[NTC - Romans]
Written after Paul left Ephesus, presumably at Corinth. R3182:5
Somewhere about the year 4188 A.M.--about 1812 years before the Millennial dawning.
R3030:5
We now come to the study of one of the most notable of all the Pauline
epistles, the epistle to the Romans. Apparently this noble production,
like the other epistles, was the result of merely accidental
circumstances: Paul, while in Corinth, saw an opportunity to send
greetings and counsel to the church at Rome by the hand of Phoebe, who was
about to sail thither; and, in consideration of their condition and
circumstances, he wrote this letter. The church at Rome was composed of
both Jews and Gentiles, and naturally there were among them some unsettled
questions incidental to the transition from Judaism to Christianity, which
the Apostle in this epistle endeavors to adjust. This epistle was sent
from Corinth. It was dictated by Paul and written by Tertius, at the house
of one of the Corinthian Christians--Gaius. Up to the date of its writing
Paul had never been in Rome. It is not known how the church at Rome
started, though there were Christians there who had been in the way for
many years. It was probably one of the results of the outpouring of the
holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost; for on that occasion there were
present "strangers from Rome." (Acts 2:10) These probably returned to Rome
with the blessings of the gospel, and began to live Christian lives and to
preach the truth to others; and a company of believers, even in the midst
of that corrupt city, was the result. It was the capital city of a great
and powerful empire, presenting all the contrasts of wealth and poverty
and all the hideous deformities of sin. Yet God could work even there, and
his Word was quick and powerful. R1582:1,2,4 Paul was expecting soon to
visit Rome, that imperial city, the mistress of the world. R220:3*, 402:6*
The early churches, whether composed of Jews or Gentiles, although they
had accepted of Christ and had become his disciples, were still largely
influenced by their former Jewish ideas and prejudices. And until these
prejudices were overcome, growth in grace, in the knowledge of the truth,
and in the full assurance of faith, was greatly hindered. It was with this
thought in mind and that he might assist the Jews to a humble recognition
of their position, as well as to encourage and strengthen the Gentile
believers, that Paul wrote his remarkable letter to the church at Rome.
Paul's letter to the Romans was part of his effort to free both Jews and
Gentiles from the former yoke of Judaism, and to lead them to implicit
confidence in Christ as the end of the law for righteousness to every one
that believeth, whether Jew or Gentile, as well as to give them a clear
appreciation of the chief favor of God now offered, and the conditions on
which it might be obtained. R1140:1,2,3, 868:3
The epistle to the Romans was intended as a vindication of the plan of God and his
dealings with the world, Israel, and the Gospel Church, past, present and future. R929:3
While the Apostle Paul was a wonderful logician, and in his writings has
set forth more than any other Apostle, yet we notice that he is in pursuit
of a certain object; he is not beating the air, not discussing theological
points for the sake of making an argument or showing his own ability. His
arguments along doctrinal lines lead the reader in every instance onward
and upward, as a stairway, to a grand upper room of perfected Christian
character: and nowhere is this more manifest than in his epistle to the
Romans. R2212:3
Paraphrase of the first eight chapters of the epistle--R1223:3-1224.
Summary of first six chapters--R929:3-931
An apostle -- Penned by a divinely inspired Apostle, the early Church
carefully cherished this epistle, and thus we still have it today. R1582:1
The selection of Matthias to fill the place of Judas as the twelfth
apostle was a blunder. The Lord had his own choice for this office.
R2823:2, 2657:5
Our Lord -- He was our Savior or Redeemer first, and having bought,
ransomed, us from the dominion of death, he became rightfully our owner,
our Lord, our Master. R745:4; E17
Seed of David -- Jesus is still the seed of Abraham (and of David),
though highly exalted and now of a totally different nature--of the divine
nature. R3513:2
Jesus the Christ was the Son of Man, not in the sense of simply being a
man, but because he was the son of the man David, with whom Jehovah made
an everlasting covenant. R944:1*
He is "the root and the off-spring of David" since his exaltation as well
as before. (Rev. 22:16) R160:1*
According to the flesh -- "The Word became flesh." (John 1:14--R.V.)
"God sent forth his Son, made of a woman." (Gal. 4:4) R3476:4
Referring to his change to a human being. R316:2*
Not incarnate. R3476:3
But not according to imperfect flesh. R196:3
Declared to be -- Proved to be. R1508:3
It is one thing that Jehovah accepted the ransom price and manifested his
acceptance by the resurrection of our Lord and the descent of the holy
Spirit at Pentecost; quite another thing will be the deliverance from
death of the redeemed ones. R2051:1
The resurrection did not make him the Son of God, but declared the fact.
R106:5*
The Son of God -- If he was the Son of God, and also Son of Man, he had
two natures. R106:5*
With power -- Might and authority. R810:1
"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matt. 18:18) R810:1
Agreeing with Peter's testimony (1 Pet. 3:18), that Jesus was quickened in
spirit. R2797:2
Or, powerfully declared. R106:5*
By the resurrection -- The might, authority, or power, was gained by his
sacrifice. It was recognized of God and declared to men by his
resurrection. R810:1, 745:1
Our Lord's baptism did not constitute him The Christ in the full sense of
the word, but he was declared to be The Christ with power when he was
raised upon the spirit plane. R5090:2
The death of Christ was necessary, but, in itself, is not the medium of
blessedness. In resurrection, in immortality, Christ is the root of the
medium of blessedness for all the nations. R1436:4*
Apostleship -- Since all of the apostles must be eye-witnesses of
Christ's resurrection, Paul was caused to see him--"last of all he was
seen of me also; who am not meet to be called an apostle." (1 Cor. 15:9)
R162:5
To all that be in Rome -- Up to this time Paul had never been in Rome.
It is not known how the Church at Rome started. It was probably one of the
results of the outpouring of the holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
R1582:2
Composed of both Jews and Gentiles; and naturally there were among them
some unsettled questions incidental to the transition from Judaism to
Christianity. R1582:1
Some of these were probably converts from amongst the Gentiles, while
undoubtedly a considerable proportion were converts from Judaism. R2719:2
Apparently, like other epistles, written as the result of accidental
circumstances. Paul, while in Corinth, saw opportunity to send greetings
and counsel to the Church of Rome by the hand of Phoebe, who was about to
sail thither. R1582:1
Called to be saints -- But not called as apostles. R1582:4
The Apostle addressed Christians and not the worldly. R4478:2, 5941:3,
3181:3
We are to recognize a great difference between calling men to repentance
and calling them to the high calling of the divine nature and joint
heirship with Christ. F87
The word "saint" does not signify actual perfection, merely, as in our
Lord's case, but also those reckoned holy through him. R2987:4, 5856:3
Those who cannot properly apply this term to themselves cannot properly
apply to themselves the exceeding great and precious promises contained in
these epistles, for they are addressed to and meant for the saints. R2987:4
First, "honored" with light; second, they had, by repentance and faith
accepted it and been justified; third, they had been "called;" fourth,
they had accepted the calling and given themselves wholly to the Lord.
R4214:3, 2377:5
Not only justified by faith in Jesus, but have obtained by consecration,
sacrifice, access into "this grace"--the begetting and promises of the
divine nature. R648:6
The call is with a view to finding amongst men some who shall become one
with the Redeemer as new creatures. F87
With my spirit -- Greek, pneuma; my new mind, my new heart, my renewed
will. E312
Some spiritual gift -- Such as the gifts of tongues and interpretations,
some of which were given to all the early Christians by laying on of the
apostles' hands, and never in any other way. R1582:4
Mutual faith -- Illustrated by the two blind men healed by Jesus (Matt.
9:27-31). Showing the advantages of Church fellowship in respect to faith
stimulation. Let us be helpers and not hinderers to fellow-pilgrims.
R4589:1
I am debtor -- Under obligation, not because they had done something for
Paul, but because God through Christ had done something for them, and
Paul, as the servant of God, was charged with the commission to preach the
gospel unto all nations. R1582:4
As much as in me is -- To the extent of my ability. R1582:5
I am -- God works through instrumentalities, and his truth is the
instrument for human salvation. R1582:5
Ready to preach -- Not that we will be out of accord with our brethren
and neighbors, but that to the Lord and his Word we must be true. We love
to tell the story, and to refrain from doing so would be woe to us. (1Cor. 9:16) R4006:5
You that are at Rome -- Implying that Christianity was already
established at Rome before Paul's going there. R3143:3
I am not ashamed -- Paul had no feeling that the gospel of Christ would
not withstand the light and criticism of Rome, then the capital city of
the world. R1223:3
Paul was not ashamed to bring it into contrast and competition with all
the philosophies of men then extant. R1582:5
The gospel, the good news, is so good and so grand, that those who really
see and understand it, have no occasion for feeling shame when they tell
it to others. R921:3
We need not be bashful or ashamed to talk about it before the whole world.
CR56:6
It needs no apology on God's part, neither on the part of any of his
ambassadors. R921:3
The Lord puts his plan, his Word, as his representative, saying--He that
is ashamed of me and my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when
he cometh in the glory of his Father with his holy angels. (Mark 8:38)
R2597:4
Even in the Apostle's day, he noted the tendency of the Adversary to bring
in false doctrines. He was not only ashamed of his false gospel, but
denounced it and warned the Church of it. NS538:2
There may be certain creeds of which we might be ashamed, but the
Christian religion, as presented in the Word of God, should be the
standard of Christendom: and of that we are not ashamed. R4981:3; CR192:2
In contrast, at the World Parliament of Religions, while the faith of
various heathen religions were elaborately set forth by their
representatives, there was no systematic presentation of Christianity. D187
The gospel of Christ -- Gospel signifies good news, glad tidings,
something to make one rejoice and be glad. R402:3*, 4982:4, 2593:5, 220:2*
The primary "good tidings" is the news of our ransom--that Christ died for
our sins. R923:4
The religion of Christ is the most God-like religion, because of its
breadth, its justice, its impartiality, its love, its goodness and
merciful qualities. R4982:3*, 220:2*
Its ingredients delineated. NS539-540
Contrasted with the religion of Mohammedans, Brahmins, Confucians and
Buddhists and found superior by recognizing God's justice, including the
concept of love and being world-wide. R4981-4982; CR192-194Contrasted with the gospel of the Roman Catholic faith, Calvinism and
Arminianism. R2593-2597, 402-405*, 220-222*; NS843-844; A100
Contrasted with four false messages. R924-925
For it -- The divine promises of present and future blessings are the
power of God unto our cleansing, our salvation. R5739:4
The power of God -- His Word and providence. R3282:1
By which he works in us, first to will aright, and then to do right.
R1698:6
Unto salvation -- This gospel has in our hearts a transforming and
renewing power, a sanctifying power, which no error could possibly have.
R2597:1
Unto our cleansing. R5739:4
What a transforming influence upon our lives--by the renewing of our
minds. (Rom. 12:2) CR56:6
All religions say that it is divine justice that is opposed to sin, but
Christianity offers a satisfaction for divine justice: "Christ died for
our sins." (1 Cor. 15:3) R4982:2; CR193:2
As Paul said to Timothy, "From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation." (2 Tim. 3:15-17) R200:5
That believeth -- And not to every one. R1582:5
Receiving the spirit of that Word into good and honest hearts. R1698:6
To the Jew first -- Until AD 70. R4337:2
God's blessings of every kind begin with the Jew. He gave the Jew the
first opportunity under the Abrahamic Covenant. And when it comes to the
blessings of the New Covenant, the opportunity will come to the Jew first.
Q165:2
Millennial blessings will begin with Israel. OV88:3
Out of respect to the Covenant made with their father Abraham. R1582:5
The offer to become spiritual Israelites made first to the Jews living
when this privilege was opened up. R5837:1
When all the Israelites indeed of that nation had been selected, the
opportunity of joint-heirship with Christ was then opened to the world in
general. NS111:2
Why to the Jew first? "He is not a Jew who is one outwardly; but he is a
Jew who is one inwardly." (Rom. 2:28, 29) Because he believes first, here,
in time to reach the great salvation. R404:5*, 222:5
To the Greek -- The Gentiles. R1582:5
For -- Because. R924:4
Therein -- In the gospel. R1582:5
Paul is proceeding to answer objections and doubts liable to be raised by
Jewish converts among the Romans. R1223:3
The righteousness -- Justice. R924:4
Revealed -- Paul's message revealed the righteousness, the justice of God,
which other messages did not. R925:1
The deep philosophy of God's plan makes manifest his righteous character.
R1582:5
From faith to faith -- We must come with faith begotten of reverence for
the all-wise Author of the plan. From this starting point faith will
progress to higher and higher altitudes. R1582:5
To our faith, for our further faith. R924:4, 926:4
"For the righteousness of God by faith is revealed therein in order to
faith" (Diaglott) R759:6*
His righteousness is revealed for the express purpose of inducing men to
have faith in him. R759:6*
The just -- The justified by faith. R1582:5
Shall live -- Must continue to live by faith, until faith is lost in
full fruition of the sure promises of God. R1582:5
The wrath of God -- As retribution for their wrong course. NS111:4
The entire period from the time Adam fell is properly called a time of
divine wrath. R5402:4, 1506:4
Death and all the evil now permitted to come upon the culprit race are
manifestations of God's wrath which will be yet further shown in the great
time of trouble. R1506:5, 5402:5, 4972:6, 787:1; CR185:6
It came through the disobedience of our first parents; the only ones who
have escaped from that wrath are the saintly few, begotten of the holy
Spirit. CR186:4
"The wicked shall not go unpunished" (Prov. 11:21); but the wrath of God
is always just, and tempered with mercy. "His mercy endureth forever."
(Psa. 106:1; 107:1; 118:1-4; 136) HG319:4
Is revealed -- Displayed. R787:3
In a variety of ways, to let man feel the real weight of condemnation
incurred by willful transgression. R5402:5
In every funeral procession, in every ache and pain. A140
Revealed by every physician's and undertaker's sign, by every funeral
procession, every hearse, every graveyard, every tombstone, every piece of
crepe and every badge of mourning. E409; NS366:3; Q328
You feel it, and you see it all about you in the dying of our race. Q328
Not in a future life, and in flames of torment; but in the present life
and at the present time. E409
Illustrated in the punishment of Ananias and Sapphira. R1426:1
Against all ungodliness -- Not only against the grossest of sinners--for
the least unrighteousness is sin. E409
Therefore it is plain that both the heirs and the subjects of the Kingdom
of God must have that character which is both begotten and developed by
the faith of the gospel. R3114:2
Who hold the truth -- Greek, katecho; hold down, or suppress, as do the
various ecclesiastical systems of Babylon. R3648:2, 5259:1
In this text the word hold is used, not in the sense of retaining the
truth, but of oppressing it. R5259:1
He cannot see the virtues of a truly righteous character as an inspiring
and impelling power, though he may know of them theoretically, and hold
the truth even in unrighteousness. R2087:6*
In unrighteousness -- Through injustice. D68
Meaning to have a knowledge of the truth that we do not live up to. Not to
live according to the truth would be to hold it in unrighteousness.
Q726:3, 719:7
It might be possible for any of us to depart from the spirit of the truth
and still hold something of the letter of the truth, and to use the letter
of the truth injuriously to ourselves and others. Q720:T
Knowledge does not necessarily produce right practice. A clean theology
includes the "duties we are to practice" as well as the "doctrines we are
to believe." R85:2*
If knowledge is righteousness Paul should not and would not have written
as he did. The nature of the unrighteousness is apparent in the context.
R49:6*
For instance, Satan had certain knowledge respecting the Lord, and misused
that knowledge. Also, Simon Magus, in the Acts, misused what knowledge he
had of the truth. Q720:T
Manifest in them -- Apparent among them. D69
The invisible things -- His plans. C374
The things that are made -- As in the Great Pyramid. C374
There are two Bibles issuing from the same Divine Author: the Bible of the
unwritten word, and the Bible of the written word; or, rather, one Bible
in two volumes, the volume of Nature and the volume of Scripture; and the
first volume is the second volume illustrated. R29:6*
Godhead -- Greek, theiotes, deity. This is the only occurrence of this
word in the New Testament. E71, D69; R1515:4
A meaningless word, a bad translation. It should be rendered divinity or
deity, and then it would be intelligible. R1515:4, 249:1*
Divinity. (Rotherham) R249:1*
The word godhead, like the word Trinity, carries with it the idea of a
society, which is not the idea of the original. R249:1
Signifying, to the ordinary English reader, a God with several bodies and
but one head. E71
So that -- Having the testimony of nature as to the existence, power and
goodness of God, and of conscience indicating what is right and what is
wrong. D69
They -- The heathen nations have not been without responsibility because
they did not like to hold God's righteous authority in remembrance. D68
Are without excuse -- In pursuing an evil course of life. D69
God is not chargeable with any injustice toward the degraded heathen. It
is their own fault that they are so extremely degraded. HG354:1
When -- In the remote past. R1717:5, 1835:6
Away back before the Deluge. R648:4, 5305:1
They knew God -- To some extent at least. D69
The world had a law from God, not written upon tables of stone, but
incorporated in man's very character. But they have lost sight of it, or
most of it, and are now strangers and foreigners unrecognized by God.
R1733:6
What powers of mind and body the first man enjoyed, at the time God
created him in his own image and pronounced him "very good," we cannot
well judge by looking at the generally degraded race. R1683:6
God's law on tables of stone was given to Israel after two thousand years
of falling had almost effaced the moral likeness. R1365:5, 1223:4
They -- A general picture of the race, aside from Israel. R1723:5
With the exception of the family of Seth, Enoch, Methuselah, Noah and Shem
in the world that was; of Abraham's family in the Patriarchal age; of
Israel in the Jewish age and of the Church in the Gospel age. R1257:3
Glorified him not -- Such great degradation as we see manifested in some
of the heathen peoples came about through disregard of the simplest
principles of righteousness, the laws of which were distinctly written
originally in man's very nature. HG354:1
In proportion as men have disregarded the Lord's will, arrangement and
laws, so far as they knew them, in the same proportion have they injured
and degraded themselves and their posterity. R3038:4
Humanity could have helped themselves by seeking to follow God's way.
R5305:1
Became vain -- The Apostle is showing how it comes that some of the
heathen are so very much more degraded, the nature-written law coming to
be more nearly effaced, than others. R1717:5, 1365:5
The more selfishness came in and gained control, the more the law of love
was erased from Adam's heart. R1723:5
The Bible teaching of Adam and Eve and the fall. R3365:5
In their imaginations -- Inventing false religions which justified their
evil ways. Succeeding generations endorsed and justified the evil course
of their forefathers by subscribing to their doctrines, thus assuming the
accumulation of their guilt and condemnation. D70
Their foolish heart -- Their perverse heart. D69
Was darkened -- As the natural result of such a course. D69
Professing themselves -- The Lord seems to be letting mankind learn the
lesson that civilization does not spell salvation. R5974:6
Feigning learning. F45
To be wise -- Thus theosophy, the religion of wisdom, claims that its
wisdom is divine, resulting from direct intuition and communion with God,
and rejects philosophical reasoning and Scripture revelation as hindrances
to true wisdom. R5801:2, 1643:5
Unbelief or infidelity is spreading, beginning with learned college
professors who pursue the method of holding up the earlier portions of the
Bible as myths and generally discrediting the entire book. R1831:2
Became fools -- Again the learned, professing to be wise, foolishly are
rejecting the wisdom from above. Again immorality is rampant: anger,
malice, hatred, strife, backbiting, whispering, wars, and murders are
prevailing. R5974:6
Proving to their own satisfaction that all the religions of the world are
really one, differing merely in proportion to the degrees of their
evolution. R3365:3
Changed the glory -- Thus gradually men came down to idolatry and
bestiality, dishonoring and degrading themselves. R2719:2
Uncorruptible -- Greek, aphtharsia and aphthartos (from the same root),
are rendered immortality twice and immortal once, but would more properly
be rendered incorruption and incorruptible. E397
Greek, aphtharsia. Used interchangeably with athanasia, and translated
immortal or incorruptible; though athanasia has more the thought of
unchangeability. R204:1
Into an image -- Idolatry is the synonym of evil. It precludes the
recognition of the one true God, whose purity and holiness are directly
adverse to the spirit of idolatry. R1835:6
And to birds -- Evil spirits have had much to do with the degradation of
the human family. Operating along the line of man's natural and religious
instincts, they have perverted these to sensualities and to idol, demon
and animal worship. R3068:3
God also gave them up -- Gave them over, through the lust of their
hearts for impurity. D69
Without the grace of God, man's tendency has been downward. F45
In the first chapter of Romans the Apostle shows that God was not
responsible for the prevalent degradation throughout the world. In the
last chapter he concludes with the crushing of Satan under the feet of the
saints during the Millennial reign of Christ. R2719:2
For a time permitting them to work all manner of uncleanness. But while
God has allowed the world liberty in regard to their own wills,
nevertheless he has not abandoned them. R5909:6
The deep degradation which came upon men soon after the flood. R3139:2
Allowed man to take his own way--to lose himself in sin and the
misguidance of the Adversary; that eventually, during the next age,
mankind shall see what the real nature and outcome of sin is. R5305:1
Interfering only when the corruption became so great as to make life
injurious rather than a favor. OV250:1
Except for the one nation of Israel, which he undertook to specially deal
with under the Law covenant. NS702:6
To uncleanness -- Without selfish ambition or the law of necessity to
spur men on, the tendency of mankind would have been toward a barbaric
indolence, contentment with a hut instead of a palace, with hieroglyphics
instead of education. R4109:6
Through the lusts -- Giving themselves over to fleshly desires which the
light of nature taught them were improper, they became more and more
bestial and degraded. HG354:2
Changed the truth -- Exchanged the truth. D69
Of God -- Concerning God. D69
Into a lie -- For a false religion. D70
Blessed for ever -- Worthy of praise forever. D69
For this cause -- The death sentence affected our race not only
physically, but also morally and mentally. Thus, the mental, moral and
physical deterioration surrounding us in the world are more or less
directly connected with original sin. R3921:5
God gave them up -- God did not strive with or endeavor to reclaim them,
but let them alone to pursue their chosen evil course and to learn from
experience its bitter fruits. D69
Vile affections -- Infamous passions. D69
Our great Adversary has for thousands of years found sensuality,
immorality, to be one of his best avenues through which to attack mankind,
especially those who have acknowledged the Lord. R5974:3
Sodom was given up to wickedness and the basest immoralities. R1617:6
Even as -- The fall of the race from perfection was proportionate to
their alienation from God. SM377:1; NS111:5
They -- The fallen race of mankind. E448; R3463:6, 1683:6, 1091:5
The great majority have followed Satan, the opponent of God. R5909:3;
SM78:T
Not like to retain -- Men are themselves to blame for their degradation.
R1223:4
Willingly departing from him. R5909:3
Thus it was by wishing to forget God that man exposed himself to the
influence of this wily and powerful, unseen foe. Therefore he has been
obliged to work against Satan's machinations, as well as his own personal
weaknesses. A263
The degradation of the Gentile nations was not the result of their
creation in a depraved condition, but the result of their not choosing to
retain the knowledge of God in their hearts. R2394:5, 1223:4, 1091:4;
HG112:3; NS111:5
Because of a wrong conception of God before their minds. CR418:5
It was because of willful sin that man was cast off from divine favor; but
it was subsequently, when he did not wish to retain God in his thoughts,
that God gave him over to a reprobate mind. E448
The Apostle explains the lesser degradation of some and the greater
depravity of others by saying that, while all sinned and fell, some
indulged more willfully and fell more deeply than others. R3256:4
We disobey and know it, reach out our hand, and in strange inflation of
our little godless minds we set up ourselves, and by self-exaltation are
ruined because we have left our God. R3257:1*
God in their knowledge -- The law of God was originally inscribed upon
the heart of the first perfect man. That law, whether ignored or
recognized, has always been in the world, and sin against it has always
been imputed to men. R3654:6
Neglecting divine regulations. NS111:5
Let us not be ashamed of regulating our lives (as with "The Vow") so as to
avoid temptations as far as possible. R5975:5
God gave them over -- "God tempteth no man." He merely abandons to the
tempter, or to the evil-preferred course, those who choose the wrong way.
NS95:1
They became children of Satan in the sense that they became obedient to
him. R5623:6
God merely permitting them to take the course which they, as free moral
agents, chose. NS111:5, 712:4
Abandoned them to their own way, permitting them to hasten and to increase
their degradation. R2394:5
God has established certain laws, in harmony with which he operates, and
those who from any cause come into conflict with these reap the penalty or
wrath of their own course. A308
Thus the Scriptures explain the present condition of the world. God has
let go of mankind during these six thousand years. CR490:2; HG112:3
God merely intervened when, in the condition of things before the Deluge,
to have permitted their evil ways to continue would have been a serious
wrong. R5305:1
Other nations were not specially chastised for idolatry as was Israel, but
were allowed to practically take the course they chose. R3463:6
As he gave over the world of mankind in general, so in the Harvest of this age, the
Lord will give over, or abandon to temptation, all in the nominal church.
NS95:1
To a reprobate mind -- A worthless mind. D69
Present degradation is a fall down from a height; a failure to retain God
in their knowledge--an effacing of the law from their hearts and minds.
R1717:6
By which they have degraded themselves more and more. SM78:T; NS510:4
Degradation, not advancement, was the course from Adam to Noah. From being
"very good" the race became so depraved that they were unfit even to be
allowed to live a few years under the curse. R866:1
To do those things -- To try their own ideas of self-government
independent of God. A263
To pursue the lusts of their depraved minds and to learn by sad experience
the bitter fruitage of sin. R5716:6
They giving themselves over to things that were not profitable, defiling
themselves, etc. OV250:2
These various dispositions--carelessness of life, the overcharged or
drunken condition as respects earthly affairs, lack of self-restraint in
connubial relationships, are apt to go hand in hand with a wrong spirit in
the church--a spirit of strife, contention and willfulness. R3181:6
Are not convenient -- Are improper. D69
As people leave God and his Word, they are ready for anything. R1831:3
With all unrighteousness -- The Apostle's meaning is more refined than
the following words represent--saints should not be intoxicated with the
spirit of this world--intoxication for money, wealth, business, dress,
music, art, etc. R3181:4
Fornication -- Not the general lasciviousness of the world; but urging
the saints to continence in social relations--to lift their minds from
earthly affections and lawful sexual congress. R3181:2
Full of envy -- When the Apostle comes to strife and envy, he notes two
qualities which not only imply a wrong condition of heart, but also
represent elements of character which would be injurious to the whole body
of Christ. R3181:5
Malignity -- Bad habits. D69
Whisperers -- Secret slanderers. D69
Backbiters -- Revilers. D69
Despiteful -- Insolent. D69
Disobedient to parents -- Whoever learns to respect his forebears will
proportionately have consideration for others; while those disobedient to
parents and without natural affection, are prepared to be
covenant-breakers and anarchists. R4019:2
One of the notable features of our day--marking the day of trouble in the
end of this age. R4019:2
Without understanding -- Obstinate. D69
The judgment of God -- The ordinance of God--that those who practice
such things are worthy of death. D69
Which commit -- Who practice. D69
Such things -- We are not to forget that these condemned qualities are
being inculcated and fostered by all the higher teachings of the worldly
wise. R4019:2
Worthy of death -- Torment is unjust as well as unmerciful; but taking
away life from those who will not conform to the New Covenant's just, holy
and kind regulations is reasonable, just and merciful. R3083:5
Have pleasure in -- Are approving. D69
Thou art inexcusable -- Men are themselves to blame for their
degradation. R1223:4
The great degradation we see in some heathen peoples came through
disregard of the simplest principles of righteousness. HG354:1
The heathen giving themselves over to fleshly desires, which the light of
nature taught to be improper, they became more degraded and bestial.
HG354:2
Ignorance and superstition in the world are not the fault of God. R1091:4
The Apostle was not talking about the rejection of Christ by the heathen,
for they had never heard of him. HG354:2
O man -- All men, Jews and Gentiles, have come into some measure of
darkness. R648:4
His goodness -- God's goodness is revealed in Christ. R100:1*
The goodness of God leadeth men to repentance. R759:5*
Whoever now hears of God's goodness and is not melted by the thought of
his need for a Savior, may never accept his favor even in the age to come.
SM359:2
Longsuffering -- Greek, makrothunia; corresponds to the common thought
of patience, it means merely longsuffering. R2790:6
To repentance -- All who have heard the gospel message with a measure of
understanding and appreciation have thereby some responsibility concerning
it. SM359:2
Day of wrath -- The "day of trouble," the period of forty years
introducing Messiah's reign. B137, 138
The great time of trouble in the end of the Gospel age specially. R787:3,
5402:4, 4522:2
These troubles are really the outgrowth of human wrongdoing. OV345:T
In the awful trouble of the Day of Wrath, the world will have an
illustration of its own money-mad condition. R4522:2
The wrath manifested in death, for Adam's sin, is supplemented by that to
come in the time of trouble because of the willfulness and perversity of
Adam's fallen children. R787:3
Millennial purgatory. R1471:1
Revelation -- With wrath upon the nations, will the Lord reveal to the
world the fact of the change of dispensations, and the change of rulers.
B138
Judgment of God -- Against all who are in opposition to righteousness
and truth. R1471:2
The retribution will be very heavy at first, making a "time of trouble
such as was not since there was a nation." (Dan. 12:1) B138
Who will render -- When the judgments of the Lord are abroad in the
earth. Q793:4; A298
Every man -- Applicable in some degree to everybody; but specially to
the Church. R4501:3
To his deeds -- Whatever we are permitted to do one for the other is in
the nature of a test of our loyalty to God, of our justice toward the
world, or of our loving devotion to the brethren. R4501:6
There is great danger of "presumptuous sins." R1802:3
To them -- Only a certain class--believers in Jesus who flee from
iniquity. R142:5, 5768:4, 279:3
Those begotten of the holy Spirit. R5371:3
The class called to be Christ's associates in the Kingdom. R5711:4
Those who have consecrated to the Lord Jesus Christ and been counted
members of his Body. R5710:6
"Elect" class, tried and tested. R3106:6
Who have fellowship with their Master's sufferings. R2317:5
"The Church," "the Body of Christ," "the Royal Priesthood," "the seed of
Abraham." R1879:4, 2317:5
By patient continuance -- Patiently, perseveringly cultivating and
developing the character-likeness of our Redeemer. R4501:3
By patient development of Christlike character in meekness, gentleness,
patience and love. R4502:1
The precious promises of God are incorruptible seed, and if retained and
nourished will develop in divine nature. R1642:4
The requirements of character for the high position are exacting; few of
the many called will win the prize of divine nature. R1642:3, 281:3
Not only faith, but loyalty also is necessary. R5844:2
The permission of evil allows opportunity for sacrifice and heart
development. R1879:1
The successful enduring of these tests is indispensable to those whom God
would thus honor. F125, 63
In well doing -- In sacrificing the human interests. T28; E411
The various tests of the present time are tests of faith loyalty to God
and entire submission to his will. R5844:3
By full and hearty obedience of mind. R1642:3
Working out the fruits of righteousness, prepares us for a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory. E411
To develop in us more abundantly his Spirit, and thus to fit and prepare
us for glory, honor and immortality. E411
Those who sacrifice earthly rights and privileges will eventually attain
to glory, honor and immortality beyond the veil. HG732:3*
Seek -- Joint-heirship with the Lord in his heavenly power and Kingdom
are the hopes set before the Church. R2479:5, 5371:2, 3774:1
They seek to do only the will of the Heavenly Father. R5711:1
It remains for us to make this calling and election sure. R3913:5; E390
To glorify the Heavenly Father. R2698:6
"Seek chiefly the Kingdom of God." (Matt. 6:33) R2479:5
This prominence, God's people should seek by, faithfulness, humility, love
and zeal in the service of the Lord. R5711:2
Prayer is an excellent aid in seeking. R2479:5
By setting our affections on heavenly things and lifting our affections
from earthly things. R2479:5
The saints in Christ are exhorted to seek immortality. E390
Only one way to seek for the great prize successfully, by patiently and
perseveringly cultivating the character-likeness of our Redeemer. R4501:3
Glory -- "It became him; in bringing many sons unto glory." (Heb. 2:10)
E395
The plane to which the Church will be resurrected. R5760:3, 1879:4
The call of this Gospel age is a call to glory, honor, and immortality.
R5371:2
"Sown in dishonor" they will be raised in glory. (1 Cor. 15:43) R5711:1
This is the glorious inheritance of Zion. R5711:2
"When his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding
joy." (1 Pet. 4:13) R5118:3
The Church, as their Lord, enters glory at resurrection. R1879:4
"Here unto were ye called." (1 Pet. 2:21) R3913:5
Far above angels, principalities, and powers, and every name. R2859:6
The first resurrection. R2859:6
The spirit condition. R2317:4
Changed by resurrection power from human nature. R1879:5
Honor -- Joint-heirship with Jesus. F125; R5677:4
This class will receive pre-eminence over all other classes, all other
stations, in earth or in heaven. R5711:1
This promotion can be received from no other quarter than God himself, on
his own terms. R5711:2
This great eminence Lucifer sought to grasp, will be granted as a reward
to The Christ, Head and Body. R5711:2
The Lord has called us out of the world to share with him his spiritual,
heavenly glories and honors. R3913:5
Joint-heirship with our Savior in the heavenly Kingdom which will dominate
the world for the thousand years. HG694:5; F125; R5677:4
If we are found faithful God will exalt us in due time, but he cannot
exalt any who are not humble. R5844:1
And -- It is right for us to seek for them. R5082:3
Immortality -- Greek, aphtharsia; incorruption. Closely related to
athanasia; immortality. R2339:4, 3175:2, 281:5, 204:1; E397; F727
One that cannot decay, that cannot die. R3175:2
Indestructible existence which needs no refreshment or supply; possessed
of inherent life. R1641:6, 192:4*
Second death will have no power. R1642:4
None may claim an immortality outside Christ, nor that life is the result
of obedience to the Law. R5871:4
Only those of the wise virgin class, who have copied the Lord's character,
will be counted as "more than overcomers." R5371:3
Only the Little Flock, the Bride class, will have immortality. R5371:6
Immortality is conditional, it is a reward conferred upon those who are
faithful and obedient to the Lord's commands. Q834:3
The reward for those who keep their covenant of sacrifice with the Lord.
R5006:6, 5759:6, 5371:3, 297:4, 281:3
From the Church of the first-born, a part will attain divine nature, and a
part everlasting life. R5371:6
They will be exalted far above angels and be granted divine nature as
their Master and forerunner. R5711:1, 2479:5; F63; NS172:2
The great promotion which God purposes to give his true saints of the
Gospel age. R5711:1
The Bible explicitly limits immortality to the Father and Son, and holds
out this hope to the saints. R3774:1, 5371:6
Will be instantaneous at the second advent of the Redeemer for the
establishment of the Kingdom. R3107:1
God has promised these to those who love him. R2699:1
The first resurrection, Christ's resurrection. R5711:1, SM253:T
Our Lord has already obtained these as a reward for his faithful
sacrifice. R2479:5
A gift, a well spring of life in himself, springing up everlastingly.
R1642:4
Given to the Son, and also promised as a gift to the followers of Christ.
R715:4; F727
The joy set before Jesus. R281:3
Not possessed by natural man, else if possessed by him, why seek for it?
R802:5*, HG129:6
While Romanism teaches that immortality is inherent in all men, the
Scriptures teach that immortality is a glorious prize to be sought for and
to be obtained only by the elect. R560:4*, 2047:1, 744:
Eternal life -- At his return he will render rewards to his faithful; he
will render eternal life. F402
This promotion can be received from no other quarter than God himself, and
on his own terms. R5711:1
"The gift of God is eternal life." (Rom. 6:23) E285
Only attained through the blood once shed as the ransom-price for the
whole world. R5871:4; E285; HG305:6
Granted to those who seek for glory and honor and immortality through
tests of faith and loyalty to God, and of entire submission to his will.
R5844:3
As a reward to all who so strive, including the Great Company, who do not
attain the highest reward. R3154:1
None can claim that faith in some great teacher and obedience to his
instructions will bring eternal life. R5871:4
The power of God to perpetually supply the conditions essential to an
everlasting condition. R3774:1
The Law promised eternal life to any Jew who could keep it. PD66/78
Contentious -- The contentious spirit or disposition is generally found
amongst those not living up to the spirit of the truth which they have
already recognized. R4009:1
Faultfinding, irascible, the dissatisfied, a disposition that will not be
rewarded with eternal life. R4501:3
Those who are disobedient to the truth. R2804:1
Alas, that amongst those in the truth these contentious persons are found
doing a destructive work, instead of a helpful work. R4502:2
Do not obey -- Who disobey? Those who know the truth. R222:1*, 404:4*
And wrath -- At or during the thousand years of the Lord's second
presence. R1471:2
Tribulation and anguish -- More or less in connection with the present
life--either as part of the Great Company or those who die the second
death. R4502:2
In the Millennial age. R1412:3
He who suffers tribulation will have it as a witness of wrong doing and
the King's displeasure. R1412:3
We expect they will be beaten with many stripes, they will have
punishments--not eternal torment. R3779:4
That doeth evil -- The Scriptures declare, a just recompense of reward
to every soul that doeth evil. R3779:4
Of the Jew -- Who, at the time of the crucifixion, and ever since, has
represented all Israel. C253
After the Babylonish captivity the name "Jew" became synonymous with
"Israelite" and included all who hoped for the fulfillment of the
Abrahamic promises. C292; R1340:6
Glory, honor, and peace -- The world of mankind, the righteous and obedient, will receive perfect human conditions. Q794:T
To the Jew first -- At the second advent, as a people they will be a
firstfruit among the nations. A298
During the Millennium, as a natural result of his training under the Law.
A297; R5000:2
The sprinkling of Israel will come first, as the offer of the privilege of
becoming members of spiritual Israel was first offered to the Jews. R5000:2
The preaching of the gospel of the high calling was to the Jew first,
because they as a people were already justified from sin and consecrated
to God typically. R952:1, 5000:2
Also to the Gentile -- "All the families of the earth." (Gen. 12:3) A298
Who even typically were without God and without any knowledge of his plan,
or hope of sharing in it. R952:1
When God's judgments are abroad in the earth, those who comply, both Jews
and Gentiles, will experience divine favor. Q793:T
No respect of persons -- The Jew could not claim that they had more of a
right to everlasting life and salvation (restitution) to original
perfection than the heathen. R929:5*
The Jew will have the first blessing, not by reason of partiality on God's
part, but because he made a covenant with their father Abraham. R5964:3*
Sinned without law -- The Gentiles, without the Law given at Sinai, were
sinners. R1223:4
Perish without law -- Died under sentence of some law aside from Sinai's
Law. R1223:4
Sinned in the law -- The whole Jewish nation: "All who sinned." (Rom.
3:23) E417
Judged by the law -- The one specially favored nation under the Law
Covenant, was also the one specially condemned. E417
Shall be justified -- If a man would be justified to life under the Law
given him he must keep it perfectly. R929:5
He that receiveth the Law nor he who hears the Law is justified by it--but
he that does the things required by the Law. NS18:4
None being righteous, none could be acquitted or approved before God,
whether they had the Law or did not have it. R2719:5
Have not the law -- The written Law, the Law given at Sinai. R587:4,
1223:4, 789:5, 556:2*
Things contained in the law -- Some heathen people do some good things
in harmony with the divine law. R2344:6
A law unto themselves -- The original law of God remaining in their
hearts condemns them. R5070:6, 6:5
"That every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty
before God." (Rom. 3:19) A101
With a sufficiency of light, of intelligence to condemn them all. HG361:1
The Gentiles were condemned, not justified by the light of conscience. A101
Shew the work -- Give some evidence. R587:4, 1717:5, 789:5
Law written in their hearts -- Remnants of the original law, fragmentary
proofs that it once was innate in humanity. F351
This glimmer of conscience, often distorted by superstition and error,
illustrates when it will fully be written in their hearts. R789:5
We may still find traces of the original law in the most degraded of men,
the world over. R1717:5, 789:5, 587:4
Their conscience -- Since the rest of the world recognizes by their
consciences that they are condemned. then the whole world stands guilty in
God's sight. R5070:6, 556:2*
Accusing or else excusing -- The world realizing their blemished and
imperfect condition find their conscience sometimes accusing and sometimes
endeavoring to excuse them. HG361:1; A101
This condition of things among the heathen are the warped and twisted
remnants of the original law of man's being. F351
Thus acknowledging wrong-doing. R3398:3
No matter how fallen, man still has in his heart enough of the original
law that his conscience will either accuse him of wrong-doing or excuse
his conduct. R5070:6, 1717:5, 789:5, 587:4
God -- Jehovah was the original Lawgiver and Judge, and will forever
maintain this position. F396
Judge -- Greek, krino; to distinguish, decide, try; referring to the
judgment of the Millennial age. R2426:4
The secrets of men -- Of the world. F396
By Jesus Christ -- Showing that a knowledge of Christ is necessary.
R33:4*
The world's judgment (trial) by Jehovah is committed to the well beloved
Son. R2426:4
The Jew cannot be released by keeping Moses' Law, nor the heathen released
by keeping the law of conscience, the whole world must accept Christ.
HG283:4
The law -- Given to the Jews and not to the Gentiles, only a Jew could
get its blessing or its curse. R4868:2
A teacher of babes -- Whoever exercises the gift of teaching lays
himself open to increased responsibility in the sight of God and men.
(James 3:1) R2156:3
[NTC - Romans 2:24]
Is blasphemed --Not the grosser meaning of blasphemy but the kind of
careless living practiced among the Jews. R5404:3
Under divine instruction, care and recognition; if they did the things dishonoring to
God, they were blaspheming his name. R5404:3
Blasphemy was a terrible thing among the Jews. R5404:3
There is a great danger of Christians profaning God's name by careless
living. R5404:5
Among the Gentiles -- Before the world. R5404:3
Through you -- The Jewish people, who had come into relationship with
God through the Law Covenant. R5404:2
The name of God is blasphemed among the heathen through Christendom today,
as it formerly was through the Jewish nation, because it misrepresents him
and practices unrighteousness. D71, 72
Keep the righteousness -- If a man not a Jew, do perfectly the will of
God, he would be acceptable with God. R929:5
A Jew -- This text applies to natural Israel, not to spiritual Israel.
R4586:2
True Israelites, engrafted into the root of promise. R2443:1
One inwardly -- The special privilege of a part in the Messianic Kingdom
will be granted only to those Jews who prove loyal to the Law and the
prophets. R5964:3
The orthodox Jews will be more ready to receive the blessing of the new
dispensation promptly than will any other people. R5964:3
Circumcision is that of the heart -- The law of circumcision passed away
when that to which it pointed, circumcision of the heart, was set forth.
HG582:4
Spiritual Israelites must have circumcision of the heart, which signifies
a cutting off--a separation from the flesh, its aims, hopes and desires.
R3022:3
The putting away of the sins of the flesh, which both antitypical priests
and Levites should practice, symbolized by both priests and Levites
washing in the laver in the Court. T119
Hath the Jew -- A race in every way marked as distinct and peculiar. C244
God passed by all other nations of the earth. (Amos 3:2) R1978:6, 2396:2
Much every way -- They had privileges and special provision of divine
favor which Gentiles did not have. R5504:3, 4656:4
If they committed a trespass the priest would offer a peace offering for
them and cleanse them. These were blessings by virtue of their covenant
relationship. R4656:4
Let not the greater responsibility of Christendom be forgotten with their
still greater advantages of both the Law and the gospel. D71
Israel had advantages every way under their Law Covenant, yet those who
failed the Law came under a curse not upon others nations. R5046:1, 1725:1
The Law was a great benefit as an educator to show them their own weakness
and need of salvation. R929:5, 4037:6
They were made to differ from other men by reason of God's dealings with
them and promises to them. SM380:1; R532:6
The advantage is evidenced by the fact that nearly all the early Christian
converts were from the Jews, or from Gentiles exposed to Judaism. R4038:1
As long as the Israelites would be faithful and loyal to God, they would
be thoroughly protected against their enemies. R5504:3
The Jews were blessed with a Law Covenant on the "third day" and were
blessed in it for a whole age. R4570:4
The Law Covenant was conditional and because of Israel's disobedience the
divine promises to them passed away. R3108:2
Even the Jews were not offered a full, complete reconciliation but merely
a typical one. NS365:4
All of their difficulties were profitable to them as a nation and
individually to those rightly exercised by the tests and thereby drawn
near the Lord. R4037:5
These divine gifts, favors, blessings, promises are all symbolically
represented in the rich man's condition, in the parable of the rich man.
HG428:2, NS304:5
The middle wall of partition has been broken down between Jew and Gentile,
there is still a selection according to favor. NS331:3
The Jewish people had a certain amount of light. R3895:1
A people distinguished and honored among the nations, attracting the
wonder and admiration of the world. C244
Unto them -- God passed by all the other nations of the earth and
recognized only Israel. R1978:6
They alone were recognized, and this continued until Christ came, after
that they were given up and their house left desolate. R532:6
From among that elect favored nation God made still further selection of
faithful ones for his purpose as outlined in Hebrews 11. NS369:1
Oracles of God -- Law and prophecy. R2604:2, 5241:5, 4344:2
The Law and the testimony of God. R1846:2, 1742:6, 532:6
Called in the New Testament the Holy Scriptures. R1622:3
Which came to Israel through the conditional arrangement of the Law
Covenant. R3108:2
The divine message respecting the divine promises, present and to come.
SM396:1; R1223:4; CR103:6
That collection of sacred writings, the Word of God, which were committed
to the care and guardianship of the Jewish people. R1622:3
Even now the influences of the divine promises make them still a great
people. SM380:1
They had not received the spirit of the truth but merely in the Law and
prophets the shadow of good things coming after. R2070:5
Developing among them poets, lawyers, statesmen, philosophers, leading
them from a nation of slaves to a people distinguished and honored among
the nations. C244
The very blessings of God's oracles tended to make them nothing but proud
and ultimately assisted in their rejection of the Savior. NS304:5
Let God be true -- The outcome will show that God is true and will prove
many so called wise men to have been in error in many of their guesses
respecting truth. SM275:1
If all would decide to let God be true and show all human creeds to be
imperfect, there would be a great creed smashing work done, the Bible
would be studied as never before. R2614:4, 1087:4
Though it disprove many of the theories we once believed and almost
worshipped, we want the truth. R4774:2; OV136:5
But -- Though it make. R870:6, 2835:6, 2614:4
Every man a liar -- Particularly every Evolutionist. F41; R2835:6;
NS428:4
Showing all human creeds to be imperfect and misleading. R2614:4
Let the issue be squarely drawn as between the words of God and the words
of men. NS509:4
If any teacher, a human being or a paper published, is wrong on the one
vital point--the ransom--we should have nothing further to do with such
until it is fully retracted. R1453:4
Test every item of teaching which you receive as your faith regardless of
how much you esteem the person who presents it. No fellow-mortal is
infallible. R1136:5
Taketh vengeance -- Vengeance is translated wrath in Romans 5:9. R787:3
It would be as improper for our Creator to refrain from righteous
indignation when there is a just cause, as it would be to be angry without
a cause. R787:3
God judge the world -- As its Supreme Judge. F396
The Greek for judge is: krino; to distinguish, decide, try, etc. R2426:4
Slanderously -- Very vehemently the Apostle protests that their
condemnation was just, who slanderously reported that he taught, let us do
evil that good might follow. R1269:2
Is it lawful for me to cheat, to steal, to bear false witness, to kill, or
to do evil that good might come? The Apostle Paul resents this charge
against him and calls it slander. R1778:1, 871:6
The same is true today. R4680:5
To charge that God did evil, or caused evil that good might follow, is to
charge the Holy One with what any honest man would be ashamed of. Paul
terms it "slander." R848:3, 3145:3, 871:6
Let us do evil -- Some so misconstrued the Apostle's words at the time,
declaring that evil might be done if good follow. R1269:2
If God is the author or creator of sin (evil), then indeed he would be the
chief of sinners. R848:3
That good may come -- The Apostle Paul condemns as unworthy of any
servant of God, the idea that the end sought justifies the means. R1312:3
Whose -- Some in opposition to the Gospel message. NS403:5
Damnation is just -- Damnation in its original signification had the
same meaning as our word condemn. NS402:3
The Apostle is speaking not of God's judgment, but of the general judgment
of himself and the Church. NS403:5
The Apostle had a right to condemn them, and to say that this
misrepresentation of the message of the Lord was evil. NS403:6
As it was just in the Apostle's day, to condemn and specify individuals,
so it may be proper for the Lord's people today to openly rebuke those who
oppose the divine message. NS403:6
A condemnation of, "The end justifies the means." R1312:3, 3145:4
Are we -- We Jews. R2719:5, 4586:3, 3398:5
Better than they -- The Gentiles, living according to the light they
possess. R2719:5, 4586:3, 3398:5
Both Jews and Gentiles -- Jews must become dead to the Law and Gentiles
dead to sin in order that both might become one in Jesus
Christ--Christians. R4586:3
The Jews are not justified to life because God gave them the Law any more
than are the heathen to whom he never gave any special favors. R3398:5
All under sin -- Jews as well as the Gentiles are all worthy of
condemnation. R648:4, 4586:3
All were unworthy of eternal life, and the race had been in this pitiable
condition for four thousand years, when God in his mercy sent a Savior.
R2050:6
There is none -- None measure up to the glorious image of God, as first
it was represented in father Adam. R5196:6, 3238:2
None of Adam's posterity--all the world has been unjust. E96, 102; CR21:3;
OV150:2; Q510:T
None are sound of mind or body, all are out of the way. R5978:1
None up to the standard of perfection required by the Law, hence not
approved of it. R812:2
"None could give a ransom for his brother." (Psa. 49:7) E96, 102, 418;
T78; R777:1
God's scale is 100 points of character--a perfect man. None have 100
points. Q727:T
All sane people recognize themselves as imperfect and hence as unworthy
the recognition of the great Creator. They cannot commend themselves to
him as being worthy of his favor and eternal life. R4618:4
Righteous -- None perfect, sound in mind and body. E252; R5978:1,
5169:6, 5108:6, 4991:4, 4386:5
Perfect in the sense that God is perfect. R5794:1, 5336:5, 5309:1
Absolute righteousness. R4977:2
Righteousness of the will, holiness and purity of heart are possible.
SM394:T; R5108:6
The Advocate imputes a sufficiency of his merit, to make these perfect in
the sight of justice. R4854:6, 5439:6, 4597:6; OV227:T; SM307:2
We are merely righteous in our intentions and efforts. R4597:6
There is a relative righteousness, however, which God can approve. Those
walking in the ways of righteousness, while trusting in the precious blood
are spoken of as righteous. R5218:2, 5032:3
All need divine mercy; the humble and contrite would be much more
acceptable to God than the boastful, the proud, the self-conceited. R4986:5
Mental, moral and physical imperfections are manifest everywhere. OV295:1;
CR131:2; SM612:2, 394:1
Therefore all are condemned. R648:4, 929:5
The fountain, Adam, having become contaminated by sin and death, none of
his posterity can be free from contamination. R777:1; SM612:2
Thus we account for our sorrows, our pains, our troubles. NS188:3
All are sharers of the original sin and its consequences. A407
All come short of God's standard, but some have not lost their reverence
or appreciation of justice, which are drawing influences toward God.
R5201:2
Various qualities of murder, lust, covetousness, etc., are more or less
seen in the unbalanced mental and moral conditions resulting from the
fall. R4991:4; NS501:5
Whoever therefore, claims that he is righteous and on that rejects the
Redeemer, is a hypocrite--in a wrong condition of mind. R4587:5
All learning this, will look for the promised Messiah as their sin-bearer,
to justify them and to discipline them and make them perfect and able to
obey the Law. R2684:1
Our experiences teach us that it is impossible for fallen humanity to
attain absolute righteousness. R3321:2
In the Millennial age, the disciplines and humiliations for present wrong
doing will have one consolation, they will be in some measure shared by
all. R1655:3
"All we like sheep have gone astray." (Isa. 53:6) R1217:1
Actually, there is none just, but there is a class "justified by faith."
A20
Although some are less fallen than others, less depraved, all have sinned,
all have come short of the glory of God. E418
The curse of sin has laid its heavy hand on the entire man--mind and body.
A252
We have nothing of ourselves to offer that God could accept; our Advocate
imputes of his merit to make the sacrifice good. Q658:4
No, not one -- All come short of the glorious standard which God has
set. R5242:3, 4587:5; SM430:3
None actually righteous according to the strict standard of the Law.
SM307:2; R812:2*
All the trying in the world could not prove this divine statement an
incorrect one. SM394:T
It becomes part of our test how we shall deal with our brethren who are
imperfect and whose imperfections grate upon us and irritate us. CR274:1
All have violated the divine law, and all are under the sentence of that
law, even though some have sinned more egregiously than others. HG746:3; NS242:6
God sought not the perfect in mind, morals, or features, but the
honest and sincere. R4003:1
Jesus was distinctly separate from the Adamic race--his life came not from
Adam but from the Heavenly Father. Therefore he was separate from sinners.
R3938:6; SM306:1
The Scriptures close every door of hope save one, showing that not one of
the condemned is able to secure eternal life by meritorious works. A101
If there were one righteous one, he might give a ransom for Adam and all
condemned in Adam's transgression, but none could be found. E418, 102;
NS473:6
It was because the Lord beheld and saw that there was no man competent to
redeem the world that he laid help upon one who is mighty to save to the
uttermost. E96
Those who hotly pursue evildoers must realize they themselves have
weaknesses, frailties, imperfections. NS401:2
The Evolution theory contradicts this. R2837:4
Poison of asps -- Honeyed words and deeds are the baits behind which is
fastened the hook of slander, evil-speaking, evil insinuations. R4480:6
Some of the thorn and brier class (Matt. 7:16) are courageous enough to
make lies; others, less courageous, love the lies and are mean enough to
circulate them. R5148:1
Those who throw literal stones are much less dangerous than those more
outwardly decorous who have the poison of asps under their lips, who
backbite, speak evil of and slander others. R2560:5
Their feet -- The wicked. R705:3
"For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood." (Prov. 1:16)
R2053:2
No fear of God -- Evidently these are unregenerate. R4841:1
That what things -- Curses as well as blessings. R1725:1
The law -- The Law Covenant. R1725:1
Written to the Jews, unwritten to the Gentiles. R929:6; A101
It saith to them -- Its promises of life were only to the one nation.
R1725:1, 1729:4, 973:5
Moses also made the same statement, "The Lord our God made a covenant with
us in Horeb. Even us who are here alive this day." (Deut. 5:2, 3) R5046:1,
1725:1
The Apostle shows that this curse was upon only those who were under the
Covenant. R5046:1, 1725:1
Under -- The Greek word en is also translated "in, through, by, with."
R826:3
The law -- The Law Covenant. R1725:1
So it is true of the law of love, it speaks only to the consecrated
believers in Christ. R1729:4, 973:5
Jesus was born under the Law that he might redeem those who were condemned
under the Law. E417
May be stopped -- From self-justification. R1582:3
From claiming the right to life. A101
Silences them from any reply as appeal from the eminently just verdict.
R929:6
That eternal life may be seen to be "The gift of God." R6:4, 544:4
All the world -- Both Jews and Gentiles. R4341:3, 2719:5, 929:5, 556:2*;
A101
The Gentiles, who had not the written Law, were condemned, not justified,
by the light of conscience, even as the Jews who had the written Law were
condemned by it. A101
The Law revealed that all are sinners--proving that no man could make
himself worthy of lasting life. R1223:4
All the world except those in Christ, for those without the written Law
are a law unto themselves. R556:2*, 544:4
May become -- Stands. A101
May realize that they are. R3398:6
Guilty before God -- All are under sin, all are condemned, all are
unworthy of life. R929:6, 4341:3
The Jews through inability to keep their Law Covenant, and the Gentiles
through inability to live up to the light of their consciences. R1582:3,
5070:6, 544:4, 257:6, 6:5
Deeds of the law -- Works. (Diaglott) R13:6
Represented by the first ascending passage in the Great Pyramid. C337,
370, 368
Even the best of the Jews could not keep his Law. CR434:6
Receiving a Law is not keeping that Law. R5070:2
The Christian is not under the Law Covenant and has nothing to do with its
terms and conditions. R2269:3, 1498:3
The Jewish church was always adding Christ's teachings to the Mosaic Law
instead of accepting the sacrificial death of Christ. R972:1
The Law judges by the deeds of the flesh, while the law of Christ judges
by the intent of the mind or will. R543:1
God's object in giving Israel the typical Covenant, was to show them their
own depraved condition. R789:2; 428:6
The Jews tried to justify themselves by their own works, they did not
build on the Rock, Christ Jesus. R428:5
None could keep the Law perfectly, though they might have come much nearer
to a perfect observance of its requirements. B84
Jews died because none of them kept the Law--because no imperfect being
could keep the requirements of God's Law. SM43:4
Sacrifices of bulls and goats yearly never took away sin, but merely in a
typical manner pointed toward the "better sacrifices." NS365:4
God, however, assured Israel that at some time in the future he would make
with them a New (Law) Covenant. NS698:2
Shall no flesh -- None of the fallen race, needing justification.
R5046:2, 1725:2
"Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law."
(John 7:19) B84
The Law condemns as unworthy of life, every creature which cannot and does
not fulfill its every requirement perfectly. R688:2; NS641:6
Be justified -- Faith in Christ's finished work alone justifies. E444;
R5027:4; 823:3; CR435:1; OV280:1
The only way to obtain justification in God's sight is by the acceptance
of Christ and by a full consecration. R5027:4, 823:3; OV280:1
In man's present imperfect condition the Law must and does condemn
everyone under it and justifies none. R542:3
If the Jews were justified by the Law, then Christ died in vain. R4785:4
The Jews found that the Law, instead of perfecting, justifying, them and
giving them eternal life, brought to them a greater realization of sin
than they ever had before. CR192:6
The nation of Israel tried afresh each year to demonstrate their loyalty
to God and his righteousness by obedience to the Law, but only failure
could and did result. SM70:3
Perfect obedience to the Law was impossible. R5653:3, 3843:3, 542:2;
OV428:6; Q433:2; SM43:4
For over sixteen centuries the Law Covenant was in force and not a Jew was
able to keep it. Q433:2
The Law, so far from justifying the Jews, showed them to be in a condition
of sin by their inability to keep it. R2719:5
God has provided for both Jew and Gentile one way to come into harmony
with him--Christ. R2719:5
Israel may have imagined it possible to gain everlasting life under the
Law, but God never had such expectations. R1725:2
"The righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us who walk not after the
flesh, but after the spirit." (Rom. 8:4) R823:3
His sight -- His presence. (Diaglott) R13:5
God's sight. R6:5, 544:4, 257:6
Knowledge of sin -- The intention of the Law was to prove to the Jews
and all men the impossibility of any but perfect man to fulfill the Law.
R3843:3
This was the real blessing of the Law Covenant--it showed them their
sinful condition and their inability to lift themselves out of it. CR192:6
But now -- Applies to the whole time, from Christ's first to his second
coming, at least, and covers the Gospel age up to the time Christ with his
saints takes the Kingdom. R518:4
Righteousness of God -- Justness. R1030:1
The Law became a witness to God's righteousness--that he had been right
that Israel had not kept the Law and that all mankind were unfit for his
favors. R2719:5
God's method of justification has been witnessed, attested by the Law and
the prophets. R1030:2
Without the law -- Apart from the Law. R1582:6, 1030:1
Aside from the Law, though in perfect harmony with its spirit. R929:6
Witnessed by the law -- "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and
I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your
souls." (Lev. 19:11) R1030:5
"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without
shedding of blood is no remission." (Heb. 9:22) R1030:5
And the prophets -- We should look to the Law and the prophets and see
how they thus vindicate God's character. R1583:1
Righteousness of God -- The Law witnessed to the justice of God in
providing the ransom for sinners. R2719:5
By faith of Jesus -- As a ransom for sinners. R2719:6
Whose righteousness is imputed to us by faith. R1498:3
Them that believe -- Whether Jews or Gentiles. R2719:6, 504:4
For there is -- For now there is. R2719:6
No difference -- There is no distinction, all are fallen sinners. R929:6
All have sinned -- Original sin. NS419:5
All are sharers of the original sentence; are unworthy of divine favor and
need a Redeemer. E407; R4982:4, 2719:6
Come short -- Of the grand standard of divine holiness and perfection.
CR451:3; R5267:4, 5201:1, 4587:5; OV366:2
Glory of God -- As a standard of that perfection which was given to
father Adam in his creation. NS410:6; R5169:6, 5360:5; F101; PD7/13
All come short of that glorious perfection which God originally created
and which alone he can approve. HG656:4, 650:1, 193:2; NS233:5
Come short of that perfection or likeness of God which really honor and
glorify him as the Creator. NS449:5
Being justified -- God will justify; clear from guilt. R929:6, 504:4
Not one was ever "called," i.e., invited to run for this Kingdom prize,
who was not first justified. R1141:2
God's grace continues to maintain our justification while we abide in
Christ. F160
Freely by his grace -- By God's favor. R1350:3
By his divine favor, not because of their merit. R929:6
All of the Heavenly Father's grace is extended to us through our Lord
Jesus' sacrifice. E461
There was no obligation upon our Creator to recover us from the just
penalty he had placed upon us. F105
The redemption -- Greek, apolutrosis; the deliverance, the
justification, which continues to be ours so long as we abide in Christ.
E434; F159, 160
This is the foundation doctrine of Christianity, which in these days of
worldly wisdom is rapidly coming into disrepute. R1582:3
In Christ Jesus -- The Apostle shows the value of the death of Christ,
to both Jew and Gentile, who are alike condemned to death. R1582:3
Thus the conditions the Lord clearly points out, the conditions upon which
salvation is provided for all men. R1442:2
Whom -- Jesus. R641:1
God -- The Judge. R504:4
Propitiation -- Greek, hilasterion; is incorrectly rendered propitiation;
it signifies propitiatory, i.e. place of satisfaction. E442, 434; R2719:6,
641:1; 420:6, 128:1; T124; HG54:1
Propitiatory-covering. (See Rotherham's translation and footnote) R1223:5,
688:1, 641:5, 420:6
The Mercy Seat or channel of mercy or appeasement. E442
Satisfaction--for Adamic sin. R504:4
Place of satisfaction, of justice. R1582:6, 2719:6, 2328:2, 1336:1
Appeasement or satisfaction--for Adamic sin. R430:2, 838:3, 504:4, 420:6
Our Lord Jesus, representative of Jehovah's justice, wisdom, love and
power. T125
At the moment Jesus died, that was the decisive act which legally released
man from the bondage of sin, and secured for him the right to live again.
R669:2
Faith in his blood -- Blood given, blood shed, death. R1336:1
In the sacrifice; the ransom-price. E434
Christ's blood was the price given for the "Church of God" and for the
whole world. R1336:1
Faith, not in his example, but in his blood. R1810:4*
His blood became the basis for the forgiveness of our sins, made peace for
us, opened up the way to reconciliation, and transferred us back to
sonship in God's family. R1230:3
This insures that everyone coming to the Father must admit that he is a
sinner and cannot meet the penalty of his own sin. R3729:5
We must by faith grasp the agency of God's grace--the ransom--before we
can realize its full blessing. R441:2
To declare -- "For an exhibition." (Diaglott) R128:1
His righteousness -- Jehovah's righteousness. R1336:1
Right doing. R441:5, 660:6
For -- In. R504:4, 430:2
The remission -- Forgiveness. E461
Passing by the sins formerly committed. R1030:1*
Sins that are past -- Imperfections and shortcomings that were ours at
the time of our consecration. R4601:6, 5750:3, 4615:5, 4585:1,2, 2689:3,
CR97:1
Our Advocate did a thorough work as respects the sins of our flesh; they
are past and gone. CR97:1
In proportion as we realize this and act upon it, it gives us preparation
for further divine leadings and blessings. HG453:6
"Blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven, whose transgression is
covered." (Psa. 32:1) HG147:5
Forbearance of God -- God sent his Son who paid the claim against the
condemned race, to set them at liberty without violating his own laws.
R504:4
That he might be -- That he might continue. R3279:5
Just -- In pronouncing the penalty against our race. R2698:2, 2822:2
In releasing the sinner from the penalty justly upon him, and giving him
an individual trial. R929:6, 1983:6, 1125:2
The sacrifice for sins was demanded by justice and furnished by Jehovah,
that he might be just. R1267:2
By substituting Jesus for Adam. E17
The justice of his sentence and the unchangeableness of his decrees.
R1125:2; HG292:1
Since the death sentence is against every member of the race, none could
justly be released without a ransom. R3706:6
The demand of justice must be paid before the work of release and
restitution could begin. R4792:6, 5071:1, 3707:1
Reconciliation necessitates first a redemption of the sinner--a payment of
his penalty. E419, 401
Nothing can ever be done by the Almighty that can violate his justice.
R3707:2
God was just in pronouncing the penalty against our race and could not
clear the guilty through any process of injustice. R2698:2; E17
God having justly condemned Adam and his race could not justly reverse his
own sentence, without a cause. R1583:4
Enabling him to forgive sins that are past as well as those present,
pardoning sinners he had once condemned. R929:6
The fact that God provided so expensive a ransom-sacrifice for sinners,
proves that his justice is inviolable and unbending. R1583:4
God's justice as manifested in giving his Son to be a ransom for all,
before that sin could be blotted out, evidences a firmness and justice
that is sublime. R769:3
Justice could no more forgive the willful sins which invoked the second
death, than it did the Adamic sin which invoked the first death. R769:3
Justice could not object to announcing the redemptive plan in advance to
those with the requisite faith--justifying them to fellowship with God.
F111
Divine love could not make void divine justice; it was necessary that God
should be just, if he would be the justifier. R4792:6
Justice will be satisfied when the Body members are presented before the
Father. R3710:4
And the justifier -- And yet be the justifier. R3279:5, 5194:1, 504:4
Of men already justly condemned to death. R1267:2
Release the well-disposed from the penalty of sin, death and disfavor.
R1125:2
Here is the triumph of love and mercy, not through a failure of justice or
conquering it, but a satisfaction of justice. R2328:2, 429:4; E17; NS412:6
The penalty for Adam's sin and how that penalty should be met, was
optional with the Almighty, so long as no principle of justice would be
violated. R3707:3
None could be counted free from the sentence of death until after the
great sacrifice for sins had been made. F111; R3706:6, 1591:3, 1583:4
The only way open for our reconciliation consistent with divine law was by
giving a corresponding price or ransom. R5194:1, 4941:6, 2822:2, 2698:2,
769:3, 657:5
God cannot justly be the justifier of anyone who does not believe in
Jesus. R2059:2
God, the condemning judge, himself also the deliverer, by providing a
ransom. R504:4
The Judge sent his Son and paid the claim against the condemned race, that
he might set them at liberty without violating his own laws. R504:4
His law will be manifested to all as unchangeable and perfect, even while
pardoning sinners he had once condemned, who by faith laid hold of Jesus
as their justifier from guilt and condemnation. R929:6, 1125:2, 441:1
An earthly judge could not justly set the prisoner free, but if someone
paid the imposed penalty, the judge could be just in justifying the
formerly condemned. R429:4
We need not fear that our justification is incomplete, for Jehovah himself
is the justifier. R199:3
Of him -- Of any sinner. R3279:5
Believeth in Jesus -- All who shall become his disciples and follow his
leading and direction. CR413:6; R3707:1
God cannot justly be the justifier of any one who does not believe in
Jesus. R2059:2, 5071:1
Where is boasting? -- Where is the room for. R2719:6
Who can boast now? R929:6
It is excluded -- All boasting of works is shut out. R929:6
Because the Jew and the Gentile having come into Christ are on a common
level. R2719:6
Of works? Nay -- Our own works could not justify us. E444; R929:6, 560:5*
Works of charity and slaying sin in one's self. R929:6
Law of faith -- This is the law of love. R1322:2
"Faith worketh by love." (Gal. 5:6) R1332:2
Pure, true faith is opposed to boastfulness. R1159:4*, 2163:3
Life, favor, forgiveness and reconciliation is an unmerited favor of God,
obtainable through faith in the sacrifice of Christ. R930:1
Justified by faith -- In the sense that ours is merely a reckoned or
faith justification. F103; R193:3
Not by any Covenant--the New Covenant has nothing whatever to do with
justification by faith. R4474:3
It is the human nature that is justified or reckoned right in God's sight.
