative to the restoration blessings coming to the nations and peoples and kindreds of earth3 ,when the ,lord turned again the captivity of ,zion1 we were like them that dream4 ,then was our mouth filled with laughter1 and our tongue with singing3 then said they among the heathen1 ,the ,lord hath done great things for them4--,psalm #abf3a1b4 #fbj,truly1 as ,god's ,prophet said3 ,i will incline mine ear to a parable3 ,i will open my dark saying upon the harp4 7,psalm #di3d7 ,all of ,god's plan has been stated in parabolic language1 and is appreciated only by the consecrated follower of ,jesus2 but when understood1 it is indeed a harp that yields the most entrancing music that ever fell upon human ears4 ,strike now the chord of restitution and hear how beautifully it responds and harmonises with all the other strings upon the divine harp6 ,know1 then1 that as the people come to learn of ,god's wonderful arrangement1 all whose hearts are right will praise him4 ,the ,psalmist thus appropriately says3 ,o worship the ,lord in the beauty of holiness3 ,fear before him1 all the earth4 ,say among the heathen that the ,lord reigneth2 ,the world also shall he established that it shall not be moved2 ,he shall judge the people righteously4 ,let the heavens rejoice1 and let the earth be glad2 ,let the sea roar1 and the fullness thereof4 ,let the field be joyful1 and all that is therein2 ,then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the ,lord2 ,for he cometh1 for he cometh to judge the earth3 ,he shall judge the world with righteousness1 ,and the people with his truth4--,psalm #if3i-ac4 #fba;,finally1 at the end of the ,millennial reign of the ,messianic kingdom1 all the obedient ones of the human race will have been restored to perfect conditions4 ,the harp of ,god1 the great doctrinal truths1 will be magnified in the hearts of all the people4 ,but even now the fully consecrated ,christian is pictured as standing above the kingdoms of this world1 having the harp of ,god1 and singing the song of ,moses and the ,lamb1 saying3 ,great and marvelous are thy works1 ,lord ,god ,almighty2 just and true are thy ways1 thou ,king of saints4 ,who shall not fear thee1 ,o ,lord1 and glorify thy name8 ,and with the close of the thousand years all nations shall come and worship before thee2 for thy judgments are made manifest4 7,revelation #ae3c1d7 ,these are looking to the finished work of ,christ4 ,,hallelujah ,,chorus #fbb;,by faith looking up through the corridor of the ,millennial age now opening1 we see standing at the further end thereof a perfect race of human beings4 ,every vestige of wickedness1 selfishness1 and wrong has been eliminated4 ,during the thousand-year reign of ,christ that old serpent1 the devil and ,satan1 has been restrained1 that he might not deceive the nations and peoples during the ,messianic reign4 7,revelation #bj3a-c7 ,being released for a little season at the end of that period1 he has put forth his efforts again to deceive2 but now these have ended and ,satan is destroyed1 because ,god has decreed it thus4 7,revelation #bj3g-aj2 ,hebrews #b3ad7 ,abraham1 the father of the faithful1 and his colleagues of like faithfulness1 who have1 under the supervision of the ,christ1 directed the people through their ,millennial trial1 have finished their earthly career and have been raised to a higher plane as spirit beings4 ,having during that reign turned many to righteousness1 they shine forth as the stars for ever and ever4 7,daniel #ab3c7 ,the earth has been brought to a condition of ,edenic ,paradise4 ,in it there are no weeds1 thistles1 or wicked thorns4 ,it is a fit habitation for perfect man1 pleasing to the eye4 ,all men and women have been perfected in organism1 mind1 and character2 and gracious words are upon their lips4 ,each one1 granted a perfect voice1 possesses the ability to sing perfectly2 and a song of joy is upon all lips4 ,all the creation of earth is now subjected to man2 and the chief joy of every one is and will be to contribute to the happiness of his fellow men and to glorify ,god and ,christ4 #fbc;,by faith behold this happy picture for a moment1 and then turn your vision to the things heavenly4 ,there angels1 who for ages have faithfully performed service as messengers to the ,lord1 are assembled2 line upon line1 tier upon tier of these glorious beings4 ,in their respective positions of honor stand forth the cherubim and seraphim2 and in the midst of all stands the ,christ4 ,jesus ,christ the blessed and faithful one1 as the great victor now looks back over his work and 'sees the travail of his soul and is satisfied' with the happy results4 ,standing by his side is his glorious bride1 who for a thousand years has been the recipient of the exceeding riches of the grace of ,god through her beloved ,head1 and who will now enjoy these favors to endless ages4 ,her bridesmaids1 'the virgins her companions who follow' and serve her1 are there1 performing their divinely assigned functions4 ,above all stands the great ,jehovah ,god1 whose wisdom planned it all and whose loving kindness has been showered upon the multitude of his creatures4 ,joy fills his blessed heart4 ,his plan1 as he foreknew it would be1 is a grand success4 #fbd;,it is an entrancing scene6 ,it is the appropriate time for the ,hallelujah chorus4 ,the stage is set4 ,the trumpeters with their trumpets take their places1 and the psaltery and the harp are brought forth4 ,the timbrel1 the stringed instruments1 the organ1 the cymbals1 and every conceivable instrument of praise is in the hands of the heavenly host4 ,there is a breathless silence4 ,then the trumpeters peal forth their paeans of praise1 and all the other players and singers of the heavenly hosts join in4 ,this entrancing music is caught up by the multitudes of earth and wafted back to heaven again 7because communication has been established between the perfect men and the perfect heavenly creatures71 until every creature which is in heaven and on earth and under the earth1 and such as are in the sea1 and all that are in them1 are praising ,god1 saying3 ,blessing1 and honor1 and glory1 and power1 be unto him that sitteth upon the throne1 and unto the ,lamb for ever and ever4 7,revelation #e3ac7 ,every knee is bowing and every tongue is confessing that ,jesus is the ,christ1 to the glory of ,god the ,father4 ,every creature that has breath is now joining in the song4 ,it is the ,hallelujah chorus1 and this is what they sing3 ,praise ye the ,lord6 ,praise ,god in his sanctuary2 praise him in the firmament of his power4 ,praise him for his mighty acts2 praise him according to his excellent greatness4 ,praise him with the sound of the trumpet2 ,praise him with the psaltery and harp4 ,praise him with the timbrel and dance2 ,praise him with stringed instruments and organs4 ,praise him upon the loud cymbals2 praise him upon the high sounding cymbals4 ,let every thing that hath breath praise the ,lord4 ,praise ye the ,lord6--,psalm #aej4 ,how will the restoration string of the harp affect the world8 #ece4 ,what does the tenth string of the harp represent8 #ece4 ,what two great doctrines were lost sight of for a long time by ,christians8 #ece4 ,what did the harp with eight strings1 sometimes used by the ,jews1 represent8 #ece4 ,define restoration4 #ecf4 ,what did ,adam lose for himself and his offspring8 #ecf4 ,give the ,scriptural proof as to the nature of the first man4 #ecf4 ,what was ,god's purpose in creating the earth and putting man upon it8 #ecf4 ,is any one warranted in denying the doctrine of the restoration of mankind8 #ecg4 ,if there is to be no restoration of man1 what effect would that have upon the purpose1 for which ,god created man and the earth8 #ecg4 ,can the purposes of ,god fail8 ,give ,scriptural reason for answer4 #ecg4 ,if there is to be no restoration of man1 then the manifestation of divine justice meant what8 #ech4 ,what is the meaning of ,god's promise to ,abraham to bless all the families of the earth if there is to be no restoration8 #eci4 ,how did ,jehovah bind this promise8 and what assurance does that give concerning its fulfillment8 #eci4 ,why did ,jesus come to earth8 #edj4 ,would his coming1 death1 and resurrection accomplish anything if there is no such thing as restoration of the human race8 ,give ,scriptural reason for answer4 #eda1 #edb4 ,does the ransom-sacrifice guarantee an opportunity for restoration to all8 ,give ,scriptural reasons for answer4 #edc4 ,what guarantee is given to man by the resurrection of ,jesus8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #edc4 ,if the doctrine of restoration is not true1 then what shall we say about the words of the ,apostle as recorded in #a ,corinthians #ae3bj-bf8 #edc4 ,the