OV315:1
This is our restitution; we who were aliens, by the blood of the cross are
restored to God's favor, as Adam was before sin. R193:3
The word justification implies making right; and does not imply making
over, or a change of nature. OV315:1
Without the deeds -- Without necessity for the works demanded by the
Law. R2720:1
Make void -- Of none effect, useless. R542:5
The law -- The law of righteousness. R2720:1
"For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God."
R1729:6
Faith -- The doctrine of faith, which we are now preaching. R542:5
Yea -- Nay. R542:6
Establish the law -- Proving that God's Law is perfect; and Israel was
imperfect--thus leading them to Christ. R542:6
By the fact that the imperfect Jews could not keep the Law of works and
that it had to be fulfilled by Jesus before they could be justified under
the Law of faith. R2720:1
Were justified -- To fellowship with God, not to life. F111; R4574:1
A narrow or a broad view of justification may be taken and both be true.
R5474:1
This implies three different steps--two which were Abraham's and one the
Lord's. R4574:1
Believed God -- Though even the type had not yet come in his day,
Abraham, as a justified believer, was a member of the "household of
faith," typified by the Levites. T27
Concerning the Gospel: "In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Gal. 3:8)
R217:2, 2873:6
The process by which all nations were to be blessed was not understood by
Abraham except that it should be through his offspring, but he believed
the fact without knowing how. R217:3
Abraham felt in some manner God would roll away the curse. OV428:1
It is only by the exercise of faith in our Redeemer that we are reckoned
as covered with the robe of righteousness, and made acceptable. R4003:2
For righteousness -- Faith will hide a multitude of defects. R4003:2
The Church's justification, like that of Abraham, is by faith. R4442:6
Faith -- There is no merit in faith; it is not righteousness, nor does
it justify us; but we are justified through faith. R555:3
Counted -- Reckoned. R2854:2, 193:3
Although, perhaps, not blameless in character at the time, yet Abraham
possessed that which would result in holiness, and God counted the work
begun in him, as finished. R76:2
For righteousness -- Justification. R193:3
The Ancient Worthies' reverence for their Creator and obedience to his
Word of promise implied they had hearts full of trust and the proper
spirit that God could count it perfection. R4386:1
Abraham was justified by faith and it was imputed unto him for
righteousness. R76:2
Our endeavors to walk after the spirit are counted to us for
righteousness. NS244:5;
By Jesus; who became our willing substitute. R657:2,5
Righteousness without works -- Justification by faith. R2194:3
Righteousness which he had not worked out. R2194:3
They -- The consecrated, spirit-begotten, probationary member of the
Body of Christ. R4842:1
Iniquities -- The word carries with it the sense of wickedness,
lawlessness. R2295:1
Sins -- The word has merely the thought of transgression. R2295:1
Uncontrollable weaknesses, resulting from the fall. R1698:2, 2295:1
Are covered -- Sin while not blotted out is covered. R2295:1
By the ransom. R1698:2
Concealed beneath the robe of Christ's righteousness, until the time for
their blotting out in the first resurrection. R2194:3, 4842:1, 1654:2
The covering of sin takes place instantaneously, as soon as the believer
has accepted of the redemption in Christ Jesus. R2194:2
Those justified by faith, who do the best they can are acceptable to God
as though they were perfect. R3366:5
The sinner is forgiven the moral obliquity connected with the sin, which
they no longer sympathize with, and the sin itself, while not blotted out
is covered. R2295:1
The robe of righteousness does not cover, as some seem to think, the sins
of the new mind. R4842:4
Even though the believer's sins are covered he still battles against those
imperfections. R2194:3
All with faith in Christ's sacrifice, and consecration to God's service,
come under the covering of the New Covenant. R1654:1
Not impute sin -- Reckon. R1654:1
To the reckoned sons, Jesus' brethren, no sin is imputed. R489:4*
God does not regard them as they really are but imputes their sins to
Christ who imputes his worthiness to their account. R1654:2
In uncircumcision -- Circumcision was instituted after the Covenant was
made with Abraham. R4370:5
Sign of circumcision -- Not as a requirement to his justification.
R2720:1
A seal -- Or mark of justification and harmony with God to which he had
already attained. R2720:1
Faith of our father Abraham -- The Jews have no right to the land of
promise except as they hold to the promise of the oath-bound Covenant made
with Abraham. R5178:1
Heir of the world -- Lord Jesus. R1063:1*
Righteousness of faith -- Abraham was justified by faith; reckoned in
God's sight a perfect and righteous man. R196:3
It is faith, not water, that justifies. R1969:3
No transgression -- No one could transgress a law that was not given to
him, that was not applicable to him. R5070:2
The world has not yet come under individual condemnation. For the world
has not yet been placed under divine law. R5071:2
In Paul's discussion of the Jewish view of the Mosaic Law, he uses this
statement to show the Jews misunderstood the matter. R5070:2
"Sin is not imputed when there is no law." (Rom. 5:13) R5071:1
The world is under Adamic sentence and only those lifted out of that
condemnation can come under another sentence. R5071:1
Therefore it -- The Abrahamic Covenant, covering the Church. R4366:1,
4606:3
By grace -- The spiritual seed is developed according to the spirit,
according to grace, favor. R4606:3
Sure -- There were no conditions with the Covenant, therefore it cannot
pass away, nor be altered, nor added to. R282:2
To all the seed -- All the children. NS287:3
Two seeds; the heavenly seed of Abraham and the natural seed of Abraham.
Q642:2; R4453:1, 3259:5, 793:2, 282:2, 220:1, 201:3
"Thy seed shall be as the stars of heaven (the spiritual class, the
heavenly, the Church); and as the sand upon the seashore (the earthly
seed)." SM368:1
One a heavenly class, the other an earthly class, with Messiah the head
over all. CR157:4
Two seeds, one developed under faith, the other under Law and works.
R5300:2; 1140:6; T35
The two elect churches, Jewish and Christian, are to be unitedly the
agencies for blessing all the families of the earth. R1316:2
The promise, to bless all nations, will be fulfilled not only to Christ
and the Church, but also to Abraham personally and his natural seed who
come in harmony with the divine plan. R1140:6
Children according to natural process of generation, and children by
special power of God, not actually children of Abraham, but of him whom
Abraham typified. R793:2
There will be two phases of the Kingdom of God which is to bless all
nations; an earthly and a heavenly phase. R1140:6
After Israel in the flesh receives mercy through the glorified Christ,
they will be used as the Lord's instruments for blessing all the families
of the earth. C299
The spiritual seed is developed during the Gospel age. The fleshly seed,
the restitution class, will be developed under the New Covenant (the
Ancient Worthies were developed before the Gospel age). R4366:1
Refers also to the faithful worthies of the past who will receive a share
in the original promise and participate in blessing the Gentile world.
R2375:5, 1156:6
Typified by Isaac and Ishmael. R793:2
The promises to the natural and the spiritual seeds are more or less
intertwined. R3259:5
Those who now walk by faith are the true seed of Abraham. R1753:4
Israel cannot come into the bosom of Abraham, into the true rest and
peace, because they failed to rightly apprehend and use God's promises and
dealings. R1042:6; HG386:6
By the end of the Millennial age, his seed will include all the saved on
the human plane. R4606:5; CR98:3
Which is of the law -- The natural seed: the restitution class. T35;
R5300:2, 1140:6, 201:3
The Abrahamic Covenant and the Law were distinct. T35
Those who will become the seed of Abraham under the New Covenant
arrangement during the Millennial age by obedience to the Law under the
better Mediator than Moses--Christ the Head and the Church, his Body.
R4606:5, 4438:3; C299
"Sands of the sea." R4606:4
Pointing back to the Law Covenant given to Moses, and forward to the Law
Covenant of the future. R4606:4
The earthly seed of Abraham will be developed under the Law. R4606:4
The old Law Covenant brought not forth the seed of Abraham, but the New
(Law) Covenant will bring forth many children. R4453:1
The Ancient Worthies cannot be included in the spiritual seed, but
logically be included with the natural seed. R4606:6
Is of the faith -- The spiritual seed. R5300:2, 1316:2; T35
To whom pertain the Covenant and the exceeding great and precious promises
in their largest fulfillment. R1753:4
We are counted Abraham's seed because of our faith and we become members
of the spiritual seed. R4606:1
"The stars of heaven." (Gen. 22:17) R4606:4
The only children of Abraham thus far developed are those who are the seed
of Abraham according to faith. R4453:1
Father of us all -- Who are of the faith of Abraham. R1623:6
As Jehovah will be the Father of all the saved, not only the Church, but
also the restituted world. R4366:1
Abraham's life was a long discipline of faith and patience; for he was to
be the father of the faithful, a type of the fatherhood of God. R1915:3;
SM201:2
Abraham was the father of the seed, only in the typical sense. R905:2
A worthy example to all his children, both those under the Law and those
under the new covenant of grace. R1915:3
The father of the faithful. R1905:3
His children-- All those who are of the faith of Abraham, whether of the
fleshly or spiritual seed. R1905:3
Made thee a father -- In the end of the Millennial age, all the perfect
race will be "the seed of Abraham" under the New Covenant arrangement.
CR98:3; R5388:5, 4646:1; Q196:3
All the families of the earth will become children of Abraham, who
represented God in a figure. R5909:5, 5178:5, 1140:6
Abraham was a type of God, therefore, many nations would become children
of God. R3601:1
"I have made thee a father of many nations." (Gen. 17:5) R5909:5
The Lord said to Abraham: "In becoming thy seed shall all the nations of
the earth bless themselves." R5909:5
"Thy seed shall be as the sands of the sea-shore for multitude." R4646:1
The Abrahamic Covenant was to have a double fulfillment--first, in a
literal sense to him and his posterity: second to the spiritual children
of Abraham. R1630:1
Many nations -- Seeds. R793:2
All kindreds and families of the earth will be blessed by the opportunity
to become children of Abraham, children of God. R5909:5, 4646:1, 4366:1
It will be necessary for the people of all nations to become Israelites,
thus become children of Abraham. NS724:4
These will be blessed under the New Covenant when the Abrahamic Covenant
will be fulfilled to Israel and all. R5909:5
The blessing of the Lord will be upon them all. R5388:5
By the end of the Millennial age all the perfect race will be "The seed of
Abraham." R4646:1
Before him -- Like unto him. (Margin) A likeness of the Father; Abraham
represented God. R220:1, 1623:6, 905:2
As a type of him. R2908:3, 3601:1, 1156:6, 1140:6, 905:2, 793:2
Foreshadowing him whom he believed. R3601:1
Typifying him whom he believed. R3601:1
Foreshadowing, allegorizing. NS287:3
Quickeneth the dead -- Maketh alive. R1436:3
God purposes their awakening, and speaks of the present condition of
Adamic death as merely a suspension of life, not extinction. R5041:4,
666:6; Q211:4
Things which be not -- God's plan for a resurrection is fixed. God
speaks of things to come as if already come to pass. E535; R32:3*
As though they were -- Using them as types. R1623:6, 3601:1
What is to be and is being developed is spoken of as already existing.
R32:3*
Abraham was not the father of many nations at the time, God was not
referring even to his natural seed, but to Christ. R3601:1
In many prophecies the standpoint of the future is taken and the things
are spoken of as accomplished facts. R1754:6
God not only speaks of things past as still present but also of things to
come as if already to come to pass. E353; R1881:3; HG333:5
Death is really extinction, but because of God's plan to ransom and
restore all through Christ Jesus, he calls Adamic death a sleep. R666:6
When in the process of accomplishment, as time is nothing to God. R117:3*
Looking down prophetically to the end of the age. R4657:1
God thus spoke of the resurrection. PD32/44; R4657:1, 1881:3
Thus we need not quarrel with those who say that the world is now bought
with a price. R4998:6
Against hope -- But for God's grace and providence, Abraham would many a
time have made shipwreck. R751:6
Believed in hope -- Abraham believed God in his statement that in his
seed (later shown to be Christ) all the families of the earth would be
blessed. R2873:6
Not weak -- Greek, astheneo; without strength, as in "Is any sick?"
(James 5:14) R4099:2,6*
In faith -- It was such an active, obedient, faith as would have
accepted Christ personally, as it accepted the promises concerning him.
R2874:1
Dead -- Abraham, at the age of one hundred, received Isaac as one born
from the dead. R751:6
Strong in faith -- Even though literally he had seen but a scant
realization of God's promises. R751:6*
He had promised -- Let not your faith stagger at the promises of God.
R905:6
It -- Righteousness. R4442:6
Us also -- The Church does not need a mediator or a covenant for her
justification. R4438:1
Believe on him -- Faith in God is the basis for our justification, and
for Abraham's, though today faith in God includes faith in Jesus as our
Redeemer. R2873:6
Raised up Jesus -- "God hath raised up." R1005:5
Christ could never have raised himself. R2795:2
Who was delivered -- To death. R391:3, 1247:3, 705:5, 393:4
"I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:15) R1247:5
A weighty suggestion of the love of God, who thus freely gave him up for
us all. R1247:6
For our offences -- Bearing the condemnation which those offences
implied and involved, the very offences or weaknesses of the flesh which
hindered the Jews from keeping the perfect Law given at Sinai. R2720:2
Since all men inherited imperfection and consequent condemnation in Adam,
they also share in the redemption. R1247:6
Was raised again -- Out of death. E442
Had he remained dead he could never have been the channel of our
justification. F106, R1248:3, 1247:1
If he had not had a resurrection, our hope would have perished. R1248:3
The resurrection of Christ was necessary for the great work of
justification, salvation and restitution. R1248:4; E442
Christ's resurrection is the pledge of our resurrection; "Now is Christ
risen from the dead and become the firstfruits of them that slept." (1Cor. 15:20) R1248:6
Our justification -- Salvation or restitution. R1248:4
The word "justify" means to declare or make right. R1246:3; CR467:3
Clearing from guilt and condemnation. R930:1
Unblamable condition. R391:3
In order that he might justify us. R705:5
Our hope of reconciliation to God is based upon the fact that "Christ died
for our sins," (1 Cor. 15:3) and he "was raised for our justification."
R1878:3
God will now justly, justify freely all who call upon him for it through
him who redeemed us with his own blood. R925:5
Our justification without his death as our ransom-price would have been
legally impossible. R1247:1
Jesus rose again that he might make satisfaction to divine justice. CR467:3
Our justification, like that of Abraham, is by faith. R4442:5
Forgiveness came not only to those under the Law (Israel), for Abraham
received the promise of a blessing to all nations. R930:1
The plan of God embraces all who believe. R930:1
Our justification is not accomplished until, in each individual case, the
necessary steps of faith and full consecration have been taken, as a
result of which the merit of our Redeemer is imputed. R5854:6; E444
God will not be unjust to withhold that right to life which has been
purchased for us according to his own plan. R393:4
The great work of actual justification is the work God purposed for the
world; to this end the death and resurrection of Christ are all-important.
R1247:1
The bestowment of this blessing upon the world waits for the election of
the Church to be joint-heirs with Jesus in his heavenly Kingdom. NS5:1
Justified by faith -- In the sense that ours is merely a reckoned or
faith justification. F104, 106; A124; R5470:2, 4476:1, 1262:1, 400:5,
199:2; CR470:4, 467:3
The word means to be made right, to pronounce free from guilt. CR470:4;
R660:2, 441:1; 440:3, 391:1; Q408:2
The word justification has two meanings: to prove that a thing is right,
or to make a thing right which is wrong. These terms are used in these two
senses in Scripture. R659:3, 440:3
Faith in the blood of Jesus as our Redeemer. R4435:3, 4390:2, 2720:2,
2220:3, 1262:1, 1231:1, 759:2, 391:2; SM474:1
Not because of our faith, but through faith and because of Jesus' work of
sacrifice as our ransom. R759:2*
Our sins are forgiven, covered by the merit of the ransom. R1231:1
From sins past and present, also all future sins that are directly or
indirectly the results of Adam's transgression. R1231:1
In the real gospel of God's love and favor to us and toward all in Christ.
R1502:4
By the acceptance of Christ as the Bread of Life--preceded by the
realization that we have no life in ourselves. R2652:1
We must by faith grasp the agency of God's grace--the ransom. R660:2
We are not justified by prayers or works. R2548:2
Faith is the ground or base of justification. R2852:1
It is faith not water that justifies. R1969:3
Simple as faith is in the abstract, yet God has been pleased to honor it
with results, which are glorious. R471:1*
Only the justified are called to the "high calling." R4435:3, 4442:6,
1231:2, 648:5
As we are drawing near to God and are said to be in a justified condition.
Q409:T
Such are invited to present their bodies a living sacrifice. SM509:2
They shall be counted perfect, counted righteous, so long as their hearts,
their wills, their best endeavors, are for righteousness. R3322:6
Brought into fellowship with God as justified human beings. R199:5, 648:5
Partaking of the human rights, privileges and blessings of restitution--in
this age faith justification. R2652:1
Having accepted the promise of actual justification, we hold so to speak,
a check in the bank of heaven for full justification or restitution
payable in the Millennial age. R1262:1
After repentance. R2941:2, 2225:6
The first step, coming to Christ for rest; the acceptance of him as the
satisfaction for our sins. R2625:2, 3512:5, 3201:1, 2652:1
The first step of faith restores the believer to all privileges originally
bestowed upon Adam, though their full realization does not belong to the
present age. R1585:2
Our peace or harmony with God began with our faith. Our justification by
faith began with the first element of our faith, when first we saw the
Lord even imperfectly. R4901:1
Lifted to plane N. A232; R274:3
Neither the Ancient Worthies nor the Body of Christ are justified by a
covenant or by a mediator. R4388:5, 4476:1
A reckoned justification attained instantly by the imputation of the merit
of Christ. R5776:4
We reckon ourselves as God reckons us, justified freely from all things.
R1262:1; Q408:2
In the perfection of his offering. R94:4
Abraham needed no mediator to justify him. "He was justified by faith."
R4476:1
And by it also we enter into all other favors of the divine provision.
R2220:3
Many have believed in the precious blood and have had joy and peace in
believing and heard the call to the privilege of self sacrifice with
Christ; but few responded. R1231:5
Very few lay hold upon justification fully. R199:5
The Apostle prayed for a certain church that their faith fail not. He knew
if their faith was gone, all would be gone. R471:4
We -- The fully consecrated. R5960:1
Have peace with God -- From the time we first approach God we begin to
have a measure of this peace and it continues with us as long as we are
walking in the right direction, growing in knowledge and obedience.
R4901:2, 4579:3; PT391:1*
From the time we accept Christ we have joy and peace through believing.
R2625:2
The immediate effect of faith is a blessed realization of peace with God.
R1585:2
Applies to those fully consecrated, justified, accepted of the Father by
the begetting of the holy Spirit. It would not apply to any who are merely
approaching through the Court. R5960:1
Implies a good degree of harmony with the principles of righteousness, for
faith in Christ is always reformatory. F116
In the Tabernacle arrangement, from the time of entering the court
condition of faith, the peace continues with each onward step of
obedience. R4579:4
One who merely believes in the Savior and wishes to do right, cannot enter
into full peace with God. R5133:3
A condition that means one has become reconciled to God. It means the
estranged is now in harmony with God--he has turned his back on sin and is
seeking to walk in the path of righteousness. R5431:3
The "peace of God" can come only to those who have given themselves
unreservedly to God. R5432:1
If faith and obedience extend to full consecration and begettal, it
becomes the "peace of God which passeth all understanding, ruling in our
hearts." (Phil. 4:7) R4579:3
Rest with God. R391:3, 930:1
Realizing that our sins and imperfections are covered. R2941:2
Implies some discernment of the future blotting out of the sins of the
believer. F116
No longer enemies, but justified human sons, reckoned so. R274:3; A232
The first step toward holiness brings one into a condition of peace with
God. T21
As respects their former sins and condemnation under which they realize
that they had rested. But still have not yet become servants of God.
SM509:2; R2941:2
Those whose faith or obedience stop find their peace with God diminish.
R4579:3
The truth gives us this peace--believing that Christ died for our sins,
rose for our justification; reckonedly being brought from death unto life.
R3512:5
Until Christ's reign, the experiences of the believer are the joys of
faith and hope of the present peace and communion with God. R1585:2
When we believe the "good news" of our justification, it causes us joy and
peace to realize we may now come to God. R199:5
Through our Lord -- By Christ's blood, by the life he laid down for us.
R1231:1
Something Jesus has done for us, and not something for us to do for
ourselves. R391:4
Not through personal worthiness of his favor. R1585:2
By whom we have received the atonement, his righteousness being imputed to
us by faith. R1585:2
All things are of the Father and by the Son. (1 Cor. 8:6) E54
Anyone attempting to climb into the family of God otherwise "the same is a
thief and a robber." (John 10:1) R3120:2
Jesus Christ -- Not through other mediators. R2548:4
Our sins were laid upon Christ our Redeemer and his righteousness is
transferred to our account. R1262:1
By whom also -- Through Christ. R1262:4
Because of the price which he paid for us. C202
Reference to a second privileged step of faith: the step of consecration.
R1585:3, 4243:1, 3201:2, 2941:2, 2720:2, 2285:6, 930:2
We are not only justified out of sin, but are also brought by operation of
our faith in the glorious standing of members of Christ. R4989:2
We not only have faith-fellowship with God but complete and actual
justification to life and our begetting of the holy Spirit. R4640:2
We -- "Brethren," of the household of faith; justified believers. R1885:3
All who by faith are reckoned alive from Adamic death during the Gospel
age. R1231:6
A class of saints who have not only been justified by faith but have
obtained the begetting to the divine nature. R648:6
Have access -- The privilege, invitation or opportunity of the Gospel
age, is the door. C206
No one ever entered in without the robe. C203
To the Father. R1227:3
By reason of the opportunity which our justification gives us of becoming
members of the High Priest, sharers in his sacrifice. R4390:2
Not until we became justified human sons of God were we invited to
sacrifice our human rights and reckon ourselves heirs with him of future
glories. R925:6
An access by faith of a still higher grace, or position of favor. R1585:3
The call to joint-heirship with the only begotten Son and heir. R1387:1
Are privileged also to hear of a prize or high calling during the Gospel
age to be living sacrifices. R1231:6
"The second blessing." R1262:2
"Favor upon favor." (John 1:16--Diaglott) R1262:3
Into this grace -- Of justification. R422:2, 339:1
Into this further grace. R2285:6
Favor; the "high calling." C206; R1585:3, 1262:3, 1231:6, 1007:5, 434:4
The privilege of sonship. R3201:2, 4901:1, 4640:3, 4390:2, 4243:1, 3020:2,
1387:2, 648:6
The place of God's peculiar favor, a step beyond mere justification,
consecration. R4243:1
The privilege of being "transformed" to a higher nature. R1585:3
The access into this higher grace cannot be obtained except from the
standpoint of the previous grace of justification. R1585:3
The invitation to be the beloved Bride of Christ to be made like him and
to be in his glorious presence forever. R1262:3
Rejoice -- We rejoice in the fact that we are already sons of God
without rebuke, and to be changed and share his glory. R4640:3
We have good cause for rejoicing, it means not only blessing ourselves but
participation with Messiah in blessing all the world of mankind. HG374:3;
NS374:3
In hope of -- In hope of sharing, as Christ's joint-heirs. R2720:2,
2941:2, 2225:6, 1387:2, 1263:4, 1007:5
Sharing the divine nature and the Kingdom power with our Lord and
Redeemer, Jesus. R1231:6
The glory of God -- Which is to be revealed in our Lord and in us as his
members in his Kingdom. R4434:4
High exaltation of Christ beyond the glory he had with the Father before
the world was. R1262:4
A glory of office, what is second only to that of Jehovah, the great
Emperor of the universe. R1262:4
Glory of character. R1262:4
A glory of power of "All power in heaven and in earth." R1262:4
The privilege of becoming heirs of glory, joint-heirs with Jesus on a
specified condition; if they would suffer with him. R925:6
Glory in tribulations -- Brought upon them by their faithfulness to
Christ and his word. R3281:4
Happy in present trials, difficulties, and oppositions. SM386:1; R3309:6
Knowing that we must be tested, tried and disciplined to fit us for our
future exalted station. R1007:5, 1585:5, 648:5
As joint-sufferers. R930:2
These experiences are similar to those of the Master, thus we have
evidence that we are walking in his footsteps. R3281:4
Because it is God's method of chastening and polishing us for a share in the Kingdom. SM371:T;
R1585:5, 648:5
Not because we love tribulation but the patience, the experience, the
character, which God assures us are a fruitage of tribulation, if we are
rightly exercised thereby. R2737:3, 199:4
If our sufferings be the way by which the Lord would attract and bless
others of his true sheep. R5365:5
The Christian's life is not a sad or morose one, but a most joyful one,
even in tribulation. R4592:4
In proportion as we are able to realize our own imperfections and the
perfect will of God concerning us. R2213:5
We have tribulation because the world is traveling in the opposite
direction to righteousness; in the way of selfishness and gratification of
the flesh. R5218:2
Whoever escapes experiences that would develop the fruits of the holy
Spirit will never gain a place in the Kingdom. R5779:6
Knowing -- If rightly exercised. R1585:5
It is the knowledge that makes such a difference. CR432:4, 387:4
Tribulation -- Tribulation is necessary for the development of patience.
R1721:3
Tribulation works out the fruits of the holy Spirit. R5951:3
The favorable results of tribulation follow, on account of a genuine
consecration. R3281:5
Worketh patience -- We learn to cultivate patience in trial. R5879:2
Patience in submitting to trial will lead to large and valuable
experience. R1585:5
"Let patience have her perfect work." (James 1:4) R2737:3
"Yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness." (Heb. 12:11) R1721:3
Worketh the various facets of the jewel essential to it in the eyes of him
who is shortly to gather his jewels. R2405:1
Patience -- In the exercise of patience the lessons of experience have
made you stronger, increased your faith, zeal, and gratitude. R1721:3
Experience -- Of God's love and wisdom and grace and comfort, which will
strengthen our confidence in God. R1585:5
He who would relate an experience of what the Lord has done for him, must
at the same time narrate what he has done for the Lord. R1022:1*
Will brighten our hope and strengthen our confidence in God. R1585:5
According to Webster it is "wisdom gained from experience," appropriate
for Christian as well as worldly experience. R1022:1*
Christian experience is not sitting down letting the Spirit of God work in
our hearts--it is eminently practical. R1022:1*
Christian experience is not the exaltation of feeling only inspired by
ardent songs, prayers, Christian fellowship. He who is dependent on such
for his vitality is an infant in experience. R1022:1*
Christian experience is putting off the old man; growth in grace, building
character, laboring in the vineyard, visiting the widows and fatherless,
keeping unspotted from the world. R1022:1*
Hope -- This does not mean we get all our patience first: then all our
experience, then all our hope; but that they are all developing together.
R5779:5
This deepens the sense of fellowship with God and gives confidence to the
hope of final and full acceptance with him. R1721:3
The embroidery work adding stitch to stitch in its development. NS449:6
Maketh not ashamed -- Those inspired by this hope experience no sense of
shame under the discipline and trials they must endure, but glory in
tribulations and rejoice to be counted worthy to suffer for his name's
sake. R1585:5
In the glorious message they hear there is nothing to be ashamed of, it is
the power of God unto salvation. R1585:6
Love of God -- Because with this hope we have the realization of God's
love. R5779:6
Shed abroad -- Made known. R197:5*
Enlarging our hearts. CR446:4; R3933:1
By the holy Spirit. R1007:5
The love of God grows in our hearts and fills us. R3933:2
Producing love for the brethren and all the good fruits of the spirit.
R2456:1
Displacing the spirit of the world, the spirit of selfishness. R3281:2
We are led to still wider love beyond the household of faith, for whom we
delight to lay down our lives. R3933:2
In our hearts -- This is conditional to those who, hearing his
commandments, are moved by responsive love to do them. R2456:1
Given unto us -- Imparted to us from the truth. R1007:5
Without strength -- The sin of Adam left mankind in this condition. R77:6
Greek, asthenes; sickness in the sense of moral or spiritual form. R4099:6*
To help ourselves. R1585:6
In due time -- "The fullness of time." (Gal. 4:4) E451
God's appointed times and seasons are an important feature of his plan.
B25; R598:3
The time of the payment of our ransom price was definitely prearranged.
R1585:6
When God sent forth his Son as the man Christ Jesus. E451
There was a particular appointed time for the payment of our ransom, as
well as every other feature of the wondrous plan. R1586:1
Just as surely there is a due time for the second advent. R598:4
Christ died -- Our Lord's mission to earth at the first advent was to
undo for the race, legally, the results of Adam's transgression, and to
secure the right to resurrect them. R1125:4; NS293:6; HG292:6
This was Jehovah's original plan, and before sin entered even before the
foundation of the world, love provided the "Lamb of God." R788:3
Will one die -- That would be a great stretch of love. R197:6*
Peradventure -- Possibly. R197:6*
For a good man -- The greatest love amongst men is to lay down his life
for his friends, but for his enemies is certainly a much higher type of
love. R2648:3
Commendeth his love -- Greek, agape; disinterested or divine love.
R2807:4, 3949:2
Pity-love, the sympathetic love of a benefactor. R1693:6
This can be no more than pity-love, it cannot be fellowship-love. R1693:6
The Bible, alone, tells of a God touched with the feeling of human
infirmities and with sympathy toward sinners. R5032:1
God devised the plan, provided the ransom, and sent his Son to die for us,
because he loved us. R77:1:*
Not until then was the divine love manifested to mankind, although it had
existed all along. E451
God does good even to the unthankful, giving sunshine and rain and food to
all. R1693:6
We must have the mind of the Lord, but we are to have no sympathy with the
evil. Q322:T
God loved us while we were yet sinners and Christ died to commend that
love. R77:2*
Until then the world knew nothing of God's love. There it was
demonstrated. R2120:6
Undoubtedly God's love was known to the angelic hosts before, but not to
the same extent. SM472:2
Here is manifested pure, unselfish love. R31:5*
The proof of the love of God is not only the most conclusive on record,
but it is also the most conclusive conceivable. R1328:3
Salvation is an act of God's free grace, an act to which he was impelled
only by his abounding love. R1266:6
This is a grand ennobling love which, without having the least fellowship
with the impure, pities the fallen and longs for their rescue from
degradation. R4766:4
How much more does he love us now that we are no longer aliens, brought
nigh by the precious blood and begotten by his holy Spirit. R4277:6
Both the Father's and the Son's love, but primarily the Father's. R9:5
While we were yet -- Hence the reconciliation is not the result of our
"slaying the enmity in us." R728:4, 1231:1
In Jesus' case, it was more than any earthly love or friendship. R5664:5
It is because God saw that the hearts of humanity are not really in that
deplorable condition intentionally or deliberately that he has provided
the way of escape. R5275:5
If God so loved the world, even while they were yet sinners, then love and
benevolence toward the world on our part cannot be out of harmony with his
will. R4766:1, 1955:3
If God loved us while we were yet sinners to make such careful provision
for our redemption, much more now that we are no longer rebels, we may
have confidence in his love and providential care. R2556:3
Sinners -- Enemies. R405:3*, 1175:1, 728:4, 404:4*, 290:2*, 222:2*
Christ died for the ungodly. Q510:T
Once we are accepted of God in Christ, we need no ransoming, having no
sins to expiate. It was while we were yet sinners we needed a ransom.
R1590:1:
Christ died -- To open up a way of reconciliation with God. E446
By the one sacrifice of himself once for all, he expiated the sins of all
the ungodly. R1590:1
The method by which the change is effected from the curse of sin and death
to the blessings of divine favor and life. R866:4
So love can go beyond justice. R5644:1
"The Son of Man came--to give his life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45;
Matt 20:28) R866:4
Deadness to sin is not the ground for forgiveness of sins past, it does
not take the place of Christ's sacrifice for sins. R728:2
While the death of Christ does not secure spiritual life for any, it makes
it possible for all. R77:3*, 42:5*
For us -- Those who turn from sin and have accepted God's provision in
Christ. Q392:2
Children of wrath even as others--parts of the world. R1590:1
Much more -- Saved by his life. R197:1*
We are not reckoned in the fallen condition as the world, but recognized
as brethren. R197:1*
Being now justified -- A "making" right. PT391:2
To life. R16:3
By his blood -- By the death of Christ paying the penalty for Adam.
F105, SM725:2:
Blood shed as the evidence of death. R1336:1*, 1337:4, 1459:1, 441:1,
PT391:2*
In the blood of him: in the human life of him. PT391:2*
The death of the man Christ Jesus, his blood that secured our release from
sin and death. E446
The blood of Christ, the anti-typical sin-offering, reaches unto all that
are in their graves and secures for all mankind an awakening from death.
R1395:6
The classes saved during this Gospel age do more than believe, repent,
live righteously, they make a covenant to follow in Jesus footsteps.
SM725:2
Became the basis for the forgiveness of our sins, made peace for us,
opened up the way to reconciliation, transferred us back to sonship with
God. R1230:3
Regarding Jesus as an "example" would be of no profit or advantage. Jesus
was "nothing" if not a Redeemer--a justifier from sin and its penalty.
R1459:1
Saved from wrath -- Restored to the proper condition of sons--liberated
from sin and death, the manifestation of God's wrath. R1586:1
Enemies -- All mankind are opposers of God and righteousness, so far as
their imperfect conduct, though all are not such at heart. R1175:1
The whole race were reckoned and treated as enemies condemned to death
because represented in Father Adam. R1028:1*
Convicts before the Judge. R504:1
Reconciled to God -- The atonement being finished as far as he is
concerned. E26, 25
The opposition and curse of his violated law was lifted. R587:5
One of the prominent features of God's plan, by which his love is manifested,
is Christ's death. R483:1
The death of Christ reverses the curse that came on all by the first Adam.
R197:6*
Death of his Son -- Our justification, without his death as our ransom
price would have been legally impossible. R1247:1
Both the death and resurrection of Christ were indispensable to God's plan
for human salvation or justification. R1247:1
His death justified us to human life. R253:3
The laying down of the blood life or psuchee. R53:3*
This was the point of reconciliation between God and man, hence Christ is
our "Mercy Seat." R39:1*
Much more -- Much more easily believed, is the promise that. R705:5
Being reconciled -- Guiltless, acquitted by the Judge who once condemned
us. R504:1
Being justified and reckoned as sons of God. R1586:1
Atoned. R43:1
Reconciliation for the sins of the whole world was made,
(Heb. 2:17) but all have not yet accepted the reconciliation through
faith. R677:4*
We may readily believe and accept of all the marvelous favors promised us
as followers of the Lamb who justified us. R930:2
We shall be saved -- Brought back to perfection and harmony with God and
his law. R587:5
Recovered fully from the imperfections and penalties of sin. R705:5
As we continue to trust in the merit of our Redeemer, accept the free gift
of God's love, we have the Scriptural assurance of salvation. R1586:4
The higher and spiritual form of salvation. R197:6*
By his life -- Now he ever liveth as a divine being, with all power and
authority in heaven and in earth to accomplish the remainder of the plan
of our Father. R1028:4*
Christ is thus shown to be both the restorer of old, and Giver of the
higher life--the second Adam. R197:6*
His example and aid enables us to become partakers of the divine nature.
R257:3
By the impartation of his spiritual nature and the benefits that follow by
his zoee, life. R53:6*
By whom we -- The Church, alone, as yet. E19, 37; R190:5
Have now received -- Having this reckoned standing now. R1586:4
We who believe have now received the atonement. R1586:4
We are now reckoned of God as perfect through Christ, and as worthy to be
called his sons, and receive favors of sons. R1586:4
The atonement -- Greek, kattalage; the satisfaction of justice and the
restoration of God's creatures to harmony with himself. E19, 20, 488
Perfect and restored in God's sight. R190:5
We and our Father are in full harmony and communion. R37:2
Wherefore -- Relating back to the atonement of verse 11. R43:1*, 483:3*
Contrary to the teachings of Evolutionists. A61, 162; R2395:3
As by one man -- Father Adam by his disobedience involved himself and
all the race in what the Scriptures designate a "curse" or penalty; death
penalty. SM28:2, 779:2; R5372:2, 3093:1, 2100:5
The responsibility of the fall was in Adam. R5716:6, 5402:6, 4552:2,
930:3; E189; PD10/17
Satan's falsehood was the cause of the disobedience of the first man.
Q799:2
The effect of Adam's fall upon his offspring, through heredity. R5719:6
Only imperfect dying beings could be produced from diseased sperm or
life-seed from Adam. E102
Father Adam once had life, but he lost it through disobedience in Eden,
and instead the death sentence rested upon him. R3475:2
The condemnation of Adam as a man has not condemned his children in a
separate way, but counted them all as members of the one man. R4499:4
Adam's children are as sure to get a blessing from Christ's redemptive
work as they surely did share in the curse that came upon Father Adam.
R3686:4
It is better that all are condemned in Adam, than individually to death,
that all may be released by one man--Christ Jesus. HG731:2
In whom all sinned. R2050:3, 13:1
Adam was originally perfect and pleasing to God. OV383:3
The tomb represents the penalty on Adam for his transgression, and this
has been inherited by all of his children. R5463:3
Adam created, or brought this "hell," or condition of death, upon the race
by his disobedience. Q785:T
The death of the race depended not upon Eve but wholly upon Adam. E102
Adam was not deceived, therefore had greater responsibility than Eve.
PD10/17
Although Eve was "first in the transgression," her act did not imperil the
race; because the race was not in her, but in Adam. R2100:5; Q264:2
Eve's identity was so linked with Adam's that, even if she had not sinned
in partaking of the forbidden fruit she would, as part of him, have shared
his penalty--death. R2100:5; A124
Had Eve alone sinned the race would not have died. Adam's offspring would
have been the same, the imperfections of Eve would not have affected them.
R776:6
As death depended not upon Eve, yet she shared in the bringing of it, so
the restored life depends not on the Bride of Christ, but upon Jesus, but
she shares in the work of restitution. R777:1
Through Adam's sin, condemnation was precipitated upon the entire human
family--and his bride, mother Eve, was a participant with him in the
entire matter. R4138:5
Adam and his bride were one, not twain, hence Eve shared the sentence
which her conduct helped to bring upon Adam. A124: R2100:5
God purposed that the entire race should be born from one pair, in order
that when sin entered and involved the whole human family, so the death of
one person would suffice to redeem the entire race. R5900:1
The propagating of the species did not begin until after the fall--a
merciful providence that every member of the race might share in the
redemption. R1552:1
If ministers of all denominations do not believe Adam's condemnation
passed upon all, how can they believe in the redemption accomplished by
our Lord Jesus once for all for Adam and his posterity. R4017:2
Sin entered -- There was no sin or death in the world prior to Adam's
transgression. R2395:3, 4972:6, 981:4
Adam sold himself and his race into sin. E452
The cause of all earth's woes and sorrows. OV295:1
"The fathers have eaten a sour grape and the children's teeth are set on
edge." (Jer. 31:29; Ezek. 18:2) R2608:5, 2611:4
The sin was disloyalty, disobedience, and its penalty was death. R5979:2
At Eden, and manifested its tendency to be continually downward, except as
God introduced the "salt of the earth," (Matt. 5:13) whose influence has
been to keep the social mass from utter corruption. R1091:3
The evidence that sin and death and all the train of evil came by one
man's disobedience, is certainly a positive denial that God is the author
of it. R871:3
Into the world -- Adam's sin was the world's sin because he was the
world--the race of natural men being in him. R145:2*
This is far from the teaching of Evolution; the Bible teaches the very
reverse. R5140:3
And death -- The death sentence, or curse, or the wrath of God. HG228:4;
NS228:4
The wrath of God is revealed in the death sentence that has been on our
race for 6000 years. Q328:T; NS231:6
Entered. R1196:4
The race was doomed to extinction. R875:2
The whole world of mankind was judged unworthy of everlasting life by
Jehovah. F395
The sentence being not to die merely, and after a period live again, but
to remain dead, eternal death. R875:3
The wages, penalty, sentence of sin. E452; F395; R1026:2
Everywhere the penalty of sin is described as destruction. R1026:3
It was not eternal torment that passed upon man nor upon all men, but
death. R4552:2; 1085:2, 1026:2; CR209:1, 21:1; NS586:3, 119:6
If eternal torment were the penalty would the Apostle be justified in
making such a statement? R1026:3
The curse of death is much more reasonable than the mistaken creed of
eternal torment. HG650:2
All the aches, pains, sorrows and sickness which we experience are parts
of this dying process. R4972:6, 3921:5
Adam lost eternal life and divine fellowship, and instead got sickness,
pain, sorrow, death. R4552:2
God, who gave the opportunity for life eternal, had the full right, the
full power, to terminate that life when used contrary to his divine
injunction. SM29:T
God's wisdom and justice cannot be impugned--the sentence of death is
justly upon all men through Father Adam. R1506:6
Adam and Eve before they sinned, and our Lord Jesus who was sinless, alone
had life, ever lived; all others born under condemnation are properly
speaking, dying, not living now. R1105:5
The word is sometimes used in a figurative sense, but behind all this is
the actual death which passed upon all. R891:2
Adamic death was the penalty for sin inflicted after and because of that
figurative death of righteousness, sin. R911:4
Adam became a slave of sin, and as a result, a slave of death. R5355:3
Death and sin. R5372:2
By sin -- As the result of sin. E309; F333; R3391:2, 3256:4, 2395:4,
2100:5, 2050:3, 1718:2, 1196:4, 1026:3; SM779:1
As a consequence of sin. R1085:1
Or as a penalty of sin. R1026:3
Before sin entered the world there was no death. R981:1
Condemnation of death resulted from Adam's willful sin. R1452:6
There would have been no such thing as death in the world aside from sin;
thus sin and death constituted the curse. SM799:2; NS643:2
Sin, disobedience, brought the penalty, death, which has impaired the
image of God, and in every way degraded man. R1374:4
Thus the death sentence and all its concomitants passed on Adam's race,
because all were infected by the disease of sin. R4426:3, 4138:5, 1374:3,
1105:5
This teaches that sin, sickness, and degradation are evils; not due to
poor workmanship on the part of our Creator, but by heredity through
Adam's transgression. R2395:3
Adam lost his powers of perfect manhood and all right to their perfection
through disobedience. R1228:4
Adam was rejected from divine fellowship, expelled from Eden, and
subjected to dying conditions. SM612:1
Jesus' ransom-sacrifice affected Adamic death and Adamic sins and none
other. R1454:2
Willful sin is not Adam's sin in any sense of the word. The ransom from
Adamic sin would therefore not affect a release for willful sin. R1454:2
And so death -- Adamic death, the first death as opposed to second
death. HG356:5; NS357:5
The sentence of death came upon Adam, and indirectly affects all his race.
E331; R2847:5
Human longevity has decreased, while mental, moral and physical ailments
have increased. OV128:1; HG586:3
From the divine standpoint everyone is dead who is either under the
sentence or whose life to any extent has been impaired as a result of the
curse. R3417:5
The wages of sin is death--including trials, weaknesses, and sufferings of
the present life incidental to the dying process. R2847:5
As death was caused by sin, so all calamities spring from the same cause,
and are under control of him who has the power of death, the devil. R583:5
As death is a curse, so is sickness the death-poison working in our
system. R2000:1
All sickness is part of the dying process and hence is foreign to man's
natural condition, as designed by God. R2000:1
As death is a mark of sin, and would not come except as a penalty for sin,
so is sickness because it is part of the dying process. R2000:1
The worst, therefore, that could befall the children of the wicked would
be--death. R3133:4
The first death comes upon the entire human race (Adam excepted)
independent of individual will. R1324:1
There is a radical difference between the law regulating the first death
and that regulating the second death. R1324:1
The resurrection will be the only actual salvation from death. R1253:2
Had God not provided redemption through Christ, the death penalty which
came upon our race in Adam would have been everlasting, but all have been
redeemed from death. R1086:1; HG586:3
The penalty is the just expression of the will and law of God toward
man--"The wages of sin is death." (Rom. 6:23) R723:2
Passed upon all men -- All the human race. R838:3
Before they were born. R1780:1
The world of mankind may be regarded as a convict race under sentence of
death. Q764:4
Rendering all men convicts, with whom God has been pleased to deal
variously. F174
Thus the whole creation was made subject to frailty (to the inherent taint
of sin and its condemnation to death). R1780:6
Adam's fall extended in a natural way, and with increasing force and
momentum, to his posterity. F395
Under God's law the entire race was judged representatively in Adam. R723:2
It extends to all mankind not merely the hoary-headed sinners, but to the
newborn and unborn babes as well. R1477:5
The infant of but an hour shares in the pain and dying process as well as
those who live longer and participate in the transgression of the laws of
righteousness. F333
Hence all being sinners, all have infirmities, sicknesses and dying.
R4138:5
"Born in sin and shapen in iniquity, in sin did my mother conceive me."
(Psa. 51:5) NS351:5
Adam's children were born to him after he forfeited his life-rights and he
was unable to give to his children more than he possessed--a dying nature.
R5972:2
As all of Adam's children were condemned before their birth, so all of
them were redeemed, and the majority of them before their birth. R3686:4
Although purity should be cultivated from infancy, the hope of the world
does not lie in the purity of infancy and the avoidance of sin. The hope
of humanity is in Christ. R2049:4
The downward or sinful tendency inbred in our very constitution is so
strong that none is able to fully overcome it. R4812:1
All of Adam's posterity have inherited weaknesses, mental, moral, and
physical. R4552:2, 4982:1, 3921:5, 3391:2, 2256:4; PD11/18; NS650:2
The death penalty was inherited by all Adam's children, so that not a man
in all the world of Adam's race had life. R3475:2, 1565:6
Heredity has much to do with every member of our race, nevertheless there
are counter-balances in nature. R4812:1
Since the children of Israel, as well as the other nations, were Adam's
posterity, they shared his sentence of death. R5046:3
In that all were condemned in the one transgression, the sin of one man.
PT387:4*; SM662:2; Q760:4
God had a charge of disobedience against mankind, and justly placed a ban
or condemnation upon Adam and his race--"Dying thou shalt die." R3915:3
The death sentence passed against Enoch and Elijah, as well as the
remainder of Adam's children, and wherever they are they must still be
under the death sentence. R3417:5, 2153:5
Enoch was preserved from actual dissolution in death--although already
under that sentence legally dead. R3378:4
For that -- In whom. (Margin) R1477:5*, 1324:1*, 690:2*, 483:4*, 43:3*
By reason of inherited sin and sinful dispositions. E24, 484; R2759:2,
2395:3
All have sinned -- Every human soul sharing in Adam's fall and loss.
E428; R5719:6, 5372:2, 4982:1; OV207:1; Q264:3
All are sinners. E24; R4812:1, 5372:2, 3391:2, 2759:2, 2395:2; OV207:1;
SM699:T
Not all individually, but as represented in Adam. R3654:3
Not willingly. R1781:1
It is not true that infants, idiots, etc., are innocent of sin. Although
they have not committed willful, personal sin, as members of the race of
Adam, they are sharers in original sin. R2050:3, 192:4
"The fathers ate a sour grape and the children's teeth are set on edge."
(Ezek. 18:2) E309
If you have lived just as morally and as carefully as you could, you have
fallen short of perfection, because of the weakness inherited through
Adam's fall. R604:5
Degeneracy began at once, and affected the offspring according to laws of
nature. R3391:2
The lesser degradation of some and the greater depravity of others, even
though all have sinned, some have indulged more willfully and fell more
deeply than others. R3256:4
This is contradicted by Christian Science with their theory that there is
no sin, no evil, therefore, no divine sentence against Adam and his race
and no such thing as death. R3900:2
For -- Notice verses 13 to 17 are parenthetical, used to offset a
misapprehension of the Jews; the main line of the Apostle's argument
passes from verse 12 to 18. R3654:2
Until the law -- Previous to the Law Covenant with Israel. R3654:6
There was a law previous to the Law of Moses. It was the law of God
originally inscribed upon the heart of the first perfect man. R3654:6
That law, whether ignored or recognized, has always been in the world, and
sin against that law has always been imputed to men. R3654:6
Sin is not imputed -- The sinner was conceited until the Law came. Sin
was not properly known as "exceedingly sinful." (Rom. 7:13) R99:4*
The world has not yet come under individual condemnation. R5071:1
Only those who are lifted out of Adamic condemnation can come under
another sentence. R5071:1
The only ones who have, in any sense, been released from this Adamic
condemnation are two classes; the natural Israelites and the spiritual
Israelites. R5071:2
When there is no law -- There can be no transgression. R4868:3
The world has not yet been placed under divine law. R5071:1
Nevertheless -- Because justice recognizes only perfection. E484
Although the Mosaic Law had not yet come to revive in the Jews the
knowledge of God. R3654:6
Even over them -- Over those who did not know the Law and did not sin
according to Adam's transgression; including infants. R4868:6, 3655:1
That had not sinned -- Willfully; for it reigned over infants as well as
over those capable of personal sin. R3655:1
The figure -- A type. R3655:1, 257:3, 29:2*
The first Adam, was instituted to be to the race natural, what the second
Adam is to the race spiritual. R29:2*
That was to come -- Christ, the second Adam. R3655:1, 257:3, 29:2*
Not as the offence -- The results of the offence and the free gift are
entirely different. R3655:1
Is the free gift -- "The gift of God is eternal life." (Rom. 6:23) E285
The offence of one -- Adam. R3655:1
Many be dead -- Under the condemnation to death. R3655:1
All men were either dead or dying--under condemnation to death reckoned of
God as dead. R729:1
The many. R3655:1
Grace of God -- The gracious plan of God. R2285:4
Gift by grace -- Christ, as the exponent of that plan. R2285:4
By the divine favor. R3655:1
The Apostle is speaking of the gracious plan of God, and Christ as the
exponent of that plan. R2285:4
God's favor in Christ. R37:3
This grace has not yet gone to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles in general.
R4634:5
Hath abounded -- Speaking from a prophetic standpoint. R4634:5
The only way in which it has abounded is through the promise of God that
the death of Christ will yet be made efficacious for all. R4634:5
Unto many -- Effects for "Israelites indeed." R4504:5
For the judgment -- Greek, krima; sentence. R1853:4, 3655:1
Was by one -- By one offence. R3655:1
Condemnation -- Condemned to death. R391:1
Man was condemned 6000 years ago, and if a Jew, he was additionally bound
by the Law Covenant, and has not escaped the condemnation that is in the
world. R1726:1; HG231:6
The penalty still remains and is strictly enforced. R688:6
Being unclean, all are cut off from fellowship and communion with the holy
and righteous God. R391:1
Is of many -- Is the forgiveness of many. R3655:1
Note the contrast of the one and the many here, the object of which is to
increase our estimation of the value of the free gift. R3655:1
Offences -- The sacrifice of Jesus is the basis of forgiveness to only
such offences as come more or less directly as a result of Adam's
disobedience and fall. R723:3, 1984:4
Death -- God decreed death as the penalty for sin. R1230:6
The sentence of death--extinction. R1230:6
With all its attendant miseries and troubles, is the just penalty for sin.
R787:2
Exposure to the disorders of nature as experienced in earthquakes,
cyclones are adjuncts of the curse. R787:2
Individual sin, except in the first man, has nothing to do with hereditary
death. R1477:5
Reigned by one -- By that one, Adam. R3655:1, 5779:3
Over all, for 6000 years. R2050:3, 5779:3, 2907:4
The past 6000 years have been a dying time in which death has reigned.
R1105:6
God foresaw the results of leaving Adam to his own will--that in his
inexperience he would not submit his will to the Creator's will. R1230:6
Abundance of grace -- Divine favor. R3655:1
Of righteousness -- The righteousness of Christ, imputed to us by faith.
R3655:1
Shall reign -- As sin and death have reigned for 6000 years, now soon
grace and truth shall reign unto righteousness and life. R2907:4
A reign of righteousness and life is to succeed the present reign of sin
and death. HG627:5
It is the Adamic death that he shall destroy during his reign. R764:1
In life -- The Millennium of Christ's reign is to be a re-living time, a
time in which life will reign. R1105:6
Father Adam will be one of the last to be awakened from the sleep of
death. R4499:1
Eternal life. R2720:3
By one, Jesus Christ -- Who paid the full corresponding price. E444;
R1230:5, 809:3, 776:2, 770:5
Who will completely eliminate sin from our nature, so that men will have
an actual righteousness of their own. R3655:4
By his death destroyed the enmity (curse) for all who have been cursed in
the first man's disobedience. R448:2
Jesus ransomed no one from the second death, the ransom was in settlement
of Adamic death only. R763:6
Showing how broad a foundation he has laid in the ransom of all by the
second perfect man, even as all had come under sentence through the first
perfect man. R1265:1
Therefore -- "For God shut up together all for disobedience, that he
might have mercy upon all." (Rom. 11:32) A300
As by the offence -- The things to be restored are the things that were
lost through Adam's transgression. A177; R329:2, 235:3*
Sin. R1218:3
The world's first crisis trial. R669:4, 2856:4, 891:6
Of one -- Adam. E25; R857:6, 332:5
A perfect man had sinned and forfeited all right to life. R464:2, 642:1
Judgment -- Sentence. R3654:3, 3261:2, 891:6, 669:4
The sentence or decree of death which came upon Adam was merely the
judicial sentence, not the degradation which followed as a consequence.
R2856:5
Came -- Extended to all the seed of Adam. A156; R1450:1
Upon all men -- Sharers of Adam's death sentence. R5596:6, 454:5
Condemning them as unworthy of life. R430:5, 911:4, 676:6*
As all lost life in the first Adam, so all may receive life by accepting
the second Adam. A108; HG344:6
All lost life, not of their own will or choice--in the first Adam. R545:3,
258:5
The entire race of Adam was in him when he was sentenced, it was condemned
with him. R5293:3
Adam's children were begotten after his humiliation. Through the law of
heredity they have been "born in sin and shapen in iniquity," (Psa. 51:5)
and accordingly under condemnation to death. R4018:6*
To condemnation -- The death sentence. E25; R2395:4, 903:1, 391:1, 15:5
Excommunication from God, and final extinction of being. R688:6
The justice of God is manifest by rewarding sin with death. R496:1
First death entered and spread throughout all the race entirely
independent of human will or personal act (except Adam's). R1450:1*
Man's first chance in Eden resulted in total loss. R704:2
Adam could only bequeath to his posterity the remainder of the
ever-declining inheritance which he himself possessed, a spark of life
under condemnation. R3654:3
The only exception being in the case of children where one or both of
whose parents are believers. (1 Cor. 7:14) R2719:1
Even so -- So the results of Christ's obedience will be shared by all
who believe into him. R1601:6
By the same law of heredity. R3654:3
Righteousness of one -- Of the one who gave his life a ransom. R3654:3,
2272:2
Life for life, (Jesus' life for Adam's life). R2051:1
A spotless Redeemer. E444
Jesus gave himself, unblemished with a perfect seed or race in him unborn,
untainted with sin, as a full ransom-price. HG395:2
Jesus, another perfect man, bought back the forfeited rights by giving his
unforfeited human existence a ransom, an equivalent price. R464:2, 642:1,
432:4
All but Jesus died because of the inherited taint. R441:2
The actual death of Christ. R911:4, 2720:2, 676:6*
The love of God is
manifest by the death of his Son to release us from that just
condemnation. R496:1
Herein the economy which pervades all of the divine plans; God condemned
all in one that he might have mercy upon all through one. R381:1, 363:6
This generation all die on account of Adam's sin, but will live again on
account of Christ's righteousness. R351:1
Our Lord's offering of himself a sin-offering and corresponding price for
Adam and those who lost life in him. R1725:2
Jesus, by the payment of the penalty upon Adam, gained the legal right to
restore him and his posterity to life. R3654:3
The death of Jesus was a complete settlement toward God of the sin of
Adam. A128
The most economical arrangement that could have been made. R5429:6, 381:4,
363:6
Adam's trial was a personal one and not a representative one; our Lord's
trial was a personal and not a representative one. R1601:6
The world's second crisis trial. R669:4, 2856:4, 891:6
"The man Christ Jesus gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in
due time." (1 Tim. 2:6) A131
God provided the Redeemer for the very purpose of lifting the
death-penalty upon mankind. R5293:3
It was by giving up his life as a ransom for the life of the Adamic race,
which sin had forfeited, that a right to life may come to man through
faith and obedience, under the New Covenant. R5192:5
Notice the contrast of the first man, Adam, and his failure with the
faithfulness of "the man Christ Jesus." R2395:4
So far as the divine law was concerned Jesus paid the full penalty of the
whole world rescuing mankind from the tomb and completely raising those
willing out of sin by the close of the Millennial age. R2759:3
God is not dependent on sinful flesh and blood to perfectly carry out the
divine plan of justification of life. R1151:5
The free gift -- Life became a free gift because we had as a race
forfeited our right to the life originally given to Adam. R430:5
This free gift will come to the world in the next, the Messianic, age.
R4760:2, 3261:3
It will not be their gift at once, but will become theirs as they come in
harmony with the Lord during the thousand year reign under the New
Covenant. R4760:6
Of forgiveness, which, if accepted, will constitute a justification or
basis for life everlasting. A156
All will be awakened from the tomb, thus receiving some benefit from the
New Covenant, irrespective of acceptance of Christ. R5293:1, 2759:2
First to the Ancient Worthies, next to the Jews, then to all the families
of the earth. R4760:6
As a gift, it will have certain conditions attached to it, it will be
under the terms of the New Covenant. R4760:3
This revival from the dead is to all men unconditional, but a revival to
immortality and eternal life is conditional. R630:2*
Jesus redeemed all men in order that all men might have a second chance.
R704:2
It is too late to avoid being condemned, our object must be to escape from
the condemnation that is in the world. R688:6
Christ has abolished death, annulled it; made it void, or powerless to
hold one of Adam's race. R630:3*
The things to be restored by and through
Christ, are those things which were lost through Adam's sin. R329:2
Came upon all men -- Who shall come into Christ, the new head of the
race. A128
The sentence of Adam's sin is settled by Christ for all who accept his
sacrifice and come into covenant relationship which eventually all must
have a chance to do. R1378:1
The world in general, not the Jews only. R2720:2
This word "all", occurs in 1 Cor. 15:22, 28; 1 Tim. 2:3, 6; 4:10; Heb.
1:6; 2:8; Rev. 15:4. The same Greek word is translated "every" more than
one hundred times. Eph. 1:21; Phil. 2:9; Rev. 5:13; Col. 1:15. R838:4
All came under Adamic sentence without choice or knowledge, and latterly
came under the benefits of the redemption similarly without choice or
knowledge. R2197:3
First death entered and spread throughout all the race entirely
independent of human will or personal act (except Adam's). R1450:2
All receive life at the hands of the second Adam equally without their will or
choice, with the privilege of retaining it forever on specified
conditions. R545:3
We are now in the dawn of the Millennial day. The day in which right will
rule and wrong be fully subjected, man will be restored by natural
processes. R470:4
The cancellation of sin through the merit of the precious blood of Jesus
affects not only Father Adam, but all of his children. SM307:T; R4760:3,
145:2*
The remedy for sin was co-extensive with the penalty. R3655:4
Israel, as well as the other nations, were redeemed by our Lord's offering
himself a sin-offering and corresponding price for Adam. R5046:3
After the Day of Atonement (Gospel age) shall have closed, forgiveness
will reach the whole world through Christ--a remission of the sentence
pronounced upon the world in the person of Adam. R3261:3
The long delay since the giving of the ransom until the release from the
sentence of extinction, has perplexed many of the Lord's faithful during
the Gospel age. R1178:1
Unto -- Permitting their attainment unto. R2720:3
Justification of life -- The appropriating to ourselves of the "flesh
and blood" of Jesus, justifies us from sin and its penalty
death--justifies us to human life and its privileges. R611:5
Forgiveness of many transgressions. R4504:5
Right to life may come to men through faith and obedience under the New
Covenant. R1637:2, 840:4, 838:3, 467:1
Justifying their living again. R15:5, 676:6*, 252:1
For the law of life in Christ made such free from the condemnation of
death. R332:5
Man's only hope is in a resurrection, a re-vitalization or recreation from
the dead. R1642:5
A justification to life is one thing, and a justification to more or less
friendship with God is another: the latter is all the Ancient Worthies
had. Fiii, 111
If Israel or any of the race were justified to life by the mediation of
the death of bulls and goats as a sacrifice for sins, then the Apostle was
in error. R792:4
The great High Priest will sprinkle the blood upon the mercy seat a second
time, and that will fulfill all demands of justice. R4760:3
The new creation are reckoned to attain it now in advance of the world, by
exercise of faith. F111
Will eventually be open to all men. F111
The law of heredity will cease (Jer. 31:29), and each will be given the
opportunity of justification unto life. R4018:6*
All of the accounts against humanity having been cancelled by justice
mankind will be turned over to the Mediator. R5293:2
To those whose sins were reconciled for by our Redeemer's sacrifice--they
were no longer under condemnation. R4504:5
St. Paul referred to the fall every time he mentioned justification or the
ransom-sacrifice by which we were justified. R1794:4
That we needed to be justified or made right, proves that we were wrong,
unrighteousness in God's sight. E444
The appropriating to ourselves of the "flesh and blood" of Jesus,
justifies us from sin and its penalty death--justifies us to human life
and its privileges. R611:5
For as by one man's -- Adam's, the first Adam. E414; R408:3, 545:3,
258:5, 7:3; OV226:1
Not by one woman's, Eve's; the death of the race depended not upon Eve but
wholly upon Adam. E102
Had Eve remained sinless, Adam's condemnation would still have affected
the entire posterity. R777:1
The penalty all came through one man, therefore God can justly let the
death of one man offset the death penalty. CR429:6, 430:1; R1395:1, 770:5
Adam's trial was a personal one and not a representative one. R1601:6
Disobedience -- Includes not only the act by which sin got possession of
the world, but everything incident to its penalty. R5356:3
Many were made sinners -- All who were in Adam. E25
"The many (all) were constituted sinners." (Diaglott) R15:5, 827:1, 252:1,
164:2, 96:3
The results of Adam's failure were inherited by those in him. R1601:6
Though a man may shorten his life by violating the laws of the physical
nature. R477:2
Obedience of one -- Jesus. E414; R408:3
The very chief of God's creation, higher than angels and archangels, was
selected to undergo the labors of redeeming humanity. R164:3
Thus the Son of God was delivered for our offences. R1247:6
Jesus' sacrifice was a full equivalent and offset in God's sight, for the
penalty which came upon Adam and all his race because of his disobedience.
R1395:1
Our Lord's trial, like Adam's, was a personal trial and not a
representative one. R1601:6
He condemned all through one representative, Adam, that he might have
mercy upon all through another representative, Jesus Christ. R408:3
The perfection of Jesus is proven by his ability to give himself a ransom
or corresponding price for the forfeited life and rights of Adam, who was
perfect until he sinned. R776:3
The restored life of the redeemed race depended on Jesus, but the Church
will share in the restitution work. R777:1
The philosophy of the ransom--all mankind were included in one man's
sentence, that the penalty could be paid on behalf of all by one
sacrifice. R2713:1
The merit of his obedience is as far reaching in its effects for the
release of the human family from death, as was Adam's disobedience to
destroy that life. R96:3, 37:3
Christ's righteousness, and obedience even unto death, have become a
ground of justification. OV226:1
Shall many -- Those who get the first benefit of this provision in
Christ are the Church. R5418:2
All who shall ultimately avail themselves of the privilege of the New
Covenant. E25; R5192:5, 2856:5, 2272:2
Not many during the Gospel age, only a Little Flock, later the world of
mankind. E414
This implies the resurrection of all the families of the earth that have
gone down into death. OV250:4
A universal redemption from the curse. R1633:3
The results of Christ's obedience will be shared by all who believe into
him. R1601:6
Be made righteous -- Not "were made righteous." A156
"The many (all) will be constituted righteous." (Diaglott) R15:5, 827:1,
252:1, 164:2, 96:3
Justified from sin and death. R422:6
This grand deliverance is not yet, it is merely prospective. CR430:1
All, aside from personal demerit, may receive life by accepting the second
Adam. OV226:1; R545:3, 258:5, 7:3
Every evil, whether in act, word, or thought, or every propensity toward
evil inherited by us is fully atoned by Jesus already. R725:4
By being raised out of sin and death to perfection during the Millennial
age. R2759:3, 417:6, 164:2
Made free from the death penalty--and ultimately shall have a
resurrection. R5418:2
Everlasting continuance of life may be had only upon the condition of full
obedience to divine requirements. R1642:5
Neither justice nor the new Judge will release the culprit from the
difficulties under which he labors, except as he exercises obedience.
R2856:5
Moreover the law -- The Mosaic Law. R3655:4, 930:3
The Law Covenant was added not to do away with sin, but that sin might be
more distinctly seen to be sin. R2720:3
Offence might abound -- The Law was given that sin and weakness might be
more fully recognized; it did not cure sin, but exposed it, showed it up.
R930:3
The Law brought with it a clearer knowledge of the will of God and
therefore an increased sense of sin. R3655:4
Where sin abounded -- Where the clearer knowledge of the will of God was
given which enabled them to more clearly see their own short-comings.
R3655:4, 2720:3, 930:3
Against our first parents and all their posterity. R2842:4
The Lord takes us just as we are according to the flesh. SM310:T
Sin abounds more in some members of the human family than in others. Q139:T
Grace -- As illustrated by God's taking out of the world of sinners a
Little Flock to become sharers of the divine glory with their Lord Jesus.
R2842:4
God's grace in Christ, forgiving and justifying, or counting as righteous.
R37:3; SM309:2
Realizing our forgiveness through him, let us cease from picking our own
character and our fellow saint's to pieces by the Law, which Christ kept
for us. R930:1
If we grasp God's forgiveness through Christ, we must let go of the Law
and abandon all hope of self-justification. R930:2
In that he provided, through Christ, a recovery of all who will of mankind
from the penalty of sin and death. R2842:4
Much more abound -- Israel had many special favors as well as
chastisements from God. R3655:4
Implying that God supplies his grace in Christ to each needy penitent in
proportion to his needs. Q139:T; R930:3
God's grace through Christ is not evenly distributed in the sense of
giving so much to each individual, but is imputed to each according to
necessity. Q139:1
As sin hath reigned -- In the hearts or minds of men. E189
Both in Israel and in the world. R3655:4; SM789:3
The world has been under a reign of sin and death, not under a reign of
righteousness and life. R6013:2
Sin and death are personified as great monarchs now ruling the children of
men. SM611:1
Even so -- Both in Israel and in the world. R3655:4
Might grace reign -- In the Millennial age. R1772:1, 2907:4
A new order of things under control of Messiah will take the place of the
present reign of the Prince of darkness. NS627:5
By -- Through. R965:5
Jesus Christ -- He instead of Adam, will be the father, life giver, or
head of the new race. R3654:6
"He shall be called--the everlasting Father." (Isa. 9:6) R3654:6
Shall we -- A class of saints, consecrated to death. R648:6, 2720:3,
931:4
Gentile Christians. R952:2
Continue in sin -- Venial (forgivable, not mortal) sins. R1984:1
To do so would be to sin willfully, changing the sin from venial to
mortal. R1984:1
Shall we transgress when we please, trusting to God's provision for our
forgiveness? R930:3, 2720:3, 952:2
In justifying us, or imputing to us a righteousness not actually ours,
God's intention is not to have us continue in sin. R1223:5
Grace may abound -- Trusting to God's forgiveness in Christ. R930:3
How -- With what consistency R649:1
How could we under such circumstances take pleasure in sinning. R930:3
We, that are dead -- We saints that are reckoned dead in the flesh but
alive in the spirit. D476; R1861:4
Consecrated to death. R649:1, 728:6
Regard our Lord's substitute for sin as though it were our former sinful
selves that had died. R930:3
To sin -- As far as our wills are concerned. F368; R2167:1
By or on account of, or as a sin sacrifice. R649:1, 728:6
Any longer therein -- Have any fellowship with that which we are dying
to destroy or remove. R649:1
By our covenant with God, we have declared ourselves dead to sin. R1528:1,
1628:4
We should repulse and oppose sin as our great enemy, which had once caused
our death. R930:3
That our wills would be for sin would signify we had died as new
creatures. F368
That so many of us -- Already members of Christ's Body. F435: R1016:5;
NS50:4
As were baptized -- Immersed, not sprinkled. F435
This is the real baptism, of which immersion into water is the only
beautiful and appropriate symbol. R1278:6, 930:4
An admission in Christ; into the Body or Church of Christ. R2825:6,
2465:1, 649:1
Greek, baptizo; to bury, immerse, cover up, submerge. If immersed into
Christ, we lose ourselves. R132:3, 302:4, 132:3
Plunged, swallowed up, buried. R649:1:
The Apostle is urging the vow of consecration. R4264:6
From the time of full consecration to God, we are counted as being dead. Q764:4
The Gentiles require immersion into Christ. R75:3
The laver clearly typifies baptism. R117:1
Into Jesus Christ -- Not into water. F435: R2465:1, 514:1; CR75:4
This affords a suggestion of words which are suitable to symbolical
immersion. F455; R1544:4
Into the Body, of which Christ is the Head. SM346:3; R2810:4, 1544:4,
1278:6, 649:1, 270:6; Q32:3: CR75:4, 171:4; OV241:5
None enter the Body of Christ except by the immersion of their wills into
the will of Christ. R2465:1
Our introduction into the Body of Christ as wild olive branches grafted
into the approved stock. R2931:4, 2825:6
We are not merely baptized into the glorious Body of the future, but we
are baptized into Jesus that we might share in the death of Jesus, the
sacrifice, and share in the glory of Jesus, the Messiah. R5054:4
Become with Jesus, The Christ, the Anointed, for Christ means anointed.