mystery being the seed of promise1 what1 then1 is the work of the mystery class when glorified8 #edd4 ,if there be no restoration of the human race1 why would ,jehovah devote so much time to the development of the mystery class8 #edd4 ,what relationship has the second coming of ,christ to restoration8 ,give ,scriptural statement relating to this point4 #ede4 ,did the prophets foretell the days of restoration8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #edf1 #edg4 ,would it be reasonable to suppose that ,god would provide a new creation and not give it some specific work to do relative to man8 #edh4 ,what do the ,scriptures say about the judging and blessing of the families of the earth8 #edh4 ,could there be a judgment without a trial8 #edh4 ,what did ,jesus say about the regeneration of the human race1 and those who would participate in this work8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #edh4 ,define regeneration4 #edh4 ,what promise is given to the church with reference to reigning with ,christ8 #edi4 ,what is the purpose of the thousand-year reign with ,christ ,jesus8 #edi4 ,what did ,st4 ,paul say about the saints judging the world8 #eej4 ,what did ,jesus say about the gathering the nations before him at his second appearing8 #eej4 ,would not the purpose of ,god concerning the new creation fail if there is no restoration of mankind8 #eej4 ,what did ,god's ,prophet say concerning the bringing out of the dead from the prison-house of death8 #eea4 ,what did the prophet ,isaiah state with reference to the church establishing the earth and causing the people to inherit it8 #eea4 ,to what does every vital doctrine of the divine plan point8 #eeb4 ,with what do all the other strings of the harp harmonize8 #eeb4 ,why could not the ,jews get life under the law covenant8 #eec4 ,for what purpose was the law covenant made8 #eec4 ,is there to be a new covenant made for the benefit of man8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #eec4 ,when will the new covenant be sealed8 #eed4 ,state the terms of the new covenant as set forth by ,st4 ,paul4 #eed4 ,what opportunity will be granted to the human race under the terms of the new covenant8 #eee4 ,what do the ,scriptures say that ,god will put into their minds and hearts under the terms of this covenant8 #eee4 ,what prominent characters will be resurrected immediately following the making of the new covenant8 #eef4 ,what official positions will these prominent characters occupy in the ,messianic kingdom8 #eef4 ,what will the ,lord do for the people in the way of instructing them and leading them under the terms of the new covenant1 as indicated by the prophets8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #eeg4 ,what does the ,apostle say about whom the ,lord will judge when he comes8 #eeh4 ,what is meant by the word quick as used in the ,scriptures above referred to8 #eeh4 ,with whom will the ,lord deal1 first when the new covenant is made8 #eeh4 ,would we expect that he would first awaken the dead and judge them before dealing with the living8 #eeh4 ,will any people be brought through the great time of trouble now on the earth and have an opportunity for restoration blessings8 ,give the ,scriptural reason for this answer4 #eeh4 ,are there many people now living on the earth who sincerely desire a righteous government8 #eei4 ,what is the extent of their knowledge of the ,lord and his arrangement8 and what effect has this lack of knowledge had upon them8 #eei4 ,what message has the ,lord given to such through his ,prophet8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #efj4 ,why do the words of ,isaiah #ce3d-f apply to these who are living and not to those in the graves8 #efj4 ,will the dead be resurrected minus arms or legs8 #efj4 ,what do the ,scriptures say about the body they will have when raised from the dead8 #efj4 ,having in mind the great number of cripples1 deaf1 dumb1 and lame on the earth now1 what will restoration blessings do for them8 #efj4 ,what effect may the beginning of restoration be expected to have on those who observe it8 #efa4 ,for what is the whole creation waiting while it groans in pain8 ,give the ,scriptural reason4 #efb4 ,for what do these hope and long8 #efb4 ,what effect will the restoration blessings have on those who were crippled during the war8 #efc4 ,does the ,lord indicate the kind of people that will be carried through the time of trouble8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #efd4 ,how many people1 approximately1 are now living on the earth8 #efe4 ,how soon may we expect the present evil order to pass away8 #efe4 ,what catastrophe caused the first world to end8 #eff4 ,how many persons were saved or carried over from that first world to the new order8 #eff4 ,what did ,noah and his family represent8 #eff4 ,what promise did ,god make to ,noah immediately following the flood8 ,quote the promise4 #eff4 ,what assurance do we gather from this divine promise with reference to those now living on the earth8 #eff4 ,why can it now be said that millions now living will never die8 #eff4 ,quote ,jesus' words in ,john #aa3bf4 #efg4 ,when will this opportunity of life come to mankind8 #efg4 ,what will be the results to those then living who believe and obey the ,lord8 #efg4 ,what is meant by believing8 #efg4 ,quote the words of ,jesus in ,john #h3ea4 #efg4 ,do the ,scriptures show that all men must hear and gain a knowledge of the truth8 #efg4 ,is it possible for any one to keep the sayings of ,jesus before he knows them8 #efg4 ,what is the condition of the majority of mankind8 #efh4 ,what promise has ,god made that will be beneficial to those now unrighteous8 #efh4 ,shall the unrighteous ones in the earth have an opportunity to live8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #efh4 ,what picture does ,job give with reference to restoration in his prophecy1 chapter #cc1 verses #af to #be8 #efi4 ,quote these verses of ,scripture and explain them4 #egj4 ,do the ,scriptures indicate that some will refuse to obey the righteous rule of the ,lord8 #ega4 ,what will be the punishment of those who disobey8 #ega4 ,how long will the ,lord permit them to have a trial8 #ega4 ,when the ,lord speaks of dividing the people as a shepherd divides his goats and sheep1 what is meant8 #egb4 ,what class do the goats represent8 #egb4 ,what class is pictured by the sheep8 #egb4 ,what is meant by everlasting punishment8 #egc4 ,what is meant by everlasting life8 #egc4 ,does the ,apostle define everlasting punishment8 ,if so1 how8 #egd4 ,who is guaranteed a full opportunity for life8 #ege4 ,what is meant by a gift8 #ege4 ,what things are necessary to make a gift effective8 #ege4 ,quote the ,apostle's words in #a ,timothy #b3c1d4 #ege4 ,what is meant in this passage by being saved8 and what is meant by being brought to a knowledge of the truth8 #ege4 ,quote two ,scriptures showing that life is a gift4 #ege4 ,to whom is this free gift offered8 #egf4 ,quote #a ,john #b3b4 #egf4 ,what is meant by the word our1 and also by the word world8 #egf4 ,what does this ,scripture prove with reference to the ransom-sacrifice and its benefits to mankind8 #egf4 ,what message was delivered by the angel to the shepherds at ,jesus' birth8 #egf4 ,does this guarantee that anything shall be given to all the people8 and if so1 what8 #egf4 ,what does the promise made to ,abraham prove as to an opportunity for life everlasting8 and to whom will this opportunity be given8 #egf4 ,what did ,jesus say about other sheep1 indicating that not all would be saved in heaven8 #egg4 ,what did he mean by this fold8 #egg4 ,why will he have another fold8 #egg4 ,quote ,psalm #hf3i1 and state what proof this is relative to restoration blessings4 #egh4 ,what is meant by the word highway8 ,describe a highway4 #egi4 ,a highway is used in the ,scriptures to illustrate what8 #egi4 ,quote ,isaiah #ce3h4 #egi4 ,what is the way over that highway called8 #egi4 ,the entire highway pictures what8 #egi4 ,will the unclean go up on the highway8 and will they pass over it8 #egi4 ,if one upon the highway refuses to do right1 what will be the result8 #egi4 ,what favor will be granted to those who strive to be obedient while on the highway of holiness8 #egi4 ,shall any wicked influence be brought to bear against one on the highway of holiness8 ,give the ,scriptural reason for the answer4 #egi4 ,how will that way compare with the narrow way that is journeyed by the church8 #egi4 ,why should we expect ,abraham1 ,isaac1 and ,jacob to be among the first ones resurrected under the new covenant8 #ehj4 ,when should we expect them back on the earth8 #ehj4 ,what will be their positions of honor and responsibility in the earth8 #ehj4 ,what will be their administrative duties