SM346:3
Our oneness with Jesus as members of The Christ, may be clearly
illustrated by the figure of the pyramid. R270:6, 135:1
Not into the Baptist Church nor any human institution, but the one true
Church of the living God. R2810:4
The Disciples denomination misunderstand and are practicing John's baptism
of repentance and remission of sins. R2417:6
Were baptized -- Not into water, but into burial of our wills, which
control body, hands, feet, eyes, mouth, brain, bank account, and all that
we have. F436; R1542:5, 1008:2, 514:1; CR75:4
Scriptural baptism is indispensable. No one will be of the Little Flock
who has not been baptized. R132:2
This baptism will not be complete until the last member shall have passed
into death. PD56/69
Into his death -- Made participators with him in his sacrificial death.
F439; R4547:5, 1542:3, 514:1; CR75:5; OV241:7
"Being made conformable to his death." (Phil. 3:10) R133:1
A full consecration of our wills and ultimately a full laying down of our
lives, faithfully unto death. R2700:6, 2167:1
Self denial as we crucify the human nature with its affections and
desires. R133:4
The eternal death of the human nature. R302:4
Not Adamic death, but a ransom or substitute for it. R649:1
We share also in the results of Christ's death; the putting away of the
sins of the whole world. R649:1
It is hard to die in any sense, but it is especially hard to be dead to
the world, its opinions, pleasures and wishes, while still in it. R133:5
By the giving up of things not sinful, and to which you have a right, as
men. R133:2
In the Church's case also a death to sin. R2147:6
Praise and blame are nothing to him who is really dead and buried with
Christ. R202:6*
"Baptism into death" excludes no denominational lines. It includes those
of every denomination and of no denomination who comply with its
conditions of faith and obedience and consecration unto death. CR76:1;
R4019:1
It is a very different thing to be baptized into death with Jesus, and to
be baptized into water with him. CR171:4
Not for remission of sins. Q32:3
God has never counted any in as members of the Church of Christ except
those who have fully surrendered their wills to him and become dead to the
world. SM346:3; R2700:6
Gentiles needed to be baptized into Christ's death. PD57/69; R2825:6, 952:2
Therefore -- Refers to the preceding verse. We want to be immersed into
Jesus Christ, not just the body of humiliation, but specially the Body of
glory. HG263:4
We are buried -- We have been entombed. (Diaglott) R649:1
Burial of our human will into the will of Christ is our death as human
beings. F436; R96:2, 132:3
In a sense each one buried loses his own individuality and self control
and merges into the Body of Christ. NS326:3
The instant of this burial is followed by our begetting. F436
In symbolic baptism, one no more buries himself than he raises himself. We
merely surrender our wills, our all, to the Lord. R3362:3
Him -- Jesus. R759:3
Christ. HG258:3
By baptism -- By the immersion. (Diaglott) R649:1
Nowhere does the Bible say that it is water baptism which inducts the
believers into Christ. R5063:5; F440
The water immersion is merely a symbol or picture of the burial of the
individual's will and interests in death. SM123:1; R1542:2,3, 962:3
Immersed into the Body, the true Church. R396:2
Begotten, at the moment of full consecration. E184; R1301:4
The door of sacrifice. R5446:3
Into death -- Participation with the Redeemer in the death which he
died. R5063:5; SM123:1
Death to self-will, earthly hopes, aims and prospects. R759:3
Death to the flesh. SM123:1
We are accepted only by giving up our own will, and taking instead the
will of God. R5446:3
That like -- In order that. R649:1
Raised up -- Baptism is an emblem of both death and resurrection.
R1322:2*, 930:4
He was resurrected to the divine plane. R5748:6
From the dead -- For parts of three days he lay dead in the tomb--not
alive in any sense. R5748:6
He had given up his human life never to take it up again. R5748:6
Glory of the Father -- Divinity. R145:6*
Even so we also -- From the time of our consecration, the immersion of
our wills into that of the Lord. R1278:6
The Bride is called to the same glorious nature as her Head. R5748:6
Our condition is a reckoned one in Christ justified, dead, resurrected
now. R649:1
Walk -- Circumspectly not as fools, redeeming the time. R1753:2
In newness of life -- Refers indirectly to our share in the first
resurrection, refers chiefly to the present life. F440; Q591:2; NS52:4
In a new life. (Diaglott) R649:1
Reckon ourselves as though we had been resurrected, and were now actually
spiritual beings, as Jesus now is; abstaining from sin and rejoicing in
communion with him. R649:1, 3132:3, 1542:6
New creatures with an inward man, or hidden man of the heart who is being
renewed day by day. R2231:6
Newness of hopes, ambitions, relationship to God through Christ. F437
Our resurrection is already begun. R5440:5, 1542:6
We are figuratively raised from the dead. R5089:2
As creatures of a new nature, to which we were instantly begotten after
consecration. F436, 675, R154:4
Planted together -- United with him. (Revised Version) HG264:2
Baptized. R132:3
Planting into death, in the likeness of Christ's death. F441
Water baptism would be a very cheap guarantee to a place in the Kingdom.
HG263:6
Not yet made a complete sacrifice. R99:3*
In the likeness -- Pattern or sample. R2477:2
In the like kind, the sacrificial kind. R649:1
There is no other way to attain to the new nature. R5871:4
Of his death -- We must be dead with him, suffer with him. R191:1, 3152:5
We shall be also -- Sharers. R1542:6, 1278:6, 1260:2
Thousands have been planted in water who will never share in his
resurrection. F441
Likeness -- The experience of the brethren in resurrection will only be
a duplication of the experiences of their Lord. R2477:2
His resurrection -- The first resurrection. R190:6, 2671:6, 2477:2,
1542:6; SM152:3
The divine nature. R1442:1
The chief resurrection. R1511:2
Our Lord is the Head, the first born from the dead amongst many brethren.
R2477:2:
To glory, honor and immortality. (Rom. 2:7) R2773:1, 5871:4, 1262:6,
1260:2, 649:1
To spiritual perfection. R649:1
To the new nature and to ultimately share in the heavenly Kingdom. R3152:6
The change will be instantaneous, except to those who have slept. R1260:2
We die to the world and rise to "walk not after the flesh but after the
spirit." (Rom. 8:1,4) R133:6
Knowing this -- Remembering in this connection. R649:1
That our old man -- Human nature. R728:6, 212:1*; Q44:9
Our degraded, sin-inclined selves when under condemnation. R649:2, 99:3
Our former selves, justified by faith in Christ's sacrifice. R960:2,
3067:6, 931:4
The old nature given up at consecration, different from the "body of sin."
Q44:3
Is crucified with him -- Consecrated to death. R931:4
That we might be members of his Body, spiritual new creatures. R960:2
Was crucified in him, represented in Jesus when he was crucified. R649:4
The body of sin -- A figurative personification of evil or sin. R931:4,
960:2; Q651:1, 44:9
The antichrist; a system of error which Paul saw would arise,
counterfeiting and opposing the "Body of Christ." R980:2, 930:2
Organization of sin. R3067:6
The entire sin system with all its members and branches. R960:2
Represents all the sin in the world. Q651:1
Not a sinful individual. R980:2
Sin is here represented in figure as the great oppressive monarch whose
reign with his servant death has brought so much distress on the world,
all of whom he has enslaved, but from whose power we have been delivered
by Christ's ransom. R930:6
Of the sin-offering. R728:6
Might be destroyed -- Greek, katargeo; to render powerless, to destroy.
R2001:4
Jesus in his own person represented sin as a whole and as such "He was
made a curse" for sin. (Gal. 3:13) R649:4
When the last enemy shall be destroyed, which is death. Q45:T
Not serve sin -- No longer be enslaved to sin. (Diaglott) R649:4, 728:6
Nor in any sense recognize sin as our master. R3067:6
He that is dead -- He who died representatively in Jesus' death, who
accepts that Christ died for his sins. R649:4
Those who have passed from death unto life through Christ and are new
creatures. R4041:1:
Is freed -- Has been justified from sin. (Diaglott) R649:4, 728:6
From sin -- The great taskmaster, which previously held them in slavery
to wickedness. R4041:1
Not original sin. R4041:1
Any who consecrated themselves to death with Christ must first have been
justified freely. R728:6
Now if -- The Apostle adds the conditions to become joint-heirship.
R3709:3
After being sinners represented in Jesus' sacrifice, and justified
thereby. R649:4
We -- The Church. E411
As human creatures. A213
If we as justified persons. R649:4
Be dead with Christ -- The same, sacrificial death, not a different
death. CR327:5; F439; E411; R1260:2, 1015:6
A dying daily to the spirit, hopes, aims and ambitions of the world.
R2123:2
Deny self, to mortify the deeds of the body. R2123:2, 281:3
Self with its own selfishness or depraved desires, should be reckoned
dead. D476; E411
As human beings we are consecrated to destruction, as sacrifices. A213
Suffer with him. C208
Those accepted by the Lord are sacrificed by him as parts or members of
himself and their blood (death) counted in as a part of the blood of
Christ. R4397:6
This thought should be in the minds of those who participate in the
Memorial. R5643:1, 3962:1
His death was not the Adamic death. R382:6
It was Jesus' first death; to those who die with him it is their second
death. R514:5
Adamic death is in the past to us, but the overcomers shall not be hurt of
the second death. R514:5, 649:5
We believe that -- As new spiritual beings. A213
We shall also -- Changes which daily occur to our human bodies do not
cause us to lose our identity. A202; R626:6
Live with him -- On a higher than human plane of being. R328:6
Be made "joint-heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him." (Rom.
8:17) C208; R5643:1, 1542:5
The transformation of mind, from earthly to heavenly, is the beginning of
that change of nature. A202, 213
To know the power of his resurrection, we must expect the fellowship of
his sufferings. R80:3
Dieth no more -- Death having no more dominion over him. E90; R2822:6
No ransom will ever again be given for any; for none worthy of life will
be cast into the second death. R2603:2, 5776:5, 5093:5, 2657:4, 701:6;
SM31:T
Our Lord's sacrifice was once for all. R2822:6
He redeemed them from the curse once. R701:6
He has finished with the flesh forever. NS459:1
For willful sinners, "There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." (Heb.
10:26) R2610:2, 4575:2, 769:6
There will be no resurrection from the second death. SM31:T; R5925:5,
5354:5, 5103:1, 2610:2, 1155:4, 553:4
If we sin willfully as new creatures, we would forfeit the right to live,
and we could not be redeemed again. R5103:1, 4575:2
Those who die the second death will have no recovery; they have had their
share in the atonement. R5093:5
It is impossible for Christ to die any more because he has been made a
partaker of the divine nature, immortality. R1642:2, 677:4
Even if he did, the Scriptures declare it is "Impossible to renew them
again unto repentance." (Heb. 6:4-6) R769:6
The Bible intimates a considerable number of goats at the end of the
Millennial age under the second death penalty. Another sacrifice would do
no good if they hadn't previously profited. R5925:5
Would any intelligent being give his life a corresponding price for one
who proved incorrigible under such favorable conditions? R5925:5
The sacrifice of the Mass, practiced in the Roman Catholic Church, is in
direct conflict with this scripture. R3960:6, 5641:6
No more dominion -- No longer lords it over him. (Diaglott) R649:4
Died -- This death and resurrection is the real baptism. R145:6*
Unto sin once -- "By sin." (Diaglott) "For sin." (Murdoch's Syriac)
R366:2
By or on account of our sins imputed to him. R648:3, 930:5, 882:1, 728:6,
649:4, 366:3
As a sacrifice for or because of our sin. R882:1
That one death, and only one ever referred to by our Lord or his apostles,
was the death at Calvary. R4700:5, 5192:3
Unto God -- By the favor and reward of God. R649:4, 728:6
Likewise reckon ye -- Thus do you account yourselves. R649:4
The Lord's consecrated ones. R3246:3
The death of the flesh and its will, and the resurrection of the flesh as
the servant of the new will are only reckoned matters. F600; R1594:3
The death of Jesus was reckoned complete when he presented himself a
living sacrifice. T53
In our present reckoned condition we seek mentally and spiritually to
appropriate the perfect likeness. R1594:3
We are not actually spirit beings until our resurrection, though when we
receive the spirit of adoption we are reckoned as such. A197
Yourselves -- Our will. R5358:3
Dead indeed unto sin -- And to all human aims, and hopes of human glory,
honor or life. T53; R5584:3, 2616:1
Mortifying, or deadening of the fleshly mind. R5486:5, 79:6
Dead people cannot sin. R3246:3
Old tempers and dispositions disappear and the new mind asserts its power.
R1528:1
To self-will and worldly opinion. F450
This condition needs to be maintained by opposition of the new will to any
activity of the old will over the flesh. F600
Praise and blame are nothing to him who is really dead and buried with
Christ. R202:6*
As sharers with Jesus of the penalty of the world's sin. R649:4
On account of sin, as sacrifices (see Diaglott). R728:6, 648:3
Having made a covenant with God. R1628:4, 1528:1
Now with every sin stain cancelled, we as he, present a sinless sacrifice.
R366:3
Not for our own sins (which were blotted out by his sacrifice) but for the
sins of others, even as was his death. R930:5
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. (1 Cor. 15:3) R648:3
Dead to sin and mortality. R145:3*
But alive -- There is nothing said about being reckonedly new creatures.
We are to reckon ourselves as though we had been raised from the dead.
R5325:2,3, 5060:6, 3132:3; A197
The Church has already been quickened together with Christ. R3132:3
Our dead flesh has been quickened through the power of God to serve him.
Q680:2
Covered with the robe of Christ's righteousness. R4761:5
Our mortal bodies energized in the service of the Lord. Q508:2; R5584:3,
3132:3
Alert to know and do the will of the Lord in every matter. F451; NS55:3
Living by. R649:1
Resurrected to holiness and immortality. R145:6*
No Jew can get eternal life under the terms of the Law Covenant. R4537:3
Unto God -- Alert to know and do his will. F451; R5584:3
Daily growing more and more Christ-like. R1528:1
This means a constant warfare against the easily besetting sins of our old
nature. R1528:1
Through -- God's favor is conveyed to the sinner through his Redeemer,
and in no other way. R965:5
Let not sin therefore reign -- Because, as new creatures, we are
begotten of a different spirit. R2720:4
There is a constant warfare against the easily besetting sins of our old
nature. R1528:1, 1628:4
Even as now, sin does not reign in all, so that some now, in heart pass
from death unto life. R1219:1
Do not allow it to dominate you; refuse to obey sin. R5356:3, 5378:5,
1626:5, 93:2
Your mortal body -- Man is not immortal. R1642:5
Neither yield -- Implying spiritual sickness. R2446:1
Unrighteousness -- Iniquity. R649:1
But -- According to your consecration. R649:2
Yield yourselves -- Present yourselves, in harmony with your
consecration. R649:4, 366:3
Presenting refers not to consecration, but to fulfilling the covenant
already made. R608:1
As those -- As if. R649:2
Alive from the dead -- Just as though risen actually and possessing our
promised immortal, spiritual body. R649:4
Instruments of righteousness -- That you may be used as his agents and
mouthpieces. R649:2
Sin -- Sinful dispositions. R5901:3*
Ye -- The Church. R5887:4, 4505:2, 3752:6
Are not -- The Lord speaks not as he speaks to servants. R2487:2
Under the law -- The Law Covenant. R4013:6, 5887:4, 5071:4,5, 4600:1,
4586:5, 4505:2
Jesus made an end of the Law Covenant, nailing it to the cross. R3752:6
The Christian is still bound to do what is right. R5072:5, 542:3
Jews who became Christians were freed from the Law to which they had been
bound, but were still bound to do what is right. R5072:5,6
We are to recognize a distinction between the commands which Christ gave
us and the Law Covenant. R5520:2, 4013:6
The Church is not put under the law of Sinai or required to keep it to get
everlasting life. R5287:1
The Law killeth. R614:6
What was proper enough as a prohibition to the natural man would be
inappropriate to the new creation. R4014:1
Nevertheless the Law is very precious to the Church looking at the spirit
of it. R5287:1, 5071:4
Those sacrificing all their earthly rights are doing more than the Law
could require. R5287:4
The New Law Covenant would condemn every imperfect person as did the Old
Law Covenant. R4586:2
We are not under the Law Covenant, but under divine favor expressed in the
New Covenant, sealed by Christ's blood. R1728:6
But -- As stewards. R2487:2
Under grace -- Favor. R542:3, 5947:2, 1726, 973:4, 971:4
Which does not require the fulfillment of the Law. R5947:2
It is the spirit of the Law (love) manifested in us, through Christ that
gives or guarantees life. R614:6
Covering our unwilling imperfections of thought, word, and deed. R1726:6,
971:4
Grace means what the Lord does for us freely, not as a reward of any kind.
R5073:1
"There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." (Rom.
8:1) R614:5
We are not judged according to the flesh, but according to the heart
intentions. Q180:3
Love is the fulfillment of the Law so far as we are concerned. R4600:1
We are not under the New Covenant; it applies to the Jews. R4586:2
We are not under the Law Covenant, but under the arrangement of grace, of
God's favor. R5072:6
The Grace Covenant. R4600:1, 4505:2
Our relationship to God is of the same character as that enjoyed by
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, before the Law Covenant. R3752:6
Some feel alarmed at the thought of being free from a law, but Abraham
Isaac and Jacob were approved without a law. R3753:1
The Church is not under the Law, but it is valuable to them, providing a
standard of perfection. R5287:1
Christ's word is our law; not a law of bondage, but of liberty. R973:4
Tithing, like all other features of the Law, was not given to the new
creatures in Christ, but to the Jews. R1028:6
Shall we sin -- Willfully. R1728:6, 973:4
We must not live in sin. R5098:1
Shall we live in sin while our hearts are in harmony with righteousness
R5098:1
Let us put off everything we think will be displeasing to the Lord. R5098:1
Because -- Shall we take advantage of liberty to break away into sin.
R973:4
Not under the law -- The Law Covenant. R1728:6
We are no longer under Jehovah's Law given at Sinai, but under a new
arrangement, under law to Christ. But since his law is in harmony with the
Father's law, we are "not without law to God, but under the law to
Christ." (1 Cor. 9:12) R542:6
God forbid -- As sons, begotten of the spirit of adoption, we delight to
do our Father's will. R973:4
That to whom -- There are two great opposing forces in conflict--Christ
and Satan--all mankind are serving one or the other. R1948:1
His servants ye are -- There are two masters: one is God the other is
mammon. R5896:5
"Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24) R5896:5
All who with Satan serve sin, are his servants or messengers. R3084:1
The Adversary always secures and uses the best servants he can for his
mouthpieces. R3120:1
Mankind are slaves of sin. R5355:3
The world is unwittingly in the service of Satan. NS227:3
If we are serving sin, serving the flesh, we are slaves to it. R3893:1
If our lives are in harmony with sin and unrighteousness we are not on the
Lord's side, but on the Devil's. NS368:2
Millions of professed Christians imagine that they are serving the Lord
while in reality they are serving the Adversary. R4033:5, 5693:4, 4327:1;
OV275:3
If we are giving time and thought to grasping after riches and worldly
honors; for selfishness in any form, if our sympathies and affections tend
earthward, then we are serving mammon. R5896:6, 3893:1, 1626:6
If we are really living for the present life alone, let us not dishonestly
profess to be a servant of the great King. CR16:5
To whom ye obey -- To whom ye render service. CR16:5; R1217:3, 495:3
Not whom do we think we are serving, but who do we actually serve. R4033:5
Seeing how wonderfully the Adversary can accomplish evil purposes,
circulate falsehoods, and find agents for these services, proves that
Satan is not bound. R5655:4, 4524:4
Careful scrutiny of thoughts, word and doings in the light of God's word,
will show whether we are rendering service to the rightful master or the
Adversary. R5896:6
If we are living for the present life alone let us not pretend otherwise.
An honest servant of mammon is more respectable to the Lord than one
dishonestly professing to be a servant of God. NS489:2
Sin unto death -- Destruction; contrary to the Universalist theory.
R3083:5
The second death. R3084:1
We cannot know absolutely who have committed the "sin unto death," and who
have not. R4592:1
The servants of sin -- Through the weakness of heredity. E189
Mankind are "slaves of sin." (Diaglott) R5355:3
Obeyed from the heart -- Not mere outward acts, that would be formalism,
but loyal obedience. R85:2
Free from sin -- The Scriptures ascribe no sin to the new mind. R2440:3
Ye -- Ye new creatures. R2440:3
Our fellow-freedmen in Paul's day. R1066:4
Infirmity -- Greek, astheneia, used to denote moral, spiritual sickness.
R4099:6*
Yield your members -- Having consecrated, they must spend their life and
the strength of every member of their bodies in his service. R608:1
Servants to righteousness -- All who realize freedom through Christ's
pardon, should submit themselves to their Redeemer's control. R1066:5
The servants of sin -- Bond-slaves. R3512:6
The masses through ignorance, and the more intelligent through pride and
selfishness. E189
In this captive condition they have been blinded by the god of this world.
E189
Is death -- Destruction; contrary to the Universalist theory. R3083:5
Free from sin -- Brought to a condition of sin-less-ness by faith in the
ransom. R199:2
Become servants -- Bond-servants; bond-slaves. R1066:4
Fruit unto holiness -- Entire consecration. R142:5, 279:4
Sanctification. R199:2
Formation of character. R48:4
The first phase of real baptism; dying to sin and living to holiness.
R160:3*, 48:4
"I am the vine, ye are the branches." (John 15:5) E140
The Church as branches draw the new life from our Lord the root. E140
And the end -- And the end thereof will be. R142:5, 279:4
Not the beginning. R90:2
Everlasting life -- Eternal life, redemption. R199:2
The wages -- The curse or penalty. R4792:2, 5753:4, 1718:3; PD11/18
Punishment. R4695:4; HG356:4, 303:5
Neither love nor justice, as embodied in Jehovah, would sanction sin.
R5603:3
All mankind were born under this sentence. R4840:3
Recognized as "a just recompense of reward." (Heb. 2:2) R1087:5, 1443:2
A just penalty. R1718:3
Experiences of sorrow, degradation, imperfection and death are all parts
of the wage of sin. SM611:1
Since death is the penalty or wages of sin, when the sin is cancelled the
wages must in due time cease. A157
This penalty has rested against Adam and his family for 6000 years.
PD11/18; SM171:1
Is allowed to continue until the full close of this Gospel or sacrificing
age. R364:1
The whole world is in alienation from God, banished from his favor and
from everlasting life. R5355:6
Willful sinners will experience this wage as punishment, which will be
everlasting. HG365:4
This wage has been completely met for us in the declaration, "Christ died
for our sins." (1 Cor. 15:3) E442
Of sin -- Departure from righteousness. R1443:2
Failure to do the perfect will of God. SM304:1
Disobedience in God's sight is sin. CR209:1
The smallest violation of law is sin. R454:3
All sin is mortal at the Supreme Judge of the universe's bar. R1983:6
We must shun sin if we would avoid its penalty. R361:1
Our general dying tendency resulted not from our own transgressions but
father Adam's. NS701:6
We have all these terrible conditions on earth because sin entered the
world. R5753:4
Neither God's love nor justice would sanction sin. R5603:3
The great monarch ruling the world, has enslaved the entire human family.
R5355:3
The great Adversary of God is responsible for the disaster which sin has
wrought upon the earth. R5603:3
Is death -- Absence of life, destruction, extinction, cessation of life.
E465; R3025:6, 1377:3, 1087:5
Destroy, perish, die. HG427:3
Everlasting destruction. R4881:6; NS261:4
Life is the antithesis of death, there is no sentient being no feeling.
HG192:1
The executioner being he "that hath the power of death." (Heb. 2:14) E449;
R2599:6
Not eternal torment. A126; E464; A128; R5063:3, 4552:1, 3025:6, 2607:3,
2047:2, 1377:3, 1085:1, 863:3, 699:6; CR498:6; SM171:T, 663:2, 587:2,
305:2, 230:1, 86:3; NS844:3, 835:6
When death is eternal it is eternal punishment. Q768:2
A fundamental teaching of Christ and his apostles. R3106:6
Adam's disobedience was sin; punishable with death, not eternal torment.
OV376:2, 440:T*; R5149:6, 4982:5, 4775:2; CR269:6; SM663:2
The wages of the smallest sin is death. R454:5
Second death is the extreme penalty of the divine law, not eternal
torment. R4820:6
Everything that goes with death, as its natural result, is a part of the
penalty. R5603:3, 2841:6; Q328:T
Nowhere does it say that the wages of sin is purgatory. CR242:1; R5063:6;
OV348:4
All, good and bad, go down to the tomb; to sheol [Hebrew] and hades
[Greek], translated "hell" in our Bibles. OV362:3; SM123:1
Mankind are still under the death sentence, the wrath of God. R4840:3
In the Millennial age none shall die for inherited sins, but it will be an
individual penalty against all who sin wilfully. R2398:6; E387; HG268:1
"Dust thou art and unto dust thou shalt thou return." (Gen. 3:19) R4552:2
Death does not annihilate matter, for matter is indestructible, but the
being's existence is to terminate. R1377:6
God has enforced the penalty, and has thus manifested his justice. R5635:6
God has the right and power to destroy in death any creature who will not
conform to his just and wise law. R3391:2
If our Lord had done anything wrong it would have been charged to his new
creature. R5090:1
Without knowledge of what the penalty for sin is, we would not be able to
understand how the death of the Redeemer paid the penalty against Adam and
all in him. R3279:2; PT387:5*
The great disease of sin. NS715:6
The experiences of sorrow, degradation, imperfection and death are all
parts of the wage of this great taskmaster, sin. SM611:1; R5603:3, 5355:3,
5063:3
Witches, wizards, and necromancers, have personated the dead, to deceive
and delude humanity and to contradict the divine sentence. SM118:1
Death was not pronounced against the angels. R4664:2
Death was the wage which God authorized Israel to inflict upon the
Amalekites, a death penalty. R4207:4
The sons of the fallen angels were cut off in death, their birth was not
authorized, they were not redeemed. R5160:4
Death is an enemy, not a friend. "the last enemy that shall be destroyed
is death." (1 Cor. 15:26) R625:6*, 2599:6
To give sinners eternal life would have been discreditable to the divine
character and government, and injurious to his creatures. NS645:6
Second death. R1449:5*, 1882:4; HG334:6, 356:5
God's people are duty bound to make clear this feature of the divine
program. All willful sin will bring death. R4881:6
"The soul that sinneth, it shall die." (Ezek 18:4, 20) R2607:3
"Dying thou shalt die." (Gen. 2:17) Not "living thou shalt live in
torment." CR492:1; SM588:T
But the gift -- Reward. R1878:4; E386
Not man's inherent self-possession. E285, 387; R2047:1
No one could earn it. R5356:5
What we could not obtain legally under divine requirements, God proffers
to us as a gift. NS766:5
Given only to those who have his approval, only the righteous. SM305:2;
E386
God himself is the source of life. If everlasting life be enjoyed by any
of his creatures, it must be as his gift. E417
Which all the families of the earth may attain through the glorious
opportunity of knowledge and obedience in Christ's Kingdom. R5067:6
We are blest by the gifts which our Lord dispensed when he ascended on
high; we in turn, will be his gifts to the world of mankind. R5067:6
Of God -- Christ the life-giver provided of God for the race of Adam.
NS340:4
God's word is the only evidence pointing out the way to obtain that gift.
Q775:T
Is eternal life -- Greek, aionion, signifies literally unlimited, i.e.,
a period upon which no limit is expressed. R699:5
Everlasting. R965:4
Continuous life. HG394:5
Life unceasingly. R363:1
Life in its fullest sense. R4840:2
Given only to those who have God's approval; only to the righteous.
SM305:2; R3066:1
God will not give eternal life to the wicked but only to those who will
turn from sin to righteousness. R4881:6
Granted to those who seek it by living according to the spirit of
holiness. R1878:4, 3432:6, 1378:4; E418, 404, 386
The hope for life beyond the grave is the resurrection hope. OV154:T;
R4175:1; NS281:5
Everlasting life through Messiah's redemption work, restitution. R5149:6,
5093:2; SM769:2
The first resurrection, to glory, honor, immortality, the divine nature.
R5149:6
Two classes will receive everlasting life, one on the heavenly plane, the
other on the earthly plane. HG654:6
On conditions they (1) accept Christ as their Redeemer, (2) avoid sin and
live in harmony with God and righteousness. R1878:3
Satan was given this gift, but it was conditional, dependent upon his
obedience. OV304:2
Through Jesus Christ -- "He that hath the Son hath life." (1 John 5:12)
E386; Q768:2
Through the Redeemer's death at Calvary. R5146:6
Them that know the law -- Jewish converts to Christianity. R1729:5,
2729:4
How that the law -- The Law Covenant, represented as a husband. R1729:5,
2720:5
Dominion over a man -- The Law Covenant is still a bondage with the Jews
and will continue with them. R4474:3, 4505:1, 1729:5
The Law Covenant is not intended to be an everlasting arrangement with the
Jew. R5163:1
As long as he liveth -- The Jewish Law is as obligatory upon the Jew
today as it was upon his fathers in the days of Moses. Only death could
set the Jew free from that Law Covenant. OV279:2
The Law Covenant is binding upon every Jew from the day the Covenant was
made until the present time. R4505:1
For any Jew to get free from the Law Covenant, he must die to the Law.
R4504:1; R5163:1
The only ones who have been able to get from under it are those who have
come into Christ. R5163:1
For the woman -- Typically the Jewish people. R2720:5, 1729:5
The Jewish people, represented as a wife. R2720:5, 5163:3, 1729:5;
To her husband -- Typically the Law Covenant. R2720:5, 1729:5
The husband be dead -- The Law Covenant had not been abrogated as a bad
Law, but had died a natural death through the fulfillment of the purposes
of its creation. R2720:5
The Law should die, that Israel may be liberated. R2716:4
Adulteress -- Blending the two covenants, and being united to both Moses
and Christ, was wholly out of the question. R2720:5
Ye also -- Those who realize that they could not gain everlasting life
through their union with the Law Covenant. R1729:5
Dead to the law -- Not die to the Law of God, but merely to the Law
Covenant. R5359:3
Giving up all hope of attaining everlasting life through keeping the Law
Covenant. R5359:3
Jesus' death cancelled all claims of the Law against a believing Jew.
R3457:4
If a Jew became dead with Christ it made him free from the claims of the
Law Covenant. F229; R5359:3, 4537:3, 4505:1, 1729:5, 1527:1
It is needful that the Law should die and Israel be liberated and prepared
to be united (married to Messiah by a New Covenant). R2716:4
It is a mistake to teach that the Law Covenant died or was destroyed by our
Lord. R1729:4
The children of Jacob are still bound by it unless they have died to it.
R1729:4
Those accepted in Christ were entirely free from the Law of Moses. R2118:6
Jews by acceptance of Christ settled the claims of the Law and made them
freemen in Christ. R1527:1
The body of Christ -- The flesh of Jesus. R3457:4
Sacrifice of Christ. R1388:5
That ye -- The Church. T102
Should be married -- As New Creatures, as Christ's Bride. R3457:4; T102
The Apostle Paul recognized that those who had accepted Christ were
entirely free from the Law of Moses; that to them Moses was dead and they
were married to another, even Christ. R2118:6
To another -- To Christ and under his law. R2118:6
Even to him -- The glorified Christ. T102
Bring forth fruit -- With proper, diligent cultivation, the character
will grow and develop, and will become beautiful and fruitful. R4808:2
Were in the flesh -- The flesh is reckoned dead, but is not actually
dead; merely dying daily. R4615:1
The motions of sins -- The struggles of the flesh, the desire for sin
which may still lurk in the fallen members of our body. R4615:1
Which may manifest themselves in slander or backbiting or reproach,
continuing to rankle in the heart, may bring forth anger, malice, strife
and other wicked works. R5123:6
But now we -- We Israelites. R1730:1
From the law -- The Law Covenant. R1730:1
The Decalogue as well as the ceremonial features of the Law. HG584:1
That being dead -- Being dead to that. R1730:1
Newness of spirit -- With our minds, our wills. R1730:1
And not -- And not be required to serve. R1730:1
Of the letter -- Of the Law Covenant. R1730:1
Is the law sin? -- Is the Law defective, sinful, bad? R1730:1
Had not known -- The Law given to the Jew revealed his weakness. R6:4,
544:4, 257:6
Before the Law Covenant, I was not under it: but now I know, and sin came
upon me because I could not keep what I had agreed to do. R4961:2
Sin -- Original sin, Adamic sin, which passed through heredity upon all
of Adam's children. R4961:2
But by the law -- Those who failed to keep the Law came under its curse
as well as under Adam's curse. R4961:2
The Law Covenant brought the Jews a measure of blessing. R5162:3
Thou shalt not covet -- This verse proves that the Ten Commandments were
part of the Law. R542:3
Sin was dead -- Inactive, because, being already under sentence of
death, we could not increase our penalty by disobedience. R1730:2
Sin existed but was dead, in a dead state, dormant. R99:4*
For I -- The Jewish people. R1730:2
Was alive -- Had a hope of a future life through the promises to
Abraham. R1730:2
Without the law -- Before the Law Covenant was made. R1730:2
The Apostle argues he was once alive to sin. R5060:6
The commandment -- The Law Covenant. R1730:2
Came -- Requiring us to obey its every command in order to secure life.
R1730:2
Sin revived -- Lived again, by effect of the Law. R99:4*
We found we could not obey its requirements. R1730:2
And I died -- Our hopes of life expired because we could not keep the
Law Covenant. R1730:2
The commandment -- While the Church is not under the Law Covenant, we
are under the general instruction of the Ten Commandments. R5404:3
The Law Covenant given at Sinai. R5070:6, 1730:2
Ordained to life -- Which was granted them apparently as a favor; and it
was a favor in certain senses. R4595:3
Which promised life to the obedient. R1730:2, 1403:3
The keeping of which meant life. R5404:2; E417
Whose principles are not only worthy of life but are absolutely necessary
to life and happiness. R1403:5
I -- We Jews; I speak for my countrymen. R4013:2, 1730:2
To be unto death -- Because we could not obey its requirements. R1730:2,
4595:3, 1724:5, 1403:3, 887:1
Except Jesus who was able to keep it. R887:1
A man cannot be justified by receiving the Law, but by keeping the Law.
R5070:3
The unsatisfactory feature of the Covenant was that it could not give life
to Israel. R4961:2
The failure to keep which meant death. R5404:2
The Law made nothing perfect. R4010:6
The Jew was under more condemnation than were any other people in the
world, condemned in Adam and also the Law. R5070:5,3
All sins were mortal sins under the Law Covenant. R1984:3
To emphatically condemn all under it to death, as transgressors unworthy
of life. R454:6
Deceived me -- The new mind has not intelligently nor willfully assented
to a wrong course, but being deceived allows the flesh to have its way.
R4628:2
Slew me -- Taking from me the very hope of life it had helped to
enkindle. R1724:5
The law is holy -- The Law of Moses. R1322:6
Honorable. R2100:5
The Law is the standard of perfection. R5756:1
"The Law of the Lord is perfect." (Psalm 19:7) R1462:2
God's laws always have been perfect and condemned and opposed even the
slightest sin. R410:3, 2602:1
The Law was not too severe. R455:1
The imperfection was with mankind. R410:3, 1224:2, 687:3, 503:2, 455:1;
NS18:4
All must speak well of the Jews' first husband, the Law Covenant. R2720:6
God will make a better Covenant; for finding fault with the Law Covenant,
he said, "I will make a new covenant." (Heb. 8:8) R4961:2
Our Lord explained that grand Law when he declared that it was briefly
comprehended in one word--love. R1220:5
It is the ministration of condemnation and death to man because he is
unholy, unjust, bad. R1322:6*
The commandment -- The divine requirement. R4554:2
A law is a commandment, imposed by rightful authority, a rule of conduct
which we are bound to obey. R5755:3
To obey it and to expect its reward of life for such obedience. R1403:3
And just and good -- God, being perfect, could not give an imperfect
Law. R5756:1, 3201:1, 687:3, 455:1
While the Law is good, it was useless as a justifier of sinners. R687:3
The Law and the Covenant were good in themselves, but not helpful to us,
because we were fallen beings. R1730:2
Even though this is true of the Mosaic Law, the New Covenant is still
higher and grander. R2329:1
It consists not in a merely passive refraining from evil, but in activity
for good. R1463:2
Made death unto me -- The Apostle is speaking as a representative of all
true Jews. R2720:6
Might appear sin -- God intended the Law should show us just how
imperfect we are. R1730:2
Might become -- Justification implies a recognition of the fact that sin
is exceedingly sinful, and a desire to cease from it; to be free from its
power as well as free from its penalties. F151
Exceeding sinful -- Sin was not properly known as exceeding sinful, but
was counted as in a dormant or dead state, until the Law came. R99:4*
The sin-experience of our world will be used of the Lord as a perpetual
lesson to the beings yet to be created in his image in other worlds, who
shall learn by observation and instruction instead of by experience. F70;
NS393:2, 260:4
They might see their own fallen and imperfect condition and learn the
exceeding sinfulness of sin, and by this knowledge be prepared for the
Redeemer. R410:5, 282:3
Law is spiritual -- It came from the Spirit Being of the highest
order--God himself. R5295:2
Did not take hold of merely fleshly instincts and control the body, but
took hold of the heart, mind, will. R5295:2
Appeals to the intellectual or higher endowments of men and represents the
divine mind or spirit. R636:2
Perfectly suited to all who are in full harmony with God's spirit, which,
however, we and others were not because of original sin. R1730:2
Contains spiritual lessons, just as the rock in the wilderness and the
manna afforded spiritual lessons. R5295:2
Represents the mind or judgment of the perfect Creator. R636:3
And could be kept only by a spirit-begotten person or a person in the
image of God. R5295:2
The first Israelite permitted to see spiritual things was Jesus. R5295:3
The spiritual things were in the Law all the time but not disclosed to the
Jew because of his own condition of mind. R5295:3
I am carnal -- Imperfect--depraved; conformed to the course of this
world. R455:1, 636:1,3
To be carnally minded is death. (Rom. 8:6) R636:5
The world is not subject to the Law of God, neither can they be. R5117:1
Sold -- By Adam through sin, in self-gratification, in disobedience.
E122, 189, 453; R636:3; NS379:2
When Adam sold himself and his posterity to sin he got his own will.
R5355:3
Man sold himself to sin--justice did not sell him. R5355:6
Bought by Christ through self-sacrifice, in obedience to the Father's
will. E453; R5355:6
Into slavery to sin. R455:1
Under dominion of Satan. CR490:3
Under sin -- "The law of sin in their members." (Rom. 7:23) R2097:3
Into slavery to it. R2840:1, 5355:3, 2580:4, 2097:3, 636:3, 455:1; OV100:2
As a result, a slave of death. R5355:6
Into death and its wages. E452
Captivity to. R1626:3
The race in Adam was sold under sin six thousand years ago. R5284:1, 5355:3
The reason the Israelites could not keep the Law was not that the Law was
imperfect, but that they were sold under sin. R5756:1, 5295:2
Sin has no just, no true right of control, but merely one of force. R1626:3
That which I do -- We should extend the same measure of sympathy we have
for ourselves to others. R5125:4
There is a tendency in our flesh to go with the world, because that course
is in sympathy with our fallen flesh. R5117:1
I allow not -- The Apostle was speaking of the Jew under the Law; that they could not comply with it because of the imperfection of the flesh. The verse also has application for us as Christians. Q337:1, 338:T
That do I not -- Due to imperfections. NS518:2
To live godly is to live in opposition to the course of the world and our
own flesh. R5117:1
The mind can rise to loftier heights than it is able to
lift the body and its functions. OV366:1; R1224:2
Through ignorance we no doubt frequently leave undone the thing which we
ought to do. R2587:4, 1224:3
What I hate -- Because of antagonism of the legally dead flesh we cannot
do the things which we would. CR97:1; R4810:4
In my flesh -- In my fallen flesh. R2048:6
Dwelleth no good thing -- No perfection. R2439:4, 4869:1
The Scriptures ascribe no sin to the new creature and no perfection in
righteousness to our fallen flesh. R4810:5, 4871:6, 4869:1
Some are more imperfect and blemished in one way and others in another.
SM430:3
Because of inherited imperfections. R4554:2, 2539:3, 5475:2
We are however to expect no trace of these evils in our hearts. R2464:4
To will -- To be perfect in will. SM350:2;
One might will to do perfectly or will to do wrong, either way the will is
free. R5475:2
We should will to do perfectly, although none is able to do perfectly. R5475:2
This discrepancy between the new will and mind of the flesh
requires continual vigilance. R3986:2
Man has freedom of will in respect to moral questions. R2539:3
There is such a thing as a dominated will. By yielding to occult
influences, some persons are mastered by evil spirits. R5475:3
Those who practically lose their wills are insane, not by functional
derangement of the brain but because possessed by evil spirits. R5475:3
How to perform -- How to do all that I will. R3889:3
I find not -- We all know how to will right, but how to do right is the
problem. SM350:2
The human powers are blighted by the dying processes. R5475:2
The good that I would -- We are all imperfect and cannot do the things
that we would. CR425:2
For I -- The Hebrew people, while still under the Law Covenant. R2720:6
Delight in the law -- "Delight thyself also in the Lord and he shall
give thee the desires of thy heart." (Psa. 37:4) R1840:1
But I -- The Hebrew people under the Law Covenant. R2720:6
In my members -- Fallen humanity. R37:4
The natural man. R191:6*
Warring -- Paul found it necessary to exert his will continually to keep
the body under. R1884:6
Law of my mind -- With my mind I grasped the requirements of my
covenant. R2721:1
None could render full obedience, except with it written in their hearts.
R587:4
The law of sin -- That we desire to do better than we are able to do,
proves that the fault is not in our wills, but the result of sin's
enslavement. R1224:3
O wretched man -- The Apostle's flesh inherited imperfections, which
hindered him from fulfilling the desires of his mind and keeping the
divine Law. Hence his cry. R4554:2
Sin has gained such a power over my body. R2721:1
That I am -- As all by heredity are. R2048:6
That I am personifying. R1730:3
The Apostle represented not only himself but all sincere Israelites,
groaning under the Law, when he cried out thusly. R3436:2, 1730:3
Who shall deliver me -- Jesus Christ. R192:4
The deliverance comes through a full surrender to Christ. OV316:2; R4869:1
From the body -- From my body. R2721:1
Which my will cannot fully control, and with which there is a constant
battle. R2048:6, 411:1
Of this death -- From the sin and death which has gotten possession of
me. R411:1
This body of death. R411:1
Which is dead; incapable of keeping a perfect Law. R2721:1, 4869:1, 4554:2
I would like to live in newness of life, but am bound to the sinful
condition by my physical frailties. NS671:3
I thank God -- That a way of escape from the Law Covenant has been
provided. R2721:2, 4554:2
For deliverance and life. R2121:4, 2719:4, 2048:6
Through Jesus Christ -- Deliverance from condemnation comes through
Jesus Christ. R4869:1, 2048:6
All who have made a consecration and come into Christ are reckoned dead to
flesh, alive as new creatures. R4869:1
With the mind -- My new mind, heart's desires, which God accepts.
R2721:2, 5295:2
Paul describes his condition as a Jew and presumably the condition of
other Jews. R4554:2
The Apostle Paul's mind was perfect and loyal to God. R4554:2
In this respect, we must not come short one jot or title. SM308:1
The will of God has become our will, our mind. R5303:6
The new mind as it develops in likeness to the mind of Christ, will relax
no effort to keep the body under. R4810:5
The law of God -- The slightest command of God is a law. R454:3
To the extent of her knowledge, the Church will be responsible to the law
of God. R5071:4
We cannot keep the Law in our flesh, but in our hearts, our minds. R5295:5
But with the flesh -- The flesh has inherited various weaknesses and
fallen tendencies. R5303:6
Which God ignores and against which I am continually striving. R2721:2
Law of sin -- The smallest violation of Law is sin. R454:3
Therefore -- This word carries us back to the preceding argument, and
shows us that our freedom from present condemnation is the result of our
Lord's sacrifice on our behalf. R3201:1
No condemnation -- Under the law given in Eden, or that given at Sinai.
R1726:2, 4869:3
So long as they are in Christ, they are free. R1726:2
Being justified by faith. R1438:1
The sins of the Church are forgiven. CR364:4; R5621:3, 5597:5, 3201:1,
2573:6, 689:1, 387:6; OV281:1
The new creature needs not to apologize for, nor remember, the weaknesses
of the flesh, appertaining to the period preceding the sacrifice. CR97:1;
R4642:6
The Church alone has escaped from the condemnation upon the world. R5621:3
The original condemnation passed upon all men through Adam's transgression
is still upon all except the few. R1286:3
If we have pure and fervent love and walk not after the flesh, but after
the spirit, the Law is reckoned fulfilled in us. R1188:1
Only those justified by faith have escaped condemnation, consequently only
these could be again condemned. R387:6
If he should turn again to walk after the flesh he would incur
condemnation as a new creature. R4656:1
Although a prisoner and outwardly restrained, Paul had gained great
liberty and blessing, and also freedom from divine condemnation. R3201:1
In Christ Jesus -- Under the precious blood. E121
Being begotten of his Spirit and members of his Body. R4657:4
Covered by the robe of his righteousness. F104; R5027:6; OV281:1
By faith in his blood. R1527:3
The law of life in Christ made such free from the condemnation of death.
R332:5
Who walk not -- These words, to the end of this verse, are not found in
any of the oldest manuscripts, but are properly a part of verse 4. R3201:2
They are being judged according to their minds, their hearts, their
intentions. R4799:6
After the flesh -- If we are not walking after the Spirit, we are not
hearkening to the Lord; and while we are in that condition, he does not
take pleasure in what we do. R5431:4
The old man. R42:4*
Down toward the flesh. R192:4*
After the Spirit -- Walk in obedience to the new mind. T122
The new man. R42:4*
According to the Spirit. R192:4*
Law of the Spirit -- Not the law of "Thou shalt" and "Thou shalt not."
R1729:4
The law of love; supreme love to God, and love to the neighbor as to self.
R1498:3, 2684:6
The operation of this law accomplishes in man what the Law of Moses could
never do. R1322:6*
Restraints of the will of the flesh, under the law of love. R3018:1
A provisional law under which the Church is placed, whose conditions take
cognizance both of our infirmities and also for our discipline. R1463:5
Hath made me free -- So far as the original sin in concerned. SM721:2
Reckonedly. R1463:5*
New creatures are not under any law of sin or death, nor have they any
imperfections. R5006:5, 1463:5*
From the law -- From the Law Covenant. E121
Of sin and death -- Which convicted all imperfect ones as sinners and
condemned them to death. E121
The law -- The Law covenant. R4608:1, 4869:4, 3201:3, 2121:4, 1404:2,
542:5; E121
Strict justice, without mercy. R3201:3
Could not do -- For us Jews. R2121:4
The Law could never justify them. (margin) R1458:6
The giving of a right to life. R455:4
In that it was weak -- Greek, astheneo, used to denote moral or
spiritual weakness. R4099:6*
Powerless. E121; R4608:1, 3201:3, 2124:4, 998:6, 455:4
Because it had an insufficient Mediator who could not give a ransom to God
for mankind. R4869:4
Not weak in the sense of being defective, but in the sense of being
ineffective. R4608:1
Our flesh was too weak to withstand the tyranny of sin. R998:6
The Law given to Israel, could not give life because of the weaknesses or
depravity of their fallen nature. R2611:5
The Law was perfect, but the Law Covenant was weak. R4869:4
Through the flesh -- Because all flesh was depraved through the fall and
incapable of perfect obedience to the Law. E121; R4608:1, 2611:5, 2121:4,
1404:2, 455:4
Human nature. R998:5
Conscience is no exception to the other elements of the flesh, all are
weak and all are sinful. R1323:1
God -- Accomplished in another way. R2121:4; E121
His own Son -- Jesus was a Son of God before he came. R316:1*
In the likeness -- The human likeness, but in its perfection. A230;
R454:3, 37:5
Simply means not angelic or divine, but the human form. R454:3
Of sinful flesh -- Of the flesh of mankind. (That had come under the
dominion of sin.) E121
Literally, "In the likeness of the flesh of sin," i.e., in the likeness of
humanity, of which the tyrant, sin, possessed control. R4608:4, 1404:2,
998:6, 455:4; A230; E121
In the likeness of Adam, who voluntarily became sin's servant. R999:1,
3201:4
Jesus was as much a direct creation of God when born of Mary as Adam was
when born in the womb of the earth. He no more partook of a sinful nature
by association with Mary, than did Adam by his previous association with
the earth. R104:6
All men bear the image of the earthy Adam. (1 Cor. 15:49) So Jesus, in
taking the form of a perfect man, would, of necessity, be in likeness to
sinful flesh. R104:6
Jesus experienced the woes and sufferings of humanity without sharing in
the imperfections and sins. R454:3
"In him was no sin." "He knew no sin." (1 John 3:5; 2 Cor. 5:21) R104:6
Greek, hamartia, sin. This should not be translated sinful. (See
Diaglott.) R998:4
And for sin -- As an offering for sin. E121; R3201:4, 2121:5, 998:6
On account of the sin condition, sin in the flesh. R4608:4
Because of sin's power over us. R998:6
By a sacrifice. R429:6, 3201:4, 1336:6
Condemned sin -- Greek, katakrino; sentenced to overthrow, by reason of
the ransom. R999:2
The more we see of sin and its contaminating character the more we
appreciate the divine justice which on account of sin condemns sin in
humanity. R3729:4
Our tyrant, not humanity. R998:6
To an overthrow. R1404:2
By proving that perfect flesh could keep the Law. R4608:4; E121
Sentenced sin and made possible its overthrow. R4869:5
In the flesh -- Through Christ's flesh, given as our ransom. R998:6
The righteousness -- The full, whole, complete meaning. R3190:4, 5404:3,
4982:6
True import or spirit. R5287:4, 5947:2, 4597:2
The true keeping of the Law. R5071:4, 4982:6, 4597:2
The spirit. R4869:5, 315:2
The Church is not under the Law of Sinai, but looking at the spirit of it,
she sees a perfect pattern. R5287:1, 5404:3, 5027:4
Jesus' life set the seal or mark of approval and righteousness to the Law.
R455:4
God deals with us according to our mind, our will, our intentions.
R4982:5, 3201:6
The meaning, the purport of the Law being in our hearts, God accepts this
as instead of absolute fulfillment of the letter of the Law. R2684:3
Not righteous in the absolute sense of being perfect, but in a relative or
accommodated sense of doing right to the best of their ability. R3947:3
Of the law -- Of God's demands. R2304:3, 5947:2, 5465:5
As expressed in the golden rule. R2689:3
No Jew could keep the Law in its spirit, perfectly, neither could any of
any other nationalities keep it. R5005:2
The same Law that once condemned us has not changed, but our position has
changed. We have come into a place where we are able to comply with the
requirements of the Law and to fulfill them. R3201:6
While the Church is not under the Law Covenant, we are under the general
instruction of the Ten Commandments. R5404:3, 5027:4
The work of redemption and reconciliation effected, opened to every Jew an
opportunity for release from bondage to the Law by becoming dead with
Christ. R4504:6
The highest attainments under the Mosaic Law may be made by spiritual
Israelites. R4052:4, 5887:5, 5027:4
Faith, good intentions and good efforts, by the grace of God, make good
their deficiencies. R5005:2
Might be fulfilled -- Reckonedly fulfilled. R2304:3, 3201:6, 193:6
As new creatures; God knows us not after the flesh, but after the spirit.
Q602:2; R5887:5, 5295:5
God accounts us according to the intention of our minds; Christ's death
makes good to us the difference. Q728:T; R3238:1
The fulfillment of the Law is love supreme for God and love for our
neighbor as for ourselves. "Love is the fulfilling of the law." (Rom.
13:10) R5099:6, 2757:1
In his heart, his mind, his endeavor, he can, as a new creature, keep
God's law perfectly. R5887:5
We are counted as fulfillers of the Law so long as our daily walk is in
that direction to the extent of our ability. R3753:1
"Be ye perfect." (Matt. 5:48) "Conformed to the image of his Son." (Rom.
8:29) R2754:1
In us -- Christians; footstep followers of Jesus. R5027:6; OV281:T
Holiness people, complete in Christ. R3190:4; OV281:T
Upon the new creature. R4869:5, 5885:5, 4580:1, 2440:4
To become new creatures we must become dead, not to the Law Covenant
alone, but to all earthly interests, hopes and prospects. R5885:5
The Law is very precious to the Church; for looking at its spirit of it
she sees what she ought to be if perfect. R5287:1
Represented by the jewels imbedded in gold in the High Priest's
breastplate, and upheld by the golden chain of divine promises. T36; R72:5
The work of redemption and reconciliation effected, opened to every Jew an
opportunity for release from bondage to the Law by becoming dead with
Christ. R4504:6
The Church is being measured by the divine law standard. R4442:1
The Church keeps the Law for it does not apply to our flesh, but to our
spirit. R5073:4
Having the imputation of Christ's merit to cover our imperfections.
R5465:5, 5885:6, 5756:1, 4157:3, 455:5
First, through the imputation of his merit to their mortal bodies, our
Redeemer covers natural imperfections. Second, because that body is
sacrificed, he reckons them dead as human beings. R5918:3
Those who are walking after the spirit of the Law, give evidence that if
they had perfect ability, they would keep the divine law perfectly.
R4442:5, 5005:2, 4869:5, 3201:6
Walk not after the flesh -- Not seeking to please ourselves and our
fallen tendencies. R3805:4, 5562:5, 5036:4, 2721:4; SM308:T
As new creatures we merely inhabit these bodies for awhile. R5325:5
To walk after the flesh is to walk after sin; to knowingly, willingly,
intentionally, do those things which we recognize to be contrary to the
divine will, even though we should not go to the extreme of wickedness.
R3237:5
Which leads more or less directly to death. R5100:5
To do so would imply that we had lost the new mind, the new disposition,
the new will, that we had become dead to those hopes which had led to our
consecration. R5036:4
In order to become new creatures, the Jews must become dead, not to the
Law covenant alone, but to all earthly interests, hopes and prospects.
R5885:5
But after -- Even though unable to walk fully up to its perfect
requirements. F411; R4982:6, 4869:5, 3237:6, 3202:2, 3060:1, 2721:4, 2440:4
According to. OV280:2; R5027:4, 4869:5
The Spirit -- In obedience to the new mind. T122; R4869:5
Christians should look back to the Decalogue and note the spirit of its
teachings. OV280:2
In accord with the spirit of the divine law. R3805:4, 5431:4, 3753:1,
2121:5, 455:5; SM308:T; OV281:T
In harmony with the begetting of the holy Spirit. R5597:4
Which leads to everlasting life with our Great Redeemer. R5100:5
As new creatures, judged, not according to the flesh, but according to the
spirit--according to the heart intentions. R5287:4, 5097:2
Doing more than the Law could require. The Law required no man to lay down
his life for another, but merely to love his neighbor as himself. R5287:4
Those walking to the best of their ability after the spirit of God's Law,
are reckoned as though walking up to the spirit of the Law. NS283:4,
316:5; R2440:4
We are to distinguish closely between walking after the Spirit and walking
up to the Spirit. R3060:1
For -- The Apostle proceeds to give in this verse a thorough and
satisfactory answer to the difficult and highly important question of how
we can tell of ourselves, and of others, whether we are new creatures,
begotten of the holy Spirit. R3202:2
Are after the flesh -- Have no ambition to keep the law of God, but
simply try to please the flesh. R1404:2, 3202:5
Who live in accord with their flesh, which is depraved. R1223:6, 2162:1
Do mind -- Indicate their preference for. R1223:6, 3202:5, 1404:2
Things of the flesh -- The things which can be attained in this present
life. R3202:5
After the Spirit -- Who desire and endeavor to cultivate in themselves
the spirit of God. R1404:2
Things of the Spirit -- Those who live in accord with the spirit show
their preference. R1223:6
He who is in Christ has new ambitions, and aims, his affections are for
things that are just, pure, good and righteous, and he will show his
hearts desires through his conduct. R3202:3
Carnally -- Greek, sarx; flesh, not necessarily sinful; but since Adam's
disobedience, the human race has been under sin. R1223:2
Minded -- To walk after the flesh after we have been begotten of the
spirit. R2721:4, 1748:2
Guided by the flesh. R4628:2, 1223:6, 636:5
Rebellious, "not subject to the law of God." (Rom. 8:7) R4475:6, 4628:3,
636:5
To be controlled by any other will than God's will, brings misery trouble
and eventually death, according to the perfect law of God. R636:5
Is death -- "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it, and whosoever
will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt 16:25) R1748:3
The just sentence of the Law. R1223:6, 3083:5
Brings distress, misery, trouble, and eventually death. R636:5
Serving our fallen fleshly natures is a course that leads toward, and, if
persisted in would end in death. R2721:5, 5036:4, 4628:3, 1748:3
This scripture is equally true in its application to the unjustified; they
are still in the death condition, not joined to the life-giver. R3202:5,
1404:2
An incorrect inference drawn is that the death which is the wages of sin
consists solely and only in being carnally minded. R1223:2
Destruction; contrary to the Universalist theory. R3083:5
Spiritually minded -- Greek, pneuma; spirit; to have a mind controlled
by God's holy Spirit or will. E313
Consecrated to the Lord, having the imputation of Christ's merit.
R4628:2,4, 4968:1, 1223:6
Only such of mankind will be everlastingly saved as receive of Christ's
spirit, mind or disposition. R1224:5
Spiritually minded -- These are granted a spiritual insight into divine
things. R4968:1
Is life and peace -- God is now holding out a special prize to those who
will live according to his will. R4628:1
The reward of obedience. R1223:6, 3083:5
"He that hath the Son hath life." (1 John 5:12) R3202:5
The carnal mind -- Sold under sin. R5117:1
The mind or will of the flesh. R1223:3
However polite or polished or well educated and decorous. R3202:2
Faith is not a matter of intellect alone, it is also a matter of the
heart. R2162:1
Is enmity against -- In opposition to God. R1223:6, 3202:5
It has its own ambitions and plans, and builds it hopes and aims chiefly
upon what can be attained in this present life. R3202:5
Whoever is satisfactory to the Lord need not expect to be satisfactory to
the world; for the fellowship of the world is enmity to God. R5738:1
Not subject to -- Not in harmony with. R1223:6
The world is not subject to the divine standard. R5738:1
The inherited taint renders them unfit to live because with such a nature
they cannot keep God's law. R527:2
The law of God -- The divine standard. R5738:1
Neither indeed can be -- For it is carnal, sold under sin. R5117:1
In the flesh -- Living according to their own wills. R3203:1, 5036:4
Whose existence is fleshly. R1223:6
The Apostle likens the great transformation of the present life to a
resurrection from the dead. NS670:3
Ye are not -- The Church. R3203:1
The consecrated. R1223:6
Reckonedly, from God's standpoint. A227; F366; R4494:6, 157:5, 102:6*
In every case the divine tests are not to prove our flesh, which is
conceded to be imperfect, and ignored in this testing and counted dead.
R4494:6
In the flesh -- Human. T75
The old nature. R145:6*, 1981:5, 1223:6, 157:5*
We are reckoned dead as a human body, having been sacrificed with Christ.
R5932:4
God does not look upon our imperfect flesh. R5447:4
The natural body is no longer we. R154:4
Reckoned dead, and daily dying to the fleshly human nature. R176:2
We must not mistake these new creatures and too closely identify them with
the flesh. R5902:4
"Henceforth know we no man after the flesh." (2 Cor. 5:16) R3832:1, 4494:6
But in the Spirit -- New creatures in Christ Jesus. R4869:3, 3832:1,
3768:5, 3203:1, 273:4; T75
Things may happen disastrous to the fleshly interests of spirit begotten
ones, but they remember that no outside influence can mar their real
interests as new creatures. R4767:5
Those in whom the good work of the Spirit is ever begun are counted on the
living side, "risen with Christ." (Col. 3:1) R97:6*
The Spirit of God -- The mind, disposition or spirit of holiness.
R5036:4, 3251:6, 2721:5, 1223:6
From God. R371:5
Pictured in the holy place of the tabernacle, representing the Church not
in its fleshly phase, but in its spiritual state. R102:6*
Plane M, on the Chart of the Ages, the plane of spirit begetting. R273:4
Dwell in you -- God by his indwelling spirit works in us to will and to
do his good pleasure. R3251:6
Bring every power of the body into subjection. Q506:3
The body is the servant of the new creature. R5325:4
If any man have not -- In some measure. E188, 244
To whatever extent the Adversary may be able to inject into us an evil
spirit, and to drive out the holy Spirit, to that extent he will be
separating, alienating us from the Lord. R4388:2, 3985:5
Spirit of Christ -- The same holy Spirit or disposition of the Father
which operated in our Lord. E184; F367; R371:5, 2202:3
In sacrificing. R4536:4, 761:5, 759:4
The disposition of Christ, love. R2330:4, 3932:2; SM12:1
The spirit manifests itself in meekness, gentleness, patience,
long-suffering, brotherly kindness, love. OV367:4; R5829:5, 5224:2,
4377:3, 1114:1
The renewed mind. R455:5
The spirit of full surrender to the Father's will. SM351:1; R3894:4,
1141:2; CR229:6
Being one with the Lord; of one heart, of one will. R5348:4
Which would rejoice at the recovery of a wrongdoer at any step of the
proceedings taught by Jesus in Matt. 18:15-18. F290
We cannot be in sympathetic accord with the fallen fleshly nature and its
appetites and ambitions. R2721:5, 5036:4
The worldly may read the Gospel influence in the lives of professors
before they give particular heed to the message. R5850:3
The warring kingdoms do not manifest this spirit, and are "none of his."
R5829:5
The Holy Spirit or mind should not be confounded with the fruits of the
spirit or the gifts of the spirit. R371:5
We look for evidences of the Lord's Spirit, disposition, character, in all
those who profess to be his members. R4377:3
We will not find the Spirit of the master exactly duplicated in the
members of the true Church; we will find at least a measure of that spirit
in every member. R1103:2
In Christ, truth, humility, and love found an exponent, while at the same
time he was bold as a lion in their true defense. R1103:2
This love may be of varying degrees, but it must be ours in some degree if
we are the Lord's. R3932:1
He is none of his -- And has not the parakletos (Greek), the divine aid.
E203
Not of the Body of Christ. R2721:5
Being none of his he will surely not be permitted to share in the fruits
and graces of the spirit of the present time, nor in the precious things
of the divine provision which are yet future. R3836:4
And therefore will have no part in the Kingdom, whatever inferior blessing
he may obtain under stripes and disciplines. R5346:2
None will be accounted worthy of everlasting life except he have the
Spirit of Christ. R1673:3
Whoever has not given up his own will to the Lord is not his child. SM351:1
If the spirit of Christ were totally absent. F404
It rests with ourselves, largely with our use of the means which God has
provided. D244
Because those things which the Lord loves are distasteful to the worldly,
and those who love and practice such things lose his fellowship, they are
not of his spirit. R2444:3
Christ be in you -- Applies only to the Church. E305
The spirit of truth manifested in the Church. R160:2*
The new nature. R237:2*
The body is dead -- Reckoned dead as far as earthly rights and interests
are concerned. E305; F675; R5036:2, 2231:6, 2029:4, 79:6
If you are fully consecrated, your own natural will and desire all
resigned to the will of "the Head." R79:6
The words "dead" and "life" are used in a relative sense of those
justified by faith who are at once absolutely freed from death
condemnation. E305
Because of sin -- As to sin; not reckoned of God in considering your
case. R1223:6
Put to death by the Spirit. R145:6*
The Spirit is life -- Is reckoned as a new creature, as having obtained
a new spirit of life. E305, 306
The intention or new will has life reckoned to it. R1223:6
The new mind in us shall take control and actuate these mortal bodies and
make of them servants of the new mind. R4041:1
The Spirit mortifies the deeds of the body, and gives new life. R146:1*
Of righteousness -- Of its righteousness. R1223:6
Imputed righteousness. F675; R2231:6
But -- Moreover. R1224:1
The Spirit of him -- The power of God. R5748:6
It is the spirit that mortifies or puts to death the deeds of the body,
and the same spirit that gives new life. R146:1; NS327:4
In proportion as the spirit of God is received in us the new nature
triumphs and is able to bring the mortal body into subjection and quicken
it. CR3:4
"Your Heavenly Father shall give the holy Spirit to them that ask him."