in the earth8 #ehj4 ,how many phases are there of the kingdom of ,god8 #eha4 ,describe the picture of the ,messianic kingdom as given in ,zechariah #ad3d1e4 ,quote the ,scripture4 #ehb4 ,what is meant in this prophecy by the words his feet8 #ehb4 ,what is symbolized by the mountain and by the olive8 #ehb4 ,what is represented by the cleaving or dividing of the mountain into two parts8 #ehb4 ,what is pictured by the valley between8 #ehb4 ,what will the people do with reference to this symbolic valley8 #ehb4 ,why should those on earth get in communication with ,abraham and the other faithful ones as soon as possible after their resurrection8 #ehc4 ,quote ,psalm #ej3a4 #ehd4 ,in this text what is represented by the earth8 #ehd4 ,what is pictured by the sun8 #ehd4 ,what is pictured by the rising of the sun and the going down thereof8 #ehd4 ,quote ,psalm #ej3d4 #ehd4 ,what is meant by judging the people8 #ehd4 ,when the peoples living on earth begin to be restored to health and strength1 of whom will they then think8 #ehe4 ,what will they do toward having their beloved dead restored to them8 #ehe4 ,what ,scriptural proof have we that the ,lord will hear their prayers8 #ehe4 ,what ,scriptural proof have we that the dead will arise from their graves8 #ehe4 ,quote and analyze ,st4 ,paul's argument concerning the resurrection in #a ,corinthians #ae3af-bb4 #ehf4 ,in what order will the dead be resurrected8 that is1 will those who have died last or those who have died centuries ago be the first to come forth8 #ehf4 ,quote ,jeremiah #ca3af1ag4 #ehg4 ,what is meant in this text by the land of the enemy8 #ehg4 ,as the dead return from the grave1 what will the living do for them8 #ehh4 ,what effect will the resurrection have in uniting families8 #ehh4 ,quote ,isaiah #ce3aj4 #ehh4 ,who is there meant by the ransomed of the ,lord8 #ehh4 ,how were the people of ,sodom and ,gomorrah destroyed8 #ehi4 ,what will be their final end8 #ehi4 ,quote a ,scripture showing that they will return to their former estates as human beings on the earth4 #ehi4 ,in what manner will the ,messiah rule8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #ehi4 ,what will be the beneficent effects of this righteous rule1 both upon animals and human beings8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #eij4 ,quote ,jeremiah #ca3cd4 #eia4 ,when the ,lord remembers their iniquities and sins no more1 what will be the condition of the people8 #eia4 ,quote ,john #a3bi4 #eia4 ,when the sin of the world is gone1 what effect will that have upon mankind8 #eia4 ,what ,scriptural proof have we that the people will be brought to a condition of health and be cured of sickness8 #eib4 ,will the peoples of the earth then have ailments and complaints as they do now8 #eib4 ,what effect upon the earth itself will the times of restoration have8 #eic4 ,will there be room for all the people that are restored to life8 #eic4 ,how many people have lived on the earth and died and gone into their grave8 #eic4 ,how many are now living8 #eic4 ,give an illustration showing that the earth's surface will be ample to accommodate all of these4 #eic4 ,what ,scriptural evidence have we that the earth will produce sufficient food to sustain the restored ones8 #eid4 ,what ,scriptural proof is there that the desolate land of the earth will become like the garden of ,eden8 #eid4 ,when will the earth be a fit habitation for man8 #eid4 ,is any part of earth's surface being reclaimed now that illustrates the restoration of the earth8 ,if so1 give an instance4 #eid4 ,what will be the effect when all the desert land is made habitable8 #eid4 ,in the times of restoration1 what will become of the weeds1 thistles1 and thorns1 and pests that destroy crops8 #eie4 ,what will become of the poisonous things that produce sickness8 #eie4 ,how will the reign of ,christ affect man's enemies8 #eie4 ,when1 the people witness the disappearance of ignorance1 crime1 and superstition1 and the establishment of goodness1 loving kindness1 etc41 what effect will this have upon them8 #eif4 ,what ,scriptures indicate that the people will have a joyful time in the days of restoration8 #eif4 ,what effect will the restoration have upon tears and sorrow8 #eif4 ,describe ,st4 ,john's vision upon the ,isle of ,patmos relative to a new heaven and a new earth4 #eig4 ,in that picture what is symbolized by heaven1 