(Luke 11:13) R2722:1,4
Raised up Jesus -- Jesus could never have raised himself. R2795:2
Dwell in you -- In sufficient measure, abounding. R2721:6
Shall also quicken -- Energize, under the control of the new will;
employ in God's service. A197; F487, 600; R4810:2, 4808:3, 3203:3, 2721:6,
2336:4, 2029:4, 1981:6, 1224:1, 1114:2-6, 962:5, 836:6, 385:5*
Vivify. R4842:1
The energizing of the mortal body. Q593:4; R5060:5, 5035:3
Development of the new life in us as new creatures. SM598:1
While reckoned dead, this body has been revivified to serve the new
creature. R5932:4
In proportion as the Spirit of God is received in us, the new nature
triumphs to such an extent that it is able to bring the mortal body into
subjection. CR3:4
Reckoned as alive, our bodies are energized in opposition to sin and in
harmony with righteousness. R5035:3, 2029:4
Does not refer to physical healings, or the resurrection of our present
identical bodies. R2029:4, 2593:4
Prepared for the fullness of the divine nature when the present body shall
give place to a spiritual one. R805:4
The same spirit by which we crucify the flesh, is able to subdue and
control the mortal body; make it alive and active with our new spiritual
nature. R93:1
The dead and alive conditions need to continually be maintained by
opposition of the new will to any life or activity of the old will. F600
Deadness to sin should not be satisfactory to us, we should by God's grace
get alive to righteousness. R2029:4
Into active and diligent service and the bringing forth of all the fruits
of holiness. R1981:6
"You hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins." (Eph. 2:1)
R3756:5
Your mortal bodies -- To the extent the new will gains control of our
mortal bodies, it might not be improper to consider the mortal bodies as
temporary substitutes for the spiritual body waited for. F487
This animal body is to be quickened by the Spirit of God that dwells in
us; and by degrees this resurrection process in which the new creature is
engaged becomes stronger and stronger. R5060:6
The flesh quickened by the new mind, will be the Lord's, aggressively and
actively engaged in opposition to sin and error, and in the service of
truth and righteousness. R2336:4
Man is not immortal. R1642:5
Not your immortal resurrection bodies. R2721:6
By his Spirit -- The power of God which was sufficient to raise up Jesus
is surely powerful enough to operate in our mortal bodies so as to permit
us to use them in God's service. R4005:3, 4041:1, 3913:6, 3203:3, 2721:6,
1224:1; Q506:3
Dwelleth in you -- The same spirit by which we crucify the flesh is able
to so subdue and control this mortal body that it will be active, in
harmony with our new nature. R93:4
Permitting us to do more in his service than if not begotten. R5035:3
Take the spirit away from the Church, and they would be nothing but a
company of mere natural men--men in the flesh. R120:5*
Not to the flesh -- We do not owe anything to the flesh, it brings us no
advantage, present or future. R1224:1
To live after -- To follow its leadings and be its servants. R1224:1
For if ye -- Saints, consecrated believers. R1748:1, 5805:6, 5233:6,
Spirit-begotten ones. R1753:5
Ye who have solemnly covenanted to sacrifice your very life in the service
of God, for the eradication of evil. R4809:5, 1115:1
The consecrated Christians living at Rome, and Christian people living all
down through this age. R5269:3
Those who, in the present existence, are on trial for life. R1748:4
The warning is not at all applicable to the world. R1748:2
Live after the flesh -- Returns to sin again, "Like a sow to her
wallowing in the mire." (2 Peter 2:22) R5270:2
We mind the will of the flesh when we permit the fleshly desires, which we
have given up, to become again the ruling influence of our minds. Take
that course of life which would be pleasing to our old natures. R4830:1
In conformity to and in gratification of the inclinations and craving of
the fallen human nature: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which
are these," etc. (Gal. 5:19) R1748:3, 5270:4, 4809:5, 1753:5, 1224:1,
1115:1
Even after we have come into Christ. R1224:1
To live in gratification of even the legitimate cravings of the human mind
and human body. R5807:1
We must train our minds to desire only those things which are true, pure,
loving and good. R5124:2
A garment spotted with the flesh shows that the carnal or fleshly nature
is not wholly subdued. R50:4*
Ye shall die -- Lose your life as a new creature. A213; R5270:4, 4830:1,
1224:2, 279:5
Such have no provision made for them. They have gone clear back on their
covenant. R5270:2
God has no use or place for willful covenant-breakers and
covenant-despisers. R4809:5, 1115:1
Because they have already surrendered their human life-rights. R4828:3,
5269:3
Indicates the danger to which we are exposed if we neglect (spiritual)
eating and working. R23:5*
Second death. R5270:5, 5806:5, 1699:5
Not suffer endless torment. R5806:5
Through the Spirit -- Through the power of God. R5931:3
Live according to the Spirit, the renewed mind, or Spirit of Christ.
R1224:1
Whatever mortification is practiced by the child of God should be actuated
by the Spirit of God, the mind of God. R5806:3
Do mortify -- Put to death; refuse to gratify. A213; R5807:4, 4020:3,
1753:5, 1748:5, 279:5
Put to death natural practices not in harmony with the Spirit of God.
Mortify every inclination of the body that is not indorsed by the new
mind. R5584:3, 5932:3, 5806:4, 3203:5
First surrender your human will to death and adapt in fullest measure the
mind of Christ. NS593:1
Essential to the attainment of everlasting life. R5931:2
Make our bodies a sacrifice. R157:2*
It is not merely that we shall covenant at the beginning of our Christian
course to do this, but we must carry out to its completion this
mortification. R5805:6
There will be no mortification of the flesh in the Millennial age. R5806:4
Deeds of the body -- Disposition of the human nature. A213; R1748:5,
279:5, 237:3
Represents all the human interests; not merely the weaknesses and
infirmities of our fallen condition, and our sinful tendencies. R5805:6
But not the body itself, without a purpose. R5806:3, 5932:3
The new creature's closest and most persistent adversary is his own flesh.
SM392:4
Deeds of the body -- Mortification of his own flesh and natural
preferences. SM393:3
The animal nature ruling should be put to death. R1699:2
Ye shall live -- As new creatures. A213
Become strong as new creatures and be acceptable of the Lord to eternal
life. R4020:3
If we succeed in faithfully laying down our earthly life, with all its
hopes and prospects. R5805:6
And thus obtain actual fullness of unending life. R5931:2, 5806:5
As many as are led -- Guided. R1224:1
Even unto death. R164:6, 418:4
To sacrifice themselves that they may serve the truth. R5447:2
If we willfully refuse the leading of God's Spirit, we forfeit the
relationship of sons. R1748:5, 5807:4
Those who covenant with God are begotten of the Spirit of God and
thenceforth led by it. R1841:2
That spirit takes hold of them, guiding them in various ways, sometimes by
putting property into their hands, sometimes by taking it away, sometimes
by permitting sickness. R5583:3
By the Spirit of God -- Divine disposition--power or influence from
God--also called holy Spirit, Spirit of Christ, Spirit of truth, Spirit of
a sound mind, Spirit of sonship, Spirit of holiness. R5582:3, 5447:1, 418:4
Was made manifest at Pentecost. R5582:6
It comes to us as a seal of sonship, and to enable us as sons to
understand our Father's will. R261:4, 418:4
As a seal of sonship, to enable us as sons to understand our Father's
will. R261:4
As each man has a spirit or mind, so God has a spirit. R373:6
The spirit of the Law that was given to the Jew is upon the new creature,
but not the Law Covenant. R4869:5
The people in the Millennial age will receive it in the sense of a
blessing. R5583:4
Sons of God -- Those begotten of the Spirit. R5582:6, 1841:2, 50:3*
Spiritual Israel--a house of sons. B205
Begotten sons, waiting for the adoption, full sonship. R50:3*
It is our business to grow, to cultivate in ourselves those dispositions
which are worthy of us as spiritual sons of God. R4808:3, 1114:2
As long as we have this Spirit of God, it is an evidence to us that we
maintain relationship of sons. R5228:3
We cannot agree to the common fatherhood of God and the common brotherhood
of men: for only those who have the Father's spirit are sons of God.
R2323:6
Spirit of bondage -- As members of the house of servants. B246
Spirit of adoption -- As members of the house of Sons; brethren of
Christ. B246; E143
A spirit of sonship. (Diaglott) Q7:3
The holy Spirit. R2405:4
Adopted by God into his family. R1227:2
The only evidence, at present, that we are spirit-begotten. R5093:4, 375:2
This spirit, more and more permeating our lives, will make us more and
more like unto our Father in heaven. R5613:3
To be followed by full adoption at the establishment of the Kingdom. E109
We cry -- The children of God in a sense peculiar to this age;
consecrated and begotten of the holy Spirit. R5149:4
Abba, Father -- Those who are regenerated, spirit-begotten children of
God, can call him thus. R5838:2, 520:6, 91:1*
God is not merely the controller of the universe, but our Father. R5149:4
The Spirit itself -- Through the Word of God. E229
Beareth witness -- The witness of repentance from sin and being drawn by
the Heavenly Father to recognize Jesus as the Redeemer. E229
The witness of consecration of all we have to the service of God. E229;
R374:1
The witness of chastisement, discipline. E231; R374:2
The witness of willing submission to God's will. E235; R374:3
The witness of separateness from the world and being hated and persecuted
for letting our light shine. E235; R374:3
The witness of taking pleasure in acknowledging Jesus as your Redeemer and
Master and faithfully presenting the Word of his testimony on every
suitable occasion. E237; R374:4
The witness of prompt obedience and willing sacrifice. R759:5*
The witness of overcoming the world, being out of harmony with its aims,
its hopes, its ambitions; by faith in spiritual and eternal things.
E237-238; R374:4
The witness of growth in graces (fruit) of the spirit and in knowledge of
things to come. E238-239; R374:2,5
"All that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2Tim. 3:12) R374:3; E235
With our Spirit -- Some of the above witnesses in all the saints; all of
them in the mature Christian. E261, 240
The first witness that the newly begotten may have is that they are
accepted with the Lord. E240
The children of God -- "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they
are the sons of God." (Rom. 8:14) E163; R3203:6
And if children -- When begotten of the holy Spirit to be sons of God.
R5830:6, 5207:4
Made so by a display of divine sovereignty, which contradicts all
Evolution theories. E395
We are bound to accept all our experiences as being of his providence.
R5418:5
The only one directly begotten was Jesus. R5439:2
Sons of God. R5739:5
The faithful of the Gospel age are not children of Christ, but children of
his Father, begotten of the Father's spirit and the Father's nature. E143
From Pentecost onward they were sons of God. R5830:6, 5207:4
Then heirs -- Jesus, the Head, and the Church, his Body, constitute the
antitypical spiritual seed of Abraham. (Gal. 3:29) R5450:2, 5207:4,
3937:3, 1493:5, 398:6
The sons have a right to the things which the Father has provided for his
children. R5163:6
Heirs of God -- A crown of glory is set apart for each son of the
Father. R5532:3; A19
God has in his possession to give away, the divine nature and the honors
of the Kingdom. R4751:1, 274:4; CR464:2
The Abrahamic promise. R5205:4
There is nothing in all the novels and romances in the world that in any
degree compares with the marvels of this glorious grace of God bestowed
upon consecrated believers of this Gospel age. R3988:6
The Father's equality of love for us as for Christ Jesus is made manifest.
R3161:6
And joint-heirs -- Otherwise styled the Bride the Lamb's wife. R5919:6
The only call going out during the Gospel Age. CR470:6; R5173:4, 2581:1,
1574:1
The high calling of the Gospel Church. R1566:1, 1262:3
Adoption into the family of God as sons. OV425:5
Partakers with Jesus of the divine nature. (2 Pet. 1:4) SM67:1; A196;
R5562:4, 4998:6, 2409:4, 1881:4, 1360:4, 274:4
We are to share or participate with him in all that he has. CR215:1
In every sense, in the sufferings, self-denials, persecutions and
sacrifices of the present life, as well as in the glories, honor and
immortality of the future life. R5003:3, 2405:4
Of all things. (Heb. 1:2) R1617:4, 4071:3, 3161:6
Receiving "glory, honor and immortality." (Rom. 2:7) R5080:2, 2773:1,
2761:6
In the rulership of the Millennial Kingdom. D618; R4997:1, 2652:3, 2505:4
If so be -- And only if so be. E233; F88
Our reign with Christ being conditional on our faithfulness in his
service. C208
That we suffer -- Death. F445: R270:5, 140:4, 134:6
As a result of letting our light shine. E294
As living sacrifices. R2409:5
Thus being "made meet for the inheritance." E121; OV425:1; R2761:1
The measure of our self-sacrifice and suffering for Christ becomes a
measure, from God's standpoint, of our faithfulness. E490
With this opportunity of so great an exaltation go also conditions,
limitations, trials, testings of faith and loyalty. OV379:4; R1652:6
The Heavenly Father wishes to prove the degree of our love. CR214:5;
R2409:5
Show loyalty by faith and obedience to the divine law of love, even unto
self-sacrifice, even unto death. R4799:2, 2074:5, 140:4
Lack of opportunity to suffer would mean the closing of the door, the
barring of the narrow way to joint-heirship. C207
We are to go to him without the camp, bearing the reproach with him. (Heb.
13:13) R3917:4
Rejoice in tribulations and misrepresentations and whatever divine
providence permits. R5008:2, 4398:5, 2000:3, 280:6
Only through great tribulation may they enter the Kingdom and be sharers
with Christ in its glory. NS680:4
Those who suffer for the truth shall be esteemed worthy to share the
throne. R832:2
If we reach the point of deadness to the world which will constitute us
overcomers, we must die daily. R2123:2
In the narrow way of self denial and self sacrifice. R2074l
The scorn, contempt, and opprobrium of the world. R1372:3
As members of the one loaf now being broken for others. R1787:5, 2773:1
We should bless God for an opportunity of sharing with Christ his "cup" of
suffering and shame. R5192:6, 2272:2, 1637:2, 840:4, 467:1
This thought should be in the minds of those who participate in the
Memorial. R5643:1, 5341:6, 3962:1
In the close of this age the Lord may take away his people in a fiery
trouble. R5677:4
Those who avoid the fiery trials, by a compromising course, miss the
joint-heirship in glory. T61
The sufferings of the Church are not coincident with her reign, but
precede it. R2413:3
The brethren of Christ, his Body, the Church, are filling up that which is
behind of the sufferings of Christ. (Col. 1:24) SM783:1; R2760:6
The Church class in the Heavenly Father's school of discipline, see the
necessity of the trial of the present to prepare for the glorious future.
OV425:2
The prophets may have suffered as witnesses for God, their sufferings were
not like that of the Gospel Church, reckoned as part of the sufferings of
the Christ. R218:2
Fleshly Israel lost the chief favor, the spiritual Kingdom, because not
ready at heart to receive it on the conditions attached to it--to suffer
with Christ. D624
With him -- Experience death-baptism with him as his Body-members. F439
Until the Covenant is faithfully finished in actual death. F445
Typified by the offering of the Lord's goat with the bullock. T61
In our Lord's case it was needful that he should suffer before entering
into glory. R1782:6
"Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus." (2 Cor.
4:10) "Rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings." (1Pet. 4:13) "That I may know him and the fellowship of his sufferings."
(Phil. 3:10) T50; R80:3, 30:6*
"Fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ." (Col. 1:24)
F632; T50; R5079:4, 4398:5, 2787:2, 2511:1, 2415:4, 840:4, 467:1; CR49:4
That we may be also -- After the sufferings of the Gospel age are past.
"After that ye have suffered awhile." (1 Pet. 5:10) T50
If we have not by a compromising course succeeded in avoiding the fiery
trials. T61
Glorified together -- Not at the same time, but with the same glory.
R2156:4, 5838:1, 5822:2, 4973:3, 280:6
If the sufferings were of the whole body, so is the glory. R19:2, 579:5,
263:2, 218:2
They shall be a Kingdom of priests, or a Royal Priesthood. R5859:3
The saints shall reign and judge and bless the world in conjunction with
their Lord, Jesus. D618
The glorification of all is to be the marriage of the Lamb. R169:3*
"When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with
him in glory." (Col. 3:4) A86; R616:2*
"If we suffer with him we shall also reign with him." (2 Tim. 2:12) T26,
50; R2787:2, 623:6*, 80:3, 30:6*
"If we be dead with him we shall also live with him." (Rom. 6:8) A212
"Knowing that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also
of the consolation." (2 Cor. 1:7) T50
For I reckon -- "Neither count I my life dear unto me." (Acts 20:24)
R3001:3
The sufferings -- Trials. R569:4
Losses, deprivations, self-denials. R443:4
The new creature is to suffer with Jesus. Q679:4; R443:4
Now are the sufferings, then (future) is the glory. CR379:2
Any sufferings that we have because of our membership in his Body are a
part of the sufferings of Christ. Q679:4
Trials, difficulties, self denials. NS105:1
Are not worthy -- To be compared; this is the proper thought. At most
they are "light afflictions." (2 Cor. 4:17) OV189:2; R569:4
"I count all things but loss." (Phil. 3:8) F467
The glory -- As the wife is the glory of the husband, so the Bride is
the glory of Christ. R19:2, 579:5, 263:2
Which shall be -- The sufferings of the Church are not coincident with
her reign, but precede it. R2413:3
Revealed -- Greek, apokalupto, uncovered, unveiled. R2979:2
At this appearing. R569:4
In us -- The overcomers; the faithful. CR80:4; R3001:5; OV189:2
Christ could not come in the glory of his Kingdom (Church), until he has
first gathered it from the world. R19:2, 2209:5, 579:5, 263:2
The honors of heaven as well as of earth shall be laid at the feet of The
Christ. A292
Earnest expectation -- The eager outlook. R873:1, 1225:6
Vague hope of everlasting life. E384
Of the creature -- Greek, ktisis, the whole creation. R33:6*
Means man in the flesh, not cattle. HG31:1
Waiteth for -- Waiting for the morning of the new and better day
referred to by the angels, and by all the prophets, apostles, and the
Redeemer. NS612:1; R4005:5
Waiting for the complete passing over of the Church of the first-born in
the first resurrection. F460; NS74:2
Waiting for the High Priest, Head and Body, typified by the glorious
garments of the Jewish high priest. R4428:2
Messiah's Kingdom and its long-promised blessings. OV179:1
The Kingdom which will crush out evil and bless and heal all nations. A306
"The times of restitution." (Acts 3:21) R1881:5, 675:1, 544:2, 257:4, 6:2
The world, the groaning creation, must wait until God's due time. SM143:2
The whole creation is not waiting intelligently, because the god of this
world has blinded their minds. R2049:2
In ignorance. OV202:4; R2049:2, 1164:4, 1007:6, 675:1, 419:4, 165:6; T89
The manifestation -- Greek, apokalupsis, uncovering, revealment. R2979:3
In their Kingdom power and glory, the Royal Priesthood. SM143:2; R5032:2,
4005:5, 2129:4
The Church must enter into her reward before the blessing of mankind in
general can proceed. SM154:2; R356:6, 238:4; F460; OV430:2
Revealing of the saints to the world. R5008:2
The coming into power of the spiritual Christ constitutes the second
advent to mankind. R2563:3, 4512:5
In the glorious morning of Messiah's Kingdom. OV176:1; R2122:6; CR426:1
An appearing with Christ in glory. (Col. 3:4) R4512:5, 56:2*, 32:6*
In Kingdom power, as kings and priests. D424, 637, 618; B210; E26; F78
Their shining forth in truth and righteousness will scatter all the
darkness of sin and error and awaken and revivify the world of mankind.
R4644:2, 2122:6
"Then shall the righteous shine forth," (Matt. 13:43), be manifested.
R6:2, 3749:5, 369:1, 257:4, 33:6*
In Kingdom power for which we, the sons of God are to be manifest for the
blessing of all the families of the earth. R1675:2; OV20:5; SM143:2
The appearing in glory, and the descent of the New Jerusalem. R56:2*
As soon as it shall have been completed the glorious Redeemer with his
exalted Bride class will inaugurate his glorious being of a thousand
years, by binding Satan and ushering in the new dispensation. R5079:2
Of the sons of God -- The Church in glory. OV202:4; R5576:3, 3749:5,
1226:1, 419:4, 165:6
The Little Flock, the elect, the saints. R873:1, 1881:5
Comparatively little known, and considered "peculiar people," at present.
OV176:1; R4892:1, 616:2*
They shall bring life and liberty to the groaning creation, through the
New covenant arrangement. R5909:5, 2972:1
The Head and Body complete. R60:2*; CR426:1
The Sun of Righteousness which arises with healing in his wings. (Mal.
4:2) R165:6, 2122:6, 419:4, 369:1
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be." (1 John 3:2) CR250:4
These sons are not now manifest, but when in the harvest they are
separated, then shall the righteous shine forth in the Kingdom. R257:4, 6:2
The promised seed of Abraham in whom all the families of the earth are to
be blessed. A88; R1164:4
They are not waiting in hope that they may be found amongst those sons of
God, but waiting for the blessings which those sons will bring to this
earth. F78
At the same time the world shall have learned the need of the perfect
government, which shall be established through these. R743:5
For the creature -- This verse, except the last two words, is well shown
in Rotherham's translation to be a parenthesis. R1225:6, 873:1
Mankind. R616:4*
Subject to vanity -- Frailty--mental weakness, moral weakness, physical
weakness; by heredity. CR429:3; E26, 189; R5576:3, 1226:1, 873:1, 616:4*
Subject to an oppressive bondage. R780:3
Creation was made to submit to its present state of lifeless inability and
impotency, frailty. R873:1
Individual sin, except in the first man, has nothing to do with hereditary
death, it extends to all mankind. R1476:5
Contrary to the teachings of Evolutionists. A162
Not willingly -- On account of sin. R780:3
God was responsible, he cut us off from fellowship with himself, and
justly so. R429:3
Mankind did not voluntarily choose this dying. God put him under it.
R616:5*, 1226:1; CR431:2
For both the taint of sin and the condemnation to death passed upon them
all before they were born. R1781:1, 5066:6
The permission of evil. R873:1
By reason of him -- Jehovah. R1781:1
By reason of Adam's transgression. SM613:1; R1226:1, 873:1
The same in hope -- That many after having experienced would appreciate
and shun sin and its wages. R724:1
God gave man a basis for hope for a future deliverance from bondage to sin
and death. R1781:1
Hope is a quality which belongs to finite creatures. God never hopes, he
knows. R1225:6, 1781:1
Connecting verses 18 and 21. R1226:1
The creature itself -- The world of mankind, or as many of them as will
accept the liberty. R2310:4
The groaning creation; mankind. CR431:1; SM613:2
True Christians are already set free, so far as their hearts are
concerned. CR431:1; OV387:1
Does not refer to lower animals, nothing in the divine Word indicates
redemption or restitution for lower creatures. NS434:5
Not the lower animals, as suggested by John Wesley. CR431:1
Also -- Not the Church alone, but the entire groaning creation. R5018:6,
60:2
Shall be delivered -- Liberated. R1316:2
Through Christ. R1781:1, 5706:4
To life; the grand work of the New Covenant. R5909:5
If willing and obedient under Messiah's reign. R4891:5, 5378:6, 5240:5,
5018:6, 4996:5, 816:6; OV388:3
Not only the living, but also those who have fallen asleep in death.
R5706:4
Into that freedom from pain, sorrow, and dying which is the provision for
all the Sons of God. R1176:4
The world's blessing tarries until the completion of the Church. OV387:2
After the Church is delivered, the groaning creation is also to be
delivered. OV430:2
From the bondage -- Everyone, not the world merely but also the Church,
are bound in a certain way, by our own ignorance, mental weakness, moral
weakness, physical weakness etc. CR427:2
All of God's creatures who will, may eventually experience this liberty.
CR427:2
All will be delivered, through the second Adam. SM614:1; R816:5, 3749:4
When the whole world shall have been restored and brought back to
perfection. CR431:1
Of corruption -- Condemnation, sin, death, selfishness and the general power of the evil one. T84; D377; R5818:4, 5356:2, 4931:6, 2440:6, 1007:6, 873:1; OV373:3, 388:2; CR431:4;
Glorious liberty -- The same that Adam enjoyed before he sinned.
R5818:4, 5240:5, 816:3, 37:6
Perfection of life, and all the glorious privileges which belong to the
perfect sons of God. R2310:4
Liberty to do good to themselves and others, in any and every way. A302;
R616:4*
Glory of the freedom. R1225:6
"No more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any
more pain; for the former things are passed away." (Rev. 21:4) R616:2*
Freedom from death, with all its concomitants of pain, sickness and
sorrow. R816:2, 2440:6, 2310:4, 1176:4, 873:1, 838:6, 616:2*, 333:1, 37:6
Only those who have been set free know what real liberty is. CR427:2
There is a true liberty which God has provided, and that liberty is
coming. CR429:1
Our prayers and desires should go up for this kind of liberty. OV122:1
All the groaning race of mankind, who will be obedient, will be delivered
from sin and death conditions. R5240:5
To release men from bondage of death is to restore to original perfection.
R816:3
Compatible with the duty of submission on the part of the wife in the
domestic relation. R1553:4
Fully attained, means everlasting life. HG235:1
Children of God -- On every plane, whether divine, angelic or human.
R2310:4, 816:3, 616:2*
Though the race in general will not become sons of God, they may obtain,
through the Sons of God, the liberty or freedom from death, pain, etc.,
the common heritage of all sons of God. R1007:6, 2440:6
Not spiritual sons, but earthly sons, human sons. CR328:3; R4931:6
The whole creation -- Humanity; all of Adam's posterity. T84; R4552:2,
1881:5
Even including the animals, which have shared in the results of the
catastrophe which came upon the earth in the flood; likewise they will be
sharers with man, their king, in the great uplift. R2837:1
Groaneth -- Comfort all that mourn. R1715:1
Under the curse. R2019:2
Ignorantly, for as yet they know not the righteous and merciful judge who
redeemed them. R569:2, 413:1
Mankind's prayers and groans have been heard of Jehovah and he has
permitted the Rock, Christ Jesus, to be smitten. R334:4
They would drown sorrows in pleasure, but cannot succeed. NS87:1
There are many of our race who do not sufficiently realize their condition
to groan for themselves. NS188:2
Under the bondage of sin and death, during the 6000 years. B40; R4214:5,
2378:1
In the antitypical Atonement Day. PT389:2*
Typified by the condition of the nation of Israel, covered with sackcloth
and ashes on the Day of Atonement, while the priests were offering up the
sacrifices. R3709:4,5, 4428:2, 2821:6
The world groans aloud without alleviation. OV202:4
Because man is a prisoner and under death sentence. SM610:2; R2310:3
Sin, the great monarch ruling the world, has enslaved the entire human
family; they get disease, sorrow, disappointment, death. R5355:3, 3101:6,
1091:3
Even under the best of rulers, while Satan is at the helm. R3447:5
Without God and without hope; groans in doubt and despair. SM618:T It
began with father Adam and has continued ever since as his posterity has
become more and more depraved. SM612:2
It is the divine purpose that present trials and experiences shall prove
useful as disciplines. R4552:3
The great thousand-year day is still future, and meantime the Apostle's
words respecting mankind are still true. SM151:2
And travaileth -- Waiting for the deliverance of the Body of Christ. C228
Its groaning and travailing must increase until the manifestation of the
sons of God. D424
Waiting for the great Judge to deliver and bless the world. A147; R4269:3,
3053:4, 2049:2, 373:4
We see confusion, wars between nations, helplessness of statesmen,
discontent of lower classes, excessive luxury, extreme poverty, lying,
heathenism, decay of vital religion over the whole globe. R1072:3
No part of creation is subjected to more intense pain than is woman. "A
woman in travail" has been a symbol of agony throughout all ages. R1476:5
After the Church is delivered, the groaning creation is also to be
delivered. OV430:2
In pain together -- With little to palliate the wounds, aches and
smarts. F77
Mental, moral and physical imperfections are manifest everywhere. OV295:1
In slavery which was pictured by the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt
under Pharaoh. R5355:6
Until now -- The promised day of judgment, a glorious and desirable day.
A147
The deliverance from selfishness and the power of the evil one is nigh at
hand. D377
Not even with the inauguration of the Millennium will this prophecy be
fulfilled: not until its close. R3702:2
The birth of Zion, the exaltation of the Body of Christ to Kingdom power,
will be cause for rejoicing on the part of all people. R1649:4
Waiting for the Millennial morning, which shall accompany the shining
forth of the seed of Abraham. R2122:6, 369:1:
Waiting for the great fulfillment of the Oath Bound Covenant. HG389:1
"Waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God." (vs. 19) CR250:4;
R1649:4
They -- The world. R2049:2
But ourselves also -- The faithful Church, the new creation. A197; E434;
F160, 664; R373:4, 2049:2
The Apostle distinctly marks as separate the salvation of the Church and
the subsequent salvation of the world. E25
The firstfruits -- The begetting. R200:4, 2064:6*
The hand-payment, binding the covenant. E247
Groan -- By reason of our surroundings. E27; R1759:2
For the deliverance into Christ's likeness. R373:4, 2064:6*
Being burdened by weaknesses, by consciousness of wrong in ourselves, and
by wrong-doings of others. CR462:5; R1738:3
Our physical, mental and moral weaknesses at times assert themselves so
strongly that we cannot as new creatures do as we would. SM618:1; R2064:6*
The Christian is not exempt from the conditions upon the world. R1759:2
Within ourselves -- Not outwardly before the world. R2948:4; SM618:1
It is a subdued, modified groan, because of the offset of our glorious
hopes. SM618:1; R4214:6, 2378:2
We cannot exult in tribulation even though in our hearts we may rejoice.
SM618:1
We sorrow not as others who have no hope. (1 Thes. 4:13) OV202:4
Waiting -- For the glorious epoch. R1164:4
For the Father's time and the Father's manner of bestowal. D516
The time for these blessings is now at hand, and will be introduced by
scourging the world with an awful time of trouble. D516
Waiting for the deliverance of our Body, the Church as a whole. SM618:2;
R3749:5, 369:1
For the adoption -- We become new creatures not by adoption, but by the
begetting of the Holy Spirit. Q7:2
God does not adopt us in the flesh, he only has to do with us as new
creatures. Q7:2
Full introduction to the glories and honors of our Father. R1164:4, 2088:2
The full recognition of our sonship. R2049:2, 69:4*
"Ye have received the spirit of adoption." (Rom. 8:15) E109
The redemption -- Greek, apolutrosis; deliverance, in the first
resurrection, at the second advent. E434; F77, 160, 664; R2066:4, 2064:2,
60:1*
The deliverance of the Church from the bondage of corruption into the
glorious liberty of full sonship. R2194:6, 2973:2
Being caught away to meet Christ and to be forever with him. Same as,
"Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away." (Cant. 2:10, 13) R127:5*
We will not attain our redemption in full until then. F160
Nothing in this statement has the slightest reference to the redemption
accomplished at Calvary, it refers solely to the deliverance of the
Church. D434
Of our body -- The Church, the Body of Christ. C228; E434; F77, 160,
664; R5802:2, 3053:4, 2926:5, 2028:5, 1164:4, 593:3, 361:2, 200:4, 69:4*;
OV190:2, 202:3
The physical union of the Church, the entire Body of Christ, will be in
glory, at the completion of the first resurrection. R2066:4
Of which Jesus is the Head or chief and we are symbolic members or an
underpriesthood. OV202:5
According to Jehovah's arrangement, the new order of things cannot be
established until the new ruler, Christ complete, Head and Body, has come
fully into power. C228; R3053:4
For we are saved -- From the thraldom of sin and the corruption of
death. A107
By hope -- We may, by faith, think of ourselves as new creatures,
perfected. E289; R373:4
We now enjoy salvation by faith and hope. R1736:2, 603:6*, 373:4*
We are not actually saved yet, but merely in an anticipatory sense. F664;
R3701:4, 1316:1, 364:1; Q603:2
Not merely of hope--our salvation begins to take hold on us mentally,
morally and physically. R2932:6
We will not be actually delivered from the power of death until the
resurrection. F697; R3165:5
The faithful of the Patriarchal, Jewish, and Gospel ages, are saved only
partially, awaiting the Kingdom. R1316:1
The advantages which now accrue to believers are not actual, for they
share the miseries of the curse, but they are by faith. R364:1; NS279:6
We have hope as an anchor which keeps us from drifting doubts of the
world. R346:1
The special salvation which believers now enjoy in hope and the reality
of which will, in the Millennial age, be revealed. A107; HG228:3, 344:5
Why doth he yet hope -- When that which is perfect shall have come, when
hope is lost in full fruition, we shall not need to hope as now. R5786:3
The Spirit -- Our new, holy mind. E289; R373:5
Also helpeth -- Maketh up for. E289; R373:5
God is developing in us by his providences the quality of firmness for
righteousness. R2404:6
Our infirmities -- Our bodily infirmities. E289; R373:5
Greek, astheneia; moral or spiritual sickness. R4099:6,3*
For we know not -- Even so simple a thing as what to pray for. E289;
R373:5
The Spirit itself -- The spirit that maketh intercession for us is our
own spirit, which supplicates God and often fails to express itself
properly. E288; R373:4
Maketh intercession -- Therefore, sometimes God answers very improper
prayers in a very gracious manner, though not according to the asking.
R202:4
For us -- Omit these words; not in the oldest manuscripts. E289; R373:5
With groanings -- "Even we ourselves groan within ourselves." (Rom.
8:23) E289
Cannot be uttered -- Formulated by us in words. E289
If the spirit is a person, equal in power with the Father and the Son, why
must he interpose for us with them, with unutterable groans? E287; R373:3
And he -- God. E289; R373:5
What is the mind -- Greek, phronema; inclination. E289; R373:5
Of the Spirit -- Of our spirit. E289; R373:5
Because he -- Because it, our spirit. E289; R373:5
And we know -- God has promised that nothing can happen to us but what
is for our highest good. R5403:1, 4628:5, 4219:6
We realize that all of life's experiences are under divine supervision.
R5403:1, 5781:5, 5132:3, 2412:6, 2083:3
This is to the Christian a source of power, of strength. R5977:6
It constitutes for us the true "second blessing"--it ushers our hearts
into a profound rest, into a full confidence in God. F134
That all things -- Even the seeming delays, difficulties, troubles, persecutions, and
seeming disasters. R2025:5, 5781:5, 5403:1, 5402:3, 5333:4, 5217:2,
5118:5, 4983:4, 4926:6, 2699:1, 2356:6, 798:2
Even financial disappointments. R5589:1, 2699:1
That come to us in the line of faithfulness. R5811:4
We may have tests of love for the brethren, for our own family, for our
neighbors The Lord might even hide his face from us for a time to give us
a test of love for him. OV422:2
It is our privilege to rejoice at all times and under all circumstances,
and our pleasure always to give thanks to God for all things. R1489:6,
4200:5
The trials and difficulties of life are shaping and fitting us for glory,
honor and immortality. R5713:6, 2083:3, 2061:1; CR307:4
As strength of character is developed, the tests applied serve only to
develop more strength, beauty and grace, until it is finally fixed,
perfected. R4767:5, 2465:6
The exceeding great and precious promises are briefly comprehended in this
one promise. F134
All of the affairs of his truly consecrated spirit-begotten children are
henceforth God's affairs and concerns. The world may be subject to
accidents, but God's little ones are his peculiar care. HG294:6
Whatever may occur in their experience will be of divine knowledge and
permission. R5781:5
This includes even the things that seem to be very contrary, very evil,
very disadvantageous. R5118:5, 4219:2
Even the failures which, subsequently recognized, lead to greater
fortification against the wiles of the Adversary, may be overruled by our
Lord for our blessing. R4790:4
God is ordering all the affairs and interests of his Church and also those
of the world. R5249:2
Work together -- God loves us, and will make everything work out for our
good as new creatures. CR461:2; R5561:6, 5402:3, 4660:2, 2699:4, 738:6
This promise is sure to all those who are his children according to the
spirit. CR461:2; R5645:5
If we know this, we shall receive all that comes to us in the spirit of
submission and trust. R5759:5, 3208:5
A seeming accident could not have occurred had God not seen a way to make
it the channel of a needed lesson or blessing. R5425:5
The more faith we have, the more we appreciate this text. R5118:5
God's mercy and goodness follow us (Psa. 23:6) to accomplish this. R5654:6
As long as we abide faithful to God. R5645:5
The Lord will not permit us to be tempted, or tested, above what we are
able to bear. (1 Cor. 10:13) R5569:6
Such as realize this providential supervision, are not only kept more
humble and trustful, but are not vexed and soured by the vicissitudes of
life and misconduct of others. R1646:4
Even the weaknesses of heredity may work out for the faithful that "far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (2 Cor. 4:17) R4712:4
Causing all things to work together for good. R5132:3
Through the agency of the "ministering spirits sent forth to minister unto
those who shall be heirs of salvation." (Heb. 1:14) F76
For good -- Developing in us the peaceable fruits of righteousness.
F181; R1646:4
The interest, the good of the new creature. R5606:1, 5402:3
Nothing can harm us, aside from our Father's will. R5546:6
Whatever cannot be overruled for good must be hindered, must be stopped,
cannot proceed. R4133:6
Each of God's children should be helped by his defeats as well as by his
victories. R4307:6, 5811:4
The powers of evil cannot harm the elect, therefore let us put away fears
as marks or evidences of lack of faith. R4736:3, 4069:5
Our Heavenly Father wishes to give us the good things. Sometimes he sees
best that we wait before getting an answer to our prayers. R5480:4
Few lessons are harder to learn than this one--that God supervises the
affairs of all who are truly his. R5264:4
The consecrated shall have all needful instruction, grace, comfort,
discipline, training and care; and such measure of temporal good as will
be most conducive to highest spiritual and everlasting blessing. R1396:3
Sometimes our Heavenly Father sees best that we wait a long time before
getting the answer to our petitions; at other times he may give us a
speedy answer to our prayer. R5480:4
"There shall no evil befall thee." (Psa. 91:10) R3332:2
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." (Psa. 23:1) R1396:3
It would be a mistake, however, to suppose that the Lord would in every
case make things work together for our temporal advantage. R2130:3*
Nothing can harm these, except as the Heavenly Father sees that the
earthly injury or disadvantage would prove profitable to the individual
new creature or the Lord's general cause. R4926:6
Even if God should permit him to use his judgment in a way that afterward
appeared not have been the best, nevertheless the Father may use it to
bring some profitable lesson. R5212:6
Our Heavenly Father would watch over their every interest, temporal and
spiritual. NS654:6
However vexing or perplexing or trying they may be. R1489:6
Not (necessarily) for the best. R5118:5
To them -- Who have become new creatures in Christ; not the world.
CR149:1; R5403:2, 4386:1
One class is under special supervision and to these nothing out of God's
order could happen. R738:6
God's special love and provision for his saints as distinguished from the
world. R1254:5
The spirit-begotten ones have much advantage every way. R5681:5
He who has buried his own will completely in the will of the Lord can know
no disappointment; but in every affair of his life he sees by faith divine
appointment or supervision. R2412:6
Little does the world realize the important place in its affairs and
interests occupied by this Little Flock. R4133:6
That love God -- Love him supremely. R5633:5, 1911:2; F154
With loyal hearts. R4308:1
In proportion as we love God we get the good out of our experiences.
R5759:5
These can be calm and serene in the midst of all the storms of life.
OV200:5
Who are the called -- "And chosen and faithful." (Rev. 17:14) C232
The Kingdom class. SM369:T
To be the Bride, the Lamb's wife. R4784:2, 5249:2
Who are promised a share in the First Resurrection. OV231:T
This elect class will be God's instrumentality for the blessing of the
non-elect. SM91:1; R2538:6
Applies to the Church of the Gospel age, but
there is a sense in which it was applicable to the Hebrews, since the time
of Abraham. R5217:2
According to his purpose -- The glorious purpose of making them his
agents for the blessing of all mankind. R2538:6, 25:2*
For whom -- "A Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation." (1 Pet. 2:9) E30
Wholly respecting the Church; the new creatures. CR156:5; R4975:6, 4213:6,
2377:2; OV35:4
Not the Great Company. R4401:1
He did foreknow -- In the Abrahamic Covenant, God declared his purpose
to find a seed of Abraham. R5301:4
This special class was foreknown from before the foundation of the world.
(Eph. 1:4) R4492:4, 4855:5, 4213:3, 2376:5; Q657:6
God foreknew us also by Jesus, not as individuals necessarily, but he foreknew a Church, a class.
R4855:5
Nothing in any Scripture implies divine foreknowledge of the individuals.
F179; Q657:6, R3282:1, 2652:3, 1141:2
He did predestinate -- Determine or decide. R5900:6
Predetermine. OV35:4; R5900:6*
As to qualifications of character. E137; F180; R5346:3, 3281:1, 2940:6,
2652:3; OV237:2; CR69:5; Q456:T
God foreordained that he would have a Church. R5001:6, 5838:4, 5269:6,
5056:1; CR69:5
God's election of a saintly Kingdom class is the work of this age. The
elect in glory will in the next age extend God's free grace to all. (Rev.
22:17) PD86/99
Not that some should go to heaven and others to eternal torment. R2376:6,
4213:4
God not only prearranged to have a Church as a Bride of Christ, but also
fixed certain limitations of character. NS545:3; HG377:6
To be conformed -- The golden rule is necessary in such formation of
character, to develop in us not the principles of justice only, but also
the spirit of love. R2689:3
The Church must each individually in character become copies of our Lord.
R534:3
It is the new creature, the new mind, the new will, that is in the school
of Christ, that is to be brought into full accord with the divine will, to
become a copy or likeness of the Lord. R2439:5
We aid each other in the cultivation of those traits of character which
the Lord has stipulated shall distinguish all who become his joint-heirs.
R845:4
Whoever of the called ones fail to attain the character likeness of
Christ, fails to make his calling and election sure. OV35:6
In purity of heart, purity of intention; sincerity of efforts toward God
and men. R2587:5
The attainment of the character-likeness of Jesus. SM390:1; R5968:5,
5859:6, 4975:6, 4928:5, 4501:3, 3985:6, 3586:4, 3307:1, 2754:1, 1166:1;
C210; F67, 180; CR69:5, 444:2; Q429:5
This implies, as its cost, the sacrifice of earthly interests. SM390:1
Whoever of the "called" ones fails to attain the character likeness of
Christ will be rejected. OV35:4; R3586:1, 1802:2
The very object of the begetting of the new creature is to develop and
crystallize character. R4975:6
It means the losing of the mental and moral likeness to the world. R1007:1
Not partly conformed, but fully conformed. R4975:6
To the image -- A copy--not in the flesh, but in the spirit. R5902:6,
2439:5
Copies of the likeness of God's Son. (Diaglott) C210; F67, 180; R5056:1,
5002:1, 4213:4, 2737:5, 2538:6, 2439:5, 2376:6
The new creature, the new mind, the new will, is in the school of Christ;
to be perfected, to be brought into full accord with the divine will, to
become a copy or likeness of the Lord. R4810:4, 5003:3, 4975:6
Glorified character likeness. CR38:3; R5580:1
God's message of grace once accepted must be considered either a message
of life unto life, or of death unto death. R4647:3
"Holy, unblameable and unreprovable." (Col. 1:22) E395
Every member of the great Mediator must have the spirit of Jesus, the
Head. CR49:6
All must have his likeness, be meek and lowly in heart, desiring only to
know and do the will of God at any cost. R1141:1
In proportion as the likeness of our Lord is fixed in our hearts, upon the
basis of truth and the divine nature, can a lasting likeness be hoped for.
R2137:6
Spiritual likeness. R1879:4
Heart-likeness. R3985:6
Their trials have made them more nearly, as new creatures, copies of God's
dear Son. SM631:1
The epistle of Christ written in their hearts. Q429:4; R5968:5
Christ's likeness in heart, and as much as possible that likeness in
outward living and in thinking. R5849:6
There is only one way to seek for this great prize successfully, and that
is by patiently and perseveringly cultivating and developing in ourselves
the character-likeness of our Redeemer. R4501:6
Of his Son -- "We shall be like him." (1 John 3:2) T67
Heroes. R4533:3
"Who is the image of the invisible God." (Col. 1:15) R41:3*
That he might be -- None could precede him; only by noting and following
in his footsteps can we hope to share his glory. F181
The firstborn -- "The firstborn from the dead." (Col. 1:18) The
resurrection of our Lord was his birth from the dead, to the full
perfection of spiritual being. B134; R3912:2, 3174:4, 2618:5, 2573:1,
2422:2
The heir. R134:3, 270:3
The raising of Jairus' daughter was not a resurrection, nor were any of
the other cases of awakening from death recorded in the Scriptures. R2618:5
This is a progressive matter; first there is the beginning, then the
period of gestation, then birth. R5580:2
Among many brethren -- Who have received the spirit of adoption. E109
The faithful of this Gospel age are not the children of Christ; our
relationship to our Lord Jesus is that of brethren. E143; R2652:3
Moreover whom -- The Apostle here traces backward the development of the
Church. F182
He did predestinate -- As a class, not as individuals. A194
He also called -- To obedience, to present their bodies living
sacrifices. R2378:6, 5838:4, 4215:5, 1141:3
The glorious opportunity of the high calling. R5838:4, 1141:2
Accepted to the grand position of the glorious elect. F182
Invited to that honor through the Gospel. R3282:1, 810:3*
No man takes this step of consecration unless he is called of God. R5134:1
Only the justified are called. R4783:5, 4214:2, 4213:6, 3282:1, 2377:1, 3,
1141:2
He also justified -- Covered with the robe of Christ's righteousness.
C198
Through the imputed righteousness of Christ. R1141:3
Those who accept the light by repentance and faith. R2377:5, 5838:5,
4214:3, 1141:3
He also glorified -- Greek, doxazo; honored; it is more of an honor to
hear of God's grace than many suppose. F182; A194
Honored by sending to them the Gospel message. R3282:1, 4213:5, 2377:1,3,
1141:2
By begetting them with the holy Spirit. R5838:5
After Pentecost it was not Africa and Asia that were chiefly honored with
the Gospel, but Europe, and later America. R2377:3, 4214:1
No man, without being invited, could think of aspiring to the great honor
of the position to which the Church is elected: "So, also, Christ
glorified (honored) not himself to be made an High Priest." (Heb. 5:5) A194
Tracing the steps in the reverse order, this is the first step. R2377:1,3,
4213:5,6
What shall we then -- In view of God's ignoring of our weaknesses and
imperfections in conduct and in prayer, and blessing us according to the
spirit of our minds. E290-291
Say to these things -- Paul has been arguing justification as a basis or
step to glory and heirship. R504:1
If -- If I have proved that. R2378:2, 4214:6
God -- The Lord of Hosts is with us, his promises and providences are
walls of salvation and protection on every hand. R1653:5
With all of his infinite wisdom and power, and all of the heavenly powers.
R2377:5, 4214:3
Be for us -- If God be thus for our election. E291; F183; R4213:2, 2376:3
On our side. CR461:1
The Little Flock. R2377:5, 4214:3, 2378:1
In that he spared not his own Son, but redeemed us with his precious
blood, and called us to his "elect" Church. R3052:4, 1141:4, 504:1, 393:4
If we have the peace of God ruling in our hearts, it is beyond all human
comprehension. R4708:1
God being on our side, none of the oppositions need cause us fear or
trepidation for he is absolutely abundantly able to carry us through them
all. F183
It means almighty wisdom enlisted in our interest, almighty power exerted
on our behalf, almighty love and infinite goodness watching over us and
caring for and helping us. R4212:3
This blessed assurance gave the Master courage. R4708:1
For the people of Europe and North America, who accepted the Gospel
message; and especially for those of the called ones who make their
calling and election sure. R2377:4, 4214:2
Not for everybody, everywhere, as taught by Methodism, Universalism and
Unitarianism. R2375:6, 4212:3
Who can be against us -- Who can prosper against us. R3052:4
However numerous, however strong, whether demons or men. R4379:6, 5043:6,
4214:6, 2378:2-5
Within and without. R1985:2
To any avail, to thwart our hopes. R1956:2, 3155:6, 3052:4
Even adverse experiences are of divine permission. R4325:4, 1956:2
Notwithstanding all our adversaries, our assurance is that all wisdom,
power and love shall be exerted on our behalf. R2378:5, 4215:4, 2880:5,
1141:4
All our adversaries must be resisted with the sword of the Spirit. In due
time God will right present wrongs and falsehoods. R2378:4, 4215:2
Those who believe verses 31-39 teach "once in grace, always in grace" lose
sight of numerous texts which declare that they must "abide in Christ."
R2286:3
But delivered him up -- To death. A155; E197
The ignominious and cruel death were at the expense of the fondest
affection of him who loves as never man loved. R1696:5
Give us all things -- Needful for us in our race for the prize. E197;
F411
Abundant cause for thankfulness and rejoicing. R1911:2
To the charge -- If God ignores the infirmities of our flesh, we should
so regard one another, considering not and charging not against one
another the infirmities of the flesh. R5802:5, 3587:1; F184
So long as we are striving against sin. F369
Only as we are able to realize an obedient faith are we able to apply
these gracious promises to ourselves or to rest therein. R3944:5, 2466:5
When the infirmities of the flesh are cultivated, without effort to
correct them, then they are charged against us. R5802:5
Some may find fault with us for having imperfect judgments, and being
sometimes imperfect in our conduct or words; but what will it matter if
the Lord approves. R3052:4
Of God's elect -- Who are to be associated with Messiah in his glorious
Kingdom. OV146:1
It is God -- The firmness of whose justice can no more condemn the
redeemed than it could previously excuse the guilty. A295, 157
It was God who condemned. Q410:3
That justifieth -- "Shall that God that justifieth." R5802:5, 1456:2*
Young--"to make, or declare right"--not necessarily a state of perfection.
PT390:5*
Through the blood of Jesus. Q410:2; R5959:2; CR173:5
An imputation of righteousness. R5881:2, 193:4
Justification of the Church is an instantaneous work. R5959:2
Freed from the condemnation of all inherited weakness and sin. R504:2,
225:3
The One who "condemned sin in the flesh" has accepted us as new creatures,
justified us, and has admitted us as members of the family (prospectively)
of the Royal Priesthood. R4656:4
"The Father himself loveth you." (John 16:27) R3944:4, 1141:4; F184
"Their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." (Isa. 54:17) R3052:4
God receives to everlasting life and to his family on any plane of
existence only those who are perfect. R5959:6
Consequently, if God justifies, no one has a right to condemn us. R393:4
There is no appeal from this, the judge of the supreme court of heaven
says that we are justified freely from all things. R193:2
He that condemneth -- It is the Adversary. R1141:5
Who shall succeed in condemning? R3052:4
Dare anyone claim that I am still guilty. R504:2
God no longer condemns because Christ died. R485:2
It is Christ -- Will that Anointed One?...Nay. R3280:1
"Shall Christ that died." R5802:5, 1456:2*, 1141:4
That died -- Paying our penalty in full, making good all our
deficiencies. E197; R5597:5, 225:3
The followers of Jesus know that their sins are forgiven, and that nothing
in the past can stand against them. R4656:1
Jesus was man's substitute, in the sense that he met in his own person the
penalty which God's broken law had charged against us. R485:2
It is the merit of his great sacrifice that speaks our justification.
R3280:1
That is risen again -- The glorified and highly exalted Christ. E197
At the right hand -- In the position of favor and power. A92; R1141:4;
CR451:5
Intercession for us -- Applying on our behalf a sufficiency of his own
merit to cover all our blemishes. F184
Not in the sense of pleading with the Father to do for us what he already
planned and arranged to do. R1141:4
The Greek word signifies to deal or to show cause. R791:5
For us, Christ Jesus does not pray or entreat with the Father for our
acceptance. R791:5
Who shall -- The blessed assurance of faith. R2093:2, 1949:2,4
Only our loss of confidence in the Lord and our unfaithfulness. R3232:1
Separate us -- The conduct of one could not send another into the second
death without his cooperation. R4831:1
Neither should any of these things (poverty, sickness, loss of friends or
other ill) separate God's children from one another. R657:4*
Love of Christ -- Christ's special love of the Church, clearly
distinguished from the world. R1254:5
Cease our love for the Lord, renounce his name and his cause and follow no
longer in his footsteps. F184
"In the world ye shall have tribulation, but in me ye shall have peace."
(John 16:33) R1141:6
For thy sake -- For Christ's sake. R212:1*
We are -- A prophecy from Psa. 44:22 applicable to the entire Christ.
R5173:4
Killed -- We have no time for concerts, games, science, art, music,
etc., because all our time, money and talents are consecrated to be
sacrificed from self to the Lord's service. R443:4
All the day long -- The Gospel age. R5173:2
The antitypical Day of Atonement. R5173:2
We -- The Little Flock only. R3868:2, 5947:2, 5865:1; Q522:2
The glorified Bride class. R5439:4; CR17:3; SM126:2, 361:2, 727:T
By knowledge. R5065:6
By more grace from the Lord. R2590:6, 2568:5
More than conquerors -- "More than overcomers." R5584:5
Victors in the highest sense. R5285:2
Loyal in the highest degree; in thought, word and deed. R4325:2, 5865:2,
5439:4, 5359:1,4, 5094:6
The selected ones, the ones who stand the tests, and prove faithful.
R4745:5, 4904:5
Those who put away all things contrary to the divine will--to the end.
R5584:5, 5002:1
They must have that love which inspires to the willing, joyful sacrifice
of every earthly hope and ambition and which gladly lays down even life
itself for the brethren. R5757:6; Q522:2
Much more than merely refraining from sinful things. Q138:2
Those who go into this self-sacrifice voluntarily. R5371:3
Represented by the Lord's goat. R3868:1
Those who exercise faith, hold to the divine promises, walk to the best of
their ability in the footsteps of the Lord, and trust in the covering of
the merit of our Redeemer. SM763:1
To do something more, something greater, than to enter eternal life by the
skin of the teeth. Q138:2
"The Little Flock"--and the conquerors, the "Great Company"--we recognize
both of these as being of the Church of Christ, the Church of the
first-born. R4654:1
All who now enter the narrow way are compelled to fight a good fight, to
contend earnestly for the faith, to resist the devil, if they would secure
the greater prize of our high calling. R2590:6
Instead of palm branches representing victory, they have crowns which
represent victory on a higher, grander plane. SM727:T
Perfect love can bear up under all circumstances and by God's grace, bring
us off conquerors. R4919:1
Not all who love righteousness and hate iniquity would be so zealous for
the service as to be esteemed worthy of the Little Flock. HG752:3
Different degrees of blessings have been promised to the faithful
overcomers and special blessings to the still more sacrificing. CR11:3
The priestly tribe of Israel was divided into two classes, the priests and
the Levites, and likewise the Church is composed of two classes. R5166:6,
3868:1
Through -- In. R1007:3
That neither death -- Which often consigns to forgetfulness the
friendships of this life. R1820:3
Which to his loved ones will mean our blessed "change." R5862:5
Nor life -- Which means further opportunities for suffering with him
that we may also share his glory. R5862:5
Nor angels -- With all the superior charms of their purity and glory.
R1820:3
Nor principalities -- These cannot harm us who are sheltered in Christ.
R5862:5
Nor powers -- The powers of darkness arrayed against us. R1820:3
We may not surely know how many grades of angels there are. SM487:1
Nor things to come -- For "all things shall work together for our good."
R5862:5
Nor height -- Of temporary exaltation. R5862:5, 1820:3
Nor depth -- Of trouble or sorrow. R5862:5, 1820:3
Any other creature -- For he has promised to keep the feet of his
saints. R5862:5
Separate us from -- Each member is at liberty to go back wallowing in the mire, like the sow that was washed, yet if he choose to remain, none shall be able to pluck him out of the Father's hand. SM11:T
Love of God -- Grace. SM11:T
His love will not permit others to separate us from his favor contrary to
our own will. R1458:3
Not only should we be inseparable from the love of God, but we should love
those begotten by God. R31:5*
In Christ Jesus -- All God's love and mercy and blessings come to the
race in and through Jesus and his work. R687:2
Great heaviness -- Because Israelites, Paul's brethren according to the
flesh, were so foolish and blind as not to perceive the great favor
offered to them. R1140:4
I -- The Apostle Paul. R4692:1
Accursed from Christ -- Cut off from membership in the Body of Christ.
R4692:1, 4278:4, 3182:6
Put down on the plane of the "Great Company." R4692:2
Have my share with the earthly restitution class. R4278:4
Not that he would wish to suffer eternal torture for them, nor that he
would wish to be cut off in the second death for them. R3182:6
"Absalom, would God that I had died for thee." (2 Sam. 18:33) This finds
two parallels in the Scriptures, Moses' expression when the people came
under divine displeasure, and Paul's similar sentiment. R4278:2
For my brethren -- If I could thereby bring that glorious position to my
brethren. R3182:6, 4892:1, 1696:3
So that as a whole nation the Israelites would constitute the Royal
Priesthood and become Israel on a spiritual plane. R4692:1
The Apostle loved the Jewish nation with an intense love. R3182:5
It would be well for each of us to cultivate that trait (unselfishness) to
a greater degree. R4692:2
This is not an example for us, that if we could bring some of our children
or friends into the truth we would be willing to be cut off for the
benefit of these. R4692:2
Kinsmen -- The Jews. R4692:1
Who are Israelites -- Representatives of the whole twelve tribes. C252
Members of the household of faith, heirs of the promises. R2730:1
To whom pertaineth -- Adoption as sons was primarily the inheritance of
Israel. E177
All of God's arrangements seem to have been to the Jew first, and then
also to the Gentile. PT383:2*
The blessings of the Law Covenant and its promises of life were only to
the one nation. R1725:1, 5046:1
The adoption -- As sons, joint-heirs with Christ. E177
And the glory -- Paul's brethren, according to the flesh, were so
foolish and blind as not to perceive the great favor offered to them
first, as another and last mark of special favor. R1140:4
Giving of the law -- The Law Covenant, its blessings and curses. R1725:1
And the promises -- The elect Church, in the prophecies, was counted in
the Messianic promises--as members of the Body of Messiah. R2996:2
The blessings of the Covenant and its promises of life were to one nation,
Israel. R5046:2
Who is over all -- Jesus was the forerunner; none could precede him, all
who would be associated must be followers and under his control. R3192:5
Head over the entire Church. R3192:5, 2996:2, 1855:1, 557:1; OV28:3
The Church will never be on an equality of position with Christ. R5359:4
Blessed for ever -- The death of Christ in itself is not the medium of
blessedness, but the death of Christ prepared the way for untainted life,
which is the cardinal element of blessedness. R1436:4
Christ is the Root of the medium of blessedness for all nations of the
earth. R1436:4
In the complete medium of blessedness there are natures both human and
divine, in those natures there are many ranks and from the lowest to the
highest of them Christ is over all. R1436:5
Taken none effect -- Their failure as a nation to obtain the chief favor
implied in the Abrahamic promise does not make the promise of God a
failure. R1140:4
Not all Israel -- Not all Israelites indeed, children of God. C62; B86;
R5338:6, 821:2
Our Lord recognized this same distinction between natural and true
Israelites: when receiving Nathanael he declared, "Behold, an Israelite
indeed. (John 1:47) R2443:1
"He is a Jew which is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the
heart." (Rom. 2:29) R2443:1
Children of Abraham according to the spirit, such as share the Abrahamic
disposition of faith and obedience. B86
Some children of Jacob were really of their father, the Devil. (John 8:44)
R4781:3
"I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but
are of the synagogue of Satan." (Rev. 2:9) R2443:1
In harvest time of their respective ages, the truth then due accomplishes
the separation, and makes manifest which are real and which of the merely
nominal Israel. B205
Which are of Israel -- Nominal fleshly Israel. B86, 205; R1009:1, 821:2
Of the whole twelve tribes. C293; R1341:1
Abraham -- A type of God. R161:1, 1140:6, 905:2; F170
Isaac -- A type of Christ. F170; R2857:2, 1140:6, 905:2, 161:2
That is -- Ishmael and Isaac, illustrated the fact that the natural seed
of Abraham would not inherit the chief blessings. R1140:5
Of the flesh -- Nominal fleshly Israel, the Jews. D23; R1140:5, 201:2,
184:5
"Israel after the flesh." (1 Cor. 10:18) R184:5
The twelve tribes of Israel, typed by Ishmael. R201:2, 1140:5
Children -- Not one child. R22:5*
Children of God -- God is the father of the spiritual seed, the
spiritual Isaac, which is Christ, Head and Body. R905:2
Of the promise -- Nominal spiritual Israel. D23
The Gospel Church, as the spiritual seed of Abraham, are the chief
inheritors. R1850:2, 1140:6, 99:4*, 22:5*
Of faith; typed by Isaac. R201:2, 1140:5
"We brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of the promise." (Gal. 4:28)
R99:4*, 22:5*
Counted for the seed -- "If ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed
and heirs according to the promise." (Gal. 3:29) R201:2, 161:2
Being not yet born -- Paul states this divine decision was made before
either Jacob or Esau had done anything bearing upon the choice. PD28/41;
R612:4
So that it might be evident that the election was not because of merit or
demerit of either, but of God's unconditional choice. R612:4
Purpose of God -- All the results were foreknown to God. R5198:4
To election -- Not that one go to heaven, and the other to hell. R257:1,
532:6
Jacob and Esau typically show how the natural seed, though the first
developed, failed to receive the choicest blessing. R184:3
It was said -- At the birth of the two men. (Gen. 25:23) R5198:4, 3954:2
The younger -- Illustrating that spiritual Israel would be developed
after natural Israel. R2443:1, 1140:5
The Gospel Church, though younger, is to take precedence to the Jewish
house. R1624:6
This is an indication of God's foreknowledge of the difference in the
characters of the two. R3954:2
Jacob -- A later-born granted the more honorable place--heir of the
Abrahamic promises. R1140:5; F172
Representing spiritual Israel. F172
It was Jacob that suffered tribulation; so the present is the time of
discipline to the chosen ones. R1141:6
Have I loved -- Because of his reverential love for God and the great
oath-bound promise. R5198:4
Favored. F172
Esau -- Set aside as unworthy. R1140:5
Representing natural Israel. F172
Have I hated -- Loved less. R5240:6, 532:6, 257:1, 5:5; F172
Fleshly Israel have I favored less. F172
Mercy on whom I will -- Not predestination as taught by Calvin. R403:1*,
220:6
It being entirely proper to discontinue favors to those who would not use
them, and to extend them to others. F171
It is not of him -- But it is to him, when called. A195; R613:5
That sheweth mercy -- In imputing to us the merits of Christ, as the
covering of our inherited weaknesses. R1458:4, 2001:1
Kindness or favor, that God gave them the invitation to the divine nature.
A190; R1225:4, 612:4
It is by our running that we obtain the prize, but of God's mercy. R2001:1
God is the originator of our salvation upon whom all depended, yet in his
plan it lies with us to "work out our own salvation with fear and
trembling." (Phil. 2:12) R2001:1
Not because these chosen ones were better than others that God selected
them, but because God had a right to do as he pleased with his own. R612:4
I raised thee up -- By removing other heirs to the throne so that this
obstinate one might rule. F175; R2911:2, 1652:4, 1651:2; PD33/44
Pharaoh thus was given an opportunity of illustrating certain great
principles along the lines of which God was dealing. R5305:3
A stubborn ruler; one whose heart was hardened by God's mercy, in lifting
one plague after another. Illustrating the principle that God's great
blessing to man--a free will--may be perverted by Satan to work great
injury. R5263:3, 1652:4
God set him there at that time, not that he might influence Pharaoh to
evil, but that he might show the influence of an unregenerate heart.
R5305:3
God permitted the world to have a variety of governments. R5305:2
Shew my power -- Show forth his power in connection with the deliverance
of his typical people Israel. F174 Manifest God's power of deliverance
against all opposition; a type of the ultimate deliverance of all his
people from sin. R1225:5, 2911:2
On whom he will -- Executing suzerain authority amongst his convicted
creatures in such time or manner as he chooses, but never coercing or
violating the human will. F174
He hardeneth -- By exhibitions of mercy for which they are
unappreciative. R2911:2
Who art thou -- From nothingness all were created by the same divine
power; none has a right to dictate to God. R612:4; A191
Repliest against God -- Some mistakenly think God should make no
difference in bestowing favors among his creatures; thus all should
eventually have divine nature. A187; R612:1
We would not question Jehovah's absolute right to do what he will with his
own. R244:4
Made me thus? -- God had a right, if he chose, to make us merely the
creatures of a brief space of time. A189; R612:2
Whatever the potter shall do to the clay, will be an honor to the clay.
SM712:2
All were created by the same divine power, some to have higher nature and
greater honor, and some to have lower nature and less honor. A190
Him that formed it -- The sovereign right of the Creator to elect whom
he will to certain offices, or to perform a particular work, is
undeniable. R623:5
The potter -- Knowing him, as he reveals himself in his Word, we have
the assurance that his work is perfect; that the variety of vessels in his
creation will all be to his praise. SM708:2
In some sense of the word his great work began with our Lord and the
apostles. SM710:T
The choice of which shall be which is with the Potter. SM708:1
Power over the clay -- God has a right to do as he pleases with his own.
A190; R623:5, 612:4, 422:4; SM708:2
Adam and his race are the clay in the hands of the Potter. SM709:2
The clay is the same for all of these vessels. SM708:1
God has begun the good work in us, if we submit ourselves to him properly,
he will complete the good work unto the day of Jesus Christ. SM708:1
Though God's promises were handed to Israel, he had a perfect right to
make such selection as he saw fit, for the high calling. R1225:3; F171
Without the exercise of his power and skill, the clay would never be
anything more than clay. So if he makes of mankind, in the Millennium,
vessels of more or less honor, it will be a blessing indeed and none will
have cause to complain. SM712:2
The application of this text, as a proof that God caused any man to sin,
is wholly wrong. R1225:6
Of the same lump -- Of the Adamic family, God made choice of the nation
of Israel. They were specially prepared for the moulding influence of the
holy Spirit at Pentecost. SM709:3
One vessel -- Some will have more honor, some less. SM709:1
But none evil, devilish, or bad. SM709:1
Unto honour -- The elect company. R1872:2
Artistic vessels; represented in the Scriptures as the Body of Christ, the
Lamb's wife. SM710:T
Graceful ornaments; a vase for the mantel, a loving cup, or a ewer for
carrying water. SM708:1
Each vessel of the class now being developed, has his own special fitting
and preparation, for his place in the Kingdom. SM711:1
Vessels of a certain kind, quite honorable, too, were formed during the
Jewish age; those whose lives were shaped by their faith in God and his
promises--Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets. SM710:T; R1225:5
Unto dishonor -- Unto less honor. A190; R1872:2
Lesser honor; however, of great usefulness in his plan and purpose--He
will proceed during the coming age to prepare these other vessels. SM710:1
Without honor. R612:4
As Esau and Ishmael. R1225:4
What if God -- The fact that God has refrained from manifesting
outwardly either his love for the Church, or his wrath against evil-doers,
is no argument against the lesson he is teaching. SM714:2
To shew his wrath -- The "wrath to come" (Matt. 3:7), did come upon the
nation because of its rejection of Messiah. R2564:1, 2236:6
Longsuffering -- Greek, makrothunia, patience. R2790:6
God has endured or permitted a continuance of sin and sinners in apparent
contradiction to his law, manifesting longsuffering toward subjects of
destruction. R3433:6
Vessels of wrath -- The Jewish nation. R3433:5, 2564:1
"Wrath to the uttermost against this people." (1 Thes. 2:16) R3433:6
Earthly kingdoms, having served their purpose, are vessels of wrath,
fitted for destruction. (Rom. 9:22) R470:6
Vessels which, after experiencing the potter's care and skill, prove
defective, blemished, unfit for use. These represent such as receive the
grace of God in vain. (2 Cor. 6:1) SM715:T
Some vessels that resist the moulding and shaping influences of the great
Potter will be vessels for destruction, unfit for his service in any
capacity. R1872:2
Those who sin willfully after coming to a knowledge of God's gracious plan
in Christ. R1225:6
At the close of this age, when the vessels fitted for destruction will be
recognized as having gone to the second death. SM716:1
To destruction -- The collapse of their (Jewish) national polity in
69-70 AD. R2564:1, 3433:6
The vessels fitted for destruction met with their destruction, the chaff
was consumed in that fire. R3433:6
Because unwilling to grasp the Lord's proffered favors. F171
Death, not eternal torment. R3433:5
Vessels of mercy -- "Israelites indeed" to be the nucleus of the Gospel
Church. R3433:6
Fit for glory; joint-heirs with their dear Redeemer. SM716:1
I will call them -- Those from among the Gentiles who formerly had not
been recognized by the Lord. C296, 297; R1341:5
My people -- "They are not all Israel which are of Israel." (Rom. 9:6)
C62
Eventually, the name "Israel," meaning "People of God," will apply to all
who are God's people. D654
Concerning Israel -- Showing that God foreknew how his favors to natural
Israel would result. F171
Children of Israel -- Representatives of the whole twelve tribes. B206;
C252, 293; R1341:1, 862:5
As the sand of the sea -- The mass of Israel
professed to be the Lord's people, but piety was little more than
profession. R2674:2
A remnant -- A comparatively small proportion of the whole. R2948:1; B205
From the remnant of both houses, a new house is formed. R518:5*, 862:5
The apostles, the early Church, etc. R1341:2
Probably constituted not above 20,000, during our Lord's ministry, and the
ensuing 37 years of the Jewish harvest. R4298:2
Although the apostles filled Jerusalem with their doctrine, a
comparatively small number were ready to receive the good messages. R2948:1
These became the nucleus of spiritual Israel. R4298:2
The Apostles and early disciples, received the increase of knowledge and
privileges then due to the Gospel age, while all the rest of Israel were
blind. R599:6
Only the remnant of that nation, which make peace quickly, in the way to
judgment, were delivered. R1713:2
The work is great here, as it was in the end of the Jewish age; yet only a
Little Flock will be gathered. R2674:2
As favor continued to individual Israelites, after national rejection, so
after rejection of the Gospel house, favor to individual saints is still
continued. R599:6
Israelites are still God's people, it is still his purpose to use them as
a light to the Gentiles. R752:5
Shall be saved -- From the predicted blindness. R1696:3, 1795:1, 1713:2
The blindness which happened unto all Israel except the elect remnant,
after they as a nation and individually rejected Christ. R1769:5
As respects their relationship to the Kingdom class. R4298:2
For he will -- In the harvest of the Jewish age. B70; R116:4*
Finish the work -- Of testing the Hebrew nation. B70
And cut it short -- In the midst of the seventieth week of favor. (Dan.