earth1 and sea8 #eig4 ,what effect will restoration have upon strikes1 revolutions1 and anarchy8 #eig4 ,how is the meeting place between ,god and man described in this prophetic utterance of ,st4 ,john8 #eig4 ,what does ,st4 ,john say about the effect of the kingdom blessings upon mankind8 #eig4 ,unless ,god intends to give opportunity for man to be restored1 why provide such an intricate and marvelous plan1 create a new heaven and a new earth1 and bring the dead out of their graves8 #eih-fja4 ,has ,god invited us to use our reasoning faculties8 #fjb4 ,if we believe the ,bible testimony1 then to what inevitable conclusion are we forced with reference to restoration8 #fjb4 ,what should be the attitude of mind of those who now believe the ,bible8 #fjb4 ,compare present conditions of suffering with the conditions the ,messianic kingdom will bring4 #fjc4 ,will man come to the state where he will no longer fear sickness8 #fjc4 ,what will be the results of ,messiah's reign as far as wars are concerned8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #fjd4 ,how will the ,messianic reign affect profiteers8 #fje4 ,what will be the effect as far as famines are concerned during the ,messianic reign8 #fjf4 ,what shall be the effect of ,messiah's reign upon disease and sickness8 #fjg4 ,will there be any undertakers and hearses used when man is restored8 and if not1 why not8 #fjh4 ,what will the effect of ,messiah's reign be concerning the union of families8 ,give ,scriptural proof4 #fji4 ,will the people have trouble with landlords and difficulty in finding a place to live under ,messiah's reign8 and if not1 why not8 ,give the ,scriptural proof4 #faj4 ,what effect will the ,messiah's kingdom have upon liberty8 #faa4 ,under ,messiah's kingdom will there be any espionage laws8 #faa4 ,will there be any secret service men under ,messiah's reign8 #faa4 ,what will be the motive directing the actions of men8 #faa4 ,will the people have ,decoration ,day services during the ,millennial reign of ,christ8 #fac4 ,will they assemble to discuss politics and fight over who shall hold the offices8 or what will be the condition8 ,give ,scriptural reasons4 #fac4 ,what is the great enemy of the human race8 and how long has its sting been felt8 #fad4 ,describe its effect upon human beings who survive4 #fad4 ,what has been the one consoling thing that has cheered the hearts of some8 #fad4 ,what hope has the ,christian concerning his beloved dead8 #fad4 ,relate an experience showing why the ,christian sorrows not as those who have no hope4 #fae4 ,what does the power of the ocean illustrate to the ,christian8 #faf4 ,how does this compare with the ,one who created the moon and the stars and the sun8 #faf4 ,how will this power be used in behalf of the dead8 #faf4 ,by faith the ,christians see what in the near future for their beloved dead8 and what effect does this have upon the mind of such8 #fag4 ,is the restoration string of the harp of ,god a consolation to the ,christian8 and if so1 why8 #fah4 ,why does the ,lord keep such in perfect peace1 notwithstanding the turmoil in the earth8 #fah4 ,what two great doctrines of the divine plan were obscured for many years8 and by what strings of the harp are they represented8 #fai4 7,see back reference7 ,why have these doctrines been obscured8 #fai4 ,if they have been revived or discovered in recent years1 what has been the cause8 #fai4 ,what effect upon ,christians does the knowledge of restitution have8 #fai4 ,what ,psalm pictures this joyful effect8 #fai4 ,in what kind of phrase has the plan of ,god been stated8 #fbj4 ,who have been able to understand ,god's plan8 #fbj4 ,what did the ,psalmist mean when he said3 ,i will incline mine ear to a parable2 ,i will open my dark sayings upon the harp8 #fbj4 ,what kind of music does this harp yield when understood8 #fbj4 ,how does the chord of restitution respond to the other strings of the harp8 #fbj4 ,how did the ,psalmist picture the effect of ,messiah's reign upon the people8 ,quote the ,psalm4 #fbj4 ,what will be the condition of the obedient ones at the end of the ,millennial reign8 #fba4 ,how will the harp of ,god appear to them8 #fba4 ,how is the consecrated ,christian pictured at this time relative to the kingdoms and the harp of ,god8 ,give ,scriptural reason for the answer4 #fba4 ,to what are these ,christians looking8 #fba4 ,what is meant by the ,hallelujah chorus8 #fbb4 ,by faith looking to the end of the ,millennial reign1 describe the conditions that will then prevail4 #fbb4 ,what will be the condition of ,satan at that time8 #fbb4 ,what will be the condition of ,abraham and the other faithful prophets8 #fbb4 ,describe the condition of the earth at that period4 #fbb4 ,what will be particularly pleasing about men and women then8 #fbb4 ,what will be their ability to sing8 #fbb4 ,what will be their chief joy of every creature at that time8 #fbb4 ,what mental vision do the ,scriptures give of the heavenly kingdom at that time8 #fbc4 ,describe the angels1 the cherubim1 and seraphim1 and their positions4 #fbc4 ,what will be the position of the ,christ8 #fbc4 ,who will be there as the servants of the ,christ8 #fbc4 ,who will stand above all8 #fbc4 ,when will ,christ ,jesus see the travail of his soul and be satisfied8 and why8 #fbc4 ,what particular song will be appropriate at that particular time8 #fbd4 ,name the musical instruments represented in the prophetic picture4 #fbd4 ,describe the beginning of the ,hallelujah chorus4 #fbd4 ,what will the creatures of heaven and earth be doing then with reference to ,christ ,jesus8 #fbd4 ,repeat the ,hallelujah chorus4 #fbd4 ,,earth',s ,,happy ,,smile ,creation1 which had groan'd in travail-pangs ,together with her children until now1 ,ceased from her groaning4 ,long-forgotten smiles1 ,the smiles of her sweet childhood's innocence1 ,stole o'er her happy face4 ,the wilderness ,rejoiced1 and blossom'd as the rose4 ,the curse1 ,which for six thousand years had sear'd the heart ,of nature1 was repeal'd4 ,and where the thorn ,perplex'd the glens1 and prickly briers the hills1 ,now1 for the ,word so spake and it was done1 ,the fir-tree rear'd its stately obelisk1 ,the cedar waved its arms of peaceful shade1 ,the vine embraced the elm1 and myrtles flower'd ,among the fragrant orange-groves4 ,no storms ,vex'd the serene of heaven3 but genial mists1 ,such as in ,eden drench'd the willing soil1 ,nurtured all lands with richer dews than balm4 ,earth breathed her thanks4 ,rivers of living waters ,broke from a thousand unsuspected springs2 ,and gushing cataracts1 like that call'd forth ,on ,horeb by the rod of ,amram's son1 ,gladden'd the mountain slopes1 and coursed adown ,the startled defiles1 till the crystal wealth1 ,gathered in what was once an arid vale1 ,a lake of azure and of silver shone1 ,a mirror for the sun and moon and stars4 --,bickersteth ,,index ,,of ,,scripture ,,citations ,,used ,,in ,,the ,,foregoing ,,pages ,figures on left side of columns indicate ,bible chapters and verses2 figures to right1 paragraph numbers4 ,,genesis #a3a 4444444444444444444444444444 #aj #a3b 4444444444444444444444444444 #ad #a3bj 44444444444444444444444 #ca1 #eh #a3bg1bh 444444444444444444444444 #cj #b3g 44444444444444444444#ca1 #ee1 #afb #b3h1i1ae 44444444444444444444444 #cb #b3af1ag 444444444444444444444444 #cc #b3ag 444444444444444444444444444 #ei #b3ba-be 444444444444444444444444 #cd #c3ae 444444 #adg1 #ahe1 #bai1 #dgj1 #edg #c3af-ai 444444444444444444444444 #df #d3ba 4444444444444444444444444444 #a #g3ba-bc 444444444444444444444444 #ic #h3ba1bb 44444444444444444444444 #eff #ab3a-c 4444444444444444444444444 #id #ab3c 44444444444 #eci1 #edg1 #eej1 #egf #ac3ae 4444444444444444444444444 #edg #ae3ah 44444444444444444444444444 #id #ag3a 4444444444444444444444444444 #i #ag3b1d1h 44444444444444444444444 #ie #ah3a1b 444444444444444444444444 #agj #ah3a-ad 444444444444444444444444 #ie #ah3ah 4444444444444444444444444 #edg #ai3a 44444444444444444444444444 #agj #ba3a-c 4444444444444444444444444 #if #bb3b 444444444444444444444444444 #if #bb3ae 4444444444444444444444444 #bef #bb3ae-ah 44444444444444444444444 #ih #bd 4444444444444444444444444444 #dee #be3aa 4444444444444444444444444 #aje #be3bb1bc 4444444444444444444444 #ajg #be3bf 4444444444444444444444444 #aje #be3bg-cd 4444444444444444444444 #ajh #bf3c1d 444444444444444444444444 #ajf #bf3cd 4444444444444444444444444 #aji #bg3a1b 444444444444444444444444 #aaj #bg3bi 4444444444444444444444444 #aab #bh3aa-ae 4444444444444444444444 #aae #bh3ad 4444444444444444444444444 #eci #ca3aa 4444444444444444444444444 #bef #ce3aj-ab 4444444444444444444444 #aag #cg3ce 44444444444444444444444444 #hf #db3ch 44444444444444444444444444 #hg #di3i1aj 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