9:26) B70; R116:4*
It gave that remnant three and a half years of exclusive attention and
ministration, under the increased advantages of the spirit dispensation.
B70
In righteousness -- Justly, by confining the favor to the faithful
Israelites indeed for the balance of the seventieth week. B70
God did them no injustice, but a great favor by casting off the nation
there and completing the ministry in the midst of the week. Q108:T
A short work -- The period of time in which the present institutions
will be ousted, and the present order of things be condemned. R5567:1,
5569:1
The work of crushing will steadily continue until its full accomplishment.
R5632:2
Just how short the work will be would be conjectural. R5567:1
"For the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (Matt. 24:22) R5569:2
The gathering of the nations will make the great tribulation a short, as
well as a decisive conflict. D272
It must, however, last long enough to teach humanity a lesson never to be
forgotten. OV321:3
Had left us -- Israel, representatives of the twelve tribes. C252
A seed -- A remnant; a few ready to receive the spirit of adoption.
E177; R116:5*
"Even so then, at the present time also there is a remnant according to
the election of grace." (Rom. 11:5) R116:5*
Gentiles -- Heathen nations. R1970:1
Of faith -- The selected ones are not entitled to the honor by reason of
ability but by their faith and obedience, according to favor (grace).
R1225:5
Rebekah accepted the call of God in humble faith, but Israel from the
outset, quarreled with grace. R752:4*
But Israel -- Representatives of the whole twelve tribes. C293, 252;
R1341:1
After the law -- Almost all of the fleshly seed are so blinded by the
fleshly promises that they do not see the greater spiritual prize. R201:2
Righteousness -- Justification. R863:1, 681:6
Because they -- Professedly Israelites, but not Israelites indeed. R175:6
Works of the law -- Proud of their own supposed holiness, attainments,
and ability, in keeping God's Law, the Jews saw no necessity for a
sacrifice for their sins. R863:1, 681:6
For they stumbled -- Through pride and hardness of heart. B215
Through unbelief and lack of consecration. R2086:4
They did not recognize his presence among them, and rejected his sacrifice
as the basis of justification holding instead to their own righteousness.
R681:6
Israel as a nation, is really hindered because they expect to be justified
by works. R1970:2
So also the nominal spiritual Israel is likewise stumbling. R1255:2
The stumbling is the same for the Gospel church who expect the second
coming of Christ; they are expecting an outward display, which will appeal
to the natural eye, ear and human senses. R176:1
That stumblingstone -- Israel, feeling so confident that she can approve
herself to God by works of obedience, stumbles at the simplicity of the
Gospel and cannot believe that "Jesus died and paid it all." R1970:2
As it is written -- In Isaiah 28:16 and 8:14. R3962:3, 5817:1
A stumblingstone -- Christ. D557; R1922:4
To both the houses of Israel. R5817:1, 681:6
Many of the weaker children of God, now stumbling with nominal Zion, will
be recovered and saved so as by fire, born through great tribulation. (1Cor. 3:15; Rev. 7:14) R1649:4
The "cross" has been the great stumbling stone now, as in the days of our
Redeemer's first advent. R5801:6, 1255:2, 863:1
Israel, instead of accepting of Christ's ransom, they stumbled over and
rejected the only way to God. R1970:2
The Scriptures indicate, that the great stumbling and falling away from
this all important doctrine is only beginning. R1255:2
Rock of offence -- The doctrine of redemption through the precious blood
of Christ. R1970:2, 1649:3
Christ, the foundation stone. R1760:3
To the Jews, Christ crucified for our redemption was, as Paul testifies, a
cause of offence. R1255:2
Whosoever believeth -- The promise of a new heart carries forward more
than 1800 years and becomes applicable at the second advent. R2503:6
The elect Little Flock of overcomers do not so stumble, but recognize this
as the chief corner-stone of the true Zion. R1649:3
Not be ashamed -- Shall never be put to shame, stumble. R682:1
To God for Israel -- The whole twelve tribes. B206; C252; R2085:6
Might be saved -- None will ever be saved by ignorance. R5575:4
I do not rejoice in their fall. R1970:2
I bear them record -- I do not accuse them of indifference and willful
unbelief. R1970:2
They have a zeal -- The fault lay not in the zeal, which prompted labor
and expense for others, but their fault was in the false ideas by which
their zeal was inspired. R1071:3
With commendable zeal, but not according to knowledge, missionaries have
gone to the heathen from Christian lands, in a spirit of devotion and
self-sacrifice. CR19:5; R1071:3; NS19:5
They have great zeal for God, but they have a plan and way of their own,
and are thus blinded and cannot see God's way and plan of justifying
through ransom. R1970:2
To knowledge -- There can be no salvation without knowledge. R5575:4
Being ignorant -- They cannot see God's way and plan of justifying
through a ransom. R1970:2
To establish -- Through a keeping of the Law in every particular. R1970:2
Themselves -- The energetic and ambitious among the worldly, whose
motive power was not love, loyalty and humility, but selfish pride,
vain-glory. R2368:3
Own righteousness -- Which is impossible in their degenerate condition.
R1970:2
Believing their saviors to be such as Socrates, Confucius, Zoroaster,
Moses, Mahomet, etc., teaching acceptance before God not upon the merits
of Christ, but upon their own merit and righteousness. R864:3, 761:2
The apostles of Satan are not saloon-keepers and white-slave traffickers,
but for the most part "ordained" ministers. R5848:5*
Some are active in planting "roots of bitterness." It is necessary that
the Church be sifted--tested. R2368:6
Christ is the end -- Or fulfillment. R1729:6, 5047:1, 1970:2, 972:1.
Fulfilled the claims of the Law against all under it. R542:3
Blotting out the Law, "nailing it to his cross." (Col. 2:14) R1724:6,
3752:3, 2121:5
Rightly terminated its dominion. R542:3
"Having abolished in his flesh the enmity of the law of commandments
contained in ordinances." (Eph. 2:15) R5047:2
Only to those who have recognized the Lord Jesus as their Redeemer.
PT377:2*
Jesus kept all the requirements of the Law and thereby became heir and
inheritor of all the blessings which that Law had promised, and thus he
made an end of those blessings, so far as others were concerned. Q432:T;
R2121:5
The Law Covenant being abolished in the sense that its passing away is
arranged for. R4619:4
End of the Covenant based upon God's Law. He will never put an end to
God's Law. Q432:T
This does not mean that the divine law of the universe, forbidding sin,
ceased at the cross. R1724:6
Of the law -- The Law Covenant. F226, 380; R5047:1, 2268:6, 1729:6,
1725:5
For righteousness -- Justification. R2268:6, 5047:1, 1725:5
We, in him, are just before the Law. R411:6, 3062:2
Christ righteously fulfilled the Law's requirements, and we in him are
just before the Law. R411:6
Rightly terminated its dominion. R542:3
Every Jew; no others were ever under the Law Covenant. R3062:2, 5047:2,
2121:5, 1984:3, 1729:6, 1727:6, 1725:5
That believeth -- But not to others. R5047:1, 3062:2, 1729:6
Who become Christ's followers. Q729:2; R4619:4, 4505:1
To the extent of becoming a follower of Christ and consecrating his
restitution rights in death a living sacrifice, following the example of
his Redeemer. R4505:2
To all such, love is the fulfilling of the Law. R315:2, 542:6
To this class, the Law Covenant was as dead. PT375:2*
The Lord arranged for these to share in the distribution of the blessings
of the New Covenant. PT375:2*
To the remainder of the Jews that Law Covenant is as binding as it ever
was. PT377:2*; Q167:2
It is not surprising when we remember their early prejudices in favor of
the Law, that the spirit of truth was able to guide them but slowly into
the full truth on this subject of the Law. R972:1
Moses describeth -- In Lev. 18:5. R282:3, 5072:5, 1970:2, 1724:5, 789:1,
454:6
The law -- The Law given to Israel at Sinai. R682:3
That the man -- Christ Jesus only. R1725:2
Doeth those things -- Does right according to the Law shall continue to
live, and not die. R1970:2, 5465:3
Applies to all Israelites under the Law, even to this day. Q174:4; R4696:2
These were the conditions of the Law Covenant. R4330:3
They could not keep the Law. R410:6
The Law Covenant proposed everlasting life upon the terms of keeping the
Law. R5072:5, 5128:1
In the Old Testament, there is no promise of eternal life, except in the
Law given to Israel. SM43:4
The New (Law) Covenant, like the old one, will require obedience to the
letter of the Law of God. R4442:2, 4760:6; CR326:4
It will be a gradual work: as they come into the terms of the New Covenant
they will be blessed with life. R4760:6
The promise is a conditional one, the promise is that we shall abide in
his love, his favor, whoever accepts of Christ's death. R4911:1
Shall live by them -- Have the right to everlasting life. R5128:1,
4869:4, 1725:3, 573:2; Q197:T
By reason of their obedience would never die. R454:6, 573:2
The favor under the Law Covenant was, that if any Jew could keep the Law
he should have a right to life, and should never die. R503:2
The same law which guarantees that the disobedient shall die, guarantees
also that the obedient will live. R573:2
Since Moses thus wrote, none have succeeded in meriting life. R1970:2,
887:1*
Israel's hopes were soon blighted, for one after another died, giving
evidence that none of them kept their part of the Covenant fully. R789:1
The right to live was secured by Jesus by obedience to the Law. R4905:4,
5342:4
God gave this Law to the Jewish nation, whose typical sacrifices
foreshadowed the real sin-offering. R4765:5
By faith the Church now begins to enjoy this conditional promise, which
depends upon their faithfulness to the end--their patient endurance.
R4911:1
Of faith -- The Christian exercises faith in the Gospel message. R5409:5
This thing is not hidden from them, neither is it afar off--difficult to
understand. R1970:3
Speaketh on this wise -- As Moses also said. (Deut. 30:11-14) R1970:3
Say not -- Those who banish prejudice and exercise faith will not say.
R1970:3
A Christian does not ask how any one could go to heaven to bring Jesus
down to earth, or go to the grave to bring him up, a Christian will accept
the facts as they are. R5409:5
In thine heart -- Some were doubting that Jesus was the Messiah and was
put to death and then rose again. R5409:5
Who shall ascend -- Who ascended. R1970:3
Into heaven -- Jesus came from above; holy, harmless, undefiled. R5409:5
To bring Christ down -- To be our Redeemer. R1970:3,4
Such, having the ear of faith, already have their declaration of the
divine will in the person of Christ. R3071:5
Or, Who shall descend -- Or who descended, into the grave to bring
Christ back from the dead. R1970:3
To bring up Christ -- To instruct us. R3071:5
From the dead -- God recognized the merit of Jesus' work and raised him
from the dead. R5409:5
Faith accepts the coming of Christ from above, his death, his resurrection
and ascension. R1970:3
The word -- The truth which we preach. R1970:3
Is nigh thee -- Not far off, not pertaining to another age, but
obtainable now by faith. R3071:5
And in thy heart -- Reasonable and plain to be understood, finding
abundant foundation in the words of Jesus and the prophets and apostles.
R1970:3
With thy mouth -- Confession with the mouth is the first outward
evidence of faith in the heart. R3071:6
The Lord Jesus -- You must openly and publicly confess that Jesus is
Lord--your Master. R1970:3, 2164:3*
In thine heart -- No matter how much one's mind is convinced of the
truth, if his heart be stubborn he will not believe. R1970:4
For with the heart -- Not merely with the head. R5433:6, 2651:5, 2038:2
That it would thoroughly enter into us, that we be thoroughly convinced by
it; to have no doubt. CR155:3
Brethren, get your hearts right, and then you will be able both to believe
on and confess Jesus as your Lord. R1970:4
It affects anything and everything; it affects all the affairs of life.
CR155:5
Heart reliance is faith in its concrete form. R1822:3
One can believe nothing in his heart that he does not to some extent
comprehend. R2966:4
There is a way to many a heart if we seek to find it, blunt coarse ways
are repellant. The heart must be won before the soul can be saved. R1784:1
Believeth -- Both the head and the heart, the intellect and the
affections are necessary to faith. R1822:3
With some it is all emotion, with others it is all intellectuality, but
neither of these can stand the tests of the fiery ordeal, they must abide
together to endure. R1822:3
Unto righteousness -- To a change of heart which aspires to
righteousness. R2651:5
To live righteously is one of the best ways of proving our obedience to
the Lord. R5436:1, 5476:1
With the mouth -- Following faith comes confession, it is indispensable;
those who do not tell others the joy that they have found are not of the
kind worthy of a share in the Little Flock. SM763:2
We exercise faith in the heart before we make an outward profession,
before we confess the Lord with our mouth. R5497:2
It is not enough that we shall be loyal in our hearts; but the Lord
desires a public confession, a witness before men. R5539:4
We have no right to confess him with our mouth until we have believed unto
righteousness. R5497:2
Confession is made -- To witness--showing forth the praises of him who
called us out of darkness. R5476:1
There are two reasons for the blessing we receive by confession; a witness
to the world and a good effect on ourselves. R5436:4, 5476:1
And all the witnesses for the truth must be martyrs for the truth, they
must be willing to suffer for it. R5539:4, 5476:4
Our Master said that whoever would not confess him before men, he would
not confess before the Father and before the holy angels. R5539:4; 5497:2
Those who are laying down their present life in his service, should be
devoted to his praise, the showing forth the glorious character and
lovingkindess of our God. R5476:4, 5436:4
Unto salvation -- Whoever thinks that the light he has received in his
heart can be maintained without a public confession of it is deceived.
R3071:6
Many are weak, puny, sickly, because of their failure to courageously,
wisely, lovingly, declare the great things God has done for them. R3072:1
There is no salvation without a confession of the Lord; the two are
inseparable. R5497:2
Those who can exercise the faith, but are restrained from telling to
others the joy they have found, are not of the kind whom the Lord will
count worthy of a share in the Little Flock. SM763:2
The scripture saith -- Isaiah 28:16. R3962:3
Whosoever -- These words apply not only to Israel but to all mankind.
R1970:4
Ashamed -- Whoever is ashamed of Jesus, and especially of his doctrine
of the resurrection is not in a saved condition. R1970:3,4
Whosoever shall call for mercy and reconciliation, on the basis of faith
in the ransom, shall not be ashamed. R923:5
No difference -- Shown under the Gospel. R1970:4
When both have come into Christ. R3356:6
First offered to the Jews, then to the Gentiles--on the same terms. R1141:1
Between the Jew and the Greek -- This shows that no matter how much
preference was shown the Jew under the Law, there is to be no difference
shown under the Gospel. R1970:4
All -- All who are in Christ Jesus are one. R1696:6
That call upon him -- "When prayer delights thee least, Then learn to
say, Now is the greatest need That I should pray." R5382:4
Whosoever -- The first blessing of the Kingdom will come to spiritual
Israel, the second or earthly blessing shall begin with Israel, yet it
will not stop there, for all mankind may become Israelites indeed. D654
Shall call upon -- For mercy and reconciliation, on the basis of faith
in the ransom. R923:5
The name -- "There is none other name given under heaven or among men
whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) A100-101
Of the Lord -- It is not only unscriptural, but unreasonable, to say
that ignorance is a ground of salvation. R858:4
Shall be saved -- Recovered, to that which was lost. R923:5
Shall they believe -- No one can be a Christian without first having a
knowledge of Christ. Not merely a historic knowledge that such a person
lived and died and rose, but a knowledge of the object and result of
these. R761:4
Knowledge of Jesus and a grateful mental acceptance of the results of his
work, constitutes believing in Jesus, as our ransom. R761:4
The world has not had divine approval; the heathen have not had the divine
approval. R4989:4
Have not heard -- Sonship has been extended to only a comparatively few
during this Gospel age. R1007:6, 2375:2
None can call upon the Lord without knowing of him; hence the necessity
not only that Christ should give "himself a ransom for all," but also that
it should be "testified to all in due time." (1 Tim. 2:6) R923:6,
3025:6, 2122:3, 690:6*, 76:6*
Every member of Adam's race will be brought to a necessary knowledge, All
shall come to the knowledge of the truth. R2122:3
There can be no salvation without knowledge. R2375:2
The call comes through the proclamation of the Gospel, each must hear for
himself before he can accept. R5134:1; A101
Without a preacher -- It is the privilege of all who come into God's
family to proclaim these truths to others. R5134:1, 923:5
It is entirely proper to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles as well as to
Israel. R1970:4
That which Christian people sometimes attempt to do in prayer should be
done in preaching. It has not pleased God to save by prayer but by
preaching. R5834:1
This does not mean necessarily public speaking, but includes also more
private proclamation of the truth and also preaching by the printed page.
R5834:1
Our loving Father has provided a preacher in that glorious anointed One,
Head and Body. R290:5*, 405:6*
God has never left himself without a living witness in the world. R715:5*
It was necessary that the Church be honored with the Gospel message, in
advance of the Millennial age. R3282:4
It was because Paul believed that faith in Jesus was the only way of
salvation that he labored and sacrificed to spread that name. R761:4
How beautiful the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace
(reconciliation through his blood, the remission of sins) and bring good
tidings of good things. R1970:5
"The Scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through
faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying: In thee shall all
nations be blessed." (Gal. 3:8) R405:6*
They be sent -- The message of salvation thus far is to mankind only; we
are not to try to reach the fallen angels. R2185:3
As it is written -- In Isa. 52:7. R287:2, 757:2
The gospel of peace -- Reconciliation through his blood, the remission
of sins. R1970:5
Of good things -- To come as a result. R1970:5
Paul quotes only a part of Isa. 52:7; the proclamation of many of the
sweetest notes of restitution are reserved until now, during the sounding
of the seventh trumpet. R287:2, 757:2
Have not all obeyed -- Will not all at first receive. R1970:5
Faith is the result of hearing God's truth. R1970:5
Faith -- In Christ's redemptive work. R1709:6
No man can come into harmony with the divine will without faith. R556:1*,
555:3*
Faith is a necessity to harmony with the mind of God. R555:3
Cometh by hearing -- Not by mental impression; God honors and uses his
faithful ones as his mouthpieces. R4345:1
The hearing of the message of the Lord. SM307:2
We must hear this Gospel of the Kingdom in such a way as to commend it to
our judgment before we can have faith in it. R1581:6
None can believe except they hear, and none but the believing will have
part in the Church's salvation now being effected. R4617:3
Instructing by word of mouth was the mode at first; the transition from
oral to written teaching was gradual. R434:5*
Rebekah left the home to go to one she had never seen, to go to one of
whom she had heard. R752:2*
By the word of God -- The Scriptures. R1584:3
The good tidings originate with God only. R1581:6
In order to have faith one must study the Word of God and believe it.
Q752:4; R69:4*
There is no intimation in Scripture that there is salvation to any without
faith in the promises of God's Word. R1582:5, 555:3*; HG421:4
And hearing depends upon the message of God. CR19:6
Have they not heard? -- Shall they not hear? R1970:1,5
Yes, verily -- The Apostle quotes again from the prophet. (Psa. 19:4)
R1970:5
Their sound went -- Their sound shall go. R1970:1,5
The prophets seldom speak of things as future, but as though they were
accomplished in the past. R1970:1
Into all the earth -- "All men shall come to a knowledge of the truth."
(1 Tim. 2:4) R2375:2
Ends of the world -- When Paul wrote this, the Gospel could not have
reached the vast countries then undiscovered and unknown. R1969:3,6
Did not Israel -- The whole twelve tribes. C293; R2125:3, 1341:1
Know -- Shall they not come to know, understand and appreciate the glad
tidings? Yes! But not for a long time. R1970:5
I will provoke -- I will have to provoke. R1970:6
Sought me not -- Isaiah speaks pointedly of Israel's rejection of the
message. R1970:6
Gainsaying -- Self-willed. R1970:6
I say then -- In view of the declarations of Moses and Isaiah, showing
that Israel will have to be thus dealt with and disciplined. R1970:6
Hath God cast away -- Then comes the reply in verses 23-24; and proof in
verses 25-27; grand climax in verses 28-29. R793:4
God did have great indignation against Israel. OV80:3
Deut. 32:26 means that a pleasant remembrance or scent of
Israel--"Jews"--has very generally ceased (except with themselves and true
spiritual Israel), driving them into their own land as predicted. R2125:2
Trust in the Lord and wait patiently for him, and he will bring to pass
all that he has promised. But do not expect it before his time, his fixed
time. R1769:5
God forbid -- God hath not utterly cast away his people. R1970:6
An Israelite -- "Salvation is of the Jews" in the sense that a remnant
of Jews (the apostles, the early Church, etc.) became ministers of
reconciliation to bear the message to the Gentiles. C293; R1341:2
Paul, "of the tribe of Benjamin," speaks of "all the house of Israel"
living in his day--not lost, but well known, called "Jews"--living at
Jerusalem and scattered throughout the world. R2125:3, C252
Of the tribe of Benjamin -- Probably more of those at Pentecost were of
the tribe of Judah. Q172:2
Hath not cast away -- Forever. R2212:6
He has merely turned them aside temporarily during this Gospel age. R4453:1
God will yet open their eyes to see Christ. R1729:6
God will remember his Covenant and fulfill all of its gracious provisions.
OV80:3
Israel was cast off from God's favor while the Bride of Christ was being
selected, but will be reinstated when that work is accomplished. A108;
R545:4; OV226:3; HG345:1
Israel is still outcast from God's favor, showing that the Body of Christ
is not yet completely sacrificed. R4453:3
John the Baptist and his disciples and Jesus and his disciples announced
that the foreordained time when the offer of the Kingdom would be made
unto the Jewish nation had arrived. R4969:1
The coming blessings will be abundant to the blessing of all mankind, but
to the Jew first. OV66:3
His people -- The children of Israel were under the Abrahamic Covenant
long before they entered into the Law Covenant. They are still under those
Covenants. R5162:5, 4452:5
Pictured by the rich man in the parable of Lazarus; although the parable
does not go on to tell of the release of the rich man (Israel) from his
condition of torment, and his blessings which God promised. HG161:6
Which he foreknew -- Formerly recognized and favored. R1970:6
God foreknew and foretold the rejection of Israel for a time, but not
forever. OV80:5
The coming blessings will be to the Jew first. OV66:3
Wot ye not -- Call to mind Elijah's prayer against Israel. (1 Kings
9:10) R1970:6
Against Israel -- The same Israel that was blinded because of rejecting
Christ; the same Israel that is to be saved from that blindness at the
second coming of Christ. R2085:6
They seek my life -- Greek, psuche, being. E338
Seven thousand -- This probably does not mean there were exactly seven
thousand Jews whom Paul considered to be a faithful remnant in his day.
Q380:3
Even so -- The nation was given up to desolation, but the remnant were
to be saved out of the fire. R116:5*
There is a remnant -- A comparatively small proportion of the whole; the
great majority being stumbled through pride and hardness of heart. B215
Even as God reserved seven thousand men who did not bow the knee to Baal
in Elijah's day, at Paul's time there was a remnant who through God's
favor accepted the glad tidings and would not stumble. R1970:6
"He came unto his own, and his own (as a nation) received him not, but as
many as received him (individually) to them gave he liberty to become sons
of God." (John 1:11, 12) F461; Q172:2
Isaiah spoke of a stock or stump or substance remaining although many Jews
would be scattered (Isa. 6:13); Jesus gave power (to the few who received
him) to be sons of God; and Paul speaks of those few here. R2371:6
All the true Jews who continued to be recognized of the Lord--all the
Israelites indeed--were the Christians who from Pentecost onward have been
known as spiritual Israelites. R3194:6
There were several thousand at Pentecost, and each one belonged to one of
the twelve tribes. These were transferred into Christ before the host of
Israel was cast off. Q172:2
There would not have been so large a number in Israel ready to receive
the Messiah had they not been passing through disciplinary experiences,
which tended to keep them separate from the Gentiles. Q357:T
God went to the Jews to find enough to enlist under the banner of the
Great Physician, showing them that they must be touched with the feelings
of mankind's infirmities. However, he found but a remnant. CR209:4*
The remnant was the nucleus of the Bride class. R4969:2
Those Jews who were desirous of doing God's will in the fullest sense of
the word were allowed to remain as branches of the olive tree. Those who
accepted Christ were made members of the spiritual seed. R5837:5
Only the "remnant" of that nation, which quickly made peace with their
adversary (their accuser, the Law) in the way to judgment, (Matt. 5:25),
were delivered by God's gracious provision, "the Lamb of God." R1713:2
"Salvation is of the Jews" or covenant-keeping Israelities in that the the
early Church became ministers of reconciliation to the Gentiles. C293;
R1341:2, 25:1*
The Jews ready to receive the Kingdom favor were fewer than the
predetermined number. R2622:4
God proceeded as though he had not known the course the Israelites would
take: The gospel was preached to them; all the saintly ones were found
before a move was made to open the door to the Gentiles. R4969:2
In both the Jewish and Christian dispensations there have been a nominal
Israel and a real Israel, chaff and tares undistinguishable from wheat
until the harvest time of the respective ages. B205
It is from the remnant of both houses that the new house is formed. R518:5*
A remnant only of nominal fleshly and spiritual Israel stands the test,
while the great mass stumble. R862:5, 2371:6
Election of grace -- Who through God's favor will accept the glad
tidings and will not stumble. R1970:6
"An election according to grace." The Apostle is speaking of the elect
Church, particularly referring to the Jewish remnant out of all the tribes
with which this elect Church was started. R3586:4
By grace -- Favor. R542:3
This remnant is not saved by the works of the Law, nor because they almost
kept it, but by accepting of God's favor through Christ. R1970:6
No more of works -- Not on account of our own merit. R3166:4
Israel -- The whole twelve tribes. B206; C297, 293, 252; R2380:3, 1696:3
The natural seed of Abraham was the holy nation; had they been in a right
condition of heart to receive the Lord, he would have received them and
they would have been the spiritual Israel. Q172:2
Paul is not confining this word to mean only the ten tribes which revolted
from Rehoboam. R2085:6
Hath not obtained -- "The Kingdom of God shall be taken from you."
(Matt. 21:34) B119
Because unable, through the weakness of heredity, to keep the spirit of
God's perfect Law. R5003:3
The stumbling of Israel, their temporary rejection as a nation. R4969:2
Through unbelief and lack of consecration. R2086:4
Israel failed because they sought the blessing not by faith but by works,
this fall being foreknown of God and declared by him through the prophets.
R2212:6, 1970:6
According to God's Covenant with their fathers (Acts 3:25, 26), the gospel
of the Kingdom was to be to the Jew first. Yet God knew beforehand that,
as a nation, they would not appreciate nor accept it. R1795:1
Fleshly Israel lost this, the cream or choicest part of the covenant--the
spiritual. R4370:3
Messiah's Bride will be only partly Jewish. PD65/77
The Kingdom heirship was taken from "Israel," the "Jews," and transferred
to the nation (the holy nation, a peculiar people, a chosen generation, a
royal priesthood) bringing forth proper fruits. R2125:5
But the losing of this better part does not cut them off entirely from
having a part in that Covenant. R4370:3
Which he seeketh for -- The best God had to give. D625
To have the best position. R5837:2
The chief blessing through Abraham. R201:2
A share in Messiah's Kingdom. OV342:5, 193:4; R5227:1, 4958:3
The chief place in divine favor and service. A298; B215; R2072:6
The destination sought by the Jews was fellowship with and relationship to
God. R5029:1
The best of God's gifts, the privilege of becoming members of the
spiritual Israel. R4958:3
The Israelites were seeking for the spiritual, whether they understood it
or not. R5295:6
The plan was laid out on the Israelitish basis, even though God knew in
advance that Israel would reject the Lord and crucify him and thus not
obtain that which it sought (the chief blessing). R5231:6
Although we see yet to be fulfilled certain gracious earthly promises to
the natural seed of Abraham, they nevertheless have missed, have lost, as
a nation, as a people, the great prize. R2442:6
But the election -- Those of the Jews who came into Christ became of the
elect. R5837:4
The Little Flock selected from both Jews and Gentiles. D625; R3026:1
Only the faithful will constitute God's elect. R5345:5
Jesus began his work of selecting spiritual Israel, the spiritual seed of
Abraham. He accepted first the loyal Jews. PD35/46
The first opportunity to be Abraham's seed was granted to his natural
seed, Israel. An elect company was gathered. This accomplished, God set
the Jewish nation aside to select elect from other nations. R5302:1
A remnant of them (Israel) would be the nucleus of the Bride class; the
remainder would be made up of Gentiles. R4969:2
During the forty days after Jesus' resurrection, he doubtless showed them
that natural Israel was not worthy to constitute the Kingdom class, that
therefore only those accepting him had been chosen. R3910:6
Paul points us to the elect "remnant" selected from the nation before its
complete disintegration; this remnant being less than the number which God
predetermined, is to be completed from amongst the Gentiles. R2615:3,4
Not a sufficient number of Jews were found worthy to complete the Kingdom
class; the entire work of the Gospel age has been the calling of this
"elect" company from the Gentiles. OV342:6; SM90:1; PD35/46, 58/70
The special invitation went forth to the Gentiles, to "take out of them a
people for his name" (Acts 15:14), to complete the predestinated number of
the elect 144,000 (twelve thousand accredited to each of the tribes).
R3586:4
In Rev. 14:1, the number of these very elect overcomers is given as
144,000; and in chapter 7:4 the same ones are shown as filling up the
special election first opened to fleshly Israel. R3026:1
A remnant of the Jews (the apostles, the early Church, etc.), called a
remnant of Israel, became ministers of reconciliation to bear the message
to the Gentiles. R1341:2
The remnant, the few, in connection with the Gentiles. R201:2, 3586:4,
1970:6
The "Lazarus" class died, ceased from their former condition, and were
received into God's favor. Accepting of Christ, they were received to
Abraham's bosom--esteemed the true children of believing Abraham. R1087:1
The carrying of Lazarus to "Abraham's bosom" symbolically said that the
outcasts of Israel and the worthy Gentiles became children of God and
heirs of Abraham, who typified God. R5005:1
Luke 16:23-31--the Gentile nation ceased to be a beggar, and was brought
into a place of favor (Abraham's bosom); the Jews as a nation are dead and
tormented in the flame of persecution. R802:3*
The Gospel Church is the higher, spiritual Israel, which gets blessings
which natural Israel never possessed, though she was given the first
opportunity, but failed through lack of consecration. R2086:4
Rom. 9:23-26, quoting Hos. 2:23 and 1:10, explains that the spiritual
class is selected during the time when fleshly Israel has been cast off.
C297; R1341:6
Christ is the glory of the Church, the true Israel of God, of which Simeon
said, "Mine eyes have seen the glory of thy people Israel." (Luke 2:30-32)
R2126:1
Hath obtained it -- "As many as received him." (John 1:12) F177; R3910:6
Became heirs or inheritors of the glorious promise made to Abraham.
OV193:5; R793:5
As many from the different tribes of Israel as were worthy at the first
advent were received and given the begetting of the holy Spirit at
Pentecost. But the full number was not found in natural Israel. R5371:5
Gentiles are invited to fill up the deficiency in the elect number of
Israel, and will be, so to speak, divided amongst the twelve tribes;
according to what rule of distinction the Scriptures do not show. R3586:4
The remnant of Israel and those heathen who receive the glad tidings,
being justified, not by works, but by faith in Christ, thereby gain the
privilege of becoming sons of God on the divine plane. R1970:6
What the nation of Israel rejected was accepted by a remnant of that
people, and the foreordained number is being completed from among the
Gentiles--the Bride and joint-heir of the King of Glory. R1373:3
On a chart, the plane of human perfection is designated "the prize won by
the Christ and sacrificed." R4538:2
Rest were blinded -- Supposing the chief favor to be the earthly
blessings, and in pride of heart claiming that as their natural
birthright, merited by their works, they blindly rejected the greater
favor. B215
To "them that are without," outside the pale of believing disciples, these
parables of truth were as dark as the truths themselves, to which the
unworthy allowed prejudice to blind their eyes. R1742:4
The nation, through its representatives, the rulers, instead of receiving
Jesus, rejected him, and thus identified themselves for the time with the
Adversary. F461
In due time, Jesus came, the promised Messiah, not in glory as they had
expected, but in a lowly condition, to die for sin. "He came unto his own
(nation) and his own received him not"--they crucified him. (John 1:11)
PD35/46
Christ offered himself to this nation of Israel, and (in harmony with the
divine foreknowledge) had been rejected. R3139:5
The blind ignorance of crucifying the Messiah was referred to by Paul who
pointed out that Israel was blinded and did stumble and fall into the
ditch and did not attain the great prize which it was seeking. R2615:3
Stumbled; turned aside from divine favor. R4942:5
The entire Jewish race was blinded and turned aside; fell into confusion,
darkness, and separation from God. R5029:1
God was agreeable to their being blinded. R4781:6
Those who discerned not the time of their visitation were blinded, and
were forced to pay the "uttermost farthing." Only the "remnant," which
made peace in the way to judgment (Luke 12:58, 59) were delivered. R1713:2
The blissful condition of the early Church was calculated to draw the
attention of Israelites indeed; thus did the Lord draw some out of the
unfit, blinded, rejected nation into the Gospel Church's blessings. R1421:5
By his prophet Isaiah, God foretold that only a remnant of the
nation would prove worthy of the Covenant favor, and that the rest would
be blinded (as they were by their prejudices and hardness of heart).
R1795:1
Israel had declared that they would be all that God wished them to be, if
only they might have the promise made to Abraham their father. What it was
they did not know, although they thought they knew. R5837:2
Those not of the remnant were blinded and broken off from the Covenant
promises until after the Gospel age shall have selected the "elect,"
spiritual Israel. R2380:3
The remainder would be made up of Gentiles. R4969:2
The god of this world will blind both Israel and all nations to the gospel
glories. R1971:1
The Law Covenant lives in the sense that its blessings and curses still
cling to Israel, as so many assets and liabilities. They are still bound
to it, blinded, unless they have died to it. R5047:1
Modern Judaism attempts to neutralize Christianity by claiming that Jesus'
teachings (and Peter's, James' and John's) were Jewish teachings which
preceded him; all anti-Jewish teachings are of Paul. R2419:2
The Apostle Paul was in some sense of the word a likeness of his race, and
the opening of their eyes now shortly due to take place. Amongst the Jews
are many who seem to be Israelites indeed, merely blinded. R2118:5
The blinded Israelites are still cast aside, but not forever. OV342:5,
193:4
Not forever, but until the election of the spiritual seed, the Kingdom
proper, is completed. D625
Until the completion of the spiritual class. R4958:3, 5302:1
Until the end of the Gospel age. R1729:6, 5047:3; D625
Until Jesus' second coming. SM90:1
As it is written -- In Isa. 29:10. R3962:3
This change in the divine operation was foreknown to the Lord, and was a
part of his plan, as revealed through the prophets--that the Gentiles also
should be fellow-heirs of the same promise. R2615:4
Isaiah's vision (Isa. 6:10) is somewhat comparable: now again, after the
first advent, the nation as a whole was rejected of the Lord and scattered
and only a "remnant" were received into the gospel's favor. R2371:6
Spirit of slumber -- Carelessness in heavenly things and carefulness for
earthly things. E199
And David saith -- In Psa. 69:22. R4287:6
Their table -- So bountifully spread with the rich promises and
blessings offered them through Christ. B215; R5444:3, 4782:1
Of divine mercies and promises. HG440:2
Table of divine favors and truths. R2150:2, 4782:2; OV163:3
The table of divine truth, which God spread for them from the Law and the
prophecies. R4288:2
The "rich man's" bountiful table (Luke 16:21) represented the divine
promises given, up to that time, exclusively to the Jew. OV163:3
To them alone God had committed the oracles of truth, the prophecies and
the types which shadowed forth the sacrifice for sin, and the blessings
following that atoning sacrifice. R1971:1
The special promises of God to his Chosen People, who concluded that God
must keep his promises to Abraham, and that they would be the Kingdom to
bless the world. R4782:1
God's prediction, that Israel would be blinded by their Law, was fulfilled
in a natural way. They study Rabbinical fables instead of the Bible,
lamenting that they have no Temple, High Priest, altar. C256
Israel has been without spiritual food or drink since its encounter with
Jesus three (1,000-year) days ago; Saul neither ate nor drank for three
days following his encounter with the glorious risen Christ. R2118:5
A snare, and a trap -- Israel stumbled over Jesus, failing to recognize
him as the Sent of God. Of the nation in general the prophet Isaiah
declared, "They shall fall backward and be snared and taken." (Isa. 28:13)
R4942:6
It was God's goodness and favor toward them that stumbled and entrapped
them and prejudiced their unconsecrated hearts; they presumed upon God's
favor. R4782:1
Making them proud and arrogant instead of humble, and thus showing their
unfitness for a share with Messiah in the spiritual part of the Kingdom.
HG440:2
The stumbling, trapping, snaring in the harvest of the Jewish age
foreshadowed a similar sifting out of all except a faithful remnant here.
R4782:3
Stumblingblock -- The Israelites became proud and vain and imagined that
God's favor would not pass them by, and thus they stumbled as a people.
R4288:2, 1971:1
They stumbled over the very graciousness of God's plan shown to them in
types. R1971:1
And a recompence -- Because of their hardness of heart. B215
The "rich man" class was cast out of favor, into trouble. From then till
now, the Jews as a people have been in torment; hindered by their Law
prejudices (as a great gulf) from accepting Christ. R1087:1
Let their eyes be darkened -- Jews are still proud, their words still
stout against Jesus as the Messiah; it is merely their race-pride perhaps
which now leads them to acknowledge the great Teacher's greatness, because
he was a Jew. R2420:5
Bow down their back -- They were bowed down to see only the earthly
promises. R1971:1
They trusted in themselves and despised others; they became arrogant,
haughty and self-confident, and hence that much the less the
humble-spirited, that the Lord sought, for his spiritual Israel. R4782:1
Have they -- The fleshly seed. R1696:3
Stumbled -- The prophets foretold the stumbling of Israel. R4969:2
Admitting that Israel will stumble and is stumbling as foretold. R1971:1
Should fall -- Irrevocably. R1971:1
Utterly. R1696:3
God forbid -- That they should forever remain cast off. R1971:1
Through their fall -- Their failure as a nation to become members of the
new creation. F461
Their temporary fall from favor. R1971:1
As the natural seed to which the promise first was made. R1696:3
If all the Jews living in Jesus' day had loved God with all their heart,
with all their being, and had made a full consecration, we understand that
God would have accepted that sacrifice on their part. R5837:5
The stumbling and fall of both the houses of Israel should be regarded
rather as a blessing than otherwise. The rejection of the nominal house
was necessary before the call could go to the Gentiles. R177:6
Salvation -- The significance of their fall is rather to be a blessing
to the Gentiles than a permanent injury to Israel. R1971:1
The great Covenant blessing would be accepted and realized by some from
among the Gentiles, who should be accounted the seed of Abraham to whom
pertain the promises--children according to the Spirit. R1795:1
As soon as the elect class shall have been completed from amongst all
nations (for probably only ten or fifteen thousand of Israel became Jesus'
disciples), the Jews will arise again to divine favor. R4942:6
All the unready of Israel were broken off from divine favor for a time,
while the call to the Kingdom was sent to the Gentiles, to take out of
them a people to complete the foreordained "Body of Christ." PD58/70
To jealousy -- It has had, and will have, this effect. Since the
preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles, Israel no longer goes after
idolatries. They seem to be growing jealous of Christianity, claiming
Jesus as a Jew. R1696:5
The fall of them -- Israel. R3685:1
Paul does not mention Judah separately, but quotes prophecies against
Israel, applying them without qualification or limitation to "all the
house of Israel" living in his day. R2125:3
Be -- Is. R1696:6
Results in. R1971:1
Becomes a channel for. R3685:1
Riches of the world -- The enlightenment and blessing of the world.
R3685:1
Riches to the Gentiles. R1971:2
It resulted in throwing open to the world in general the opportunity of
the high calling. R177:6, 3685:1
The diminishing -- The selecting of only a few, a remnant. R1696:6
The riches -- Bringing in Gentiles to be joint-heirs in the Abrahamic
promise and Covenant. R2196:1
The Kingdom was taken from Israel to be given to a people bringing forth
the fruits thereof. (Matt. 21:43) R107:3*
The proportionate enrichment. R1696:6
Of the Gentiles -- Jesus said (Matt. 3:8, 9) "God is able of these
stones to raise up children unto Abraham." Because the Gentiles had the
faith of Abraham, they were raised up. R1795:1
God assured childless Abraham that his children would yet be multitudinous
as the stars of heaven, a promise evidently applying to the spiritual
seed--The Christ, the elect of God, Head and Body. R2854:1
Their fullness -- The blessing which begins with the return of fleshly
Israel to divine favor, will not end with them; through the seed of
Abraham all the families of the earth are to be blessed. R2196:1
Israel, like Paul, is soon to be the "chosen vessel in the Lord's hand,"
as connected with the earthly agencies in bearing the message which shall
bless the Gentiles and all the families of the earth. R2118:5
Their restoration to favor, which God's promises guarantee, will imply an
abundance of divine favor both to Jew and Gentile. R1971:2
If the cutting off of that people resulted in such blessings to others,
how much greater blessings may we expect as a result of Israel's ultimate
full regathering to God. R1696:6
The Apostle is pointing down to the end of this age, when God will give to
Israel the fullness of his promise under the New Covenant. Q355:2; R2196:1
The Jews will recognize the great Messiah in God's due time--yea, all
nations shall recognize him--"The desire of all nations shall come," (Hag.
2:7), after his completion--after the last saint shall have been
glorified. OV157:3
By God's grace, the blood of the New Covenant is efficacious for the house
of Jacob also, and upon all who desire harmony with God. F461
In the Song of Moses and his blessing of the nation (Deut. 32, 33), he
prophesied of Israel's final victories, which shall ultimately be attained
by the Jew first and also the Gentile, during the Millennium. R3078:2
"Thus saith the Lord: Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's
tents and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded
upon her own heap." (Jer. 30:18) HG336:2
The removal of the Jewish ban from the New Testament will mean the reading
of it, and the reading of it will mean the gradual turning away of their
blindness. R2420:4
If AD 1915 should pass with the world's affairs serene and without the
restoration of natural Israel to favor, we could still worship a God so
great and grand that none other could compare with him. R5368:4, 4067:6
That Israel's fullness will finally embrace the dead as well as the living
is intimated in verse 15. R107:3*
Of the Gentiles -- The twelfth apostle. R2823:2
Although Paul was a Jew. R179:3*
Magnify mine office -- Being the Apostle to the Gentiles, I desire to
show the importance of the Gentiles in God's plan. R1971:2
Provoke -- Stimulate. R1971:2
Save some of them -- Recover some of them from blindness. R1971:2
Casting away -- After 1845 years of favor, their rejection of Messiah
demonstrated their unworthiness, and so they were given over to blindness
until their double, 1845 years, of disfavor should be accomplished. R5533:1
Thus is seen the breadth of God's plans. We know that there are
certain promises made to Israel, which must yet be fulfilled; they are
being temporarily postponed. R1971:2
Just as soon as the last few of the "fullness of the Gentiles" (verse 25)
have finished their training and qualified, the blindness upon the Jews
will be removed and that will mean the resurrection of the dead. CR209:5*
In God's providence the Jews have continued to have such tribulations
throughout this Gospel age as to have kept them separate from the rest of
the world. Q357:1
Of them -- The bitter prejudice and blindness of natural Israel
(rejecting Jesus as Messiah) have acted as a great gulf to separate them
as a people from the Gospel message. R5533:2
Paul's comprehensive statement of the entire plan of God in this wonderful
and logical epistle to the Romans ignores "another Israel" (the ten lost
tribes) because all Jews were "men of Israel." R2085:6
Reconciling of the world -- Receiving the Gentile "wild olive branches"
(all nations received the opportunity, not necessarily all people of all
nations) into the "olive tree," from which the majority of the Jews were
broken off. R5533:3
This blessing (opening the door of favor) unexpectedly given to the
Gentiles, argues that God's plans, as we now see them, are broader than we
had at first supposed, and include Gentiles as well as Jews. R1971:2
Breaking down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile.
R1374:1, 2086:5
Receiving of them -- Back to divine favor. R1374:1, 5533:3, 177:6
Regathering of Israel. R3938:1
"Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from
the coasts of the earth: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my
firstborn." (Jer. 31:8, 9) HG336:2
The restoration of natural Israel is to be brought about through the New
Covenant, when their "double" is fulfilled, "their appointed time is
accomplished, their iniquity is pardoned." (Isa. 40:2) R5533:3
Though the fleshly house fell, they are to rise again to all that was
promised them as a fleshly seed of Abraham (in the Millennial age). R177:6
The true conversion of Israel to the Lord and the truth, will be the start
of the world's conversion, when "Many peoples shall come and say, Come,
let us go up to the mountain of the Lord." (Mic. 4:2) R3249:5
"As the dust of the earth" represents the human family who, under the
blessing of the spiritual seed, during the Millennium, shall attain
Abraham's faith and its reward--life. R2854:1
Some believe that the prophecies concerning the restoration of Israel were
fulfilled at the close of the Babylonian captivity; but the prophecies of
Haggai and Zechariah and Jesus were all after that. R107:1
Be -- Imply. R1374:1
But life -- For all humanity. R3664:2, 2854:1, 2196:1
To the whole world of mankind. Q165:2; R5533:4, 3938:1; 1365:2
During the Millennial age. R3078:2
Israel's true conversion to the Lord will be the start of the world's
conversion. R3249:5
The blessing of Israel under the New Covenant means,
not only an opportunity of life from the dead to them, but also a similar
blessing of opportunity for all the families of the earth. R2196:1
From the dead -- By a resurrection of the dead. R1374:1, 177:6
To the Jew it will mean the resurrection from the dead--both nationally
and individually, both symbolically and literally. R5533:3
The promises are to be fulfilled which were made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob,
David and the prophets. R5533:4, 1365:2
In order for the seed of Abraham according to the flesh to realize the blessings God has promised, an
awakening from the sleep of death will be necessary, since God is no
respecter of persons. R3938:2
God's promises to Israel imply their resurrection from death; and the
world in general being reconciled to God and their sin atoned for by the
ransom, we conclude that "life from the dead" will come to all. R1971:2
The firstfruit -- A faithful remnant of the Jewish nation was the
first-fruit class of the Church of Christ. R5533:1
The firstfruit of the Abrahamic promise would be The Christ, Head and
Body. R5533:5
Israel. R1374:1
Israel is merely a first-fruit of the world, the first-favor; and if God
has a blessing for them as promised, it follows that he has the same
blessing for other nations. R1971:2
The "first fruits" are not the "lump," nor is the "earnest" the
"inheritance." The "first fruits" and the "earnest" are indications of the
nature of the "lump" and of the "inheritance." R1324:4*
There must be other fruits--other creatures--to follow. R33:6*
Be holy -- Acceptable and blessed of God. R1971:2
The lump -- All of the race of Adam who will return to harmony with God.
R5533:6
The mass, the world in general. R1971:2, 5533:5
The "first fruits" and the "earnest" are pledges that the "lump" and the
"inheritance" will follow. R1324:4*
Is also holy -- As the firstfruit growing out of the root of the
Abrahamic covenant is holy, so is the entire fruitage. R5533:5
God will see that all the crop is holy. CR340:4
The root -- The promise to Abraham (covenant). R5963:6, 5837:2, 5533:5,
3194:5, 2931:4, 793:5; CR48:2; HG440:2; Q172:2
All of God's blessings were in the Abrahamic Covenant which as a root had
developed Israel as a nation--the seed of Abraham according to the flesh.
R4497:4
The root of these promises is Abrahamic and Israelitish. R1971:2
The root promise bears both seeds of Abraham, but both are not developed
at once. R793:5
Be holy -- If the root or original promise of God made to Abraham and
Israel retain its life, it must bring forth the promised fruit--the
blessing of all the families of the earth. R1971:2
The branches -- The Israelites had been the natural branches. R5963:6,
5837:2; CR48:2
The living Israelites were branches of that olive tree. Had they been in
the right heart condition, "Israelites indeed," they would as a whole have
been accepted by Christ as his members. R4497:4
John did not baptize into Christ, but merely unto repentance, bringing
Jews back to a condition of harmony with Moses, who typified Christ; then,
as natural branches they would not need ingrafting into Christ. F432
At Pentecost, Peter wished his hearers to wash away their sin against the
Law Covenant and their sin of rejecting Messiah. Then they would be true
Israelites, the natural branches in the root of the promise. R2931:4
Christianity, instead of being a split-off from Judaism, was the proper
development of it. R3194:5
"I am the vine, ye are the branches." (John 15:5) R3157:4
If some -- Because of unfaithfulness many branches were broken off; the
time that they were broken off was during that forty-year period which
began with our Lord's ministry and ended with the destruction of
Jerusalem. R5023:3; Q403:4
Nearly all of these branches were broken off because of unbelief, because
of failure to accept the invitation to the great feast (of Luke 14:16),
because of lack of appreciation of spiritual blessings. R3834:1
Nearly all the branches were broken off because of unbelief; and the
unbelief was because of an improper condition of heart. HG440:2
Not all--our Lord, the apostles, and many others were not broken off.
R2125:4, 793:5
Branches -- The Jews. HG440:2
Natural Israel. R5837:2
The living Israelites. R4497:4
The people of Israel. R3194:5, 2931:4
Fleshly Israel grew naturally out of the root of the Abrahamic Covenant.
A292
As branches already in that root they would not need to be grafted in,
only to repent of their sins. R2931:4
Every individual Jew claimed to be connected with the Abrahamic Covenant.
R5023:3; Q403:4
Representing the 144,000, but they were broken off and their places made
vacant, and you and I were grafted in. Q607:T
A time of "fire" or tribulation came upon the chaff portion of the nation,
and as a nation, burned them up. R704:3
None of the savages living at that time in Britain and Ireland (without
knowledge of God or of Moses or of the Law, or of Abraham or of the
promise, or of circumcision) could be here referred to. R2125:4
Be broken off -- Natural Israel proven unworthy to become heirs of the
Abrahamic promise. R5837:4
Because of lack of faith in the promised spiritual blessings. R3834:1,
3937:6; Q607:T, 403:5
All Jews refusing to progress and to accept of Christ are represented as
branches that were broken off. R3194:6
God spared not the natural branches, but broke off the unfit ones. R2301:3
These branches had already been broken off when Paul wrote this epistle.
Hence, any Jew coming into Christ would have to be grafted in the same as
a Gentile. He would have no precedence. R5963:6
The olive tree existed complete in the Apostle's day--then some were
broken off and cast away, in order that the wild branches from the
Gentiles might be grafted in. R2125:4
When Jesus came to earth, the end of special favor to the nation had about
come. If during his ministry they should fail to bring forth good fruit,
they would be cut off from the root of promise. R704:3
During that forty-year period which began with our Lord's ministry and
ended with the destruction of Jerusalem. Q403:5; R5023:3, 2931:5, 704:3
And thou -- A Gentile, an alien from the commonwealth of Israel. F433
Wild olive tree -- Gentiles. R5837:4
Now God was seeking a spiritual seed of Abraham--spiritual Israelites--to
take the place of the broken-off branches of the fleshly house. R3139:5
Our baptism signifies or emblemizes our introduction into the body of
Christ as wild olive branches grafted into the approved stock, to be
partakers of the richness of the promises through the root. R2931:4
Wert graffed in -- To take the place of natural Israel, the natural
branches that were broken off. R5837:4
Believers from the Gentiles would be grafted in. R704:3
The Gentile believers were grafted into the root of the Abrahamic Covenant
when the natural branches were cut off because of unbelief. A292
During this age, God has been grafting Gentiles into the places formerly
reserved for Israelites according to the flesh. R2301:3
A Gentile may come into covenant relationship with God by being engrafted
into the good olive tree. R5776:2
Only spiritual branches are grafted in. R5023:3; Q403:3
To the Gentiles, baptism meant more than to the Jews; it meant all the
radical change that is pictured by the ingrafting of the wild olive
branches into the good olive tree--a complete transformation. F434 The
Apostle shows that the call of us Gentiles to joint-heirship is because
those of the Jews ready to receive the Kingdom favor upon the Lord's terms
were fewer than the predetermined number. R2622:4
Rev. 7:4 tells of 144,000 who fill up the special election first opened to
fleshly Israel. R3026:1; Q172:2
The call of the Gentiles to be sharers in the Kingdom is merely the
continuation of the original call. R2702:4
We were all Gentiles by nature, all grafted into the same spiritual seed,
so that we make the antitypical spiritual Israel mentioned in Rev. 7, the
144,000, 12,000 out of each of the twelve tribes. Q172:2
Among them -- When Jesus was present, it was the harvest time; their age
had reached its full. He selected with his "fan" of truth the wheat and
"garnered" it in the Gospel age. R704:3
Those Jews that were fit to stay in were "cleansed by the washing of water
through the Word," and transferred from Moses into Christ, and begotten of
the holy Spirit. R5023:3; Q404:1
Partakest of -- Ever since the Jewish branches were broken off, God has
been gathering us who were by nature children of wrath, aliens, grafting
us Gentile branches into the real tree through which the blessing is to
come. R5023:3; Q404:1
Christianity, instead of being split off from Judaism, was the natural
outcome and fuller, proper development of it--the fulfillment of the
promises of God upon which the hopes of Judaism were built. R3194:5
The call of the Gentiles to be sharers in the Kingdom is merely the
continuation of the original call, and we are called in to take the places
of those who neglected so great salvation and privilege. R2702:4
Our call is to fill the places of those "natural branches" of the
Abrahamic stock, by being grafted into and made partakers of the original
root of divine favor--the Abrahamic promise. R2622:4
The work of this Gospel age has been the grafting into the original root
of promise Gentile believers, through Christ united with the Abrahamic
root of promise, and inheritors of its richness and fatness. R2442:5
The root -- The promise to Abraham. Q403:5; R5963:6, 5837:2, 5776:2,
5023:3, 3194:5, 2622:4, 2086:5
Paul speaks of the Abrahamic Covenant as a root. This root-covenant bears
two kinds of branches (earthly and heavenly); each will bear its own
fruitage--the human and spiritual classes in Kingdom power. A292
The root of the tree is in the promise of God--the Abrahamic promise, that
the seed of Abraham should eventually bless all the families of the earth.
D651
Fatness -- Their long period of disfavor and casting off is about ended,
and they will soon be re-engrafted into the olive tree, again share the
fatness thereof, and bring blessings to all the families of the earth.
R4656:4
To the ransom, a "great salvation" was added; all who by faith lay hold
upon it are reckoned of God as already partakers, as having received of
the "fatness" of the new sources of life. R875:5*
Of the olive tree -- The Jewish nation. R3194:5, 5023:3; Q403:4
Fleshly Israel; "A green olive tree, fair and of goodly fruit." (Jer.
11:16) D651
Our Lord and John the Baptist spoke of the Jewish polity, comparing it to
a tree at whose root lay an ax. R704:3
The tree as a whole, then, represents spiritual Israel--a few natural
branches (the apostles and all Jews who received Christ in sincerity) and
the remainder the branches grafted in from the Gentiles. HG440:2
Boast not -- Be not puffed up, but humbly and thankfully remember we are
occupying the place originally belonging to the natural descendants.
R1971:3
Against the branches -- Israel. R5837:2
Bearest not the root -- The Abrahamic promise. R5837:2
The branches were broken off -- The test was upon the Jews: Will you
accept Jesus of Nazareth as your Messiah, and take up your cross and
follow him? The great majority failed in the testing. Proven unworthy,
they were broken off. R5837:4
Before they were broken off, the Jew had an advantage over the Gentile; he
has no advantage over the Gentile since they were broken off. Q172:2
Though the parable of The rich man and Lazarus mentions no bridging of the
"great gulf," other portions of Scripture indicate that it was to be
"fixed" only throughout the Gospel age. R2605:1
Might be graffed in -- God through Peter used the second key to the
Kingdom three and a half years after Pentecost. Cornelius and his family
accepted the terms of discipleship, the first Gentiles to be grafted into
the "olive tree." PD75/89
When the call went to the Gentiles, several at Ephesus were baptized by
John's baptism, as though they had been Jews. This was a mistake. Gentiles
needed to be baptized directly into Christ's death. PD56/69
During this Gospel age the places of the broken off branches have been
filled by called and chosen ones of every nation. R4497:4
Because of unbelief -- All except the few who became spiritual
Israelites were broken off. R4497:4
God broke off from his favor only such of the natural branches as were out
of harmony with the root of promise. F177
The promise was primarily spiritual. When the point was reached of making
a positive decision as to whether they would accept God's conditions, few
were ready. The cost was too much! R5837:4
Had they been in the right heart condition, they would have been allowed
to remain branches in the olive tree, Abraham's spiritual seed. But they
were not ready, and hence were broken off. R4497:4
The "rich man" class was cast out of favor. From then till now, the Jews
as a people have been in torment, in trouble; they were hindered by their
Law prejudices (as a great gulf) from accepting Christ. R1087:1; HG387:5
Israel was invited to be the Royal Priesthood. At Pentecost a few from the
tribes responded, and became the nucleus of the Church. The door of
opportunity was opened to the Gentiles to fill up the vacancies. R5532:6
Walk humbly, for if because of pride and unbelief they failed and were
cast off, God would be as likely to cut off the wild branches under
similar circumstances. R1971:3
How careful we should be lest we lose sight of the great value of this
favor, and so fall after the same example of unbelief. R1422:3
Thou standest by faith -- The natural seed of Abraham could not be
considered his seed without faith, since Abraham was to be the father of
the faithful. Some from amongst the Gentiles possessed the faith of
Abraham. R2442:3
The "Lazarus" class died, or ceased from their former condition, and were
received into the favor of God. Accepting of Christ, these were received
to Abraham's bosom--heirs of the promise made to him. R1087:1
Be not highminded -- Humility is the first of the graces. Allow no
feeling of self-righteousness to spring up in the heart. R4524:6
The great time of trouble near at hand will include "Jacob's trouble" as
well as "Babylon's fall." R2420:5
But fear -- Perfect love casts out slavish, but not reverential fear.
R2986:6, 2289:4,5
Many sheep from among the Gentiles may lose their high privileges, if they
walk not by faith. R2072:6*
It is not strange that the present harvest witnesses the separation of
true Christians from mere professors, as God's Word shows the rejection of
the mass, as Babylon. C180
Spared not the natural branches -- The Lord rejected, cut off and cast
away from favor, into a fire of trouble, many of the "natural branches" of
the olive tree, preserving only the Israelites indeed as branches. C180
They were partakers of the merits of the Lamb--yet they refused to eat of
the antitypical Lamb; so they lost the opportunity of becoming as a nation
the peculiar people of Messiah, the firstborn ones. F461
For centuries the Jews have been bitterly persecuted by pagans,
Mohammedans and professed Christians; and much of "Jacob's trouble" is
just as hand. R2605:2
Lest he also spare not thee -- In the harvest of this age, God's wisdom
tests the "wild branches," and cuts off from favor and fatness of the root
(the Abrahamic promise) this great mass of professed branches. C180
Our Lord likened his followers to the branches in a vine, and pointed out
that "every branch in me" that bears not fruit, the Father, the
husbandman, taketh it away--it becomes refuse, to be destroyed. (John
15:2) R3157:5
We see this fulfilled in the breaking off of the Gentile branches--the
nominal church--now blinded and cast out and only the elect few branches,
the Little Flock, remaining. R1971:3
Behold -- Greek, eidon, consider, understand. R837:3
Know or be acquainted with. A278
Goodness -- Love. R1971:3
The same merit which has all through the present age been efficacious for
the Church class is to be efficacious for the whole world, those in their
graves as well as those now having a measure of life. R5777:4,5
And severity -- Justice. R1971:3
God is abundant in mercy and goodness, but will by no means clear the
guilty. R1971:3
Thus far the world in general has seen only this side of our Heavenly
Father's character. R3321:3
Which fell -- From their high privileges. R2036:2
They lost the opportunity of passing over and becoming the Royal
Priesthood, the holy nation, members of the new creation, with life more
abundant in glory, honor and immortality. F462
Severity -- In the cutting off from those favors of all the unfaithful.
R1971:3
Toward thee -- You Gentiles. R2036:2
Goodness -- We get the choicest portion of blessing proffered to fleshly
Israel. R2086:5
Manifest by the promise and the blessings it contains. R1971:3
If thou continue -- If you heed and continue to walk in the light.
R2036:2
In the harvest of this age, the same wisdom tests the "wild branches" and
cuts off from favor the great mass of professed branches whose character
and aims and dispositions are different from the root. C180
Shalt be cut off -- From the divine favor and left to stumble in
darkness. R2036:2
"So, then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will
spue thee out of my mouth." (Rev. 3:16) C180; R1971:3
And they also -- Verses 23 and 24 answer the question in verse 1. R793:4
Not still in unbelief -- An acceptance of Christ. R5837:5, 953:2
Shall be graffed in -- Any Jew, seeking to come into Christ since the
day of wrath upon his nation, AD 70, could be re-engrafted only under the
same terms and conditions as a Gentile. R2931:5
Graff them in again -- During the Gospel age the Jew has had the same
privilege of coming into the Body of Christ as the Gentile. R5964:1,
2931:5, 953:2; A299; Q172:2
"The middle wall of partition" between Jew and Gentile was broken down.
(Eph. 2:14) Jews could not now come into relationship with Christ on any
other terms than could Gentiles. R3356:3
Even in cutting Israel off, God is merciful and kind; even though cut off,
they may be re-engrafted if they exercise the needful faith. R1971:3
If a Jew accepts the real Lamb of God, in season--during the "call"--an
acceptance of Christ would bring him fully into every favor enjoyed by
Gentiles; the broken-off branches may be grafted in again. R953:2
As a nation they lost those spiritual promises and were cut off from them;
but believing Israelites, as well as Gentiles, may be grafted into the
spiritual vine by faith. R201:2
If broken off, Jews would have just the same process of engrafting as if
they were Gentiles. They have no patent or inside way. Q172:2
They will soon be re-engrafted into the olive tree, under The Christ
glorified. R4656:4
Tree which is wild by nature -- Gentile converts are compared to wild
olive branches grafted in where the natural branches had been broken off.
D651
Good olive tree -- Fleshly Israel is compared to the original cultivated
olive tree. D651
The good olive tree was in existence long before Jesus came into the
world. It was not the new covenant arrangement, but represented God's
favor to Israel as the seed of Abraham. Q172:2
Be graffed into their own olive tree -- After the close of their 70th
week (36 AD) there was no difference in the way by which a natural branch
could be restored than that by which a wild branch could be ingrafted.
R5963:6, 2931:5
God's favor toward Israel as a nation ended at the time of Christ's
rejection, 33 AD. A personal favor continued with true Israelites for a
further 3 years to the end of their 70 weeks (36 AD). Possibly some
sort of special favor continued with them until the end of the Jewish
harvest, 69 AD, but certainly no longer. R3356:2
Eventually the same root will bear two kinds of branches--the ingrafted
wild olive branches, and the re-ingrafted natural branches: when fleshly
Israel shall have his blindness turned away. D651
Would not, brethren -- Brethren of the Church, spiritual Israel. B210;
R201:2
This mystery -- This secret. (Diaglott) R4370:3
The mystery is this: The blindness and breaking off of Israel will not
continue forever. It will only last until the choicest, fittest branches
from the Gentiles have been properly engrafted on the root. R1971:3
The selection of the Church, the Body of Christ; the carrying out of a
part of that plan not previously revealed. R4625:4
Gathering out a special few of the Jews, and of all nations, to constitute
spiritual Israel. R4624:3
God is not now trying to save the world, but he is finding the seed of
Abraham. CR48:4
In your own conceits -- "That you may not be conceited with yourselves"
(Diaglott), thinking all of God's favor and covenant are taken from them
and given to you. R4370:3
God's plan is more comprehensive than you have yet appreciated. By showing
you that you have not all wisdom, it will enable you to keep humble and to
search for the further unfoldings of God's plans. R1971:3
Blindness in part -- To the larger part. R201:2
"Hardness in some measure." (Diaglott) R4370:3
Temporary blindness. R1696:6, 5231:6, 3685:1
The blindness which God sent upon them at the beginning of this age.
R4464:2
The Jewish nation was blinded and rejected until spiritual Israel's
selection. (A part of a chart entitled "God's Everlasting Law
Covenant--Perfection and Obedience Rewarded with Everlasting Life.")
R4538:5
In their blindness, the Lord allowed the Jews to stumble, which stumbling
would continue until the full election of spiritual Israel. R3962:5
No doubt many Jews are now faithless and unbelieving because of the long
period of blindness upon them. R4624:5
Pride, on the part of the learned and wealthy, the religious leaders and
theologians, led them to consider the humble Nazarene and his unlearned
followers, as impostors. R5926:3
Israel, not having zealously inquired for the new heart and the right
spirit, not having sought if of the Lord, was unprepared in heart to
receive Messiah, and as a result stumbled into blindness. R2503:4
Simon the Pharisee (Luke 7:36-50) was like the prejudiced nation, blinded
with false traditions of men; the woman sinner with the ointment was like
the nation will be, receiving forgiveness, mercy. R2626:6
They failed to attain the glorious hopes of participating with Messiah in
the promise made to Abraham. R4537:3
God declared and reiterated that the period of Israel's rejection would be
seven times. OV80:6
The Jews of our Lord's day who rejected him did not have a full chance
because "they were blinded" and "through ignorance" they crucified him.
R2116:5
They will leave their national death and come, the first of the nations to
be blessed by the true seed of Abraham, which is Christ, Head and Body.
R2605:4
The "veil" of prejudice still exists, but it will be gradually taken away
as the light of the Millennial morning dawns. R2605:2
The Jews, blinded, prejudiced, with hardness of heart, rejected Christ as
Lord and Redeemer, but the Lord will open their eyes and give them a heart
of flesh so they may believe and live. (Ezek. 37:12-14) R1467:1
Israel's attempt to keep the Law brought them great uplift of heart, so
that when Jesus came a considerable number of them were ready to receive
him. But the rest were blinded. OV342:5, 193:4
At his first advent, our Lord awakened faith in those who had the eye of
faith to see. In due time, all the families of the earth shall be saved
from this blindness, "All the blind eyes shall be opened." R3501:2
When Peter cured the cripple at the Temple gate, his sermon about the
"fathers" and Israel's hope and Jehovah's promise drew devout Israelites,
"wheat," before the blinding of the nation. R2096:4
The Lord added to the early Church daily such as were in a condition to be
saved from the blindness of their nation, the "wheat" ready to be
separated from the "chaff" and gathered into the "garner." R2090:4
That the Law Covenant with Israel is still binding upon that nation is
evident from the fact that upon their national rejection of Christ they
were nationally blinded until the end of the Gospel age. R5047:2
When this Gospel age is completed, the Lord's favor will turn again to
Israel, and blindness shall be turned away from them, not for anything of
merit on their part, but because of God's mercy and compassion. R3348:5
Israel's cause is hopeless from a human standpoint; but it is in the will
and plan of God that "Jacob" will be favored with Millennial blessings as
the first-fruits of the nations, saved from blindness. R2076:5
God shut Israel's door to their only hope, but he will open their blind
eyes and cause them to see Christ as their Redeemer from sin and their
Deliverer from death and their covenant of death. R1725:5
The heart-blindness to the truth which led to the rejection of Israel, and
which has ever since stood more or less related to their trouble, is to
pass away, shortly, during the second presence of our Lord. HG303:3
The blindness which happened unto all Israel except the elect remnant
(after the nations and individuals rejected Christ) began to be turned
away in 1878 when the time to favor Zion began. R1769:5
Gradually, as the full number of "the Lamb's wife" is nearly completed,
the "blindness" which has rested upon "Israel after the flesh," according
to divine prediction, begins to pass away. R1819:5
When their blinded eyes shall be opened, they will fear. It may require
time for them to become fully persuaded that the One feared is their best
friend who will free them from sin-slavery. SM425:2
Were it not that the Lord has favored us with a share in the work of
gathering out the Bride and helping to make her ready, we would be in
Jerusalem turning away blindness from Jacob. R1395:5
This is the gospel that must open the eyes of the "blind": that in Christ
the sin-offering types of the Jewish Law have their fulfillment and in
Christ the promises to Abraham must all be fulfilled. R1786:4
Happened to Israel -- Natural Israel, the whole twelve tribes. B206,
210; C252, 293; R2124:3, 2085:6
Except the remnant which accepted Christ. R1696:6
The majority of the people of Judea were of the two tribes, Judah and
Benjamin. Few of the ten tribes returned from Babylon under Cyrus' general
permission. But all of the tribes were represented. HG387:1
Until the fullness -- Not at the end of a literal "seven times," not at
the end of the seventy years in Babylon, but when the elect Gospel Church,
the Body of Christ, has been perfected as their deliverer. B92
The full number to be selected from among the Gentiles to complete the
Body or Bride of Christ. B77, 210; A108, 300; C283; R5836:5, 5832:4,
4969:2, 4593:6, 4537:3, 3685:1, 2605:4, 748:5, 384:4, 284:4, 258:6;
OV226:3; Q756:2
The full predestined number of the Church to be gathered from the Gentile
nations. R5721:4, 3685:1; Q357:3
Blindness will last until the elect Church is complete. R1696:6, 2237:2;
C278; CR50:1; PT367:1*
The full number to complete the elect Kingdom class
must be first found, and then, these being glorified in the first
resurrection, natural Israel will obtain their great earthly blessings.
R5101:5
If faithful and obedient to the Lord, the Israelites would have been the
Royal Priesthood, made up from the twelve tribes, twelve thousand from
each tribe, but they lost the privilege to the Gentiles. Q756:2
In their blindness the Lord allowed the Jews to stumble, and the Apostle
Paul assures us that this stumbling would continue until the full election
of spiritual Israel. R3962:5
We are now at the dawning of the new dispensation, the Church class will
soon be completed and glorified with the Savior in his Kingdom, and then
God's mercy will begin to operate toward the Jews again. R5832:4
The time is now about here; the Gospel Church is about complete. R5533:3,
5964:2
Who can doubt that God still loves his people whom he foreknew and whom he
has promised shall be regathered back to their own land and back to his
favor under the New Covenant! R4931:4
While the Jews were cast off as a people for 1845 years, from AD 33 to AD
1878, was the time appointed for the selecting of the Bride of Christ.
This is the Gospel dispensation. R599:6
In proving that Israel's "double" is completed, that her blindness is
about to be taken away, and that her exaltation is near, we are also
proving that the full number of the Gentiles will soon be completed.
SM403:2
We now see that their long period of disfavor is about ended, and they
will soon be re-engrafted into the olive tree. R4656:4
The Gospel age is to be seen as a parenthesis. As soon as it shall be
finished, God's dealings with natural Israel will again be resumed.
R4646:3, 1729:6; CR98:6
Israel's rejection from divine favor is not perpetual except in respect to
this high calling to the spiritual seed of Abraham which will be complete
in the end of this age. R4497:5
As soon as God shall have a sufficient number to fill up the 144,000, all
the work of this Gospel age will terminate quickly. There will never be
another one added to the spiritual seed of Abraham. Q629:T
Israel is merely disfavored of God for a limited period--during the time
of the calling and approving and acceptance of the elect number of
spiritual Israel. R4453:6
Divine blessing shall come to natural Israel just as soon as spiritual
Israel is completed. OV342:5; R3854:6
As soon as the great Mediator shall be completed, his work will begin--the
New Covenant will be sealed between God and Israel. OV80:2
When the work of selecting the spiritual Church is complete, God's favor
will again cover Israel as a people. Now, favor is beginning to come to
them, a proof that we are in the lapping time of two ages. R400:2
A Jewish State cannot be restored until the gathering of spiritual Israel
beyond the veil. R3855:4, 2237:2
That the Law Covenant with Israel is still binding upon that nation is
further evident from the fact that upon their national rejection of
Christ, they were nationally blinded until the end of the Gospel age.
R1729:6
After the long period of Israel's punishment (2520 years, the period of
Gentile dominion), the blessings will be fulfilled. God will remember and
fulfil to Israel the covenant made with their fathers. B90
Of the Gentiles -- From among the Gentiles. B77, 210; C283; R5721:4,
3469:1, 2072:6, 1696:6, 599:6; Q642:2, 357:3
Until the Bride selected from the Gentiles has been completed. R4370:5
The Gospel Church. R4624:3, 545:4
The elect company, the Gospel Church. R258:6
The elect company, the Bride of Christ. HG345:1; OV226:3
Until we spiritual Israelites shall first have been sought and found,
polished and fitted and brought to perfection. R4464:2
The first members of spiritual Israel were gathered from among the Jewish
nation, and the completeness is to be made up from amongst the Gentiles.
R4453:6
These have been taken out of every nation: Americans, Europeans, Chinese,
Japanese, Indians--in order that no person will be able to state that his
condition is such that none can understand it. CR209:4*
Let no one mistake the "Times of the Gentiles" of Luke 21:24 (when the
four Gentile kingdoms are to rule over and tread down Jerusalem) with the
"fullness of the Gentiles" of this text. They are not the same. HG20:1
Be come in -- To the spiritual blessings. R201:3
Have come into the chief place of favor. R2072:6
Has been selected. A300; B77, 210; R1696:6, 748:5, 599:6
Until the completion of the gathering of the elect. R5231:6
When the elect class is complete, all Israel shall be saved from its
blindness. R2213:1
Until the Bride selected from the Gentiles has been completed. R4370:3,
2124:3
As soon as the Gospel Church is completed, God's favor will return to the
Jews in the full sense. R5721:4
As soon as the Gospel age is completed. R3348:5, 5047:2
When the new creation shall have been completed and the Millennial age
ushered in, God's special favor will pass again to natural Israel, from
whom it was taken at the beginning of this Gospel age. F119
After the spiritual Israel will have been completed by the change from
earthly nature to heavenly nature, God's blessings will begin to come once
more to the natural seed of Abraham. R5273:4
Israel is to be recovered to the divine favor lost eighteen centuries ago.
R4958:3; Q642:2
All but the elect were blinded until the members of spiritual Israel--the
antitypical Moses and his house--should be delivered by the power of God
in the first resurrection. R4537:3
Generations after. Blinded Israel is still in hell (the grave), where
there is no consciousness; but their blindness will be removed and their
sins forgiven, with their living descendants in the Kingdom. R4781:2
The Head, our Lord Jesus, was brought to the birth more than eighteen
centuries ago. His Body, the Church, is now being born in the end of this
Gospel age by having a share in "his resurrection." R4464:2; CR59:2
Israel was blinded until all of the elect members of spiritual Israel--the
antitypical Moses and his house--should first be delivered by the power of
God in the first resurrection. R4537:3
The Gospel age and its call might be viewed as an interruption in the
divine plan and purpose for Israel and the world. As soon as it shall be
finished, God's dealings with natural Israel will again be resumed. R4646:3
As soon as the Gospel age is finished, God's dealings with natural Israel
will again be resumed, only on a higher and loftier plane, through the
antitypical Mediator, The Christ, replacing Moses. CR98:6
As Isaac was provided a bride before God's people (Israel) were called, so
the nation will be blessed, but not until the Bride takes her place with
the heavenly Bridegroom. R752:1*
The time of returning favor to fleshly Israel will indicate the fullness
of the Gentiles has been gathered in. R599:1, 2831:6, 2361:5
The Gospel Church must be fully come--filled up--before the trouble can
begin, seeing that they assist in pouring out the plagues. R389:2*
The time when Israel will bear fruit will be after the fullness of the
Gentiles have come in. R127:2*
When the requisite number have been selected from among the Gentiles to
constitute the Kingdom class, as promised, then God's favor will again be
shown to the Jews as a people. Q793:T; HG387:5
Present indications point to this as a matter of speedy accomplishment.
OV364:3
At God's appointed time, a Jew was Premier of England, the famous Berlin
conference took place allowing the Jew to own land, and persecuted Jews
are returning to Palestine. R357:1
The time is evidently not far distant when their national hope will be
rehabilitated and they shall rejoice again as a people. PD53/65
And so -- "And then." (Diaglott) R4370:3
Thus, or, then. R1696:6, 384:4, 201:3
All Israel -- Living and dead. A113; HG346:2; OV228:1
The whole twelve tribes. C252
Note in Young's Concordance where the word Israel is used in the New
Testament; the House of Israel was no longer regarded by our Lord and the
apostles as the "ten tribes" merely, but "All Israel." C293; R1341:1
"This is the whole house of Israel. I will bring you up out of your graves
and bring you into your own land." (Ezek. 37:11,12) R258:6
The decree of Cyrus permitting return from captivity ignored any division
and was to all Israel: it was the remnant of Israel and not merely of
Judah that was gathered into the Gospel age. R2380:3
Paul specially addressed some living at Rome, but he quotes prophecies
against "all the house of Israel" living in his day, without qualification
or limitation; not lost, but well-known as "Jews." R2125:3
"The promise might be sure to both the seeds," not only that which is
according to the spirit, but also that which is according to the Law.
There is a double allotment of divine mercy and provision. R3937:5
Two Israels, of the flesh and of the spirit, were typified in Isaac and
Ishmael, and in Jacob and Esau. The inheritor of the promise was the
younger; spiritual Israel would be developed after natural Israel. R2443:1
After spiritual Israel has been developed as the true seed of Abraham,
through Christ, then divine favor shall return to natural Israel, and she
shall obtain mercy, according to the terms of the divine Covenant. R2357:6
Means every creature in the outcome. Q505:T
The root contains a double set of branches: first, the select branches
(natural and engrafted)--The Christ which is to bless all nations; and
secondly, a lower order of re-engrafted branches (Israel restored). R1971:4
Shall be saved -- Recovered from their blindness. A113; R5269:4, 3539:3,
3348:5, 3249:5, 2882:5, 2213:1, 2212:6, 1696:6, 1615:5; HG346:2; OV228:1
Recovered from the blindness and stumbling which came upon them when God
thrust them aside. R4453:6
Recovered from the blindness into which they are now going--the blindness
in which they have been for nearly nineteen centuries. R3685:1
Delivered from blindness. R2882:5
From their blindness, their ignorance, their misunderstanding at his
presentation of himself at his first advent. R5269:4
Recovered to favor. A300; B217; R4820:4, 4593:6, 3854:6; Q756:2
Brought back from their cast-off condition. OV226:3; A108; R545:4, 258:6;
HG345:1
God's favor will return after the remaining members of the elect class
have been found. R5302:1, 5837:5, 4497:5
They were cut off from his favor while the Bride of Christ was being
selected, but will return to favor when that work is accomplished. R258:6
Not to heavenly glory, or to eternal life. Israel will be saved from the
blindness and rejection of God which came on them as a nation when they
rejected Messiah. HG440:3,4
They shall yet share in the very blessings they expected when they were
broken off, viz.: the natural or earthly part of the blessings. R1971:4
Receive the things promised them as the natural seed. R201:3
After the spiritual Kingdom of God shall have been exalted, God's favor
will return to natural Israel and they will be the first nation to be
blessed under the new order of things that will then prevail. R4594:1
All Hebews condemned to death under the Law Covenant may be released from
it as soon as the elect, the Body of the great Deliverer, the great
Mediator, the great Priest, shall have been completed. R4512:1
The "great gulf fixed" will remain unbridged until spiritual Israel has
been "sealed" and "garnered." Then Israel will be first to receive the
blessing of the "latter rain." R2800:5
We are not to expect their blessing and enlightenment except through the
great trouble in which they will share with all others, and out of which
they shall be saved and blest by the glorified spiritual Israel. R2631:2
The fact that favor is now beginning to come to Israel is an incidental
proof that we are in the lapping time of the two ages. R400:2
The Parable of the rich man and Lazarus only tells that the rich man
(Israel) would pass away as a nation (although it remained as a people);
it does not tell of the release from that torment. HG161:6, 387:5;
R1000:5, 284:4
The rejection of Israel is not permanent. R5495:3
Hosea 6:2 refers to one-thousand-year days. The first thousand of the text
began when the Jews experienced their judgments. The third will be when
they will be raised to favor in Messiah's reign. Q795:2
Hosea 6:2 refers to the early morning of the third day--the thousand years
of Messiah's reign, when the seasons of refreshing shall come from the
presence of the Lord, with rain (Hos. 6:3). Q789:T
The thought in this passage is not that all Israel shall be saved
eternally, but merely that all Israel shall be saved from their blindness
which came upon them as a people when they rejected Messiah. E469
As it is written -- In Psalm 14:7. R107:3*
Come out of Sion -- The Gospel Church. R4497:2
Spiritual Israel--the Church. R4370:3
The spiritual Church. T33
The glorified Gospel Church, spiritual Zion. R5721:4, 4370:3, 2605:5,
1000:6, 284:4; HG387:5; Q357:3
Mount Zion, the glorified Church or Kingdom, to some extent began in 1878,
when our King took to himself his great power to reign, although the
"feet" class were not yet fully developed and glorified. C278
"And the Deliverer shall come to Zion (the Church, 'the body of Christ')
and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord."
(Isa. 59:20) D558
Before the New (Law) covenant could become effective, the Deliverer must
come out of Zion (the new Jerusalem; Sarah, mother of Isaac; Rachel,
mother of the child of promise and the child of tribulation). R4454:1
Zion is another name for the New Jerusalem, of which the Apostle says, She
is the mother of us all. (Gal. 4:26) Zion was typically represented in
Sarah, Abraham's wife, who was the mother of Isaac. R4454:1
The term "Zion" is sometimes applied to Jerusalem, also to its
inhabitants; in the Gospel age, it is applied to the entire body of
professed Christians, on probation for membership in the true Zion. R1648:3
The man-child of Isa. 66:7 is the Little Flock--the true Zion in God's
estimation, the ripe wheat of the Gospel Church separated from the tares
in the nominal church here referred to. R1649:1
The firstborn of Zion's offspring--the overcomer and heir of all things.
Before the promised blessings come to Jacob (fleshly Israel) the heir of
the spiritual blessings must first be developed. R1971:5
"Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion." (Psa. 53:6)
R238:4*
In this great day of the Lord, nominal Zion will bring forth the man-child
and these later children (Great Company). Following the birth of these two
classes, will come the birth of the Jewish nation. R5574:5,6
Thus the spiritual children of Zion will be complete, and the blessing
will turn to natural Israel. R4454:2
Spiritual Israel has not taken the place of fleshly Israel: her hopes
("better promises") are spiritual, not earthly. She rejoices that fleshly
Israel shall inherit the chief earthly blessing. R2086:2
The Deliverer -- The spiritual seed. R201:3, 1615:5
The spiritual Son of Zion and his Body, composed of overcomers. HG440:4
The Messiah, The Christ, Jesus, the Head, and the Church, his Body.
Q642:2, 357:3; R5721:4, 5608:3, 5371:5, 4625:5, 2882:5, 1971:5, 1696:6,
384:5, 102:4; A300
The Lord and his faithful brethren. F462
Christ and his Bride. R3916:5
Mediator, Prophet, Priest, King. R4497:2
This great High Priest, the servant of the Covenant--Jesus, the Head, and
the Little Flock, his Body. T33
Taken from Jew and Gentile. R4624:4, 384:5; B210
Christ the Head and the Church his Body will be the ones who will bless
all who become Israelites. R5371:5, 2882:5, 1649:1, 102:4
The 85th Psalm applies to Israel's deliverance by Cyrus from the
Babylonian captivity, and to the great Messiah who is about to give full
liberty for the return of God's ancient people to divine favor. R4892:2
Their experience under the Law Covenant taught them that nothing they
could themselves do would deliver them from the power of sin and death;
Messiah would be their Deliverer. R5608:2
It is the Messiah that Israel needs. Thank God that the set time to
remember and bless Israel is nigh. R1764:2
All Hebrews condemned to death under the Law Covenant may be released from
it as soon as the elect, the Body of the great Deliverer, Mediator,
Priest, shall have been completed. R4512:1
Christ, the Great Deliverer whom Moses promised, shall deliver from all
evil, from death, from pain and sickness, from ignorance and blindness,
from every oppression of the Devil. R1971:5
Israel and the world have been waiting for the development of this great
Deliverer, the great antitypical Mediator like unto Moses. CR59:2, 98:6
The Deliverer, The Christ, born out of Zion, shall begin the work of
blessing "Jacob"--natural Israel. R4454:2
Turn away ungodliness -- Ungodliness will be turned away from Jacob
first. R384:5, 5273:4, 3834:1, 2037:4, 1373:3
But not until God himself shall "take away," or "put away," or "blot out"
their sins. R1971:5
In the favored and protected valley of Zech. 14:4,
ungodliness shall be turned from Israel; and they shall come to the
inheritance of the land, and promises vouchsafed to Abraham. R286:6
With the true Priest and the offering of the "better sacrifices," the
types were obliterated. By and by fleshly Israel will recognize "him whom
they pierced" as the great priest who "offered up himself." R3454:1,2
The prophesied restoration of God's people to divine favor is to be at the
end of seven times. OV80:3
From Jacob -- Referred to as a representative of natural Israel. R3965:3
Natural Israel. R4497:2
Fleshly Israel. R4370:4, 5721:4, 4454:2, 1971:5, 1696:6, 1649:1, 1000:6,
286:6, 284:4, 201:3; Q357:3
The natural seed of Abraham. B217; C278; D558; F355; T33; R2605:5
My people. R5371:5
Spiritual Israel is never called Jacob. A300
They will have a glorious opportunity of accepting the Lamb of God, of
eating, appropriating, his flesh, his sacrifice, and of thus escaping the
bondage of sin and death under the leadership of spiritual Israel. F462
The spiritual seed will principally operate in blessing all nations
through the natural seed of Abraham. R1971:4
In Gen. 28:15, the Lord told Jacob, "I will bring thee again unto this
land," signifying the regathering of Israel to the land of promise, a
blessed assurance which is even now beginning to be fulfilled. R1630:2
This is my covenant -- Agreement. R102:4, 1696:6
"The covenant with them from me." (Diaglott) R4370:3
The natural seed of Abraham are still heirs of a certain promise of God,
which in due time will come to them--the great privilege of being the
foremost nation amongst men during Messiah's glorious reign. R5101:5
Abraham will be "a father of many nations," who will be blessed by the
Mediator of the New (Law) Covenant, under which they will come back into
harmony with God and obtain eternal life through obedience to it. R4436:6
The New (Law) Covenant. R4758:4, 4612:6, 4575:4, 4505:1, 4464:4, 4453:6,
4371:3, 4322:2, 4319:5
The New Covenant with Israel, which will operate more favorably than the
Law Covenant. R4497:1
God declares that he has not cast away his people of that Covenant, but
that under the New Covenant he will open their eyes to see Christ as the
only door of hope of a new life, purchased with his own blood. R5047:3
Paul taught that some blessings of God yet remained for the Jew, but,
instead of looking for God's favor through the types and shadows, they
should look to Christ and his antitypical fulfillments of the Law. R4484:6
The earthly phase of the Kingdom of God when set up will be Israelitish;
for such is God's engagement or Covenant with Abraham and his natural
seed. D624
Who lost his higher, spiritual promises, but are still the possessers of
certain earthly promises, to become the chief nation of earth, etc.
R2605:4, 1000:6, 284:4
Israel as a nation had certain inalienable promises yet to be inherited as
a nation. R1365:1
A future favor for Israel according to the original covenants. R868:3;
CR47:2
His promise made to the fathers. SM533:1
Israelites still have this earthly promise of becoming the chief nation of
earth. R284:4, 2605:4, 1000:6
"I will build again the tabernacle of David, and the ruins thereof, that
the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon
whom my name is called." (Acts 15:16, 17) HG336:4
I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will
establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. (Ezek. 16:60; Jer. 32:40,
31:31) OV43:3: R259:3, 8:1
Compare Jer. 31:29-34 and Ezek. 18:2,4, 20. The New Covenant, the
everlasting covenant, is to be confirmed to Israel and Judah, under which
they will obtain their long-looked-for portion. E332
Israel has suffered torments since the rejection of Messiah, and will so
continue until she shall be restored to divine favor, according to the
conditions of the divine covenant. E377
A New Covenant is due to be introduced "after those days"--after the
interim of this Gospel age specially set apart for the development of the
antitypical Isaac. R4682:6
The New (Law) Covenant promised to Israel, in which their sins will be
cancelled and remembered no more, comes at the close of the Gospel age and
not at its beginning. R4453:6
This cannot go into effect with Israel until the end of the Gospel age.
R4659:2
The promises wait until the multitudinous Mediator shall be finished (in
sacrifice and in resurrection glory); then Israel will receive the
inheritance for which they have waited thirty-five centuries. R4548:6
Israel and the world shall obtain mercy under the provision of the New
Covenant put into operation as soon as the Royal Priesthood shall have
completed the appointed work of sacrifice. R4681:2
As soon as the spiritual seed shall be completed, the blessing of the Lord
shall proceed from and through the spiritual seed to the natural seed,
fulfilling God's promises of an earthly kind so long deferred. R4543:2
God makes no covenants with sinners. After Christ shall have purchased the
world by the satisfaction of justice on their behalf, he will have the
right to open to them the blessed privileges of the New Covenant. R4520:5
"The time of Jacob's trouble" will soon be over --the time when they will
enter into the New Covenant relationship with God will soon be at hand.
R4670:1
Messiah will inaugurate this Covenant at the establishment of his Kingdom.
R5533:3
Jesus is the Mediator of the New (Law) Covenant, under the terms of which
he will shortly establish his Mediatorial Kingdom for the blessings of
Israel and the world. R4476:1
We surely have a very joyful restitution message for them--to be attained
under their New Covenant. R4523:4
When the sacrificing finishes, the blessed fellowship with God and
Covenant privileges will then be given to Israel again, by a Law Covenant
which the Lord will make with them at that time. R4354:6
It is the New Covenant which is to be made with the house of Israel and
the house of Judah. R3916:5
He cannot mean the Abrahamic Covenant because the spiritual seed inherited
it and took the place of the natural seed. R3916:6
He cannot mean the Law Covenant for it passed away--the bond woman and her
son were cast out at the end of the Jewish age. R3916:6
With Isaac and Ishmael, and Jacob and Esau, the inheritor of the promise
was the younger; so spiritual Israel, heir of the chief blessings (not the
only blessing) is developed after natural Israel. R2443:1,2
Their "double" being ended, the recovery of Israel is due and is in
progress, and as soon as the spiritual Israel is complete and glorified
the light will begin to shine upon fleshly Israel. R2526:1
There are earthly features of the promises reserved for the natural seed
of Abraham, and through them to extend to all the families of the earth,
that "whosoever will" may become "the sand of the seashore." R2522:5
The prospects of all the unsaintly are entirely earthly--the very same
blessings that are promised to the Jews, only these blessings will come
"to the Jew first." OV157:1
God's Covenant is in two parts: One, he will write his law again in the
heart of flesh, fully realized under the New Covenant; Two, the Abrahamic
Covenant shows that the seed of Abraham will bless all. R792:6
The Jews had every reason to expect that God had honored their nation as
the seed of Abraham with especial relationship to his Kingdom. Nor will
that expectation prove false. The Lord has not changed his plan. HG439:3
Persecutions in various lands are the prods, the "staff" of their
Shepherd, to awaken Israel and direct their hearts toward the promises of
which they are the heirs. R2946:5
As the Jews begin to really appreciate the land of promise, the rich
promises in connection with that land must become theirs, and the
inspiration of those promises' end will lead them back to the land. CR157:6
There will be ample space and abundant provision made for the
Israelites in the promised land--promised for an everlasting possession to
Abraham and his descendants. Q792:2
Israel will have a share in that work of blessing the world, but on a
lower plane than that of the spiritual seed. As the natural seed of
Abraham, they will be the first to receive those blessings. R4497:5
The losing of the better part does not cut off fleshly Israel entirely
from having a part in the covenant. R4370:2; HG387:5
The blessed opportunities of the New Covenant will be opened to Israel, as
God promised. Then they will gladly accept the Mediator of the New
Covenant and begin at once to share that Covenant's blessings. R4505:1
All nations will be privileged to become Israelites and share in the
blessings of Israel's New Covenant. OV72:T; R4436:3
Israel is the nation which God has foreknown to be the one he will use in
connection with his work of blessing all the families of the earth. R4624:3
Shortly, Abraham's natural seed will be saved from their blindness and
become the beneficiaries of the New Covenant and share the work of
dispensing divine mercy to all the families of the earth. R4478:4
Unto them -- With them. R4624:3, 4370:3, 2605:4, 1000:6, 284:4
The nation of Israel, not Gentiles. R4497:5, 4319:5, 2605:4, 284:4; SM368:T
As a prodigal returning to the Father's house. R3361:2
As soon as the Gospel age work shall be finished, God's dealings with
natural Israel will again be resumed, through the antitypical Mediator.
R4646:3
The orthodox Jews, those who still hold to the teachings of the Law and
the prophets, and have faith in God, will be the first to receive the
blessings of the new age. R5721:5
With the second presentation of the blood of atonement in the Most Holy,
at the end of this age, the New Covenant with Israel will be sealed and
the blessing of the Lord will begin to Israel. R4320:4
When I shall -- When God will. R4625:5
After divine wrath has burned out their national transgression. E357;
R2526:1
The Apostle was referring to the New Covenant promised to that nation, and
the fact that their sin should be taken away at the time when that
Covenant is sealed--made operative. R4464:4
The time has not yet come. Israel is still under divine condemnation,
though we are now privileged to speak comfortably unto them and to assure
them that the time for their deliverance is nigh. R4322:4
It is after the Gospel age, when they are pardoned freely for Christ's
sake, and restored to the condition of sinless perfect manhood, that the
New Covenant comes into force. R4371:3
The Redeemer and his associates will be the Mediator of the New Covenant.
R4354:6, 4476:1
The promises are sure as God's word. They merely wait until the "mystery"
of a multitudinous Mediator shall be finished (in sacrifice and in
resurrection glory). Q179:1
As the great High Priest appeared in the presence of God "on our behalf,"
so, in the dawn of the Millennium, he will, with his Body, present the
ransom-price "on behalf of all the people." R4520:5
As soon as the Church is completed, God's Covenant with Israel, the New
Covenant, will be instituted. R4646:5, 4612:6, 102:4; CR99:4
"Until that day ye shall see me no more." Then they shall look upon whom
they have pierced; then the Lord will pour upon them the spirit of prayer
and supplication; then their blindness will be turned away. (Zech. 12:10)
R2438:1
Whoever touched Israel was dealt with by the Lord while they were in
covenant relationship with him. Today, the nation is cut off from the
divine protection which was with them, but it shall return. R5626:6
Take away their sins -- Israel is still in its sins and will not be
recovered until after the Church shall have been glorified. R4634:4,
4612:3, 4322:4
The time has not yet come, when he (the great Mediator of the New Covenant
between God and mankind) will satisfy the demands of divine justice on
behalf of the world. R4322:4
Then all Israel will be recovered from their blindness and their
alienation from God. R5626:6
Their sins will be cancelled and remembered no more. R4453:6
Their sins will be forgiven, their iniquities pardoned and they will be
received back into divine fellowship. CR99:4
To the Jews this will mean their "double" is fulfilled, "their appointed
time is accomplished." (Isa. 40:2) R5533:3
Their sins will then be atoned for by the same precious blood which now
atones for ours. R4575:4
The sins of the world are not put away until the close of the Gospel age,
until the sufferings of the Body of Christ are ended. He who now justifies
believers will then justify them--believers in the ransom. R1971:5
Our Lord became the sin offering for us that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him--channels through whom his merit would be
applied for the propitiation of the world's sins. R4542:6
With the end of this age the great High Priest will antitypically offer
the blood of "the Lord's goat" "for the sins of all the people"; and this
will include the sins of Israel. (Lev. 16:15) R4505:1
The first part of the taking away of Israel's sins is the satisfaction of
justice on their behalf. Their condemnation must be cancelled from the
divine standpoint. Then their sins will be put away gradually. R4520:5
The individual sins of the Jew, similar to those which are upon all
humanity, not their national sin; it will be a gradual matter. R4612:3,6
"That your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall
come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ." (Acts
3:19,20) Israel's return of favor will be at the second advent. B211
God will open their blind eyes and cause them to see Christ in his true
character--as their Redeemer from sin and their Deliverer from death and
their covenant of death. R5047:4
The blotting out of sins for the world during the Millennial age will
begin with fleshly Israel. R2196:1
The taking away of their sins is a necessity for them, before they can
receive this New Covenant. R4497:5
"I will pour upon the house of David the spirit of grace and
supplication." (Zech. 12:10) R2800:5, 5234:5, 3361:2, 3249:5, 2438:1
One of the lessons from the book of Hosea is that all "Israelites indeed"
must be repentant: "Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously: so
shall we render the calves of our lips." (Hosea 14:2) R2491:4
"In that day (when the Gospel age of sacrifice is ended) there shall be a
fountain opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem
for sin and for uncleanness." (Zech. 13:1) R102:4
He has not taken away their sins yet. They are still in blindness; but the
sins of the whole world are to be blotted out. The new dispensation will
be ushered in, and the Lord will favor the nation. HG275:6
The Lord purposed to take away all sins--the sins of Israel, the sins of
those who were to constitute the Gospel Church, and the sins of the whole
world. For this cause Christ was manifested and died. Q357:4
God will forgive the sins of those coming into harmony with the New
Covenant arrangements and remember their iniquities no more and will
graciously deal with them as if they had not crucified the Son of God.
Q171:3
"I will take away the stony heart out of their flesh and will give them a
heart of flesh." (Ezek. 11:19) SM368:T
Concerning the gospel -- The high calling of this age. B211; R2605:5,
1000:6, 284:4; HG387:6
The spiritual part of the Covenant. T33
The remnant who returned from Babylon were separated from idolatry; had
they continued to seek the divine will, they might have been ready to
receive the new heart required for the spiritual seed. R2503:6
The special favor of the Christian age--a few have received it (verse
5)--but the nation as a whole have been cut off from it. R793:4
They are enemies -- The natural seed is cast off. B211; R2605:5, 1000:6,
284:4; HG387:6
They, the literal seed. T33
Treated as enemies of God. R793:4, 2086:2
For the present. R1971:4
For 1800 years they have been counted as enemies and blinded to the
gospel. R4370:3
In the year AD 70, the "rich man," as a nation, died at the hands of Titus
and the Roman army. Nationally, the "rich man" is buried, but as people
the Jews have been alive, ostracised, persecuted, tormented. R5004:5
For your sakes -- The Church's sake. R5721:5; HG162:1; Q357:5
That you Gentiles might become inheritors in the Abrahamic promise.
R793:4; B211
For your exaltation--the better or spiritual part of the Abrahamic
blessing being conferred upon the chosen, who through much tribulation are
counted worthy of the chief honor. R1971:4
They were cast off from his favor while the Bride of Christ was being
selected. A108; HG345:1; OV226:3
The election -- The natural election. R5721:5; Q357:5
The original promises of earthly favor to Israel. HG162:1
By which they were promised, through Abraham, together with other earthly
promises, that their nation should become the chief nation of earth. B211;
E332; R2605:4
They will be reinstated when the Bride of Christ has been selected. A108;
HG345:1; OV226:3
They shall become the "princes" of the spiritual Kingdom through all the
earth during the Millennium, which will be to the advantage of many
natural Israelites who are now in alienation and darkness. F178
They are to be first blessed by the spiritual or true Seed and may later
become associate laborers. T33
Israel according to the flesh will again take first rank in divine favor.
R5839:5
God promised that Israel should bless all the nations of the earth. The
spiritual seed was not mentioned; the natural seed were right in line for
that which was specified--to be blessers of the world. R5836:2
They are beloved -- They are still beloved. T33; R793:4
Even though Israel (except a few) made a failure respecting the election.
R5302:1
They are soon to return fully to God's favor. R5470:6
In the Millennial age, God's special favor will pass again to natural
Israel, from whom it was taken at the beginning of this Gospel age. F118;
R5000:5, 1971:4
When the feast of fat things (Isa. 25:6) for all nations shall be spread,
Israel will have the first opportunity of participating in it. R3834:1
They are still beloved because whenever God gives a gift he means it; he
would not have promised the Abrahamic Seed anything according to the flesh
that he was not able to give them in his own due time. CR48:3
Preeminence in the Messianic Kingdom will not be granted to all who are
Jews by blood, but only to those who prove loyal to the Law and the
prophets. R5964:3
The fathers' sakes -- The fathers of Israel are the patriarchs Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob. The Jews are under the Abrahamic Covenant. R5162:5
The Lord will bless fleshly Israel, not because of their worthiness, but
because of his promise made to the fathers. HG390:4
The "fathers" were the patriarchs of old--Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses,
etc. They are referred to in Psalm 45:16 and Heb. 11. Q750:4
The first returning prodigal under the new dispensation will be the poor
Jew. R3361:2
Moses, father of the nation, admonished the Israelites with warnings and
encouragements, and foretold their final victories, which shall be
attained by all who will become by faith the children of Abraham. R3078:2
They are now gradually rising to political freedom and influence; and as a
people, they will be very prominent among the nations in the beginning of
the Millennium. R2605:2
God has blessings yet in store for natural branches, as promised to their
fathers. R1971:4
The tried prophets and patriarchs of past dispensations will take first
rank in the blessings of the repentant world under the Millennial reign of
Christ. R1365:2
s^The orthodox Jews, those who still hold to the teachings of the Law and
the prophets, and have faith in God, will be the first to receive the
blessings of the New Age. Q357:5
The gifts -- The gracious gifts. HG346:3
Calling of God -- God having called the Jewish nation to be his peculiar
people, having made them definite promises respecting the blessing of all
nations, has no thought or intention of abrogating those promises. R4624:3
Paul specifies that God's gifts and callings from the remote past included
the restoration of the Jews to divine favor at the close of the Gospel
age, which blessing must come through the spiritual seed. R3937:6
The promise is sure to both the earthly seed and the heavenly, the sand of
the sea and the stars of heaven, its proper part to each. R3259:5
The natural seed of Abraham had been selected as the line through which
divine blessings were to be carried eventually to all the families of the
earth. R3139:5
Without repentance -- Cannot fail. R1919:1
Not things he will repent of. T33; R5964:2, 4624:3, 3685:1; OV228:1, 66:3
These earthly blessings are just as sure to them as our spiritual ones are
to us, because God so promised or covenanted, and never changes. R4370:3
He who knew the end from the beginning knew exactly what Israel would be
and do, and was not disappointed, and all of the plans and promises to
that nation were made from the standpoint of this knowledge. R4320:3
Any free gift and promise which God makes is sure of fulfillment. He knew
all about this temporary lopping off, knowing the end from the beginning,
before he made his promises concerning Israel. R1971:5
God has no thought or intention of abrogating his promises. Every promise
he has ever made, he has foreknown its full import and its results, and he
has done nothing hastily. R4624:3
It is on this unchangeableness of the divine character that the Apostle
predicates all of his hopes respecting the restoration of Israel to divine
favor and blessing through the glorified Church. R3685:1
At the inauguration of the new age of blessing, natural Israel will be
granted a special place and privilege. R5964:2
Tribulations have kept the Jewish minds in that condition of humility in
which they will be best prepared for the Lord's service when the time of
their complete restoration to favor shall come. Q357:1
As the punishments predicted had been meted out to Israel as a people, so
assuredly the promises of the regathering could be relied upon implicitly.
R2525:6
Compare Deuteronomy 30:1-9. R1729:6
Favor will return to Israel after the Bride of Christ is selected. R258:6,
545:4, 7:4
As soon as the elect are glorified, the present age and its objects will
have ended. Then the restitution work will begin, and Israel according to
the flesh will again take first rank in divine favor. R5839:5
When the Mediator will have sealed Israel's New Covenant by his death as
its Testator, then the "called" nation of Israel will "receive the eternal
inheritance" for which they have waited. (Heb. 9:15) Q179:1
The Jews are waking to the voice of the prophets calling them to Palestine
and to fresh hope in God and in the promises to which they still are heirs
as the natural seed of Abraham! (Matt. 24:32). R4706:1
Ezek. 16:63--The promised restitution is not based on the merits of the
Jews, Samaritans or Sodomites. "That thou mayest remember, and be
confounded, and never open thy mouth any more." R259:4, 8:1
The gracious promises to Israel in the flesh must yet be fulfilled.
OV81:2; R4706:1, 793:4, 107:4*; CR48:3
For as ye -- Gentiles. A300; R1971:6
Not believed -- Not obeyed. R107:4*
Have now obtained mercy -- For a long time you were strangers and aliens
from God, seemingly unloved and uncared for, yet now you have obtained
favor. R1971:6
So have these also -- Fleshly Israel. C299; R2605:4
Not believed -- No favor could have come to "the ten lost tribes," as
the Anglo-Israelites believe, because those Israelites deserted the
Israelitish Covenant and became idolaters, unbelievers. C252
God would allow "a great gulf" to be fixed by their prejudices between
them and spiritual Israel. R4781:6
The "veil" of prejudice still exists, but it will be gradually taken away
as the light of the Millennial morning dawns. R2605:2
Through your mercy -- The mercy of the complete and glorified Church of
Christ. A300; C299; F355; R5964:2, 5101:6, 4942:5, 4820:5, 4498:2, 4475:1,
3658:5, 2605:4, 2209:6, 1000:5, 284:4; CR49:5; HG387:5
The mercy of The Christ, the spiritual seed of Abraham. R4436:6, 4592:5,
3938:1, 201:3
The mercy of God operating through Jesus, and the mercy of Jesus operating
through the Church. R4625:5, 4646:6, 4464:5, 4454:3
Both Jew and Gentile shall obtain mercy through your mercy. R126:6
When the Church is complete, the sacrifice will be finished, the merit of
which is to go to Israel and the world under the terms of the New
Covenant. R5000:1; Q435:1
Israel is to be the beneficiary of the testament, the legacy, the will,
because we laid down our restitution right in sacrifice; this is like the
dying of the Testator's Body. R4498:2
As soon as "the elect," the Church of Christ, shall have been completed by
the power of the first resurrection. R4942:5
It is a high honor conferred upon the Church to become members of the Body
of the great Mediator of the New Covenant, sharers with our Redeemer in
his great work of sealing and executing the New Covenant. R4457:1
The King is the Head of the "seed," to which is committed the work of
blessing. Israel, natural seed of Abraham, supposed that they would
inherit the privilege; but when the King came, they received him not.
R2128:6
The Church will be first in the Kingdom, natural Israel with the Ancient
Worthies at their head will be the second. R5721:5
Through the Ancient Worthies of Heb. 11, under the New Covenant, Israel
and all the nations will receive their intended share of the same divine
mercy, passed through Christ and then through the Church. R4513:3
When the Church shall have attained the prize as spiritual Israel, the
gulf separating natural Israel from God's favor will have been passed.
Favor returning to natural Israel will extend to all nations. R5444:6
No "drop" of refreshment will be afforded the "rich man" in his misery
until the Messianic Kingdom shall be established, when Israel (both dead
and living) shall obtain mercy through the elect. R5005:4
God will destroy the "great gulf," turning away the blindness of fleshly
Israel. He will receive back to favor all of them who will then
come--showing mercy through the glorified spiritual Israel. R4781:6;
HG387:2
They shall obtain divine forgiveness shortly, after Messiah's Kingdom is
established. Theirs will be a true sorrow, and the Lord "will pour upon
them the spirit of grace and supplication." (Zech. 12:10) R5234:3
The 144,000 are blessed now with the fellowship of God, even in stormy
times; and through their instrumentality (as joint-heirs of the Lord)
their companions in these storms of life will ultimately be saved. R4506:4
The nation has passed through severe ordeals. Ere long the famine for the
word of the Lord will reach them and cause them to come to the great
Governor Joseph (Jesus and his followers) for the bread of life. R3982:2
Israel shall obtain the Father's mercy through Christ and through the
Church; his mercy will proceed until all the families of the earth have
received his blessing. Q435:1
Jacob and Esau were twins, and so were the Jewish and Gospel
dispensations. The elder (Esau, the Jewish church) should serve the
younger (Jacob, the Gospel Church) and receive mercy from the younger.
R1624:6
Messiah, Head and Body, will be the Mediator of the New Covenant. OV44:2
The whole world of mankind (all who have ever lived) shall be blessed with
an opportunity of return to divine favor and everlasting life by God's
grace, operating through the elect Church, Head and Body. R2398:4
We are glad that our acceptance will not mean their everlasting loss, but
they will be profited through the blessing of spiritual Israel, "qualified
servants of the New Covenant." (2 Cor. 3:6) R4592:5
During the Gospel age, we have been privileged or invited to become
members of that spiritual seed of him whom Abraham typified (Jehovah), and
as such to be the cause or instruments of the coming blessing. R345:1
We have a lot of blessings and mercies to give away. Now you and I
individually have no right to give anything away; our Lord has all the
right. When we will be glorified, they will get God's mercy from us. CR49:5
Through the saintly few who, during this age, become identified with the
glorified Messiah as his Bride. It was not the divine intention that the
Jew should be amalgamated in the Christian systems of today. OV116:2
They also -- Israel, both dead and living. R5005:4, 5234:3, 4942:5,
1000:6
Restitution rights will be made available to natural Israel and to the
world under the New Covenant arrangement. R4492:5, 2209:6, 127:1, 126:6;
C299; HG387:5
Divine mercy shall go forth from the Church to bless the world and shall
rest first of all upon Israel according to the flesh. R3469:1
They will be the foremost nation amongst men during Messiah's glorious
reign. R5101:5, 284:4
Jesus secured earthly life-rights by his obedience; during this age he has
made them available to his Body, and soon he will be ready to give them as
a legacy to natural Israel and the world. R4497:1
Even though our sacrifice includes laying down our lives for the brethren,
the merit of our sacrifice and its application at the end of this age is
"for the sins of all the people." R4492:5
The blessing will extend to all nations, in that all nations will be
welcome to become "Israelites indeed" and sharers in the blessings of that
New (Law) Covennant. OV80:2
May obtain mercy -- Divine mercy. R4478:4
God's promised blessings. R201:3
The mercy of God and Christ through the Church to natural Israel, and to
all the families of the earth. R4646:6, 2931:5
God is blessing them at the very time he is cutting them off, for in
blessing you and preparing the Deliverer, he is making ready to bless them
through you, when you as the Body of Christ are complete. R1971:6
When the great Deliverer will be complete, then will be the time when we
will apply our earthly rights to Israel; then will be fulfilled God's
promise to Abraham, "I will make thee father of many nations." CR50:4
If we be accepted as members in his Body through consecration unto death,
we then shall be members of the spiritual seed of Abraham, through whose
mercy natural Israel shall obtain mercy. R4475:1
The Son of Sarah secured earthly life rights, laid them down at Calvary;
during this age has made them available to his Body, and soon will give
them as a legacy to natural Israel and the world. R4497:1
This mercy will go to the Jews through the death of the testator, Christ,
the Head, and the Church, the Body. R4625:5, 4528:6, 545:4
The Lord will yet have mercy upon them, and his favor will return to them
after the full number from among the Gentiles shall have come into the
chief place of favor which Israel failed to obtain. R2072:6*
Israelites according to the flesh will be the first of the restitution
class to be blessed by spiritual Israel. C299; R1342:5
The condition of affliction in which the Jews have been throughout the
Gospel age has really been a favor from God, preparing them for the
blessings of Messiah's Kingdom. R5721:5
They are waiting for the New Covenant--for the blessed arrangement of the
Millennial age, under which the Lord declares he will be merciful to them
and remember no more their past sins and iniquities. R3916:5
Moses prophesied to Israel that as a result of disobedience they would be
scattered throughout the earth, but God, in infinite mercy, would remember
them and bring them back to himself. R3071:2
The Book of Hebrews is not addressed to Jews with the intention of
converting them, but to Hebrew Christians. It may be a presentation of the
gospel specially suitable to prepare Jews for future mercy. R2821:3
Bishop Ryle's Millennial Creed: I believe that the Jews shall ultimately
be regathered, as a separate nation, restored to their own land, and
converted to the faith of Christ. (2 Cor. 3:16) R2798:6*
The "rich man," having received the measurement of punishment for his
sins, will walk out of his fiery troubles over the bridge of God's
promises yet unfulfilled to that nation. R2605:1
"Ye shall seek me, and find me when ye shall search for me with all your
heart." (Jer. 29:13) When the Gospel Church is completed, the Lord's
blessings shall be extended through spiritual and reclaimed natural
Israel. R2402:5
Soon there will be the union of Bridegroom and Bride, and then the Kingdom
of God will come in power and great glory; and fleshly Israel will be
first of the nations to realize its Millennial blessings. R1373:3
As the spiritual blessings were offered to the Jew first, so, in the
coming blessing to the families of the earth, the natural seed of Abraham
are to be given a place or preference, a priority. R2209:6
After spiritual Zion has been glorified to shine as the sun, that true
light will shine first upon the house of Jacob, to whom the call will
come, "Arise, shine, thy light is come!" (Isa. 60:1) R2037:4
At the end of this age the re-engrafting of the original branches will
take place. R793:5
"I will bring you up out of your graves, and bring you into your own
land." God will "plant them again, and they shall be no more plucked up."
R258:6, 7:4
With the end of this Gospel age, Israel will be delivered from the
torments of these centuries and experience a national resuscitation under
the glorious privileges and advantages of the New Covenant. HG429:6
Through our mercy (the spiritual seed of Abraham), natural Israel shall
obtain mercy and become the earthly seed of Abraham under the New Covenant
arrangement, dispensing the blessings of God to all. R4475:1
The spiritual Messiah, Head and Body, will be able to do for Israel and
all who come under that New (Law) Covenant far better things than Moses,
mediator of the old Law Covenant, could do. R4453:6
They had no hope; then came Zionism, hope for relief from suffering, but
no faith in the Abrahamic promise. Later, we see the Jews growing in
trust, strength, wealth, faith. The time for joy is not far off. PD53/65
Do you know that the driving of the Jews out of all nations and the
resettlement of many of them in Palestine, now in progress, is another
sign of the close of the Gospel age and the dawn of the Millennium? HG315:4
Concluded them all -- He would make of them a spectacle before the
world, and although outcasts from his favor for a time, they should, as a
dead nation, be witnesses to his Word throughout the world. R4781:6
Cast Israel aside nationally, that he might bring them as a people to
inherit the earthly promises made to them. R1971:6
The ten-tribe nation of Israel fell seven centuries before the time for
the beginning of the mercy given at the hands of spiritual Israel (when
Jesus came to die, the Just for the unjust). R4820:5
Shut up by Law. R556:4*
That he might -- In the Millennial age. R3078:2, 1270:2
Have mercy upon all -- All mankind. R1778:6, 1583:1, 1270:2
God will first bless Israel; through those of Israel who are in harmony
with him, the blessing will extend to every nation. R4594:1, 3078:2
The rejection of Israel is not permanent--only until the complete number
of faithful saints be gathered out from the Gentiles. Then God's favor
will return to natural Israel and all the earth. R5495:3
Israel will come more readily into accord with their own leaders of the
past than will others; and thus they will again take the most prominent
place amongst the nations in the beginning of the Millennium. F178
Recovering every one of them from blindness, bringing them to that full
knowledge which will render each without excuse, responsible for his
choice of life through obedience to Christ, or "second death." R4781:3
Israel shall be saved from the blindness into which they stumbled in the
rejection of Christ; and their recovery then will be the signal for
blessings upon the whole world. R2213:1
After Elisha crossed Jordan, he may typify the ancient worthies, showing
the New Covenant blessings to come to the world of mankind through the
Jews from the glorified Church. R4758:4
The resurrection of "Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and all the holy prophets"
will be to perfect earthly conditions. They will indeed rule the world,
and bless it, and Israel will be first to respond. R2983:1
The mercy of God and Christ through the Church to natural Israel and
through natural Israel for the blessing of whosoever wills of all the
families of the earth. R4646:6
Our Heavenly Father's plan provides not only the special heavenly
salvation of the elect Church of this age, but also a general
salvation--which, beginning with fleshly Israel, shall extend to all.
R3066:2
Israel will become the leading nation of earth, representative of the
spiritual Kingdom of God; the Gentiles will come and cooperate; a blessing
shall proceed to all the families of the earth. R2996:2
The divine power will operate in and with Messiah's Kingdom, take hold of
"Jacob," and lift up that people using them as beacon-lights for the
world. R2882:5
One of our exceeding great and precious promises is that Israel according
to the flesh shall yet obtain mercy and blessing through our mercy (the
kings and priests of the Gospel age). R2138:1
We are to be sharers with Christ in the work of making the Covenant which
will go to Israel and through Israel to the world. R4625:4
The New Covenant will be made directly with that nation, as foretold by
the prophet Jeremiah (31:31)--"after those days" of the sealing of that
Covenant by the great Mediator with his blood. R4497:5
His first work will be to pass to the credit of the New Covenant that same
"precious blood" which, during this Gospel age, has blessed and comforted
the Church. CR59:2
"In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, that
they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are
called by name." (Amos 9:11, 12) HG336:4
This condition of affliction in which the Jews have been throughout the
Gospel age has been a favor from God, preparing them for the blessings of
Messiah's Kingdom. Q357:5
"I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and
iniquities I will remember no more." SM368:T
God's mercy extends to the natural Israelites, whom he declares to have
been stiff-necked, hard-hearted and rebellious, and also to all who have
not had the favors and privileges of that nation. SM533:2
The Lord will assume the guidance and control and blessing and uplifting
and restitution of all the willing and obedient--to the Jew first, and
also to the Gentile. OV88:3
Jerusalem has gates in every direction, and the names of the twelve tribes
of Israel inscribed thereon. Israel is the gateway through which may come
the blessings of mankind. R334:1
Through the one man, Christ Jesus. R770:5, 429:3, 363:6
The only begotten Son of God took our human nature that he might be raised
with all power in heaven and earth to accomplish the complete deliverance
of all by the sacrifice of his humanity. R1583:1
"As the sands of the sea" represents the whole number of the human family
who shall ultimately attain the obedience of Abraham, and full human
restitution and the Lord's reward of life everlasting. R2854:1
The justice and wisdom of God institutes a law for the propagation of the
race that involves all in the Adamic fall and penalty, and the redemption
of all by the one offering of Christ. R1565:6
It was a merciful providence that the propagating of the race did not
begin until after the fall, so that every member of the race might share
the blessings of redemption through Christ. R1552:1
One Savior could not give a ransom for all except that in the case of
Adam, there was but one perfect person tried; one only sinned willfully;
and hence one perfect being was the corresponding price. R770:4
All die as a result of Adam's unrighteousness. "By God's grace (unmerited
favor) we are saved." While we were enemies and sinners, God so loved us
that he gave his Son, who tasted "death for every man." R429:6
God condemned all through, or on account of one man's sin, in order that
he might have mercy upon all and redeem all by one sacrifice. R363:6
Depth of the riches -- The lessons in the plan of salvation are not
merely for humanity, but also for all the intelligent creatures of God, on
every plane of being; and not only for a few centuries, but for all
eternity. E486
How grandly systematic and reasonable and just is the divine plan of the
ages. R4781:6
Such depths of wisdom and knowledge and grace prove that the plan of God
is superhuman. R4455:4
The prophecy of Moses in Deut. 18:15-22 and the fulfillment of that
prophecy ("the prophet like unto Moses") in Acts 3 is an example. R1324:5*
The boundless unsearchable riches of God's wisdom and favor will be
manifested from the Church to Israel, then to the world in general. R793:5
The world was left in ignorance of God's plan until the Gospel age. God
gives light and knowledge just as it is due. No wonder that people will be
confounded (Ezek. 16:63) when they see how "God so loved the world." R546:1
These verses show that Paul is the clearest eye the Church ever had. What
he saw deepened his knowledge of God's plan so that his writings have a
fullness possessed by no other New Testament writer. R365:1
God's plan (bed) is longer and wider and higher than the creeds of men,
and a man may stretch himself on it and rest, fully covered with the
amplitude of God's mercy, love and grace. R207:6
Both of the wisdom -- Oh, glorious covenant! luminous with divine love
and wisdom. R2209:6
How unsearchable -- How useless for us to try to discover his dealings
except as he is pleased to reveal his plans to us. R5533:6, 1971:6
Are his judgments -- His decisions. E486
His righteous acts. HG303:4
And his ways -- His plans. HG303:4
Past finding out -- Freedom and sympathy not begotten by the teachings
of God's Word, and good desire for the heathen not inspired by God's
revelation of his plan, get us far from the true plan of the ages. R1717:1
Past man's conception. HG303:4
Who hath known -- We are coming to appreciate something about how great
our Heavenly Father is. CR87:3
First, in prayer and communion by going into fellowship with God; second,
noting what he has to say in his Word. CR88:2
The Heavenly Father kept to himself his great plan and purpose. When our
Lord Jesus was discussing some matters pertaining to the setting up of the
Kingdom, he said that the Father alone knew his own plans. CR53:2
Those who have no ear to hear are not called. CR88:1
The mind of the Lord -- The divine plan is outlined in the Scriptures.
R4461:3
God has chosen the plan which most fully exemplifies his unalterable
justice, and exhibits the exceeding riches of his grace--his love; his
power will be forcibly illustrated in the restoration of man. R1681:5
Who knew that God's plan was so comprehensive? R12:4, 1972:1; CR92:3
He will take us into his banquet house and supply our needs and bring
forth that which will strengthen and refresh us. CR87:6
No one ever knew God's mind or character or plan; God had not made a
confidant of anybody. Our great Teacher (Acts 1:7) taught his disciples to
wait for the Father to make known his plan. CR53:2
How wonderful is our God, infinite in all his qualities! How came all
these wonderful things which are written in his book, unless by his own
knowledge? SM474:3
His counsellor -- Who suggested to the Almighty such infinitely wise
arrangements? OV24:2
In this wonderful, economical, judicial, loving and generous arrangement
by which we are permitted to share with our Lord in his great work of
blessing the world of mankind? CR59:1
God needed no counsellor. R1747:4
God's plan is not of human device, nor assistance. R1778:6, 1270:2
No one had counselled God or directed him or given him the wisdom to make
the great plan which he is carrying out. He permitted it and endured it to
manifest his character and to test his creation. CR53:2
Of him -- The whole plan is of God. R324:2, 1778:6, 1270:2
The Almighty has favors to dispense, and it is a matter purely of his own
business to whom he shall give them. F171
Only God could be the author of this plan. A Jew would not have planned to
graft in Gentiles! A Gentile never would have arranged the original stock
and branches to be Jewish and himself a graft. R1972:1
Let us build our faith on the rock foundation which God himself has laid,
Jesus Christ, "The Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the
world"--who "died for our sins," not on the sands of men's opinions. (John
1:29) R429:6
Are all things -- Certain blessings and favors yet to come upon Israel.
R1778:5, 1270:2
I beseech you -- This exhortation is based upon the preceding statements
of the 11th chapter. R5422:2
I entreat you. (Diaglott) R328:2*
Addressing the consecrated and believers only. R5422:2; A198; F122, 447;
CR1:6, 407:1; OV316:3
Would apply equally to both classes, those who had presented their bodies,
and those contemplating doing so. R5422:2
To you who have justification, "peace with God," and have come into
harmony with the principles of righteousness, we rejoice; and we do urge
you to abide in God's favor by going on to full obedience. F116
The antitypical priests are invited to join with the High Priest in the
work of sacrificing necessary to the inauguration of the Mediatorial
Kingdom. R4537:5
This is not calling sinners to repentance, but repentant sinners who have
already accepted Jesus as their Savior. SM509:2
Nowhere does God command anyone to make a consecration. R5422:3
The divine commands end at the line of justice, righteousness. Sacrifice,
self-denial, taking up the cross to follow Jesus, are away beyond the
divine law. R4835:3
"Now is the acceptable time." (2 Cor. 6:2) F444
As Isaiah's lips were touched with a live coal from the altar, it
illustrated how the saintly ones during this Gospel age have had the
required blessing upon their lips to proclaim this divine invitation.
R4787:6
It is proper that each one should decide for himself positively, whether
or not he has ever accepted the divine invitation to give himself: "My son
give me thine heart." (Prov. 23:26) R4783:6
We urge the Vow (as we advised the original consecration vow of this
scripture), as in full accord with our original covenant to be dead to sin
and self, but the vow is not a test of brotherhood. R4326:6, 4312:1, 4265:5
Therefore, brethren -- Therefore, because of the preceding eleven
chapters of argumentative, logical, beautiful, instructive, blessed
reasoning. R2213:1, 1586:2, 328:2*
Those of class "p" in the Gospel age
fail to use their justification to go on and present themselves acceptable
sacrifices, but they are called "brethren" in the same sense as all in
harmony with the Father. A237
Brethren, because justified and thus brought into fellowship with God. F122
Believers--justified by faith in Christ--Levites. T118:T
All who have accepted the redemption that is in Christ. R5837:1
An exhortation to those already justified by faith in Christ, and who are
therefore brethren of the household of faith. R1586:2; A237; T117
Those addressed are "brethren" of the household of faith, justified
believers. Otherwise, being still under condemnation to death, they would
have nothing acceptable to offer in sacrifice to God. R1585:3
No one is "called," or invited into this "Body of Christ" except those who
already are believers. The blemished of the flock were not acceptable on
the Lord's altar under the Law. R1542:2
Believers in Jesus as their Savior, already reckoned restored or justified
through faith. R742:2
Because of believing on him who "taketh away the sin of the world," "the
propitiation for our sins," they desire to be perfect, and are so reckoned
on his account; Paul invites these "brethren" to consecrate. (John 1:29; 1
John 2:2) R469:2*
Paul was exhorting those who were "brethren" in Christ, having been
"planted together in the likeness of his death" and yet not having made a
complete sacrifice. (Rom. 6:5) R99:3*
The Apostle was here urging progress on the part of the believers (already
brethren, partakers through Christ of divine grace), advancement from
"justification by faith" to full consecration. R2285:6, 1586:2
The epistle was written to those already consecrated. But some connected
with the Church at Rome had not yet made a consecration. So these words
apply to both kinds of believers. R5422:2
These words are properly applicable to two classes: (1) those who are no
longer opponents, but sympathetically in harmony with the consecrated; (2)
those who have made their consecration. R5031:2; Q156:5
Brethren are: (1) Those who have pledged themselves to the Lord for a
reformation (typified in the Levites), and (2) those who have consecrated
their lives even unto death (typified in the priests). R3219:5
Who hope to be of the Bride class and to attain the spirit nature. R4629:6
Christ becomes endorser for these who have turned from sin, believed on
the Lord Jesus, consecrated themselves. He covers their Adamic sin and
guarantees his continued merit if they are faithful. R4634:1
The Lord has pledged to these who have consecrated their lives to him,
even unto death, that he will hear them and give to them, according to his
wisdom, the experiences and blessings most helpful. R5692:5
Paul is addressing the "elect" body of Christ, Jews and Gentiles, who
should know what are the terms and conditions upon which God hath "called"
them: suffer and reign. R2213:1
In the strictest sense of the word, the household of faith is the family
of God; those who have offered their bodies to God in sacrifice and have
been accepted by him and begotten of his holy spirit. SM638:1
By the mercies -- Which have been discussed in the preceding eleven
chapters. R2213:1, 1586:1
In reviewing God's plan of salvation, Paul had told in Romans 10 of the
mercies of God toward all his creatures. The eleventh chapter told of the
mercies of God toward both natural Israel and spiritual Israel. R5422:2
The forgiveness of sins already experienced. F122
In the covering of your sins through faith in Christ. F486
Already received. R2486:4
A share of which you have already received in your justification. F448
Justifying you by faith. R4537:5, 4494:4, 4390:2; SM140:T; Q457:T; CR1:6
Paul urges consecration to God on account of the mercies of God as
displayed in their justification. Truth relative to the high calling is
unfolded to the consecrated later, by degree. R657:6
For centuries granted only to the Jews. R5423:3
Your reconciliation, already accepted. R3918:3
No longer aliens, strangers, foreigners, but redeemed and accepted of the
Father. R3265:4
In making provision for our sins, our redemption, and for our restitution
as a race. CR406:6, 402:4
These mercies that you have been enjoying while you have been drawing near
to God. Q400:T
God sent us an invitation to become associates with his Son. R4631:1
Overwhelmed with an appreciation of God's goodness to us, we are ready to
hear and obey Paul's exhortation. R4455:2
The individual is typically represented as being a goat that comes and
goes clear up to the door of the Tabernacle, and there the High Priest
accepts it and kills it as a sacrifice. CR386:6
Of God -- In covering your sins through your faith in Christ. F486;
R2734:4; Q457:T; CR1:6
Manifest through Christ in our justification. T118:T
God's mercies are to a certain extent over all. He sends his sunshine and
his rain upon the evil as well as upon the good. (Matt. 5:45) R5423:3
That ye present -- Any consecrating after the heavenly class is
complete, will find that the Lord has plenty of blessings of some other
kind still to give. F157; R4836:4
Do your best. It may be that there is an opening. Consecrate your time,
your talents, all that you have, to the service of God. He is a good
paymaster; whatever reward he may give you will be a prize. R5168:6
God always gives large rewards to those who manifest their faith and
loyalty towards him and his cause. R4836:4, 4574:6
Mal. 3:3 speaks of the "offering in righteousness." The offering now being
made to God is the offering of the Church. R4709:4
None but justified believers are thus privileged to present themselves or
to be sacrifices upon the Lord's altar. OV316:3
His invitation to become members of the Body of Christ. R4614:3, 2772:5
By consecration. OV242:T; R5775:5, 5035:2; Q609:4
On the basis of faith in the Redeemer's work, the believer may consecrate
himself to the divine service, in acceptance of the divine invitation.
R5284:3
We hear God's message that he is now selecting a class for the purpose of
blessing all the earth. This message reaches our hearts, so we take the
Apostle's advice and present our body a living sacrifice. OV403:1
It is not the new creature who does the presenting; there is no new
creature at the time the body is presented. R5423:5
Present your body every day. CR407:2; R5532:3, 5422:6
Laying down our lives daily, and hour by hour. R5422:6, 5423:2, 4632:5;
CR407:2; Q147:3
Includes not only the primary presentation but a continuation. R5126:3,
5532:3; CR295:6
As our High Priest "offered up himself to God" (Heb 7:27; 9:14), so the
under-priesthood must all offer up themselves to God, also. F122
The priestly class are specially devoted to God and his service. This
class is sometimes pictured by Aaron's sons and sometimes by the body of
Aaron, Christ being the Head. R5873:4
Our Lord has been offering sacrifices for sins as the antitypical High
Priest. All of the antitypical priesthood must offer up sacrifices, else
they cannot be of the Royal Priesthood. R4354:4
Our Lord Jesus Christ first offered himself up, and then the Church. He as
the High Priest first killed his human nature, represented by the bullock
in the type. Then he kills the human nature of his Church. CR486:6
On the Day of Atonement, the two goats represented the household of faith,
all of God's people who have offered their bodies living sacrifices: (1)
willing sacrificers; (2) unwilling sacrificers. R4855:1, 5196:5
There was enough merit in the antitypical bullock to have been applied for
the sins of the world. But God's arrangement permitted the Church to share
in the sacrifice in order to share in the glory. R5622:2
Only the High Priest had the authority to sacrifice on the Day of
Atonement. We should give ourselves to the Lord, as the goat was tied to
the door of the Tabernacle for the High Priest to sacrifice. Q576:4
Should not be confounded with the Lord's presentation of us. R4966:1
You can merely do the presenting; the High Priest has to do the offering.
CR408:1; R4998:2; Q614:T, 489:6
Since Pentecost Jesus has been accepting and offering as his members such
as present their bodies living sacrifices. PD47/59
While we are in a justified attitude, God waits for Christ to present us,
our sins forgiven; and this happens when we are ready to be his disciple.
Then Christ says, I am ready to be your advocate. Q408:T
The Father accepted the gift of Jesus' consecrated life, and permitted
that gift to constitute a sin-offering for others. Through this age, the
brethren are invited to give themselves to God. R4915:2
We are not making a sin-offering to God, for this we could not do. The
divine arrangement accepts our gift through the merit of Christ. Later
those gifts will constitute the great sin-offering for the world. Q609:5;
R5423:6
Now is the time appointed of the Father as the "acceptable year of the
Lord" (Isa. 61:2) when God is willing to receive first the sacrifice of
Jesus and then the sacrificing of those justified by his blood. R4505:2
We have entered at this strait gate and upon this narrow way, and have
made this covenant of complete sacrifice to the Lord, giving our wills and
all earthly rights to him, that his will may be done in us. R5055:3
Be our sacrifice ever so lame and imperfect, it is reckoned holy and
without blemish; but it must be a free-will offering, and it must be a
whole burnt-offering--not the smallest piece can be kept back. R1133:1
When Paul requested money for the poor at Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8), he wished
to inculcate giving from the heart, resulting in giving themselves more
completely than ever to the Lord. R4526:4
"Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it": "Present your bodies," "Love as
brethren," "Run the race set before you," "Add to your moderation,
God-likeness," "Let your light shine before men." (John 2:5; 1 Pet. 3:8;
Heb. 12:1; 2 Pet. 1:6; Matt. 5:16) R3163:6
"Save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:40) by having all
the desires of the flesh (those proper and right, as well as the sinful
ones) under subjection and laid daily on God's altar. R1151:4*
We consecrate our body (Rom. 12:1), mind (Rom. 8-9), influence (Phil.
3:7), reputation (Luke 6:22), time (1 Pet. 4:2), talents (Rom. 12:6), and
substance (1 Cor. 16:2). R465:4*
To present our bodies a living sacrifice means to be crucified with
Christ, baptized into his death, dead with him as men but alive unto God
as new creatures. R328:5*
"I lay down my life. No man taketh it from me." (Men might seem to take
his life by crucifying him, but they did not.) The believer also
sacrifices voluntarily. "And I will raise him up at the last day." (John
10:17, 18; 6:40) R198:3*
We are responsible to be immersed if we understand baptism. If we hold
back, understanding, we are not fully dead to our own will. If we never
understood the symbol, we have no obligation for water baptism. CR412:1
May apply to us from two standpoints, either before we become consecrated
(the initial step of consecration), or afterwards (continuing to present
our body every day). CR407:1; R5423:1
After an individual has made the presentation of his body for sacrifice,
and he has been begotten of the holy Spirit, he is reckoned as a new
creature, and God accepts him as a son. R5035:2
It may be that some circumstances awaken them to the need of consecration
before taking the step that will enable them to become sons of God. But
they must be called of God. R5134:1
Many would rejoice to present their bodies living sacrifices in God's
service if a leader would rise and break in pieces the great creed idols
of Christendom and liberate the people from bondage to them. R5734:1
Your bodies -- Each is to present his own body: "I beseech all ye
brethren that you all present your bodies." Q155:4
It is your mortal bodies which you are to sacrifice in the Lord's service.
R5422:6, 5423:5
We begin laying down luxuries and worldly advantages and end the service
with the actual death of our human self. R942:3
To become members of the Royal Priesthood means a participation with Jesus
in the sacrifice of earthly life. PD25/36
Consecrating to God's service every power and talent you possess, thus
becoming priests. A226; T118; Q614:3; R4634:1
Includes all you have, your thoughts, words and doings. Q614:3; R5423:6
Full surrender of the flesh and its interests. R4980:1
We have bodies which we are willing to coerce into submission. Q489:T;
R4797:6
Their sins that are past are all cleansed; but attaching to the flesh are
certain imperfections, which from time to time crop out; the new will must
regulate the mortal body. SM430:2
The term "bodies" seems to include all there is of our earthly existence.
Jesus gave his life (Matt. 20:28), his body (Heb. 10:10). His all was
given as ransom (1 Tim. 2:6). R328:3*
If you by faith will present your body a living sacrifice, even if that
body is not worth the full value of human perfection, God will impute
enough of Christ's merit to supply your deficiency. R5196:2
Such a one gives up all hope or right in a future restitution. R5423:6,
4535:5
Additionally, we forego our share of restitution privileges. However, it
is not necessary for one to have an appreciation of the coming restitution
blessings in order to sacrifice these. R4900:1
In "the times of restitution," our title to life would have been made
good, but we have consecrated that life (reckoned as restored). R914:3
The step which will enable them to become sons of God. R5134:1
According to the flesh, we are no more. We are in the spirit. We have
ceased to be, from a human standpoint. We sacrificed our humanity. Q457:T
The death of Christ releases us from the Adamic penalty. We die to
complete the sacrifice. Not only dead to the world, but really dead. If we
have been planted in his death, we shall so be resurrected. R128:2*
The Redeemer and Restorer is spiritual, having given up the human a
sacrifice for all, and from this spiritual class when highly exalted all
blessings must proceed. A294
The Prince of Peace is followed by an army of saints walking in his
footsteps, not having slain nor wounded others but having conquered by
dying themselves, sacrificing self. R5495:4
Jesus permitted sinful men to take his perfect earthly life without
resistance, although he had the power to call for legions of angels for
protection. His life, not sinful weaknesses, was his sacrifice. R4835:3
If we would be so honored by a share of his resurrection, we must be
faithful now and make our calling and election sure by walking in his
steps and finishing the sacrificing of our flesh. R4108:6
Our stewardship is over what we have and not over what we have not. Many
let talents they do possess lie idle, while they make unprofitable
endeavors to create and use others not given them. R1047:2
Each who has presented himself to God must consider how he can most fully
use his all in the service to which he has consecrated it; and he cannot
decide by likes, fears, preference or convenience. R1029:2
If your first love has begun to cool a little, thank God for his special
message of meat in due season which wonderfully awakens and encourages.
Take for your examples Jesus and Paul. R946:3
The goat which was slain represented the bodies of the saints, which they
are called upon to sacrifice. The Gospel age is an age of suffering,
beginning with the personal sufferings of Christ the Head. R157:2*
Pictured by the goat that goes all the way through the court to the door
of the Tabernacle, and there the priest accepts it and kills it as a
sacrifice. CR386:6; R5423:5
They had not yet apprehended that for which Christ had apprehended them.
(Phil. 3:12) That is the "mark"--the winning post--"for the prize of the
high calling." Sacrifice is demanded for that. R99:3*
The Lord cares for our joy and comfort. He asks only what is for our
good--"reasonable service"; and yet he asks all--"your bodies." Self
denial, under the Lord's direction, is the surest means of happiness.
R21:4*
We have been called of God to be joint-heirs with Jesus Christ in all the
things that the Father has given him. But if we would share those things
we must be faithful unto death; the flesh is to be sacrificed. CR248:3
Thus we are reckoned dead with Christ. CR2:1
Whereas Mormons believe that if they do not at least take one wife they
will not be counted worthy, Jesus and Paul commended these sacrifices of
earthly rights and privileges. HG732:2*
The Apostle asks, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from
this dead body?" He answers himself by saying that the deliverance comes
through a full surrender to Christ, "Present your bodies." (Rom. 7:24, 25)
OV316:2
A living sacrifice -- The term "sacrifice" is translated from the Greek
word, thusia, and means a slaughter, or an animal slaughtered. R328:2*
Not merely abstaining from sin; nobody ever had a right to sin. F158
The Scriptures draw a sharp distinction between the natural man and the
new creature. Some natural men have very fine characters. A new creature
has presented his justified life a living sacrifice. R3913:3
However contrary the desires of the flesh may be to "the law of the Spirit
of life," this law must have supreme jurisdiction, and they that are
Christ's must crucify the flesh with its passions. R814:2*
When we get the scriptural measure of a Christian, it compels us to
recognize the fact that there are not many in the world. He not only walks
in the way of righteousness, but presents his body a sacrifice. CR62:2
To understand God's dealing in the present time, nominal Christians or
mere professors must not be confounded with the Little Flock who have
responded to the Gospel call for self-sacrificing saints. OV344:1
You cannot be members of the Body unless you sacrifice. CR49:4; R5465:5;
SM140:T; Q610:4
Human sacrifice. PT391:2*; R5086:5
Paul, as well as the Master, intimates that there is a more difficult
sacrifice than the offering of praise (Heb. 13:15) and thanksgiving (Psa.
116:17) when we forsake all and take up our cross. R4535:2
The "elect" are to be dead with him, "immersed into his death." OV242:T
Dead to the flesh, to self, and everything worldly. R5837:1, 1586:2
"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John 13:17). The
"high calling" costs all we have, though it is also worth all it costs.
Some are not willing to pay the price, obedience. R1802:2
A constant surrender of self-will. R5423:2; SM273:1; OV344:1
You shall consecrate and give every power which you possess to God's
service; then you shall live not for self, nor for anything but for and in
the service of him who bought you with his own precious blood. A226; R273:3
The Little Flock walk in the steps of our Savior and present their bodies
living sacrifices in the service of truth and righteousness. SM42:2
Loyal, faithful covenanters consecrate their little all of time, talent,
influence, prospects, and maintain this attitude of consecration daily,
hourly. R5947:4, 5423:1
Not that you are to commit suicide and destroy your body, but day by day
using your strength and life in the Lord's service. R5423:1
The present call of the Church is for those who have the "same mind which
was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5)--a call for sacrificers. This
sacrificing is to forward his cause, to minister, not just to suffer.
R5324:1,2, 1586:2
Presenting your bodies includes not only the primary
presentation but the continuation of the living sacrifice to the
completion of the work. R5126:3
We lose forever all right to life on the
human plane, and all right in earthly interests. R5197:1,2, 5423:5
These will not be included in the restoration to Adam's original
perfection because they are called out of the world and invited to become
new creatures in Christ, sharers in the divine nature. R5318:4
We have been called of the Lord not to restitution, but to sacrifice, and
the healing of Paul's eyes would have been a restitution blessing. R4433:4
The only exceptions to the rule of restoration to Adam's original
perfection will be those who are now justified by faith in Christ and
given the opportunity to present themselves as living sacrifices. Q682:4
It is not necessary to have an appreciation of restitution blessings in
order to sacrifice them. Some in the past did not have a full knowledge of
the ransom; but they gave up everything. R4900:2
The call was first to a justifying faith in Christ. Then the privilege was
offered to these to present themselves as living sacrifices and thus go
forward to battle. That is more than weak faith can endure. R1876:4
Not all of the justified have responded to this call or invitation of the
Gospel age. The great majority have been satisfied to simply have a
measure of reconciliation, and have ignored Paul's exhortation. HG378:4
A Christian goes beyond faith in the precious blood and righteous
endeavors and striving against sin to a voluntary surrender of the will
and all we possess to the service of God. SM273:1
Our sacrificing does not make us brethren, for all who are freed from sin
are brethren; justification, reckoned purity, is on account of Jesus'
sacrifice. But the heavenly prize requires our sacrifice. R742:3
Full justification can come to us only after we have made a complete
consecration to the Lord. R5775:6
Only by sacrifice could any come into the spirit-begotten relationship
with God as "new creatures in Christ Jesus." R4646:2
The only way to obtain justification in God's sight is by the acceptance
of Christ and by a full consecration to be his disciples and to join with
him in his covenant of sacrifice. (Psa. 50:5) R5027:4; OV280:1
Sinning against the blood that justifies (justified by faith in the blood
of Jesus) does not merit second death. Sinning against the blood that
sanctifies (sanctified by consecration) merits second death. R4321:4
The call of this age is for sacrificers only--to follow our Redeemer's
footsteps of self-denial even unto death. (Matt. 10:39, 2 Tim. 2:12)
R4920:3
When we sacrifice ourselves wholly and unreservedly, it includes not
merely our hearts, our wills, our intentions, but all they control: our
mortal bodies, health, strength, time, talent, influence, money. R3844:5
As the Shepherd (the King's Son) himself was sacrificed as the Lamb of
God, the sheep of the Little Flock now being called are to suffer with
Christ--with the Lamb of God--are all to be "living sacrifices." R2442:4
A sharer of the sufferings of Christ. E487
The Gospel age call has been, Who will take up the cross and follow me?
Who is willing to ignore himself and suffer with Christ? Who will present
this human nature a living sacrifice and become dead with him? R442:5
It is our privilege "to be dead with him" and "suffer with him" (2 Tim.
2:11, 12), "to fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ"
(Col. 1:24). R3683:3
Those begotten of the truth, who hear and obey this call to become
joint-sacrificers with Christ Jesus, thus become heirs of the Abrahamic
Covenant, joint-heirs with Christ, members of the "seed." R905:5
Our Lord having provided a ransom for Adam's race with his own life, can
justly give a new offer of life to all. This offer to the Church is under
the covenant of sacrifice. A141
The spiritual nature and reward can be attained only by faithfulness to
our covenant of sacrifice even unto death. R5806:6, 4646:2
In view of the sacrifice of the human nature, the gift of God in exchange
is, a spiritual nature, and hence the term "new creatures." R2980:4, 4784:3
The Father invites us to come in and be living sacrifices with Christ,
partakers of his sufferings (even though Christ is sufficient as a
ransom-price for the sins of the whole world) so we may be glorified.
R4855:5
Because we are promised to be glorified with Christ, our way is "narrow,"
difficult, in contrast to the "high way" to eternal life in the
Millennium. R4434:4
We are to take up the cross and follow him. We are to suffer with him if
we would reign with him. We are to join with him in his covenant of
sacrifice. R4807:2
We are assured that if we suffer with him, and be dead in his sacrificial
death, we shall also live with him and reign with him in his Mediatorial
Kingdom. R4497:6, 5638:4, 4855:5, 2616:6
Those are truly wise have sought the divinely appointed King and bring to
him the incense of their devotion, and as gifts all their talents and
powers. They lay their very lives at the Savior's feet. R4534:6
The Church is honored in that she is permitted to suffer with her Lord.
R4630:1, 1586:2
You consecrate wholly, thus becoming priests. T118:T
Those called to be members of the Body of Christ, the under priesthood, of
which Christ is the High Priest, could consecrate to their office only by
sacrifice. R5299:3
The Apostle did not mean that the brethren were to present all their
bodies as one sacrifice, but each to present his own body. Q155:4
Jesus has, since Calvary, been completing his "better sacrifices" by
presenting the bodies of his saints acceptable to God. R5285:6
Typified by the sacrifice of the Lord's goat. R4035:1
The "better sacrifices" are the antitypical ones begun by our Lord Jesus
when he consecrated himself to death at baptism, and participated in by
his faithful footstep-followers. R3318:6
The Body of Christ is joined with our Lord in the atonement sacrifice;
their sacrifice could not have been acceptable without Jesus' merit. When
it is complete, the work of suffering for sin ends. R3000:1, 1262:5
We do not do our own killing, sacrificing ourselves. He does all the
sacrificing. Q410:T, 552:3
Keep in sight the intimate relationship and close resemblance between the
bullock and the Lord's goat; it should continually stir us up to see that
we are being crucified with him if we would reign with him. R245:6
"Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins"; God
provided the sacrifices of the Law as foreshadowings of the "better
sacrifices" of Christ and his followers. (Heb. 9:22, 23) HG418:4
The sacrifice of the antitypical goat class has been in process from the
Day of Pentecost. This Gospel age has been the antitypical Day of
Atonement in which "the better sacrifices" have been offered. OV106:5
The two goats of the Atonement Day represent God's people who have offered
their bodies living sacrifices. Only one of them became a follower of the
bullock and had experiences exactly the same as his. Q659:1
Let us lay aside everything precious to us of an earthly kind, that we may
run with patience the race set before us (Heb. 12:1). R2702:5
By faithfully exercising your ambassadorship. E490
When God accepts our consecration, he sanctifies or sets us apart to
whatever work or office he pleases. R441:3
If you are willing to give time in the Lord's service as part of your
"living sacrifice," labor in the vineyard through love of the brethren
still in Babylon. They are in danger, but do not realize it. R2456:3
"Love less" your family, your own life; bear your cross; forsake all you
have. The terms are plain. No one failing to do this is recognized of the
Lord as his disciple or can enjoy the privileges of being one. R2072:1
Keep a sharp lookout on how you can sacrifice your own interests wisely in
the competitive business world, even to making a change to some less
competitive means of livelihood. R2033:1
Present your bodies. Seek to do all things to the glory of God, that you
may glorify him in spirit and mind which are his. Ask the Lord to permit
you to be used in his service. Write letters, send tracts. Q614:1
"Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with
me by sacrifice." (Psa. 50:5) None are saints without sacrifice. Rev.
11:18 makes a distinction between those who fear God's name and the
saints. R156:3*
Water baptism is the symbol of joining Christ in his death. It is a
witness before the brethren that one has already repented, been justified,
and consecrated. HG284:4
Abel's blood cried to God for justice. But Jesus' blood cried to God for
mercy on the sinner. By a special covenant, Jesus and his elect Church lay
down their lives sacrificially for Adam and his race. PD12/21
This is the only way that we could be with him on the spirit plane. If we
retain the human nature, we can never get to heaven. Those not begotten
from above may get an earthly blessing, but not the heavenly. Q610:4
"Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life." (Matt.
7:14) Now there is just one way. No one has the right to make the terms
one whit less than God shows: deny self, take up your cross, and follow
Jesus. Q399:T
Those who accept this invitation are privileged to sacrifice their all of
earthly time, talent, wealth, etc. SM430:1; R3870:1
The Great Company neglected opportunities for laying down their lives,
their time, influence, money, in the Lord's service. R5423:3
Every member must finish the work of presenting his body a living
sacrifice before the epiphania or apokalupsis of the Lord in power and
great glory, but not before the parousia. R4543:6
In the end of this acceptable day will come the end of all opportunity to
sacrifice the human nature and become partakers of the heavenly nature.
SM49:T
The High Priest of the Melchizedek order does no sacrificing, but is a
blessing priest. He had sacrificed in the days of his flesh. SM140:T
Few have heeded this message to the Church or the message to the world to
live a good life; because the depraved or carnal mind is opposed to the
law of God, as a natural consequence, the trouble will come. A309
Holy, acceptable -- Whole or complete. Q457:T
Justified (reckoned perfect) by faith in Christ's redemptive sacrifice.
R5318:4, 1262:5
Counted as holy, justified freely from sin through the merit of the blood
of Jesus. R4464:1, 5836:6, 4966:4, 4759:2, 4640:5, 2987:5, 1586:2; Q69:2;
CR58:6; SM430:1
Ransomed, justified, and therefore acceptable; otherwise we would have
nothing to offer God. A196; F152
We must be justified by faith in Christ before we would have anything
acceptable to lay upon God's altar; it must be accepted of God at the hand
of our great High Priest before we are his Royal Priesthood. F122
Since God is unwilling to receive as a sacrifice anything that is
blemished, we, as members of the blemished and condemned race, could not
be acceptable until first we were reckoned justified from all sin. F116;
R1586:2
The Church has her Redeemer's merit imputed to her by (because of)
faith--to cover the weaknesses and blemishes of her flesh, so that her
flesh may be presented holy and acceptable to the Father. R5079:4
Our sacrifice must be without blemish, not filthy nor sinful; we must be
justified freely from all things, "holy" through the cleansing that is in
the blood of Christ, if we would be acceptable to God. R882:5
The Church must first be "justified freely from all things" before they
could in any degree come within the limitations of the high calling.
R2629:6, 1262:5
The consecration of our all puts us in the way to be eligible to apply the
merit of Jesus, put over us as the wedding garment covering our
imperfection. His merit makes us acceptable to God. R5559:6
Our human nature having been redeemed by our Lord's death, must in the
sight of Jehovah, be just as pure and perfect as was the human nature of
Jesus, for his perfectness was imputed to us. R297:6
To those already consecrated, complete the good work which you have begun.
R5423:1, 5031:5
To one who has not completed his consecration, God is willing to accept
you through Christ's imputed merit, if you take this step of consecration.
R5423:1, 4854:6, 4634:1, 4632:4; Q658:4
If they fall into line with the divine provision and present their bodies
a living sacrifice, they are met half way by the Lord. R4629:2
The Master appeared in the presence of God, after finishing his
sacrificial work, to impute to the believers his covering for their
imperfections, and to give them a standing with the Father. R5003:5
Pentecost was the proof that the Church had been ransomed--that justice
was satisfied, and that our sins were cancelled. Thereupon the High Priest
began at once his secondary offering of his members. R4518:6
Jesus stands as the great Advocate for all those who desire to come in as
members of his Body. Through the merit of the Advocate, Jesus Christ the
righteous, the Father justifies us freely. CR173:4
Justification by faith is necessary because nothing unholy or unclean may
come to the Lord's altar. R4398:2
Our Lord Jesus, as our great Advocate, makes us acceptable sacrifices; it
is only upon our becoming acceptable sacrifices that we can present our
bodies; this being done, the Father accepts them. R4764:3
Only because of our relationship to the great Advocate. R4632:4
We do not come to God directly, but through the great High Priest, who
imputes his merit, and includes our sacrifice as a part of his own. We
have been presented in God's way and have been accepted. R5423:6
Our offerings to Jehovah, our little all, would be unacceptable, because
we were children of wrath; but our great High Priest's merit makes them
acceptable. "Thanks be to God." (2 Cor. 9:15) HG595:4
When the High Priest presents us to God, covered with his own merit as a
robe, we are assured that our sacrifices are acceptable. R5006:5
We are participants in sacrifice, our sacrifice being counted holy by God
because of our faith in and relationship to the Great High Priest. R4390:2
Both sacrifices were made by the priest, not by the bullock nor by the
goat; when our Lord shall present the blood of his secondary sacrifice
(the blood of his Church), he will be presenting "his own blood." R4546:6
Our Lord's death, represented by that of the bullock, applied on behalf of
the household of faith, justifies them freely from all sin and permits
them to become acceptable sacrifices. R4340:4, 1262:5
Since our Lord sacrificed himself at Calvary (the basis of the New
Covenant), he has been completing his "better sacrifices" by presenting
the bodies of his saints, holy and acceptable, to God. R5285:6
The Redeemer imputes the merit of his sacrifice to the Church's and makes
it acceptable as a part of his own sacrifice. Q376:3
Because Christ becomes endorser for these. R4634:1
Jesus needs his own righteousness, but he no longer needs his right to
human life and the righteousness which goes with that right; and so he
imputes that to the Church, sufficient to make holy their sacrifice. Q339:1
We have no right to everlasting life--merely a little unexpired
scrap of life received from Father Adam. Jesus is empowered by his
sacrifice to give the restitution life to us to present in sacrifice.
Q141:T
Our wills are renewed, but we must bring every thought into harmony with
God's will: first learning to follow righteousness; then that which is
wholly acceptable to him; and, thirdly, his perfect will. R4830:6
The cleansing of justification by faith is for the very purpose of
cleansing us that we might be acceptable sacrifices on his altar. R4493:4
Justification by faith is granted to us for a purpose and for a time--to
furnish us the opportunity for sacrificing the earthly restitution rights
which Jesus tendered to us. CR58:6
We are justified through faith in Jesus' blood. Thence we have a standing
of justification, imputed to us for the purpose of permitting us to
sacrifice our human rights. We are "immersed into his death." CR75:6
There is one standard which must be attained before any can be accepted of
the Father as members of the Body of Christ. That step is consecration
even unto death. Then the Redeemer imputes his merit. CR88:5
"He restoreth my soul" (Psalm 23:3) corresponds with our justification to
life. By faith, a complete restoration of soul is granted to the believer,
that he might have something to offer in sacrifice to God. R3269:5
"In Christ shall all be made alive." All who by faith lay hold upon this
new source of life are reckoned of God as partakers of it so that they can
have access to the gospel which began with our Lord. R875:6*
Our sacrifices are considered holy because of the imputation of Jesus'
merit, which sacrifices God has accepted, begetting the offerer to the new
nature as a new creature. R4591:6
Our willing services and sacrifices as new creatures. R4495:1
It is the spirit of the Head coming upon these that produces the sacrifice
of the justified flesh. R4398:5
Being graciously reckoned of God as holy through Christ, from the hour of
our entire consecration to his will, because our will and effort are to be
so, we are to go on striving against our imperfections. R1739:2, 1262:5
Every day, Christians should keep their accounts squared with the Lord. If
they come short, they should lose no time in obtaining forgiveness through
the merit of the Savior's sacrifice. R5420:5
All members of the Body of Messiah came by way of the cross--through a
recognition of their own imperfection, and of Jesus and his sacrifice as
the satisfaction for their sins. SM186:T
Our sins are graciously covered through the merit of his sacrifice. Our
chastisements, therefore, are not penalties for our imperfect flesh, but
disciplinary to the intent that we may be complete in him. R3133:4
Many seem to think that all that is required is to give a certain portion
of our time and substance. Cain came with such a sacrifice, and it was not
received. Abel's better sacrifice was accepted. R328:6*
Learning from Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, let us
seek to bring to the Lord such sacrifices as he is pleased to receive, in
the proper spirit, as did our Head. He is our perfect Pattern. R2778:5
Not a tithe, but all that we have (Luke 14:33). So Christ magnified the
Law. We are to give all that we can in as direct a way as we can, and the
remainder is to be given him in a more indirect way. HG583:1
Sacrifice is not an obligation or requirement. The Father never forces
sacrifices; but he accepts them, and now is the acceptable time to present
them, and these are the terms of fellowship with him. R5422:3
The 144,000 are justified through faith in Jesus' blood, making their
sacrifices acceptable. Their sacrifices are not compelled by justice, and
they receive a high reward. R4262:5
As sons and heirs. R1008:4
The Ancient Worthies presented their bodies, their lives, but God was
unwilling to accept imperfect creatures at his altar. Jesus' followers
have been acceptable because they are made perfect by the Redeemer. R4836:1
Three and a half years after the cross, when God sent the Gospel message
to Cornelius, his favors became as open to the Gentile as to the Jew--"the
middle wall of partition" was "broken down." (Eph. 2:14) R5101:1
Now is the time that God will accept us. It will not always be an
acceptable time. It will cease when the last member of the Bride class has
been gathered, and there will be no more sacrifice. CR55:4
Our High Priest will not make application of his ransom-merit for the
world until the end of this age when he has finished the use of it for the
Church--enabling those drawn of the Father to present themselves. R4832:2
At the end of this age the blood, "holy and acceptable" through Jesus'
merit, will be applied "for all the people." R4537:6
Unto God -- To whom the price was paid. E450; R685:4
Because our Lord's sacrifice was every way acceptable to the Father.
R4546:3, 4965:2, 4390:2; Q489:6
Reasonable service -- Faith in the Redeemer, accompanied by a
consecration to follow righteousness, brings justification--but does not
imply sacrifice. Sacrifice is a voluntary act--not demanded. F152
Every other course is unreasonable, irrational, unwise. R3326:4
To refuse to accept this offer would show a puerility of judgment, a
weakness of mind. R5424:1,4
If it was a reasonable service for Jesus, then surely ours is most
reasonable. R5423:2
It would be very unreasonable to accept God's marvelous favor and then
neglect to live up to the conditions attached. R5423:4
Consecration is the normal attitude for all of God's intelligent
creatures. R5134:2, 5477:3, 5423:1
The thankful leper was an example of the character God is seeking. If we
have been justified, cleansed, covered, blessed and favored, we should
return and prostrate ourselves before him, living sacrifices. R2723:1
Anyone possessed of a sound mind, able to weigh the advantages and
disadvantages of the present life compared with eternal life in God's
Kingdom, must confess that it is reasonable to lay down our lives. R2659:4
Our surrender to the Lord was "the answer of a good conscience toward
God." (1 Pet. 3:21) SM345:1
If it was proper that the Israelite should give one-tenth of all his
income to benevolent purposes, it is much more proper that we, who have
been still more highly favored, should render all unto our God. R2486:4
Would be so if no reward were promised. R1586:2
The only safe course for any of the justified lies in consecration; i.e.,
in a voluntary and full surrender to Christ. All who realize freedom
through Christ's pardon should submit themselves to him. R1066:5
The Lord does not invite us to sacrifice ourselves (now) without any
reward. R5423:2
The prize which he attaches makes it unspeakably desirable and precious.
R5423:4
Having surrendered our will to the Lord and having started out in the
narrow way, we should seek to know what our reasonable service to him
would include, what things are approved and disapproved. R5745:1
We should endeavor to find out what the Bible calls "reasonable"--an
earnest desire to render thanks to the Lord for his great mercy and love,
and to know what is the Lord's will for us that we may do it. R5677:6
Having come to the place where we are recipients of the blessings from
heaven and the privilege of this association, we should consider it a
reasonable service to present our bodies living sacrifices to him. R3966:2
Thank God that we are not any longer outsiders, that we have heard the
Master's voice, and have accepted the Lord's grace provided for us in our
Redeemer's sacrifice, and entered into the holy place. CR35:1
This chapter is linked with Psa. 121 and Matt 6:33 as readings for "Happy
conclusions." HG474:5
After we have responded to the divine "call" and entered into a covenant
of sacrifice with Christ (Psalm 50:5) to be dead with him, then works,
self-denials, sufferings, are required. R4494:4
The entire Church is pouring out its soul unto death, a sharer in all of
the Lord's sufferings, and she will be a participator in all of his joys
and blessings. SM783:1
Reason is continually appealed to and satisfied with reference to divine
truth: God expects his people to exercise a reasonable faith, drawn by
logical deductions from established premises. R1566:1
Only a new mind, secured through a consecration of one's being to God,
will transform the depraved heart. In relying on a burnishing of the
intellect only, the world is leaning on a broken staff. R1189:6
People who claim to be Christian have not been taught how to approach God
in the right way. They have never passed from condemnation to
justification, through faith in Jesus and consecration to God. CR494:5
If some should present themselves after the acceptable time, they would be
honored with the Ancient Worthies. Sacrifice is a reasonable service, and
God gives large rewards. R4836:2
Be not conformed to -- Patterned after. R1586:2
Fashioned after. R1096:5*
Or bent down to this world. CR4:2
Do not be entangled with the things of this world. The chief duty of the
Christian is to devote himself to preparing for the Kingdom of the Lord.
Q850:1
Paul does not say, "Do not conform yourselves," but "Be not conformed." We
do not conform ourselves; we submit ourselves. R627:1
This world -- Our Lord said of his disciples, "They are not of the world
even as I am not of the world." (John 17:16) A269
Its ideas, hopes and aims. R1586:2
Be ye transformed -- Formed over again. R5325:2, 3674:2; SM431:1, 229:2;
CR394:3
Remodeled, changed. R1586:2
Turned upward. CR4:2
We do not transform ourselves; we submit ourselves to the will of God to
be transformed by heavenly influences through the Word of God. A203;
R5482:4, 627:4
Into his glorious image in our hearts. R5641:3
This does not signify a perfection in the flesh, which is an
impossibility, but a perfection of heart, intention, will, endeavor.
R5902:1
The Word of Christ has entered into our hearts. Our minds, our aims, our
ambitions--everything--are being transformed, are being set on heavenly
things. OV429:3
Reach the mental attitude in which divine regulations are not grievous,
but really joyous. R4346:1
Our minds are to be filled with holy thoughts of the Lord and his service.
R5739:1, 5246:6, 4808:2
The renewing of the mind, not a work in the flesh; although it will affect
the flesh to some extent. SM431:1
All who are slaves of the Lord Jesus are voluntary slaves; you can
renounce this bondage if you please. But you will find that every time you
had to give up your own will you had a greater blessing in return. R5726:4
Divine assurances make strong the weak and give courage not only in
respect to the future life but also in the affairs of the present. R5114:4
So that eventually we come to hate the things we once loved and to love
the things we once despised. CR475:1; R5739:1, 5726:3
Thereafter matters are to be decided not according to their preferences,
but according to principles of justice and love. SM431:1; R5482:4, 4909:4
A second privileged step of faith, beyond the hope of human restitution,
is the access into a still higher position of favor, the privilege of
being transformed to a higher nature. R1585:3
Made new creatures by the holy Spirit of God. R371:1
To the heavenly nature. A198
There is a transformation of character (from sin to righteousness); but
the transformation in this text is a transformation of nature (promised to
believers during the Gospel age, on conditions). R626:1
"Mind-cure" teachers realize the power of the mind over the body, thinking
this is something new. Satan assists these theories by granting blessings
of health, but these are occult powers. SM322:1
By the renewing -- The gradual bending heavenward of that which
naturally bends earthward. A198
Having it made over. R5246:6
Through faith. R4982:5
It is not until the old creature submits and we are transformed, so far as
the will is concerned, that we become new creatures. R4810:2
Through a sanctified will the mind is renewed, transformed; and the
desires, hopes and aims begin to gravitate toward the spiritual and unseen
things promised, while the human hopes die. R626:2
The process of mortifying the deeds of the body involves a separation from
the world. "Though the outward man perish, the inward man is renewed day
by day." (2 Cor. 4:16) R100:1*
Of your mind -- Will. R2505:4
"We have the mind of Christ." (1 Cor. 2:16) R2130:6; CR4:2
The new mind is the new creature that is being raised out of the dead
body. CR469:5
New hopes, aims, ambitions, desires, affections. OV379:1; CR394:3
The Christian's most important life-work. R2123:6
Particularly in the development of benevolence, veneration and
spirituality. R2540:6
God wishes to appeal to our reason, because we are thus better developed
than in any other way. We are learning to do his will from the teachings
of our Lord Jesus and the writings of the apostles. R5482:5
"Sanctify them through thy truth." (John 17:17) It is an error to presume
that the sanctifying work can go on better without the truth. R1628:5
Endeavoring to think as Christ thought and to do as he did or would do in
your circumstances. R1586:2
The spirit of the Lord God is the power or influence exerted upon the
minds and hearts of those who have surrendered their own wills and are
obedient to the divine will. Q808:4
God is dealing with our spirits, our minds. Through the transforming
influence of his Word, he is giving us a new mind; and it is this new mind
which he receives into his family. This becomes the new creature. SM350:1
The change of mind from human to spiritual which we experience here is the
beginning of the change of nature. It is a very small beginning, but the
begetting is always a small beginning. R626:5
We must show the Lord that our mind is continually striving for those
things which are good, kind, loving and generous. SM229:3
Prove -- Know. R4909:4, 2131:1
An exhortation to study. R1273:1, 1781:5
Come to a knowledge of his will. SM350:4
Good -- What is God's will as to our following righteousness. R4830:6
And acceptable -- What is wholly acceptable to God. R4830:6
And perfect -- He leads us, not contrary to our wills, but in harmony
therewith; to prove what is the good, next the acceptable, and finally,
the perfect will of God. R5654:3
Those who have thoroughly learned the lessons of this school will be those
who have been obedient children. R5482:5
This gradual development is to proceed with those who are spirit-begotten.
R4830:6
Will of God -- As expressed in his Word. R5489:4
Through the fall, we have lost appreciation of God's will, and hence are
exhorted to study to prove what it is. R1781:5, 1273:1
All his ways are perfect, righteous. "He leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness." (Psa. 23:3) He causes me to learn to appreciate the
desirableness of his ways and the undesirableness of every other way.
R5654:3
It is all-important that our will be entirely consecrated to God and
righteousness; and that it strengthen itself in the Lord as it determines
the will of God, as expressed in his Word. R5489:4
The divine will now having become our will, we begin to reason, to judge,
to think, from the divine standpoint: God's plan is our plan, and God's
purposes and ways are ours. R626:2
If, in the very beginning, we have a desire to do God's will and to go on
unto perfection, we shall understand it better and be more and more able
to perform it. Q53:T
Since God expects every member of his family to have a perfect will, it
becomes a personal question as to what is the will of God for us. We seek
diligently to prove what it is. SM350:3
Grace given unto me -- Paul foresaw that one of the greatest temptations
would be ambition to be highly esteemed. R1586:3
More highly -- The truth of God is in accord with the highest
development of human reason; but human reason cannot attain full
development except under divine instruction. R1566:6
Some may be proud of having the truth or of their ability to serve the
truth. R5842:3
The quality of self-conceit is dangerous to Christians. Many of the Lord's
people have stumbled into evils by thinking the Lord was giving them
private lessons and information not vouchsafed to others. R2461:2
Some overestimate their talents, and waste valuable opportunities in
trying to do things for which they have little or no talent, and neglect
the exercise of other talents which they do possess. R1628:3
Than he ought -- In endeavoring to decide what gifts we possess, the
Apostle suggests modesty. R733:3
To think soberly -- Not according to the flesh, but according to the new
nature. E255
To seek to justly estimate actual talents of ourselves and others, and
hence the measure of stewardship and responsibility. F243
A sober estimate of self is a humiliating, not an exalting, exercise; yet
it is healthful and beneficial. R2094:3*
Such must be the spirit of all who will be permitted to enter into the
Kingdom of heaven, on the philosophical principle that humility leads to
greatness, and is of itself a great achievement. R1767:2
God's Word and providences bring all followers of Christ to oneness of
heart and mind: one is humbled, another exalted. Both learn not to trust
in self, but in him who is able to do for them exceedingly. R5114:1
Think of himself soberly. Some are inclined to undervalue their own
abilities, and hence fail to be as useful servants of the truth as they
might be. R1628:6
Take a sober estimate of one's talents, neither overrating nor underrating
them. R1586:3, 1566:6
It is the intoxication that comes from imbibing the spirit of the world
that leads to foolish boasting which a man in his sober senses would be
ashamed; such intoxication is an abomination in God's sight. R1972:2
As God hath dealt -- Through his Word and by his providences. R2811:3
Each of the Lord's servants should seek to use the talent which God has
given him. R1638:2
It is the height of presumption for a steward to seek to use talents which
the Master has not given him to use. R1047:2
If any man has received much of God's grace, it was because he needed it.
R5114:1
To every man -- The consecrated ones. R2811:3
The measure -- The capacity for faithfulness. R733:4
"God gave not the Spirit by measure unto him." (John 3:34) but his
followers receive it by measure, or limitedly. E185
Of faith -- Greek, pistis, otherwise translated fidelity, assurance.
R2811:2
After we have received of the Lord's Spirit our faith may grow
exceedingly, so that we will be able to walk by faith and not by sight.
R2811:2
Not the same office -- Each should seek faithfully to use the talents
which he possesses. R5225:1
Each should fill his own appointment in the Church, remembering that these
gifts are of God who hath set the various members in the Body. R733:3
One body in Christ -- The Head of the Body, Jesus, controls the Body,
thinks for it, plans for it, and uses the various members to assist each
other. F73; R5227:3, 1574:5, 295:3
Jesus is Head and ruler of the entire living Church. Where two or three
meet in his name he is the Head, ruler and teacher. R295:4, 1574:6
This one body of many members is viewed by the world as inglorious, but
Paul anxiously sought membership in the body even at great cost,
especially the chief resurrection it will enjoy. R827:6
There must be no schism in the Body of Christ. R4241:2*
The mind dwells with delight upon the necessary difference between the
individuals constituting the members, and the differences between the
members themselves, and yet the beautiful oneness of the whole. R437:4*
Every body except one must be spurious and an imitation of the true; yet
some deem it wise to unite with "other Christian bodies," and they forget
that Papacy is a false "body" under a false "head." R3458:6
One of another -- All are useful and needful one to another and each
should seek to know his place and to do his part in it for the edification
of the Body. R1586:3
Gifts differing -- While certain servants are chosen by the Lord for
special services, yet others are permitted to serve as did Mark, and still
others may serve the Church at home, as did Simeon and Lucius and Manaen.
R2141:6
Each of the Lord's servants should seek to use the talent which God has
given him, and study how best to use his talents for the edification of
his hearers. R1638:2
Consecration includes: body (Rom. 12:1), mind (Rom. 8-9), influence
(Phil.3:7), reputation (Luke 6:22), time (1 Pet. 4:2), talents (Rom.
12:6), substance (1 Cor. 16:2). R465:4*
Or ministry -- Serving. R1628:6
Or he that teacheth -- He who has a talent for exposition, for making
the truth plain. F251
On exhortation -- He who finds himself possessed of a good talent of
exhorting should exercise that talent rather than let it lie dormant while
endeavoring to exercise a talent which he does not possess in any special
degree. F250
He that giveth -- Giving of means. R1628:6
Jehovah is not impoverished, and his cause shall not suffer from lack of
funds, but the blessing will be to those who are faithful stewards. R450:5
With simplicity -- Without ostentation, but with wisdom. It should not
go to assisting error. Know what you are assisting to promulgate as truth.
R1629:1
He that ruleth -- Presiding. R1628:6
He that sheweth mercy -- There are honest people who are mean, truthful
people who tell the truth in a combative and repellant manner; in the true
Christian, love should produce so generous a sentiment as would ennoble
every virtue. R2196:6
With cheerfulness -- "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Cor. 9:7)
R450:4*
Let love -- Toward God and toward all, in proportion as they are
godlike, or striving to be so. R2213:1
Hypocrisy can be a profession of love which fails to warn of immediate or
approaching danger. R416:4*, 664:4
Without dissimulation -- Obeying the truth unto unfeigned love of the
brethren; love one another with a pure heart fervently. (1 Pet. 1:22)
R3603:3, 1586:5
Paul puts us on guard against a merely feigned love
(hypocritical) which would only outwardly appear kind and polite. R2213:2, 4895:1
Without pretense. R3830:2
Abhor -- Not merely to avoid that which is evil. R4895:1, 2213:2
We should intensely oppose the untrue, the impure, the sinful. Sin and
selfishness and "the spirit of the world" should be distressing and
repugnant to us. The intense hatred of impurity should be cultivated.
R2213:2
That which is evil -- Shams and pretense. R3830:2
Cleave -- Resolutely adhere at all hazards. By the Lord's grace, be
cemented to that which is good and pure and noble--the truth, the way, the
life. R2213:2
Kindly affectioned -- Cultivate among yourselves that kind of affection
which properly belongs in a family, where the blessing or honor of one
member signifies the blessing, honor and advancement of all. R2213:3
Make due allowance for inherited weaknesses; deal patiently and helpfully
as wisdom may dictate. R4809:2
We must have love and sympathy, and not merely justice. SM433:2
With increasing light and knowledge and privilege, make progress in all
the fruits of the spirit. R3112:4
It is a privilege to entertain brethren. Prepare for "pilgrim" brethren to
serve, for they are fervent in spirit serving the Lord. Arrange meetings,
and invite your friends and neighbors. R2093:1
With brotherly love -- "Love as brethren; be pitiful, be courteous" (1Pet. 3:8,9). "He that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love"
(1 John 4:8). "Let us not love in word (merely), but in truth
(sincerely)" (1 John 3:18). R1845:1
Gratefully remembering the love of Jonathan, David lavished affection and
kindness on Jonathan's only survivor, loving him "in deed and in truth."
(1 John 3:18) R2010:6
God's love pervades our hearts so that selfishness has no room there; we
should emulate our Lord who, instead of feeling jealous that others should
be exalted to the divine nature, expressed joy to have it so. R3553:1
Express your affection with only such manifestations as would be proper
between brethren. (1 Pet. 3:8) R2213:3
Dignified, simple, pure, maintaining a proper reserve towards the opposite
sex. R1586:5
In honour preferring -- Cultivate in yourselves the spirit of humility
and loving service. R1987:3
By such kindness as is entirely consistent with the most refined modesty
and purity. R1586:5
The apostles would strive amongst themselves before their begetting of the
holy Spirit; but that spirit disappeared after Pentecost, and then they
loyally supported and upheld and encouraged one another. R5959:1
So long as teachers were recognized as having been God-provided, and so
long as they approved themselves by conduct and the Word of God, to the
congregation, they had more honor than others. R1848:5
One another -- "Let each esteem other better than themselves" (Phil.
2:3). R2011:4
Rejoicing more if honor comes to another than if it came to self. Take
pleasure in seeing prosperity come to another. R2213:3, 5959:1
Not slothful -- Not indifferent to the duties and responsibilities of
the present life, such as providing for the family, etc. R1533:4, 2488:1,
873:3
"If any provide not for his own...he hath denied the faith." (1 Tim. 5:8)
R2488:1, 873:3
Adjust your temporal affairs as not to be overcharged with the cares of
this life. It is right to be charged with them to the extent of diligence.
R1865:6
Not overcharged, "But of a sound mind." (2 Tim. 1:7) E259
Not careless, lazy, nor indolent; but prosecute faithfully your duties.
Any matter proper to be done should have the intelligent and active
attention of him whose duty or privilege it is. R4871:2, 5167:3
It is necessary for us to engage in some kind of occupation in order to
secure a livelihood. But we have a nobler business. We devote to the Lord
our time and talent and energy. R5335:1
"Do all things as unto the Lord"; and nothing done for the Lord should be
done in a slovenly manner. Knowing that few are on the side of God and
righteousness, we should battle error and darkness energetically. R2213:3,4
Serving the truth in any and every manner open to us. R2990:1
In business -- A very broad signification; any occupation approved of
the Lord. R4871:1
Every affair--eating, drinking, and all of this present life. R2213:3
"Let him labor, working with his hands, that he may have to give." (1 Cor. 4:12) R873:3
Especially the Lord's business. R2241:5, 2213:3
Fervent -- Greek, "Hot," "Boiling." "I would thou wert cold or hot."
(Rev. 3:15) R2213:4, 4871:2
Not nervous, giddy, childish, letting trivial things excite us, but a
well-balanced composure which we study and attain in our endeavor to bring
ourselves into harmony with the divine arrangement. R5167:3
Immediately at Pentecost, the brethren were privileged to begin a service
for the Lord; and the Father allows opposition so that none but those who
are fervent in spirit will stand the tests. R5334:5
Only by the exercise of much fervency of spirit, much zeal for the Lord,
for the truth and for the brethren, can we hope to stand faithfully and be
of assistance to others. R4930:4
In spirit -- Greek, pneuma, mind, disposition, character. E318
Serving the Lord -- Doing with our might what our hands find to do.
R5875:4
The Lord is to be served, and on this account we are to be careful to
learn what kind of service is acceptable. R5334:2
Those who have more opportunities for service are less liable to be led
into temptation than are those who have fewer. R5201:6
To those who are the Lord's consecrated people it is the greatest
privilege imaginable to serve the Lord. R4871:6
Let us use to our best ability the gift or gifts possessed, rather than
fail by trying to use other gifts not granted to us. R1628:6
"Fear God, and keep his commandments." (Eccl. 12:13) Solomon had all the
selfish comforts that wealth could bestow upon him, but he perceived that
there is no comfort except in the thought that God is above all. R1533:1
Rejoicing in hope -- The trial will not continue forever. R3830:2
We are not to expect to have much in the present life to rejoice in, but
our rejoicing is in looking ahead into the future. Doctrinal knowledge is
necessary to inspire such hope. R2213:5
In tribulation -- Greek, tribulum, a machine used for threshing and
cleaning wheat. R2213:5, 4910:5
Paul gloried in physical disasters as parts of the sacrifice he was
permitted to make, part of the sufferings he was permitted to endure for
the Lord's sake, for the truth's sake. F633
In order that the wheat may be made properly ready for the garner, it is
necessary that each grain shall pass through the tribulation necessary to
remove those qualities which would render us unfit. R4910:6, 2213:5
Some will continue to walk with the Lord; some will not be driven from him
by any of the arts and wiles of the evil one. They are such as are at
heart fully the Lord's, not their own. R2258:4
Instant in prayer -- God wishes us to be persistent, and our persistence
measures and indicates the depth of our desires. R2865:6
Patiently waiting for the Lord's due time, in an attitude of entire sweet
submission to his will, assured that if the answer be delayed, the Father
has a reason for it. R5481:3
"The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto
their prayers." (1 Pet. 3:12) R1865:2
For grace which is promised according to our needs. R3830:3
We should have stated seasons of prayer and should be continually in the
spirit of prayer. R917:1*
The degree of our appreciation of the privilege of prayer indicates very
well the degree of our love for the Lord. R2213:6
Whoever loses the desire to thank and worship and commune with the Father
of mercies may rest assured that he is losing the very spirit of sonship.
R2004:6
There is a difference between the "vain repetitions" of the heathen, which
our Lord condemned and "in everything giving thanks," and "praying and not
fainting," which our Lord and the Apostle enjoined. (Matt. 6:7; 1 Thes.
5:18; Luke 18:1) R5020:1; Q539
Distributing to -- The Greek signifies, "To make common." R2214:1
Those who have more than they need should share with their brethren in
necessity. R917:1*
Necessity -- Distresses. R2214:1
Of saints -- The truly consecrated among professing Christians. R1139:1
The greatest necessities of the saints are spiritual ones; the truth,
therefore, is the greatest gift to such. R917:2*
In ministering to our brethren in Christ, we minister to Christ himself.
R917:2*
Given to -- Going out after, seeking opportunities for. R2214:1
Hospitality -- It is toward the brethren of Christ that we should be
particularly careful to exercise hospitality. R3432:1
If what we have is plain or common, the hospitable use of it will show our
heart-intentions as though it were the best; and some are inclined to
entertain lavishly, cultivating pride and going into debt. R2214:1
The reception and entertainment of strangers or guests without reward, or
with kind and gracious liberality. R917:4*
We lose nothing by the practice of hospitality. The Lord enriches us with
his grace. Our hearts are made better. R917:4*
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have
entertained angels unawares." (Heb. 13:2) R909:6
Bless them -- The mark of perfect love. R2879:5
Only a heart full of love, sympathy and pity could truly bless its
persecutors. R2214:2
It requires grace to bless those who persecute us, but grace shall be
given if we seek it. Nothing will so break down those who ill treat us as
to manifest a Christian spirit toward them. R917:4*
Persecute you -- For the truth's sake. R2214:2
And curse not -- Greek, kataraomai, speak evil of. R2443:3, 701:5
To curse our fellow mortals does not become us. R917:5*
Signifying the very opposite of blessing. Webster defines "cursed" thus:
"Deserving a curse; execrable, hateful, detestable; abominable." Apply any
of these synonyms in the place of "cursed." R701:5
Be of the same mind -- The same disposition. Be sympathetic toward the
very humblest brother, as well as the most refined. R2214:2
The oneness of thought, mind and action required of the Church of God. R1130:6*
Mind not high things -- Of the world; they exalt themselves
against the things which are truly high, which are of God. R5889:5
Do not allow your affections and sentiments merely to go out along
ecstatic lines. R2214:2
Popular ideas, methods, etc. R1783:5
But condescend -- Come down to them in speech and conduct, for the
uplifting and enlightening influence of the truth. R4085:5
As illustrated by our Lord Jesus in preaching to the woman by the well.
R2574:4
Like our Master, regard with highest esteem and Christian love those who
do the will of our Heavenly Father. R1956:4
Not in a condescending patronizing way, but with true sympathy and love.
R1104:3*
Men of low estate -- Financially and intellectually. R2214:2
The despised, poor and unpopular. R1783:5
For the privilege of helping them up. R1104:3*
In your own conceits -- There is no more dangerous thing than a high
opinion of one's own wisdom. This is one of the greatest stumbling-blocks
of the ministers of the nominal church. R2214:3
Compare with Prov. 3:7. We may well esteem the proverbs to have been
supernaturally prepared inasmuch as Solomon was granted a supernatural
wisdom in order that he might represent Christ Jesus. R2053:2
To no man -- Not merely to your brethren, but to all mankind. R5897:5
Evil for evil -- Do not follow your natural inclinations to vindicate
justice and punish evil-doers. R2214:3
The natural, fallen, unbalanced tendency of all is to render evil for
evil, to give as good as we get--and a little more if possible. R5172:3
Seeing that the Lord will equitably adjust human affairs, we can well
afford to endure hardness for the present and resist evil with good.
R2613:5, 723:1
Provide things -- "He that provideth not for his own...hath denied the
faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Tim. 5:8) F578, 488
We are not to rob our families of things needful for their proper care.
F577
A reasonable provision should be made for a steward's household, but a
faithful steward does not hoard and accumulate so that he can hand down
selfishly to his own posterity. R2762:2
Under present conditions, the new creature cannot in all matters do as it
would prefer, but must in certain affairs be governed by the obligations
of the flesh. F488
We are to "Owe no man anything" (Rom. 13:8). F564; R2214:5
God's people should provide for their own their necessities and such
provision shall be honestly made or not at all. R5572:1, 2214:4; OV357:6
In serving an earthly master, we are not to think of this service as
conflicting with the service of our Heavenly Father. We are to see that we
have been directed to provide things decent. R5313:5
Honest -- Few things bring more dishonor upon God's people than
dishonesty. God never authorized anyone to go into debt for him. R2214:4
Live peaceably -- It is not possible to live peaceably with all and
still be true to the principles of righteousness, but the interests of
peace should be conserved in every proper way by the Lord's
representatives. R5980:2, 2214:5, 1068:3; F601
Paul shows in the previous verses the effort we should make for peace; but
it is not always possible to secure peace with those about us, even with
the most careful manifestation of such a disposition. R1068:3
Though we find things we cannot endorse, we may avoid denunciation of
them--especially things having no bearing on the Lord's Word. R4978:6,
2621:6
If we must contend, let us contend for only such things as our Redeemer
would have contended for. R4900:4
The children of God should be peacemakers and not peace disturbers. R3348:1
We can in the interests of peace sacrifice our preferences to the wishes
of others if we see some good can be gained by such a course. R3266:5
The influence of every word and act should be in accord with law and order
and peace. R3242:2
"God's Message on Peace" includes a list of 28 helpful scriptures. R2946:3
If circumstances have placed you among contentious and disagreeable
people, here is a good opportunity to show them in your actions, and
without the least ostentation, your spirit of self-sacrifice. R756:2
The ambassadors of the Prince of Light are cautioned by him that they must
not use carnal methods, but must in meekness correct those who oppose
them. They must be subject to "the powers that be." (Rom. 13:1) SM184:3
Avenge not -- The object of our actions is to secure the repentance and
reform of an erring one of an ecclesia--to reclaim the transgressor.
Punishment is not ours, but God's. F290
Instead of judging in an avenging spirit, the new mind will try to cover
the fault. R4241:3*
Even if you must treat a critic as a heathen and a publican, outside of
your religious and social company, do not cast him outside of your love
and care and desire to help. R3801:3*
Place unto wrath -- Get out of the way of your opponents and their
wrath. R2214:6
Vengeance -- God will take care of the vindication of his own justice.
R2214:6
We cannot ignore nor deny the wrath of God against sin and sinners which
necessitates Christ's role as mediator for man's sin toward God. R787:5
In the Day of Vengeance, that generation will be held responsible for the
transgressions of preceding times because, instead of using their
advantages to denounce "Dark Ages" doctrines, they re-endorse them. OV58:5
Is mine -- The Church has no authority to punish. F290
Instead of attempting to take vengeance upon our adversaries, we should
commit our way and theirs to the Lord's keeping. R4488:3, 3798:2
I will repay -- Jehovah is the Supreme Judge, and his Law the supreme
standard, according to which all decisions must be made respecting life
eternal. F396
Many professed Christian ministers ignore the plain teaching of this text
and resort to slander, misrepresentation and vilification, even
disregarding truth and honesty in making their charges. HG712:4
Feed all enemies and trust to the Lord who will in his due time render
vengeance to his enemies. (Deut. 32:41) R1176:2
While the Lord declares himself to be a God of peace, order and love, he also declares himself to
be a God of justice, and shows that sin shall not forever triumph in the
world, but that it shall be punished. D549
The swelling waves of social and political commotion will spread and
involve and engulf all; thus the whole earth will be swept with the besom
of destruction, and the haughtiness of man will be brought low. D73
The second advent of our Lord will be a time of tribulation to the world.
R3841:5
In the time of trouble, the Day of Vengeance, beginning in 1874. R247:5
"God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing,
whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Eccl. 12:14) R1653:3
Feed him -- "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he
be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire
upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee." (Prov. 25:21, 22) R2053:2
Not to show how badly you can make him feel, but because love is the
principle of your nature. R2214:6
Illustrated by Elisha's feast to the Syrians who came to take him captive.
R3441:5
Whoever are our Lord's enemies must be our enemies, because enemies of the
light, the truth, the way; although if they are destitute, we should feed
them. R1861:4
In time of war, Christians try to starve their "enemy" Christians. Wrong
is perpetrated in every direction, divine laws entirely set aside by
so-called Christian nations. R5825:2
Thou shalt -- When the Millennial age brings everything to light. R1655:1
Fire on his head -- We shall by and by do this to those who now
persecute us, by blessing them, opening the eyes of their understanding,
and helping them onward and upward to a greater knowledge of God. R5145:3
Make him ashamed of his conduct in contrast with yours. R3830:3
When all that are in their graves shall come forth, criminal and victim
must face each other, and the heaping of coals of fire on the head will
accompany the shame and confusion. R1655:2
Overcome of evil -- Do not allow the trials of life to make you sour,
vindictive, cold or unsympathetic. R3830:3
But overcome evil -- Our preparation for our future work will be gained
by experiences which touch us with the infirmities of the groaning
creation; we must resist evil--not with evil, but with good. R5779:6
Root out; destroy evil by good. R4241:3*
Joseph exemplified this advice (Gen. 45:1-15). He took God's view of
matters: that it is proper that a certain amount of retribution shall come
upon evil-doers, but pity and love should be back of all. R2895:1
With good -- Love is the principal thing. R4241:3*
It is practicable, and it is preferable. R2215:1
Evil can be overcome with good, in many instances. R2215:4
Keep on doing good, whether it melts the opposition or not. R2215:4
Be subject -- To earthly powers as respects earthly things. R4317:4
Neither Jesus nor the apostles interfered with earthly rulers in any way.
A266
Paul as well as Jesus used argument in his own defense, not only with the
mobs, but also before judges; but they never resisted the law. R5005:5
If any commission be given to the Lord's people to execute judgment this
side of the veil it would be so explicit as to leave no room for doubt.
R5451:4
The spirit of submission, rather than of contention, is enjoined upon the
Church in its relationship to the civil ordinances of men. R1553:2
God has not commissioned us to strike the image. The Heavenly Father will
do the smiting. Q82:2
To resist all such laws would be to array one's self in violent and
fruitless opposition to the whole present order of things. R1464:1*
The Lord's people are to be subject to the worldly governments and
dominions; but then these are turned over to Jesus and his joint-heirs and
God's Kingdom is to be established, never to be removed. Q797:4
Among those things "written aforetime for our edification" is the dream of
Nebuchadnezzar and its divine interpretation through Daniel, illustrating
the true Church and the governments of this world. A252
God leaves his Church and all men for a time under the control of earthly
governments, assuring us that shortly the kingdoms of this world shall
become the Kingdom of our Lord and his anointed. R362:5
The higher powers -- Except when they conflict with God's laws. A266,
F591; R5840:4
It is comparatively easy to be subject to the higher powers in civilized
lands today. There is at least an endeavor to render a show of justice.
R3179:3
It is when we get before our minds a view of the atrocious government
which prevailed in the Apostle's day that we get the full scope of this
injunction. R3179:3
The people of God should pre-eminently stand for law and order. R4486:3,
5952:5
There is no power but of God -- The Kingdom of heaven suffers violence
now, but the time of her deliverance is at hand. R1464:1*
The powers that be -- The present order of things. R1461:1, 1464:1*
God permits them; yet he has full power to make changes. It is not for us
to seek to overthrow them. R5526:5, 5466:3, 3179:3
Evil as these Gentile governments have been, they were permitted for a
wise purpose. A250
The Lord Jesus and the apostles and the early Church were all law-abiding,
though they were separate from and took no share in the governments of
this world. A266
During the Gospel age, the Kingdom of Christ has existed only in its
incipient stage--without the crown, possessing only the scepter of
promise: subject to the "powers that be"--the Gentile kingdoms. B81
Are ordained -- Are permitted to rule during the Times of the Gentiles.
B81; D77; R5513:1, 2685:2, 1464:1*
God during the present evil world not only permits Satan to be its prince
but also permits the earthly governments of his appointing. R362:5
God gave power to the Gentile governments; we are to recognize them, not
fight against them. Q82:2
Jesus and the apostles taught the Church to obey the laws and to respect
those in authority because of their office even if they were not
personally worthy of their esteem. A266; R1555:5
It is his will that we should suffer injustice rather than expend our
strength to interrupt the present order of things. R1464:1*
Nebuchadnezzar, the kings of Israel, Pharaoh, and Cyrus of Persia show
God's vital interest as to who shall come forward and who shall be
retarded when matters affect his plan. Q501:6
Of God -- So as to prove the inability of fallen men to govern
themselves. A250; D77
The Lord guides in the affairs of nations now, only in so far as such
oversight will promote the fulfillment of his own purposes. R5466:5; Q501:7
God decreed that the time of Gentile rule should continue until the
appointed time for Christ to reign in righteousness. The powers that be
are imperfect but ordained to continue for a time. R1464:1*
They are not God's kingdoms; "Gentiles" (as used in Scripture) are
"heathen," outsiders, not God's people. But God gave them power, and we
are not to seek to disrupt that power. Q82:2
Resisteth the power -- The follower of Jesus may flee from an adversary,
or he may resist him to the extent of proper expostulation, but he is to
be thoroughly responsive to all government. R5005:5
Ordinance of God -- God has not authorized kings to represent him nor is
he responsible for their deeds and acts, but he is so controlling matters
as to cause them to outwork his arrangements. Q502:1
We have nothing to do with the making of the social laws which prohibit
labor on the first day of the week, but we obey them as civil laws, and
find it to be to our profit as well as to our pleasure. R1732:2
He is the minister of God -- The governments of the earth have a lease
of power which carries a certain responsibility; they are to be ministers
of justice. R1912:5
To all their dues -- Custom, fear, honor. R3180:1
Men and rulers; in financial as well as political matters. R3179:6
We owe a real debt to our parents, to our community and government, and to
our Creator; for life and many blessings and privileges. R3029:3
We are to be in the world, not as citizens but as aliens--law-abiding
aliens, rendering unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God
the things that are God's. R2002:4; F594
As the Church is to esteem and honor its members according to their
ability and usefulness as servants to the whole body, so it should honor
mankind in general. R1163:2
The new creature, freed from the rivalries of the flesh, and inspired by
the generous impulses of the holy Spirit, has no occasion for rivalry
which would hinder the proper appreciation of others. F590
No one has a right to render another less than his due, nor to do injury
to another. Discipleship means something more than merely rendering to
every man his due. R5005:3
The new creation should be found amongst the most law-abiding of the
present time--not agitators, not quarrelsome, not faultfinders. F591
We do not owe it to others to vote or participate in political strifes.
R3180:1; F593
We suggest that the followers of Christ seek by every proper means to
avoid participation in war. To become a member of the army and to put on a
military uniform implies the duties and obligations of a soldier. R5755:4,
5928:2
There could be nothing against our conscience in going into the army if
unable in any legal and proper manner to obtain exemption. We have no fear
of death, but we could not fire upon a fellow creature. R3180:1; F594
Tribute -- The tax payable by a subject nation to the principal power.
R3180:1
The Church is to pay appointed taxes and to offer no resistance to any
established law. A266
Custom -- A tariff duty, or tax, levied for the support of the
government. R3180:1
Fear -- Respectful deference or submission. R3830:5
Reverence, in saluting a representative of the government, in the sense of obedience and
duty, regardless of his personal character; different from honor or
respect. R3180:2
Honour to whom honour -- The new creation sees grounds for faultfinding
in the present imperfect arrangements; but they also see that human
agitation and revolution is powerless to bring about the perfection of the
Kingdom. F591
It is as a help to the right course that Paul points to justice as a
consideration for rendering honor, respect and service to whom it is due.
R1556:1
Kings are not always personally worthy of honor; but honor is always due
to the office, which is "ordained of God." (Rom. 13:1) R1555:5, 1163:2
There is danger that some might render too much honor to human
instruments. R2079:5
Owe no man anything -- Habitual petty borrowing indicates improper
neglect and troublous annoyance. F569
"Let your moderation be known unto all men." (Phil. 4:5) All expenditures
should be curtailed and brought, not only down to the income, but a little
less--leaving some for our future, for the Lord, or for the poor. F565
Even to natural Israel, the house of servants, the Lord laid down the
injunction that if faithful to him they should be lenders, not borrowers.
(Deut. 15:6) F564
The new creature should be glad to acknowledge fully the earthly rights
and claims of others--his own rights and claims of an earthly kind having
been renounced in favor of the spiritual, the heavenly. F590
New creatures should realize that they are debtors to the Lord to an
untold amount, and thus they are to have so generous a feeling toward all
mankind that they will desire to pay off every obligation. R3029:3
The Apostle declared that he was a debtor to the Jews and the Greeks. We
likewise owe a debt to our parents, to the community in which we live, and
to our nation. R3029:3
It is simple justice that our lives shall testify to our appreciation of
all, and be a help toward the best interests of each with whom we have to
do. R3029:6
Brotherly love could lend or even give, to assist a brother in necessity.
F567
Be generous, tender-hearted, err on the side of too great generosity
rather than to be hard-hearted, selfish. R5005:6
An obligation of friendship is a lifelong debt--a loan of money or credit
on which the friend expected and received no gain or profit. Endeavors to
make it good should always remain with the debtor. F566
Families are not responsible for their deceased's debts. F567
Each should be very careful how he goes into debt. If obliged to borrow he
should give some security; otherwise, he had better wait until the Lord
arranges things some other way. Q61:2
Unless you can give security and pay the debt when it becomes due. R3180:2
The placing of a mortgage on one's property is acceptable. F567
Never jeopardize your own credit, nor risk your own business, nor
impoverish your own family in order to help others. F569
The laws concerning bankruptcy may be used in business debts, as the
Jubilee canceled Israel's debts. F566
To love one another -- We should by love serve one another. R31:6
We can never discharge this obligation, to love. It is upon us every hour
of life, and enters into all of life's interests. Other obligations we may
meet and be through with, but not this debt. R4401:2
Love may go beyond the law and do more than justice could require--in
self-sacrifice--but it cannot do less. R5006:4
This is our obligation toward God, the Church, our families, and all men,
even our enemies. R4401:2, 3180:3, 1789:1
God so loved the world, even while they were yet sinners, that he redeemed
them at great cost. We also should love them with the same tender
compassion; if we love God, we will delight to do so. R1789:2
If we have the spirit of the Lord, we will make every allowance for the
infirmities of the flesh, the strength of temptation and the imperfections
of knowledge, and know we also are short of perfection. R1712:5
"Let us love, not in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth."
(1 John 3:18) R32:2
It does not seem necessary or prudent to alarm the world respecting coming
distress, but be full of mercy. "None of the wicked shall understand."
"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Dan.
12:10; Matt. 6:34) F592
That loveth another -- He that loveth all others so that he is
constantly seeking to do them good is following the holy law, the perfect
will of God. R3029:6
When we thus love, we will watch every word and action, lest we should
offend our brother, for we would not hurt the feelings of any one whom we
love. R31:6
Hath fulfilled the law -- Particular about little parts of the Law,
Pharisees were careless with its spirit of love. Jesus declared that his
followers must be more right in heart than the Pharisees or they could not
be begotten. R5007:4
"The righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in us who walk not after the
flesh, but after the spirit." (Rom. 8:4) R5005:2
The Ten Commandments were not given to the Church, but the spirit of them
is comprehended in the word love, which is the law of the new creation.
R4856:5
For this -- If any follower of Jesus should violate the Ten Commandments
and teach men so to do, it would be done through ignorance and
misunderstanding, and would mark him as weak, a follower of Jesus on a low
plane. R5007:2
We (the followers of Jesus) are not under the Law Covenant, but under
Grace. We are to keep the divine law as nearly as we possibly can and to
accept by faith God's arrangement--"by his stripes we are healed." (1Pet. 2:24) R5005:2
The commands of the Decalogue were merely attempts to bring down to the
natural man's comprehension the real spirit of the divine Law. R3030:1
Thou shalt not -- All of these commands presuppose a fallen condition of
mind. R4401:3
These were proper enough for the house of servants, but when the house of
sons was instituted, the law of love was substituted. R3030:1
Commit adultery -- Self-love and self-gratification lie back of
adultery. R4401:3
Kill -- Self-love and self-gratification lie back of murder. R4401:3
Steal -- A result of selfishness, the opposite of love. R4401:3
Whoever loves his brother would not wish to steal from him either his property or
his good name. R5266:1
It would be rather incongruous for the Lord to say this to the Church, for
they would have passed from every such condition of mind before they could
become his. R4856:5
Bear false witness -- The opposite of love. R4401:3
Covet -- Selfishness, the opposite of love, leads to coveting the things
belonging to another. R4401:3
Other commandment -- If there be any other thing that should be
prohibited, any other thing contrary to the law of God. R3030:2
Love -- Greek, agape, disinterested charity, benevolence. R2807:4
Meets all the requirements of the "shalt nots" of the Ten Commandments,
and much more. R3180:4, 3030:2
To love another because he loved us, to give to another in the hope that
he would equally befriend us, to do any good act with a hope to have as
good or better return, would be selfish. R5005:6
All the commandments are covered in the covenant of love. Those who are in
Christ would not injure their neighbor's interests nor in any manner
encroach upon his rights. R5006:4
Thy neighbour -- In so doing we will be fulfilling the law toward him to
the best of our ability. R5006:4
Loving our neighbor would be only a part of the fulfilling of the entire
love to God. R3180:4
As thyself -- Not as he loves us. R3030:2
The same love to our neighbor that we have for ourselves, the same desire
for his welfare, his prosperity, his happiness, his health, reputation,
property, feelings. R4401:3
It does not say "Better than thyself:" Christ's course of self-sacrifice
in our behalf went beyond this requirement. R3804:6, 3805:1
Love -- Greek, agape, disinterested love. R2807:5
The mark of Christian character. R2754:1, 4153:6, 2807:4
Without which no other grace of character would be truly beautiful. R2202:2
God is pleased to give his holy Spirit, the spirit of love. Love does not
see the faults of others nor is it blind to its own. It is not a general
critic or fault-finder. It is sympathetic, helpful. R2590:2
Love delights to bless. Against its pure and benevolent instincts there is
no law. It is noble, generous, free, frank, unselfish, kind,
tender-hearted, pitiful, helpful and true. R1789:1
None will ever have full divine approval without the full establishment in
the heart and character of this divine quality. R4443:2
Supreme love to God and the neighbor is that disposition of heart that
will make us victorious in every trial and temptation. R3830:5; SM163:T
There is a danger of manifesting a brotherly love where it should be
withheld, and that in the interest of the brother. R3033:3
"God is love." So when man is restored again to the image of God--"very
good"--man also will be a living expression of love. R2607:4
Inherited sin is in strong opposition to this law of love. R5123:4
Worketh no ill -- Nor does it wish ill. R5687:5
No injury of any sort. R4401:3
It rejoices not to find flaws; it does not seek for them. R5274:2
But delights itself rather in deeds of kindness and benevolence. R1738:1,
3030:2
Love for all the brethren is a sure indication that we love as new
creatures. This love means we will do them no injury, that we will speak
no evil respecting them, that we will not even surmise evil. R5348:4
If one willfully injures another, he has to the same extent injured
himself. Q798:4
Whoever would work ill to his neighbor, with full knowledge, would not
have love. Ignorance, superstition, misunderstanding, and imperfection of
the flesh might work ill unintentionally. R4850:1
If we injure our neighbor in word, act or thought, it must have been from
a bad motive--unless we did it ignorantly. R4524:1
Some of our Catholic and Protestant friends have worked ill to their
neighbors. We cannot say that they had no love, but that they did not have
it to the degree required by the Law. R4850:1
"Speak evil of no man." (Titus 3:2) R3030:4
The true soldier starts a campaign against the well-intrenched evils and
weaknesses of his fallen flesh. His drill recognizes that perfect love
must rule, and that evil speaking comes from evil thinking. R3275:4
The Lord receives us into his school, which means instruction. God
purposes that all in this school shall come to the place where their
hearts will approve only that which is approved of the Lord. R3275:4
Therefore -- This gives us the thought that the Apostle had in mind the
Jewish Law and not the law of the New Creation. R4850:2
Love is -- Greek, agape, disinterested love. R2807:5
Noble, generous, free, frank, unselfish, kind, tender, pitiful and true.
R1789:1
Love expresses the full measure of the Law's requirements. R5287:2
The spirit of God's Law. R614:6; SM11:1
The kind of love epitomized in our Lord's command, "Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart, and thy neighbor as thyself." (Matt.
22:37, 39) A246
Love might go much further than would justice. And the Church shall love
on the highest plane of life. R5072:2
If we have pure, fervent love, and walk not after the flesh, but after the
spirit. R1188:1
Our warmest affections, our profoundest gratitude, and our implicit faith
and obedience should be manifested in our conduct toward our heavenly
Father in an effort to learn and do his will. R1117:5*
Love for the Lord would prompt one to be obedient to his just commands.
Q799:T
A loving spirit affects our health and strength, spiritual and physical;
our faces will show that we by faith grasp the promises and daily strive
to live so as to maintain our relationship with the Lord. SM338:2
Supreme love to God (laying hold upon his mighty power, trusting his
wisdom) and then to the neighbor as to self (pure, peaceable, kind) is
that disposition of heart that will make us victorious in trial. R3830:5
When we speak of embroidering our robes for the inspection of the Lord or
for the marriage, embroidery represents love. SM259:1
The superiority of love is that it will endure throughout eternity. R4042:6
In their endeavor to measure up to the divine standards, some are in
danger of erring in an opposite direction--of manifesting a brotherly love
where it should be withheld in the interest of the brother. R3033:3
The reward of the "sheep" will be granted because they cultivated love.
The Lord will consider their loving deeds as done unto him, counting them
his brethren, though they will be human and he divine. R2606:5
When man is restored again to the image of God--"very good"--man also will
be love. R195:6, 2607:4, 655:5
Selfishness, the work of the Devil, displaces love. Selfish ambitions have
a distracting influence and remove us from the Lord. Anger, malice,
hatred, and envy are branches from this root of selfishness. R5099:6
The fulfilling -- The "thou shalt nots" might be multiplied indefinitely
to fit the thousands of occurrences in daily life, but the one "thou
shalt" covers the entire situation. R5287:2
Love to God would lead us to do all those things which are inculcated in
his Word; and love for our neighbor would lead us to fulfill all our
obligations toward them. R5359:6
Love delights to bless, and against its pure and benevolent instincts
there is no law. R1789:1
This text is speaking to "everyone that believeth," for whom "Christ is
the end of the Law"; those whose love to God produces a spirit of
obedience. "The righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in us." (Rom.
10:4; 8:4) R315:2
We who are in Christ Jesus have the righteousness of the Law fulfilled in
us. R5099:6, 2757:1
Filled full, completely met; requires that the heart shall be full of
love. R4850:1, 3030:4
Love shall be the test, not only of his deeds; but also of his words and
thoughts. SM11:1
"The end or purpose of the divine commandment is love out of a pure heart
and a good conscience." (1 Tim. 1:5) R4153:6
When we were sinners, aliens from God, Christ died for us. Can we not in
part repay him by loving in return? If we have his spirit, we will love
him; for love begets love. R31:5
Merely abstaining from evil and loving our neighbor as ourselves would not
fulfill the law as given to the new creature, but it would fill the Law of
justice given to the Jews. R4850:2
The divine law which the Apostle had specially before his mind was the Law
given to Israel (Deut. 6:5; Lev. 19:18). All the mind and soul and
strength are required to fulfill this Law. R4850:1
To be a member of the Royal Priesthood who covenant to lay down their
lives as a sacrifice, requires more than mere fulfilling the demands of
the Law. It requires love to a self-sacrificing degree. R5644:4
Love for God controls life as respects holiness; and love for the
neighbor, as respects earthly justice. R4374:4
If we cultivate and possess the heart quality of love (God-likeness) it
will be acceptable--because Jesus' sacrifice makes good all deficiency.
R5369:6, 4567:6
Whoever comes short of this law of love in heart intention is unfit for
the Kingdom, and will not be of the Little Flock or Great Company. During
the Millennial age, all must attain perfect love actually. R4401:2
Whoever has most of it will come nearest to the standard. R3754:4
Jesus told the rich young ruler, "One thing thou lackest." You have not
apprehended the spirit of the law. You have been getting the shell, but
have overlooked the essence--love. (Mark 10:21) R2728:2
With the world, at the beginning of the new age, it would be a law quite
over their heads to say, You should love everybody. They would need to
have some simple statements, such as the Decalogue. R4856:5
Of the law -- The divine law; especially the Law given to Israel.
R4850:1, 5359:6, 2269:4; SM469:1
The law of love is the real law of God. It was written in the perfect
nature of the first perfect man, when he was created in God's likeness and
image. R1499:2
We have been freed from the letter of the Law by the death of Christ. If
we walk after the spirit of the Law (love), there is no condemnation. We
may thus have life through Christ. R614:6
The dominion of earth conferred upon man was to be exercised in harmony
with the law of love. A246
The Ten Commandments were not given to the Church, but the spirit of them
is comprehended in the word love, which is the law of the new creation.
R4856:5, 4850:1
When man is restored again to the image of God--"very good"--man will be
love, as "God is love." R655:5
Those who have made a consecration to the Lord constitute the pure in
heart. But the purity of their hearts and wills does not remove the battle
they wage. The law of their depraved members is of selfishness. R5123:5
Godlikeness is love-likeness. Our great Creator, the only living and true
God, is thus seen in contrast with all the gods of the heathen, who are
pitiless, merciless, vengeful, devilish. SM469:2
Human reasoning can be earthly and selfish; while the wisdom from above,
reasoning on the basis of a proved divine revelation, is pure, peaceable,
gentle. R1567:4
If we have pure and fervent love, and if we walk not after the flesh but
after the spirit, the law is reckoned as fulfilled in us. R1188:1
And that -- Having considered our duty to rulers and neighbors the
Apostle next turns to the Christian's duty toward himself. R3180:5
Knowing the time -- Knowing that the time is short in which to build up
this godlike and Christlike character. R3830:5
The time for the establishment of the Kingdom is very nigh. R5450:3
The near approach of the day of Christ when virtue will meet its just
reward. R1789:4
The chronology is the basis of nearly all the suggestions of prophetic
interpretations set forth, but the chronology of the Bible is not stated
with great clearness: fractions ignored--breaks are in it. R5450:5
Our acceptance of chronology is based on faith that God wished that we
might have some knowledge of the times and seasons, and yet wished that it
might be so obscure and indefinite as to require our faith. R5450:5
All readers should use their own judgment along the lines of chronology.
R5450:6
We look for the Church Federation to reach its climax of organization and
power prior to the full ending of the Gospel age and the glorification of
the last members of the Church. R5450:6
High time to awake -- Greek, egeiro, to arouse, stir. R1512:2
To a closer walk and intimate fellowship with God. R3830:6
Time for earnest searching and self-examination, not allowing things of
this present evil world to absorb our thoughts and energies to the
imperiling of our heavenly hopes. R5770:3
Each day, week, month and year should find us more awake and more zealous
and more appreciative of our wonderful privileges. R4401:6
Let us assist in awakening all the wise virgins from the lethargy which
misunderstandings of God's Word have induced. HG264:1
The Apostle was addressing Christians in whom the new life had been begun.
But after the early Christian experience of turning from sin to
righteousness, there comes later to some a measure of carelessness. R4401:5
Out of sleep -- Drowsiness, a spirit of the world, when the beautiful
truths lose some of their freshness. R4401:5
Out of ignorance, superstition, blindness, sordidness. R3180:5
Some, surrounded by the cares of this life, or weary in the struggle
against sin, have become drowsy, so stand in need of this stirring
exhortation. R3830:6
Our salvation -- We do not know exactly how many days still remain
before that glorious consummation. R5450:2
Only "believers" (in a reckoned sense) grasp "the hope of salvation" and
anticipate it by faith. We are "heirs of salvation," and are "kept by the
power of God through faith unto salvation." (1 Thes. 5:8; Heb.
1:14; 1 Pet. 1:5) R2051:2
Nearer than -- We do not know exactly how many days remain before the
change of first resurrection; we cannot say positively just what day or
hour the Messianic blessings will begin. But they are nearing. R5450:2
This should increase our zeal. R3295:2
As we review the leadings of divine providence, let God's goodness and
mercy stimulate our confidence in him. Let us render thanks for the past
and lift up our heads, realizing that our deliverance is near. R2738:4
The consummation of this Gospel age is now at the door. It will end in a
great time of trouble. The great crisis, the great clash that will consume
the ecclesiastical heavens and the earth is very near. R5450:3
The greater nearness should make many features of that salvation much more
conspicuous. Thus we see that the foundation has been laid for God's
return of favor to humanity--a sin- offering and atonement. HG670:4
Nearer than when the first members of the Body of Christ walked in this
narrow way of self-sacrifice. R4513:4
The Apostle wrote after four thousand years had passed and when the fifth
was under way. We live when the entire six thousand-year days are in the
past and the Millennium is chronologically already begun. R4401:6
The early Church could only speak of time from a general standpoint. They
knew that time was passing, the day of deliverance was drawing near, and
it was closer at hand than when they had first believed. R3030:5
When we believed -- When we first believed. R4513:4
Nothing could shake our faith in the divine plan of the ages--that all the
families of the earth will be blessed, that God sent his Son to be man's
Redeemer, that the Church has been called to share with Jesus. R5450:2
"Faithful is he who called us, who also will do it." (1 Thes. 5:24) R5450:2
The night -- That period of darkness which set in after Adam fell.
R5097:2
The six days preceding the Millennial age constitute the night time, in
which sin abounds, in which "darkness covers the earth and gross darkness
the people." (Isa. 60:2) R3030:5
The Jewish people had the light of the moon, the Law Covenant and its
promises, which shines with a light reflected from the sun. But they often
went from the light of their Law and walked in the shadows. R5338:5
This is the time mentioned by the prophet in which "weeping endures for
the night." (Psa. 30:5) R3030:5; HG415:4
Is far spent -- More than two-thirds gone at the time the Apostle wrote.
R3030:5, 5768:3, 3180:6; HG415:4
From whatever standpoint we view the matter, it must be that the
night-time of sin is far spent. It must be that the morning of the new
dispensation is near. R4401:6
A short time from God's standpoint, and even from the human standpoint it
would be a short time to each individual. R3180:6
The day -- The Millennial age is reckoned as the seventh day--the
Sabbath or rest day. R3030:5
The Millennial age has already begun; the day of the Lord is now at hand,
now present. R5769:4, 5770:5, 3830:6, 1155:5
The glorious Sabbath day. R5768:3
The last day, the great seventh day. R5339:4
From different perspectives, the Gospel age may be called day, or the
first advent of our Lord, or the Reformation following the Dark Ages, or
the present time. But now the Sun of Righteousness will rise. R5097:3
We are living in the early dawn of a new dispensation, and as soon as the
harvest of the Gospel age shall have been garnered, "the kingdoms of this
world" shall "become the Kingdom of our Lord." (Rev. 11:15) R5097:3
When virtue will meet its just reward, and when sin and selfishness will
be exposed in all their horrid deformity. R1789:4
Is at hand -- The apostles and early Church were living in the fifth
day. There was only one more day to intervene before the seventh. R5339:5
How much more appropriate is this exhortation to us who are now living--to
us who already see with the eye of faith the Day Star, and the first rays
of the Millennial morning's light. R3030:5
We are living in the early dawn of a new dispensation. R5097:3, 3180:6
Even now the gray streaks of dawn appear. R3830:6
The Lord designed that the second coming should be constantly an incentive
throughout the age. R3180:6
In the great revolutions of thought in this wonderful "Day of Jehovah," it
is refreshing to observe that the dim outlines of God's purpose are
beginning to dawn upon the minds of sincere thinkers. R1154:2
Cast off -- Live in accordance with our citizenship and our
responsibilities toward the Prince of Light and in opposition to the
prince of darkness, his works and his ways. R5339:6
Because we are no longer in sympathy with the things of darkness. R3030:6
Works of darkness -- "Darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the
people." Satan is called the prince of darkness, and he is working in the
children of disobedience. (Isa. 60:2; Eph. 2:2) R5338:2
The darkness is the result of ignorance, superstition and
misunderstanding--the whole heathen world is in gross darkness. R5769:5
Those things done in the dark; works of sin. These are not done in the
open, as a rule. R5769:6
Evil has brought sorrow and the darkness of ignorance and superstition
among mankind until human affairs have become demoralized. R5097:2
Injustice. R3030:6
Superstition and ignorance. R5098:1, 5769:5
Everything that is selfish and sinful. R5339:6, 5768:3
Everything pertaining to sin and error. R4401:6
Any works that will not stand the fullest approval in the light of the new
dispensation. R3181:1
Things occult, things not in fullest harmony with the Lord. R4402:2
"Abstain from all appearance of evil." (1 Thes. 5:22) It would not be
consistent with righteousness to do otherwise, as well as abstaining from
the evil itself, because we love purity and delight in moral excellence.
R1789:4
God's power overrules the wrath of man and makes it to praise him; the
remainder, which will not accomplish good, but which would be subversive
of the divine arrangements, he will restrain. (Psa. 76:10) R3179:6
The Jews were in darkness in respect to God's plan and the meaning of the
promise to Abraham and his seed respecting the blessing of the world.
R5769:5
Let us -- Who are of the day. R5098:1
The majority of the world would doubtless prefer right rather than wrong
if all the conditions were favorable. But the Lord is now calling the ones
who say, I will devote my all to do what is right. R5338:3
Put on -- That we may stand approved in that day. R1789:4
As our necessary preparation for the trials of this particular time.
R3181:1, 4401:6
We have enlisted with Christ, and we will fight against the enemies of our
new nature. We will strive earnestly, that we may be associated with the
Lord in his Kingdom of righteousness. R5339:6
We change our will and also our outward appearance and habits of life,
enabling us to represent our Lord as his ambassadors--changed into our
Lord's likeness, as we get clearer views of his glorious character. R3030:6
The armour of light -- The armor of righteousness and truth. R3831:1
To protect you, not as a robe, but as an armor over the robe--put on the
breastplate of righteousness and take the sword of the spirit.
(Eph. 6:14, 17) R5770:1, 3030:6
The armor which protects from the darts of the Adversary, and includes the
helmet of salvation. R5339:6
Light is made the Christian's shield, whose beams search into every nook
and cranny of earth's impurity. R135:6
The whole armor of God; not a useless weight, but a necessary protection
in battle. R5098:1
That we may stand approved in that day. R1789:4
The Christian is learning of his own weaknesses and of God's mercy, and
growing strong in battling for the right day by day. R5638:6
Those who will be joint-heirs with Messiah must learn obedience. They must
not only be outwardly obedient, but inwardly obedient to the spirit or
intent of the Lord's law. R5638:3
The Jews had stars--Abraham, David and the prophets. These were luminaries
that shed more or less light upon their pathway. R5338:5
When Jesus came, he was the one chosen of God to be the Light of the
world. But he was not this light to all. His light was very local, and
sometimes obscure because of the ignorance and blindness prevalent. R5338:6
Wherever the true light of Jesus comes it reproves these works of
darkness. R5770:1
The true children of God as candles are to set themselves upon the
candlestick (and not to put their light under a bushel) to give light to
all in darkness about them. R3030:5
Let us walk -- Let us daily progress. R5340:4
Live. R4402:2
Honestly -- Honest with God, honest with ourselves, with our neighbors,
and with the brethren. R3031:2
Not only in money matters, but also in the treatment of neighbors and the
brethren, and above all in confessions respecting God and our faith.
R5098:3, 3181:3, 3031:2
In the sense of conscientiously, openly, having nothing that we would need
to secrete from the whole world, if they were able to understand our
motives. R5340:1
Becomingly; in harmony with our faith, our hope, our appreciation of the
Lord, our appreciation of the morning light. R4402:1
A pastoral exhortation to be on guard against the sins and principles
which generally prevailed. R5770:4
As in the day -- As though we were living in the broad daylight. R5098:5
Works of darkness thrive at night. R5770:5
Live as those will be living when the Millennial day shall have fully
come. R5770:5, 3181:2
The shadows of night still linger. It is much more difficult now than if
the day had fully come and all the allurements of darkness were banished
by the bright shining of the Sun of Righteousness. R3031:1
Joy cometh in the morning of the (seventh) Millennium when "the sun of
righteousness" shall chase the darkness away, and cause the earth to be
filled with the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. (Psa.
30:5; Mal. 4:2; 2 Cor. 4:6) R3030:5
Not in rioting -- A spirit of anarchy, a lack of orderly behavior.
R5341:1
Worldly revelries, time-killing pleasures. R3181:4
Of the grossest sinners nor in the refined figurative reveling of
worldliness, fashion and ostentation. R3031:2
And drunkenness -- The Spirit of the Lord gives a sober mind, a
thoughtful mind, a reasonable mind. Some may become careless in their
walk. The only proper course is to avoid all excess and worldliness.
R5340:5
Babylon made drunk the inhabitants of the earth with a stupefaction of the
mind, a crazed condition. (Rev. 17:2) R5340:5
No saint should ever be intoxicated; no drunkard shall inherit the Kingdom
of God. "They that tarry long at the wine" reached that condition through
habit, expecting that they could be moderate. (Prov.
23:30) R5098:6
One can become intoxicated with pleasure of any kind. R4402:1
Intoxication with the spirit of the world, as respects wealth, business,
dress, music, art. R3181:4, 5340:4, 5098:6
Not in chambering -- Unlawful intercourse or fellowship--including
things of darkness, sins, the occult, things that are not in fullest
harmony with the Lord. R4402:2
Inordinateness in sexual matters. R3181:5
We are betrothed to the Lord Jesus, as his Bride and are to be separate
from the world, pure in heart, undefiled by wrong union with Babylon.
(Rev. 14:4) R3031:4
Improper associations. R3031:4, 5098:5
And wantonness -- Selfishness; may apply to refined kinds of
self-gratification; pampering of appetites and failure to sacrifice
earthly pleasures in the service of the Lord or in doing good to all we
contact. R4402:2
In worldliness or sectarianism. R3031:4
Strife -- Contention, willfulness, arousing jealousy and ambition on
behalf of self or others, for prominence in the Body. R5098:6, 3181:6
We should follow peace, seek to promote the interests of peace in our
home, our neighborhood, and amongst the Lord's people. R4402:2
We are not to indulge in strife of the national sort, leading to wars; nor
of the commercial sort, leading to injustice and unkind competition; nor
amongst the brethren. R3031:4
And envying -- Indicating a wrong condition of heart on the part of the
transgressor that would eventually bar him from the Kingdom. R5098:6,
3181:5
Jealousy is a fruitful source of much injury in the Church. No other evil
quality can lead to more harm to ourselves and others. R4402:3
Put ye on -- Put on his character. R5641:3, 3181:6
Substitute our garment of the old nature with new clothing, the livery of
heaven, so others may know us outwardly as children of God. R4402:3,4
"Your citizenship is in heaven." (Phil. 3:20, Revised Version) R3179:6
Implies a change of will. R3031:4
Put on his loving, generous, noble, pure spirit: study and copy his life,
which was an illustration of the perfect law of God. R1789:4
Lord Jesus Christ -- The mind or disposition, the spirit of love and
loyalty, which characterized him. R5770:4, 3831:1, 1789:4
The work of a life-time. R4402:4
To stop trying to be good, and only give your attention to gaining a
knowledge of God's plan, would not lead men to a higher and purer life, as
the apostles exhort. R121:1*
Make not provision -- The "Vow unto the Lord" is helpful to many along
this line. R4402:5
In proportion as we yield to the improper desires of the flesh, in that
same proportion the flesh will prosper and the spiritual new nature will
languish. R3031:5
We should not shape our affairs so as to yield to any of the demands of
the flesh, which are contrary to the will of the Lord. R3031:5, 3181:6; CR455:4
The mind, and the desires, of the flesh are to be considered as
mortal enemies. R2336:3
Completely ignore the desires of the old nature, thus manifesting the
singleness and fixedness of your purpose to follow him. R1789:4
For the flesh -- The flesh generally has its own way; for that reason
the overcoming self-sacrificers will be but a Little Flock. R4402:5
For a list of the works of the flesh see Gal. 5:19-21. R121:1*
Weak in the faith -- "Weak" is the Greek word astheneo, and here denotes
moral or spiritual sickness. R4099:2*
Faith, in its beginning, is always comparatively weak; but God does not
despise the day of small things. "A bruised reed shall he not break." The
strong in the faith are taught to bear with the weak. R2163:4*
Not fully committed to Christ. R1868:2
In bondage. R1734:6
We are not all alike strong in the faith. Some weak in the faith can see
that Christ is our Redeemer, but cannot as yet realize the liberty we have
in Christ. R974:5, 1734:3
Receive ye -- The weaker brethren must be left to the liberty of their
conscience and should be received as brethren, and the truth alone must
gradually educate them. R974:6, 1734:5
But not to -- Do not meet to discuss the unbeliever's doubts, but to
confirm the believer's faith. R1868:2, 3019:1
Doubtful disputations -- It would be unwise for us to shut and lock the
door of interrogation and contrary expressions as thoroughly to exclude
all that might be considered error. F318
The consideration of secular subjects, worldly sciences and philosophies
should be excluded, and only the study of the divine revelation be
discussed. F318 The congregation should recognize the difference between
the foundation principles of the doctrines of Christ and the discussion of
advanced doctrines. F318
The discussion of non-fundamentals should at all times have full, free
opportunities to be heard, and there should be meetings at which they can
be heard. F318
Controversies should not be heard over and over, and an individual should
not be permitted to confuse and distract every meeting and every topic
with some particular hobby. F318
Let a hobby be given a fair discussion at an appropriate time, with some
well versed in the Truth; if ruled out as unscriptural, let the promoter
refrain from intruding the subject for a year. F318
If it is not permitted to express a contrary thought, there is the danger
of falling into the condition of Christendom, in which it is impossible to
find access to their ears, every approach being guarded. F318
An individual having a theory would not feel satisfied unless it should
have a hearing; after having been heard reasonably, he would respect the
impropriety of intruding the matter again. F318
Trust that discipline and experience and growth in grace and knowledge
will gradually bring him to the liberty which others might reach more
quickly. R974:6, 1734:5
All things -- Used by way of contrast with "herbs only." R1778:2, 1269:4
As we would say, "ate anything and everything." R1778:2, 1269:4
Who is weak -- Greek, astheneo, without strength; as in, "Is any sick?"
(James 5:14) R4099:2,6*
Under bondage to some law under which he thinks himself. R1734:3, 974:5
Eateth herbs -- Vegetables only. R974:5, 1734:3, 1269:4
God hath received him -- Each should learn to grant the other full
liberty of conscience. It should be sufficient for us to know that God
accepts even of the weakest ones. R1734:3, 974:5
Judgest -- Neither the world nor the brethren were capable of judging
Paul; only the Lord, who could read the heart, could properly judge him.
And we are not to condemn others who claim to be walking as God's
children. R2480:2
No one has the right to judge his fellow man in regard to which day he
should observe the Sabbath. If anyone presumes to so judge, he is
violating a direct command of the Lord. (Col. 2:16) Q824:T
Another man's servant -- Temptation to meddle in matters the Lord has
put into the hands of another. R4305:3
To his own master -- The Lord. R4305:3, 2480:2
It is not ours to judge, but to help the brethren by word, by example,
every way. CR38:4
Standeth or falleth -- It is for the Lord to approve or disapprove. We
are not to grasp management or control, or in any degree to force our
views upon others. R4305:3
To make him stand -- In their testing or judgment. R3052:5
Because his imperfections are covered by the robe of Christ's
righteousness. R3052:5
14:5
One day above another -- It would be well for us to keep Sunday more
particularly than any other people in the world; we very likely do. We
have a day full of spiritual enjoyment, preaching the Gospel, enjoying its
message. R4920:1, 5412:5
Let us reverentially keep Sunday, not as under the bondage of the Law, but
as a great privilege and opportunity for fellowship in spiritual things,
better than any we could ourselves devise. R4085:1
Some claim that the first day Sabbath was introduced by an edict of one of
the popes. But this is a mistake: it had its start in the fact that it was
on the first day that our Lord arose and met with the disciples. R1727:4,
1446:5
We have learned to esteem every day as holy unto the Lord, but we shall
not offend the conscience of other Christians who regard the first day as
holier than the rest; we delight in such a day. R1580:5, 5412:5, 4085:1
Since Jesus has blotted out the handwriting of ordinances which was
contrary to us, and nailed it to his cross, no man should judge us in
respect of an holy day, a part of the shadow of things to come. R543:4
The question of Sabbath-keeping is one that depends on the intent of the
observer. If he keeps the seventh day as under "Moses' Law," in hope of
gaining its blessings, then Christ is profiting them nothing. R543:5
We cannot gain life by keeping the Law, for none can keep it perfectly; to
keep the third commandment and to fail in any other point, deprives of
life and condemns to death under the Law Covenant. R543:5
Failing to realize that they are all to be counted as days in which his
glory is to be sought. HG583:6*
The seventh day was commanded in the Law given to the Israelites to be a
holy day. That Law is still binding upon the Jews. Q823:4; R5412:5
A Seventh Day Adventist or a Protestant or a Catholic should observe the
day that he believes is commanded; it would not be right for him to
violate his conscience by doing otherwise. Q823:4
Every day alike -- All the days of the week are consecrated to the
service of the Lord, and all of the labors of the week are done with an
eye single to God's glory. R1557:3, 1727:3, 1446:4
Holy unto the Lord, a sabbath or rest of faith. (Heb. 4:10) R1580:4, 5412:5
A proper time and occasion may occur for explaining our higher thought
respecting the significance of the Sabbath. R4084:6
Paul was the Lord's agency in leading the Church in general into true
liberty; sometimes he met with the Church on the first day, and sometimes
went into the synagogues on the seventh day. R543:5
The Apostle used the opportunities of the Sabbath (the seventh day of the
week) in the Jewish synagogues, not as a Jew under the Law, but as a
Christian free from the Law, esteeming every day alike. R1557:3
Under the Law the seventh day was commanded for rest. He who trusts in
Jesus as his justifier rests from attempting to do the work and accepts it
as a finished work--a gift of God through Jesus. R543:5
The time for entering by faith into the real rest came at Pentecost. The
time for entering actually into the real rest is just at hand, at the
ushering in of the new dispensation. R1446:3
The Law was never given to the Gospel Church, but its righteousness
(right-meaning) is fulfilled in us. There can be no bondage to the
observance of any day. R543:3
Fully persuaded -- Each should carry out fully the conviction of his own
mind, but not make up his mind and stick to it right or wrong. R1734:4,
974:5
At the same time having patience and consideration for the weaker
brethren. R5556:1
We are not to make up our mind what is the will of God for others. R5556:1
The Lord's people must grasp the fundamentals--that all were sinners; that
Jesus redeemed us by his sacrifice; that we are being taught and fitted in
the school of Christ; and full consecration. F327
Though realizing his liberties in Christ, the Apostle was not anxious to
use his liberty except as between the Lord and himself, and such of the
brethren as could appreciate the matter. R2118:6
In his own mind -- It is a common mistake to attempt to force all to
decide on exactly the same conclusion respecting the meaning of the Lord's
Word. F326
If he shall make up his mind on this subject, from the foregoing
statements of the Apostle, he will be persuaded that there is no law
except love. R543:3
Regardeth it unto the Lord -- We do not consider it wrong to do on
Sunday whatever might be done on other days, but our conduct might have an
injurious effect upon others and so discount all that we could say to them
along religious lines. R4920:1, 5412:4
We should so conduct ourselves in the observance of Sunday as would bring
no disrespect to the Lord nor to his Word. R4084:6, 5412:3
What wonder that, without any command to do so, they loved to meet
together on that first day, giving thanks, breaking bread, recounting the
gracious promises of God and the Lord's explanations of them. R1727:4
None of us -- Only Christ and the Church have entered in to such a
covenant of self-renunciation. R5324:2
Liveth to himself -- As for the world, they do live to themselves. Their
own personal interests stand first with them. R5324:2
Live unto the Lord -- To do his will and not our own will, to serve him
and not to serve self. R5324:2
Die unto the Lord -- In the sense that they are counted as members of
the Body of Christ. R5324:2
We are the Lord's -- Love is the principal thing. Whoever has love and
sympathy most highly developed, the Lord will esteem as highly developed
along the lines most essential for a place in his mediatorial Kingdom.
R5324:4
One viewpoint of the Lord's will is not as right as the other, and we are
to grow to be strong; but we are not to rail at the weak, nor make light
of him, nor force him to violate his conscience. R974:6, 1734:5
To this end -- From the moment that Jesus said, "It is finished," and
died, the "crisis" was past. That was the great turning point, the
decisive act which legally released man from the bondage of death. R669:2
Jesus, by reason of his "purchase" (a full transfer of man's account, his
indebtedness, etc.) with his own precious blood, is now in consequence the
owner, master, "Lord, of all." E18 When risen from the dead, he no longer
said, "I can of mine own self do nothing"; he then declared, "All power is
given unto me in heaven and in earth." Him hath God raised up to be prince
and Saviour. (John 5:30; Matt. 28:18; Acts 5:31) R745:4
Christ became David's Lord and the root from which David must receive life
at his resurrection, by virtue of Christ's death. The authority was
recognized of God, and declared to men, by Christ's resurrection. R810:1
Jesus is not David's Lord by reason of anything that he was as a spirit
being. He became David's superior, "Lord of all," by reason of the great
work which he accomplished as the Mediator of the Atonement. E134
Adam was lord of the earth; Jesus died to be lord of the dead, the living,
the uttermost parts of the earth. Christ took the natural to redeem the
natural; possesses the spiritual to impart the spiritual. R483:6*, 43:5*
The work of redeeming by death is not to be confounded with the work of
the second Adam, which is to impart spiritual life. Christ did not become
the second Adam until he was made a "quickening spirit." (1 Cor. 15:45)
R43:5*
The penalty of our sin was death. The question was, "Who shall deliver me
from the body of this death?" And the answer points out, "[He] bare our
sins in his own body on the tree." (Rom. 7:24; 1 Pet. 2:24) R641:6, 464:1
When the Lord occupies his throne, the Church reigns with him--over all
nations, dead and living, else their title "Seed of Abraham" is a
misnomer. (Col. 3:4; Gal. 3:29) HG336:5
Christ -- This completed Christ, including all who present their bodies
a living sacrifice, having suffered and died and lived again glorified,
becomes Lord or age-lasting Father of the human family restored. R316:5*
Died -- He died that he might thereby have the right to control all who
have gone into death. R5612:1, 709:5
Rose, and revived -- Our Lord's death, raising and revival were
necessary features of the redemptive work. R4633:3
Died and revived--Oldest Greek manuscripts. R1853:6
That he might be -- By his death and resurrection. HG359:5
After his resurrection. B133
It was by virtue of our Lord's death that he became the master, ruler,
father of the race, and obtained power to deal with the race as with his
own children, freed from the curse of the divine sentence. E453
This text very appropriately states the valuable transaction accomplished
by our Lord. His death was a necessary feature of the redemptive work; his
raising and revival were also necessary. R4633:3
In his resurrection he became the heavenly Lord. A133
Ruler, controller. A149; E18; R726:3*, 709:5, 43:5
Master, owner. R1286:4, 1970:3, 726:3*, 641:6, 464:1, 61:2*
Governor. "Lordship" signifies dominion, power, authority. R726:3*, 61:2*
David's Lord; Lord of all. E134
Lord of the Sabbath, Lord and Christ, Lord of glory, Lord from heaven, One
Lord Jesus Christ, One Lord, one faith, Lord of Jew and Gentile, Lord of
angels. R61:2*
The Anglo-Saxon word, Hlaford, signifies Breadkeeper, and is applied to
one who has the care and control of a family. The title of Lord thus
applied to Jesus expresses a glorious fullness of power and love. R61:2*
Our Lord, having provided a ransom for Adam's race with his own life, can
justly give a new offer of life to them all. A141
With the right and power to deal with the race as with his own children.
E453
If you would lay hold of the great salvation of Rom. 10:10, you must
publicly and openly confess that Jesus is Lord--your Master; that by his
death he purchased you and thus became your owner. R1970:3
1 Cor. 15:21 agrees with this scripture, that the right or authority to
awaken the dead, and to bring some or all to perfection, was gained by our
Lord by his death as a ransom for all. R1854:6
He could not have been Lord in any other way than by the Father's
proclamation. R4633:3
This scripture is cited with others and questions for a model study on the
first paragraph of The Divine Plan of the Ages: Upon what sure ground can
we hope for the "morning" and its "joy"? R1900:5
Though still speaking of Christ as Lord, some despise and deny the
importance and efficacy of the very transaction by which he became Lord.
They boldly claim to need no Redeemer. C202
Part of Christ's role as Lord will be that of Judge. Whoever will fail in
the new trial of the Millennial judgment day will be sentenced to the
second death. R1452:6
"Ye are not your own--ye are bought with a price." "The man Christ Jesus
gave himself a ransom." (1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6) He did not
release all. He arranged that there should be one way to get free--by
faith in his sacrifice. R1286:4
Our Lord Jesus Christ, as Jehovah's representative, secured this privilege
of reconciliation of sinners with his own precious blood. R1316:5
By virtue of his obedience to death. R810:1, 726:3*
No one can escape, either in this age, or the next, of standing a
probationary trial for his life at Christ's tribunal. HG41:2
Both of the dead -- The dead and dying world of mankind. A150; R1853:6,
1680:4
Christ lived as a man, and died that he might thereby have the right to
control all those who have gone into the prisonhouse of death. R5612:1
God commanded Israel to destroy nations. Those people who were slain are
in an unconscious sleep, not in any anguish. They will be called from
their sleep, and receive all the blessings of everlasting life. R5706:4
It is his voice that shall awaken the dead, and his wisdom and grace that
shall lead all the willing and obedient to the realization of full
resurrection. R1816:3
The second resurrection will be Christ's work and will take place during
his Millennial reign; to restore, or raise up, or give life will be his
special work during his reign. R1118:2*
The first resurrection will be that of the saints immediately at Christ's
coming. R1118:2*
"Restitution of all things" implies a restoration of all things, both dead
and living, to their original condition or state of perfection lost by
Adam's transgression. (Acts 3:21) R1118:5*
And living -- The living fallen angels, not condemned to death. A150;
R1853:6, 1680:4
Messiah's Kingdom will bless not only the living, but also those who have
fallen asleep in death. R5706:4, 5324:2; A149
Judge -- Greek, krino, judgment or trial. (Not final decision) R2430:2,
2431:5
The word "judgment" signifies more than simply sentencing, or the
execution of a sentence. It includes the idea of trial, and a righteous
decision based on that trial. R568:6
New creatures are exhorted not to judge the brethren in the sense of
condemning them, but rather to judge themselves, and thus help the
brethren and set a noble example before the world. R4517:4
Each is to remember that God is the Judge, and to make sure that he
himself has a conscience void of offense toward God and man. R4084:4
The Apostle is stringent in his condemnation of judging one another, which
so often leads to roots of bitterness, misunderstanding and disfellowship,
and which, as old leaven, should be purged out. R3034:6
Thy brother -- If we should see blemishes in the flesh of the brethren,
disapproved and striven against, we should remember that the evil which we
see is our brother's enemy and not the brother himself, the new creature.
R4810:5
Set at nought -- By ridiculing him, and getting him to violate his
conscience. R2167:4
Shall all stand -- Either while living, or after death. HG41:2
Each one now accepted as a member of the Church must ultimately stand the
inspection of the Head of the Church; for our present membership in his
Body is a probationary one. R5324:6
The Church is on trial, and Jesus representing the Father criticizes and
examines the members of his Body, not to cut them off, but to aid,
encourage, assist, instruct and prepare for the Kingdom. R4084:4
Both the quick and the dead will have their case tried before Christ, the
great judge, in due time. R569:1
Before the judgment seat -- As we are now before the judgment-seat of
Christ, so during the Millennial age the whole world of mankind will be
before his judgment-seat and be separated into two classes, sheep and
goats. R4084:4
The "judgment of this world," which Christ said began with himself, has,
thus far, been a probationary trial for life. The great judgment day is
designed expressly for the purpose of placing the world on a probation or
trial for life. HG41:2
Of Christ -- Who, as the Father's representative throughout the age, has
been examining the members of his Body, and in the end of the age renders
to each one according as his work has been. R4084:4
Of God--Tischendorf, Rotherham, Revised Version, and all the best
authorities. R2425:3*
Christ's commandments are our daily rules of life. The Church's judgment
is committed to the Son by Jehovah. (John 5:22) The judgment is of the
Father and by the Son. R2426:3,4,5
For us to judge others is unnecessary. If we have criticized each other in
the past, we should avoid this in the future. R4517:5
The mass of mankind have not had probation in Christ, the only name given
under heaven whereby they must be saved. (Acts 4:12) HG41:2
Saith the Lord -- It is Jehovah's power that will bring about the
Millennial victory of The Christ. R3079:5,6
Every knee shall bow -- During Messiah's Kingdom of righteousness.
CR131:5
To the power then in control. D520
Bowing before the King of kings. SM172:2
When Christ comes to set up his Kingdom in power and great glory for the
blessing and salvation of the world. CR131:4
Rev. 21:3-5 is a picture of God's dealings with the children of men on
earth, after the glorification of the Church, when all men shall have a
full opportunity of coming back to all that was lost by Father Adam.
HG234:2
All who were willing to come into harmony will have bowed the knee. R5303:1
The passage to the "Queen's Chamber" is low; the traveler must bow his
head. The path of right-doing has always been one of humility. In the
Millennium, all will be required to bow to Christ's Kingdom. C369
The Millennial age will break many stony and proud hearts, bringing
mankind to a condition to be able to appreciate the grace of God. R1466:1
None could stand before Joshua, the Lord's representative; none of the
forces of evil nor the obstructions in the pathway of the fulfillment of
God's promises shall stand before the antitypical Joshua. R3079:6
The Redeemer and his followers shall be the kings and priests, clothed
with glory, honor and immortality. The King shall rule in righteousness
and princes shall execute judgments in the earth. R4331:5
All who refuse shall be destroyed in the second death. R4956:6
And every tongue -- Including the fallen angels. R1679:6; HG729:5
Shall confess -- To the justice of the arrangement. D520
God's object in providing the Kingdom of Messiah and causing the knowledge
of God's glory to fill the earth is to give mankind a better opportunity
for repentance and reconciliation with himself. HG647:3,4
Then there will be a downpour of truth and grace which will produce a
flood of righteousness and knowledge of the Lord world-wide and
ocean-deep. HG432:2
All will be brought to this good confession in the Millennial age, even
though they have not all been brought to the knowledge of the truth in
this world and some have committed the unpardonable sin. HG15:1
Every one -- As a consecrated member of the Body of Christ. R2167:2
Shall give account -- In due time. R2735:5, 2613:5, 723:4
We are now living in the very time when, preparatory to his reign, the
Lord is reckoning with his servants now living, with a view to their
appointment to places in the Kingdom he is about to inaugurate. R2736:3
The Lord expects his consecrated people to use the talents they have in
their possession, and he will not hold guiltless even those who have the
smallest ability to serve him and and who neglect to use it. R2765:1
It is from this standpoint that we interpret the testings and siftings now
in progress amongst the consecrated ones in and out of all the sects of
Christendom: "The Lord your God proveth you." (Deut. 13:3) R2736:3
In a study of St. Paul's expressions concerning what weapons and in what
spirit Christians should gain the victory, this text is listed under the
subheading, "Keep your conscience pure." R4479:1*
Those of this class who have died in the past of this age would be dealt
with first; those accounted worthy have a share in the first resurrection
preceding those who are alive and remain at this time. R2736:3
The living must give an account; judgment must pass respecting them; they
must either be gathered, as "wheat" into the barn or be left to the field
where the "tares" are shortly to be burned. (Matt. 13:30) R2736:4
Elders assume a weighty responsibility. The Lord purchased this flock with
the precious blood of the Lamb of God. R4459:1,2
The reckoning is not of an instant; time is granted. Blessed is he who,
finding he has not been as faithful as he might have been, now puts forth
redoubled energies. Our King is willing to show favor. R2736:4
It will require all of the thousand years to demonstrate who are the
friends of righteousness. This is Scripturally represented as the
separating of the "goats" from the "sheep." (Matt. 25:32, 33) R2736:6
Some of the citizens misunderstood the King's character; but, perceiving
how grossly the "Prince of this World" misrepresented the Prince of Peace,
they will become his supporters and rejoice greatly. R2736:5
The punishment which the Lord prescribes for the enemies of righteousness
is the second death. R2736:5
To God -- The weaker brethren are not to judge and censure others, nor
are the stronger brethren to judge and censure the weaker. God is the
judge. R4084:4
We are not to gauge ourselves entirely by what our fellow-men might think,
but to have special respect to the Lord and his judgment of us. R4084:5
God's people are amenable only to God with respect to their views of his
will on minor matters respecting which he has not given positive
instructions. R2167:2
The law of love left much more to the judgment of the individual than did
the Law given at Sinai. With the law of love, responsibility for decision
rests largely with the individual and his own conscience. R4084:2
Let us not -- None should endeavor to interfere with the proper
liberties of conscience and conduct. R3034:6
Therefore judge -- Condemn. R4084:5, 5324:3
The Apostle did not mean that the brethren should be watching for an
occasion of fault-finding in every word and act; but that they should be
so full of love that trivial matters would be passed over. R3034:5,6
The Lord is not establishing a low standard, nor wishing his people to
think lightly of their own weaknesses and failures nor that of others. He
is setting up a high standard of love, sympathy and kindness. R5324:4
It is not the province of anybody to forbid marriage, directly or
indirectly. It is for each of the Lord's people to decide this matter in
harmony with his or her own judgment and convictions. R4717:4; Q461:1
One another -- Examine yourselves. R845:4
If you wish to measure others up to the full standard of perfection, you
are thus recognizing a high standard, and that will make it proper for the
Lord to measure you by that high standard. R5324:4
The Apostle had no intention of cultivating a spirit of fault-finding as
respects private affairs--use of time or money, etc. These belong to our
individual stewardship and proper liberties of conscience. R3034:5
But judge -- Greek, krino, judgment, or trial. R2430:1, 2431:5
Examine yourselves. As messengers of God, serve, strengthen, bear up the
"feet" of Christ, each member assisting one another, preparing the Bride
for the Bridegroom. R845;4
That no man put -- It is men in the flesh who cast stumbling-blocks in
the way of the saints, and they who remove them. "He shall give his
messengers charge over thee, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."
(Psa. 91:11, 12) R844:6
A stumblingblock -- Wound or injure or cause a stumbling of conscience.
R4084:6
To pride or vanity or any other evil thing. R1895:2
No badges of distinction or flattering homage may be tolerated in the
Body; many indeed have been the prominent ones in the Church who have been
overcome by flatteries--undue praise, worshipful reverence. R1895:2
We should avoid condemning one another--avoid doing anything that would
discourage a brother or cause him to fall away from the faith--and content
ourselves with encouraging each other in the way. R5324:3
Our liberty in Christ must take care that others are not injured by our
use of liberty; for this would be condemned by our law of love. R1734:3
Some, specially prizing the liberty from the Law, used it thoughtlessly to
the injury of weaker brethren who had not yet learned of this freedom.
R1580:1
We have noticed the force of temptations at the time of the Passover, the
liability to "be offended." Let us watch and pray for ourselves and
others, and not cast a stumbling-block before our brother. R3178:6
Those who scatter the pestilence, and shoot out the arrows of error, and
cast stumbling-blocks in the way, are men in the flesh; and those whom God
will use to bear up the "feet" are also human agents. R844:6
An occasion to fall -- In a study of St. Paul's expressions concerning
weapons and in what spirit Christians should gain the victory, this text
is listed under "Consider the Effect upon the Consciences of Others."
R4478:1*
In his brother's way -- It is a very serious crime against the law of
love and against the Lord's injunction, to cause one of his brethren to
stumble, but it would also be a crime in his sight for us to stumble
others. R3145:6
Is nothing unclean -- Legally unclean, forbidden as food. R4084:6
The restrictions of the Jewish Law were imposed as tests of their loyalty
and obedience. R5324:5
As the mind expanded and grew, it was realized the idols were not gods at
all; and hence that the custom of the people to offer the meat to idols
before it was sold for consumption had done the meat no harm. R4084:2
Of itself -- The Greek word heautou is here translated "itself." Yet the
same word is translated "himself" in scriptures where trinitarians want to
refer to the holy Spirit as the third person of the trinity. E171
It was not that swine, rabbits and oysters would make the Jew impure in
God's sight, but that the restrictions were imposed as tests of his
loyalty and obedience to God. R5324:5
To him -- If one thought himself under obligations, he would be
responsible according to his mind or judgment on the subject. R5324:5
There should be permitted the greatest liberty of conscience. However, we
need to discriminate between liberty in the matter of conscience, and
liberty in the matter of faith. R2166:2
It is unclean -- Unholy. R5324:4
Let us not use our liberty if it cause brethren who do not yet realize it
to stumble and violate their consciences. A285
If thy brother be grieved -- A brother less well-informed on the subject
than ourselves. R4517:5
The new creature is his brother's keeper in the sense that he must
consider his brother's interests as well as his own. R4006:2
The Roman Jews had experienced trials in their endeavor to observe the
Law. When they accepted Christ, they had difficulty realizing that the
Covenant under which they had sought to please God was at an end. R4084:2
Paul agreed with the few that an idol was only a piece of handiwork, but
he realized that it might require time for some to surmount their
prejudices and give their consciences a sure footing on the subject.
R4084:3, 5412:2, 4478:3
Destroy not him -- By ridiculing his conscientiousness, getting him to
violate his conscience, and thus starting him on the downward course which
would lead to his destruction. R2167:4
For him to violate his conscience would mean that he had willingly
committed sin. R5324:5
The thought that our Heavenly Father has favored and called anyone should
make us extremely careful how we would cooperate with the Lord in respect
to the call, and be as helpful as possible to them. R3136:3
Control your liberty by the law of love. R4478:6
For whom -- We should have special patience with the brethren. R3136:3
Christ died -- If Christ loved the world so much as to die for sinners,
we should be glad to lay down our lives for the brethren, ready to abstain
from the use of trifling liberties for the sake of the weaker. R5324:6
If Christ so loved them that his death was made available to their
salvation, we should so love them as to be willing to cooperate for their
assistance. R4084:6
The one of broader comprehension should be willing to refrain from eating
such meat rather than run the risk of injuring his brother, whom Christ so
loved that he died for him. R4006:3
Your good -- The knowledge and appreciation of your liberties. R5325:1
Your right view of the matter. R2167:4
Be evil spoken of -- Through any careless or imprudent conduct. R1586:6
The Apostle urges to more carefulness. R1580:1
Do nothing that to others would seem to be unrighteous. R4084:6
Do not allow your clearer understanding of the meaning of the Sabbath to
bring disrespect to the Lord or his Word. R4084:6
Do not live in such a way that your good intentions may not exhibit to others your real
sentiments. R3305:5
We should deny self, if need be, that others be not caused to stumble.
R756:3*
The kingdom of God -- The Kingdom of God is prominent in the Scriptures;
it constitutes the sum and substance of the gospel theme. R1579:3
Parables represent the same Kingdom from different standpoints--the grain
of mustard seed, leaven hidden in the meal, treasure hidden in a field,
the pearl of great value, the net gathered of every kind. R4636:2
The Jews of the early Church were translated into the Kingdom of God's
dear Son, in the sense that they had certain liberties which they did not
have under the Law. A285
We are, in embryo, the Kingdom of God. R2167:4, 4085:2
The precious privileges of the Kingdom even in this time of its
humiliation--righteousness, peace, joy--are such as the world cannot
appreciate. R1580:4
There is a difference between the Kingdom established in glory and power,
and the Kingdom in its incipient or formative stage, in its humiliation as
it at present exists. R1579:3
To the Kingdom of God in its humiliation belong those prophecies which
tell how the Kingdom of heaven must suffer violence and how its members
would be despised and counted as offscouring of the world. R1579:6
To the Kingdom established (at the second presence of Christ) belong all
the precious promises of its glory. R1579:3
The glorious reign of Messiah for a thousand years. R5097:1
Not meat and drink -- Consists of much greater blessings than liberty as to food. A285
Not merely liberty in those things forbidden under the Law. R5918:5, 4517:5, 1580:1
The Pharisees of eighteen centuries ago and the Jews today gradually got
away from God's Word and became followers of human tradition. R5096:2
The customs of the Pharisees, of wonderful washings of their persons and
vessels, consumed much of their time and were burdensome upon the poor,
who had no servants to do these things for them. R5096:5
The Talmud made God's commandment to honor your father and mother null and
void, when it said that a man might be free from his parents by
consecrating himself and substance to God and religious uses. R5096:6
This statement is misconstrued by some to mean that the Kingdom is not
real, and is only a rule of righteousness, joy, and peace in the hearts of
believers. R4085:1, 5097:1
Although the Bible is the recognized authority and standard of Christians
today, when it is read the gloss or interpretation of the accepted creed
is before the mind and veils it. R5096:2
But righteousness -- Justification through Christ. R2167:5
The imputed righteousness of Christ, making us acceptable to God as his
sons. R1580:1
With the righteousness of God always goes divine blessings. CR425:1
Liberty to do right. A285
The advantage of our relationship to the Lord does not consist chiefly in
liberty to eat and drink what we please; our chief blessing consists in
our "justification and peace and joy in the holy Spirit." R4517:5
Transformed by the renewing of their minds, they had come to appreciate
and love righteousness and truth. R5097:4
Christians have all questions left in their own hands with merely the
general guidance that they must conscientiously seek to honor God and to
do good unto all men in their bodies and spirits which are his. HG368:1
And peace -- Toward God through Christ. A285
One of the grand blessings enjoyed as members of the embryo Kingdom class.
R5097:4
In the holy Spirit, resulting from our justification. R2167:5, 1580:2,
4517:5
There being now "no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus." (Rom.
8:1) R1580:2
This verse and "Seek peace and pursue it" and "Follow peace with all men"
and "God is the author of peace" and "God has called us to peace" are
listed with many under "God's Message on Peace." (Psa. 34:14; Heb. 12:14;
1 Cor. 14:33; 7:15) R2946:3
Its blessings of peace and joy and justice will be realized by all the
families of the earth. R1579:6
And joy -- The joy that comes from the possession of the mind of Christ.
R1580:2
The fruits of our new relationship to Christ. R2119:1, 4085:2
These do not constitute the Kingdom, but are blessed results of membership
in the Kingdom class. R5918:5
It is Satan's misinterpretation that the Kingdom of God is merely
righteousness and holiness of life. R5918:1
In the Holy Ghost -- In participating in the holy Spirit of God. A285
Fellowship with the Father and with the Son and with all who possess the
spirit of righteousness. R5097:4
In these things -- Under the heading "God's Message on Peace,"
scriptures are quoted ("The meek shall delight themselves in abundance of
peace," "To the counsellors of peace is joy"), and this closes the
article. (Psa. 37:11; Prov. 12:20) R2947:4
Serveth Christ -- Surrendering his own rights and liberties. R2167:5
The Apostle did not always choose to exercise his liberties in Christ if
he found better opportunities for usefulness by simply neglecting to claim
or use liberty. R2119:2
Approved of men -- Have the approval of right-thinking men. R4085:4
So far as possible in line with his conscience, Paul sought to be pleasing
to all men, disregarding his own advantage and considering chiefly the
profit of the many for their salvation. R4007:6
Fellow-men will appreciate such little sacrifices on their behalf. R2167:5
Let us -- All who have become new creatures in Christ. R3146:5
Therefore -- Instead of contending about our rights and privileges and
battling to have these. R2167:5
Make for peace -- Instead of judging fellow-members of the consecrated
Body, we should be full of sympathy for them, realizing that we do not
know thoroughly their trials, difficulties, environments, heredities.
R5324:3
Consider the motives and endeavors of the new creature, and not the
frailties or mistakes of the earthen vessel. R1841:5
By presenting the truth in so kind and gentle a manner that all who are of
the truth would appreciate it and be strengthened thereby. R4085:5
This verse and many others, including "Lead a peaceable life," "The wisdom
from above is peaceable," and "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace" are
included in a list entitled "God's Message on Peace." (1 Tim. 2:2; Jas.
3:17; Isa. 26:3) R2946:6
Amongst those who have accepted Christ as their Savior there should be
permitted the greatest liberty of conscience, discriminating between
liberty of conscience and liberty of faith. R2166:2
The liberty wherewith Christ makes free allows us to eat without restraint
and also the liberty to abstain. The spirit of Christ uses liberty
lovingly, to self-sacrifice in the interest of others. R3145:5
Principles may never be abandoned for any consideration, but liberties and
personal rights may be ignored in the interest of others, frequently and
to divine pleasing. R2119:2
We refuse to use our personal liberties to stumble others, but we should
not bow to people in each mental crotchet or superstition. We might attend
a nominal church, but not partake of the Mass. R3146:1
One may edify another -- In meetings, seek to do good and to get good.
R1867:1
Whatever is not to edification is not profitable, and is not to be
entertained or practiced regardless of law on the subject. R4006:1
There is great advantage in measuring one's self by growth in love rather
than by growth merely in knowledge, though to be great in both knowledge
and love would be the ideal condition. R4920:2
A person of feebler reasoning powers may be weaker in every respect,
susceptible to others' leadings--into paths which his conscience could not
approve, a step toward willful sin--leading even to second death. R3145:5
Destroy not -- Overthrow not. R4478:6
Do not jeopardize the interests of another merely for the sake of
preserving a non-essential. R4085:5, 2167:5
Do not even risk injury to the work of God's grace in others by using
liberty contrary to their welfare. Count it a privilege to void your
rights, to glorify God and bless your fellows. R4517:5, 4478:5
The work of God -- The work of grace in your own heart; or, by breaking
down the conscience of a weaker brother destroy the work of grace begun in
him. R2167:5
All things indeed -- All kinds of meat. R4085:3, 2167:5
Now that we are free from the Mosaic Law. R2167:5
Are pure -- Clean. R4478:6
Eateth with offence -- Eats what he believes is forbidden by God's
command. R2167:6
It is good -- Christian liberty gives us liberty to eat without
restraint and it gives us liberty also to abstain--in self-sacrifice,
following in the footsteps of the Master, seeking to lay down our life for
brethren. R4920:2
No other religious system teaches personal liberty to the degree that it
is taught in the Bible. The difficulty is in knowing how to balance our
liberties as new creatures with the blemishes of the old nature. R4005:2
Neither to eat flesh -- Where there may be a difference of opinion
concerning a meat or vegetable diet, each should decide for himself as to
which is most beneficial. Paul is not discussing that. R4919:2
Animal sacrifices were offered to idols and the carcasses given to the
priests, who sold them through butchers in the markets. It was difficult
to avoid eating this meat in the heathen world. R4006:2, 5412:2, 4478:3
The early Christian was not bound to suppose that his meat had been
offered to idols; he need not refuse it. He might give thanks for
it--unless a fearful brother was stumbled by his eating it. R4006:6
As with Daniel and his three Hebrew friends, fearlessly upholding the
principles of righteousness will best serve the Lord and best influence
others about us. R4873:6
Nor to drink wine -- While there is nothing in Scripture to forbid wine,
our liberties should be limited by the surroundings: it was used more then
than now, is used in Europe more than here, and the race is weaker now.
R4919:5
We should not leave the more important work of preaching the good tidings
of the Kingdom to engage in a temperance work; but it is a better cause
than almost any other in the world. R4007:1
In the Memorial it would not be wrong to use something that will not tempt
any, as a substitute for the wine. R1101:5
Nor any thing -- We should not use our liberty in any way that would
stumble a brother in any sense of the word, or cause him to violate his
conscience. R5324:5, 2167:2
It is part of our privilege and of our contract with the Lord to abstain
from anything which would be injurious to others. R4919:2
Whereby -- If the interests of the brethren should ever require
foregoing of liberties in respect to food or drink, such self-denials
would be counted as sacrifices made with joy. R5097:5
The new creature is his brother's keeper in the sense that he must
consider his brother's interests as well as his own. R4006:2
Brother stumbleth -- By eating meat and causing a weaker brother to
violate his conscience. R4919:3, 5556:1, 5324:3, 4873:6
Control your liberty by the law of love. R4478:6
The new creature should allow the spirit of love to so thoroughly fill his
own heart that he would be a helper and not a stumbling-block to the
brethren. R4006:2
It would also be a crime in the Lord's sight for us to stumble
others--those not our brethren--to hinder them from becoming brethren, and
of the household of faith. R3145:6
Is made weak -- The conscience is the most important thing we have to
deal with, and should always be obeyed. We should not seek to break down
another's conscience, nor permit our influence to break it down. R4919:3
The brother who cannot conscientiously partake of such meat might have
pride or lack courage to follow his convictions, and violate his
conscience in trying to keep pace with one who understands liberty. R4006:3
Hast thou faith? -- Confidence that all kinds of meat are proper to eat,
and that, since an idol is really nothing, the meat has really not been
injured by being first offered to an idol. R4084:3, 2167:3
In the truths of the new dispensation, which enabled the Jewish converts
to realize their release from the bondage of the Law Covenant. R1581:2
Have it to thyself -- Do not declare all your liberties at times and
places which might prove injurious to others. R4084:6, 1581:3
If we advertise our faith and needs, eliciting the sympathies and
assistance of men, it is not resting in God to a very great extent.
R1159:1*, 2163:2*
"When thou prayest, enter into thy closet and pray to thy Father which is
in secret. When thou fastest anoint thy head and wash thy face that thou
appear not unto men to fast." (Matt. 6:6) R865:1
That condemneth not -- Others have the right to commend or advise, but
not to command or condemn. R2167:2
Which he alloweth -- Does not violate his conscience, whether that
conscience is enlightened or not. R1581:5
He that doubteth -- That is unsettled as to what is right or wrong in
any matters. R1581:5
Is damned -- Not consigned to eternal torment, but under condemnation,
alienation from the Lord, for violating his conscience. Such alienation,
if persisted in, might ultimately lead to the second death. R4086:1
If he eat -- If in eating he does that which he believes to be wrong.
R1581:5
Eateth not of faith -- Because his eating, and thereby repudiating the
claims of the Law, was not on account of the newly received faith which
set him free from the Law. R1581:5
Is not of faith -- But a violation of conscience. R1734:5
Is sin -- To follow the example of a stronger brother, but feeling that
such a course was wrong, the act would be a sin to him. R4920:5, 1994:5
Hypocrisy. R2005:4
If a brother is using reasonable energy to reach a decision, he is not a
doubter. His mind is merely in a quandary. He is merely questioning the
subject with a view to doing whatever is the Lord's will. R1994:5
That are strong -- Intellectually, physically and spiritually. R4927:3,
1954:6, 216:5
The elders, older in years, older and more developed in the truth. R4927:6
There are not so many strong; it behooves each of us to become strong and
helpful to the weak brethren in the Church. R4995:1
All are not alike strong in the faith, but the stronger should not despise
the weaker. Paul approves the stronger, but counsels patience and
consideration on their part. R1734:3
Some Corinthian Christians felt that it made no difference whether they
partook of meat offered to idols or not, since the meat suffered no
change, and since they had no sympathy with the idolatrous worship. R1586:6
All of this world are not equally endowed with perceptive and reasoning
powers and judgment and acquisitive propensities. Forceful, intellectual
power makes natural leaders. R1954:6
Ought to bear -- Stronger ones should not rail at, or make light of, a
brother's conscientious weakness, but receive him as a brother, trusting
that experience will bring him to the liberty which others reached
quickly. R1734:4
If the stronger brethren by sarcasm should try to force the weaker ones to
use a liberty which they do not realize, it would be forcing them into
sin. R5556:2
This does not imply that we should not expostulate with such a one and
endeavor to help him to get rid of his infirmity. R5557:4, 4767:1, 3647:2
Weaker brethren should be left to the liberty of their own consciences.
Love and truth may be used in hope of educating them to an appreciation of
their full privileges as free men in Christ. R5556:2
Be peacemakers amongst the brethren. R4995:1
Because the Lord's people have "this treasure in earthen vessels" (2 Cor.
4:7) all of which are imperfect through the fall, true love ought to
produce in our deportment great self-restraint lest we injure their
weakness. R4263:5
As a matter of equity, laws should compensate for inequalities of the
fallen race; but the only hope for this is the glorious Millennium; and
many will then begin to search for true riches. R1954:6
The great principle set forth is the principle of love, the essence of the
divine spirit. R4927:2
The infirmities -- In the Body of Christ, the various members have
inherited weaknesses, against which they must wage a lifelong warfare;
these sometimes interfere with the rights and comforts of others and
themselves. R3647:1
The stronger should bear with them in their difficulties as well as bear
some of their blunders. R5557:4, 4927:3, 3647:2
They seek the welfare of others as well as of themselves, especially the
welfare of the household of faith. R4927:2
The mission of the stronger would be so to call the attention of others to
their weaknesses as not to offend or stumble them. R4927:3, 5557:4
All men were not enlightened by the gospel and so relieved from
superstition; and the eating of meats offered to idols seemed to them to
be an indorsement of idol-worship. R1587:1
The Apostle urges growth to the brother who thinks himself under bondage
regarding meat or Sabbath days, and does not teach that this bondage is
right considering the liberty we have in Christ. R1734:4
The weak -- Intellectually, physically and spiritually. R4927:3
The younger. R4927:6
The weaker ones of the household of faith are to be cared for and loved
and helped that they may grow strong in the Lord. R4767:1
Faith, in its beginning, is always comparatively weak: but God does not
despise the day of small things. "A bruised reed shall he not break, and
smoking flax shall he not quench." (Matt. 12:20) R2163:4*
It should be sufficient to know that God accepts even the weakest
one--weak in the faith, under bondage to fast days--who thinks that our
Redeemer wishes him to be bound by such ordinances. R1734:4
Please ourselves -- Principles may never be abandoned for any
consideration; but liberties and personal rights may be ignored in the
interest of others frequently and to divine pleasing. R4928:4, 5557:2,
5412:2, 4927:6
Use care that others are not injured by our liberty in Christ. R5555:3
We should look beyond our own preferences, seeking to arrange our own
affairs so as to be most helpful to the brethren. R4928:1
Too often the Lord's people fellowship with those of the brethren most
congenial to them in cultivation or in advancement. Rather, we are to
"cover the blemishes" of those who are weak and out of the way. R4269:5
The Apostle does not teach that each should make up his mind and stick to
it, whether right or wrong. R1734:4
We are not merely to please ourselves in respect to time and place of
meetings. R4928:1
The elders and deacons should seek to arrange their meetings so as to
assist all the congregation who have time and ability, etc., that all will
feel that there is no class separation. R4928:4
Every one of us -- Not "The younger" nor "The older" but every one of
us. R5412:1
We should deny self rather than injure another's conscience. R5412:2
While the new creature should have his own upbuilding prominent in his
mind, he should also remember that he has a responsibility in being a
member of Christ and be willing to serve others. R4927:6
He who does not learn to sacrifice his own preferences in the interests of
others, will never have that character which the Lord demands of those who
shall be joint-heirs with himself in the Kingdom. R4479:4
Please -- It is not possible for us to please all people. The direction
of our energies should be for their good as we have opportunity. We should
rouse them to love and good works as far as possible. R5556:4
According to right principles. R5413:4
Even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit,
but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (1 Cor. 10:33) R4479:1
If every Christian could apply these words to himself, the effect upon the
world would be magical--energizing. They would see in Christians a
renouncement of their own preferences in the interests of others. R4479:4
His neighbor -- Those closest to us: the brethren, our families, and
then others. No amount of zeal for the service of the truth will excuse us
from the duties which we owe to our families. R5557:1
His brother; patiently submitting to the discomfort his errors entail.
R4767:4, 3647:2
We have a responsibility towards those who are not so strong or not so
clearly informed as ourselves--a responsibility that we will not wish to
pass by if our hearts are in tune with the spirit of divine love. R4479:4
For his good -- Let no man seek his own, but each his neighbor's good.
(1 Cor. 10:24) R4478:6
This does not mean that we should necessarily please them according to the
flesh. Rather, "Stir up their pure minds," their spiritual minds, to love
and faith and zeal, to good works. R5556:4
Should all those now enjoying present truth resolve to live up to the
standard of the Lord, what an influence it would bring, what an influence
would extend from their words, their thoughts, their deeds! R4479:4
To edification -- To assist, uplift, upbuild, primarily in spiritual
things. R5412:6
Not by ignoring his fault, but by kindly urging him to strive against it.
R4767:4, 3647:2
All things are lawful, but not all things edify. (1 Cor. 10:23) R4478:6
Our general conduct, conversation, manners, dress, etc., should all be to
the glory of God. R1587:4
We are not to descend to the world's methods. If we cannot please them by
that which is good, we are to avoid unnecessary contact. R5556:5
For even Christ -- Those who deny themselves what their consciences
permit, have the greater blessing. They can realize in an additional
degree that they are following in the Master's steps. R5556:2, 1734:4
We are enlisted under the banner of Christ, which is the banner of love.
We are to look well to the rules which belong to this new order of things
of which we have become members. R5556:3
Pleased not himself -- Christ sacrificed his own spirit, and was filled
with the spirit of God. "The words that I speak unto you they are spirit
and they are life." (John 6:63) They express the mind of God, in giving
heed to which is life. R371:5
He was not in the world to seek to do the things pleasing to his own
flesh. He renounced his own fleshly interests and gratification for the
benefit of mankind. R5556:3
So we are to give thought and time to pleasing others where this will not
conflict with our consecration. R5656:5, 1734:4
Lev. 2:11 forbade honey, to teach that whatever is sweet to nature must be
disowned, if we would walk after the example of Christ who pleased not
himself. R84:5*
Jonah was more interested in himself and his own reputation than in the
Ninevites and their interests. The Lord's servants must not be so! R4785:6
Reproaches -- The reproaches of the Scribes and Pharisees were evidently
the most cutting of all. R2316:4, 1964:4
"Let us go to him without the camp bearing the reproach with him." (Heb.
13:13) R3776:5
Fell on me -- Whoever will faithfully exercise his ambassadorship, can
so say. E490; R1964:5
This does not mean that the disciples of Christ are to seek their own
misery, but they are to give their thought and time to pleasing others
rather than themselves. R5556:6
Written aforetime -- In the Old Testament. R5607:2
It is a great mistake to affirm that the Bible is the product of the
Church. The Old Testament Scriptures were written before the Church came
into being--before Christ, the head and forerunner of the Church. R1584:3
The Old Testament Scriptures abound in significant types, one of which is
the nation of Israel, a picture of what he is now doing and what he
purposes to do through Christ and the Church to the world. CR485:1
"Holy men of old spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit," in various
times and places, uttering words not knowing what they meant, words
constituting a harmonious whole. (2 Pet. 1:21) OV407:4
For our -- Prophecies of the past were written for the special
instruction of the Church. PD37/48
Even those things in Jeremiah's prophecy which were applicable in some
measure to his day were of two-fold significance--applying also to the
mystic Babylon of this Gospel age. R3614:3
Learning -- Instruction. R3435:2
Not for the learning of those who uttered them. B23
The holy Spirit of God is exerted in directing those now begotten through
the pathway of their humanity, and upholds them by unfolding the exceeding
great and precious promises of God's Word. R385:4*
An example of spiritual lessons to spiritual Israel, found in the Old
Testament's account of experiences of the past: Gideon's call resembles
the Gospel call for volunteers on the side of righteousness. R5607:2
That we -- Prophecies, though recorded aforetime, and made to bear
witness to the divine foreknowledge and arrangement, were for the learning
of those living in the due time for their fulfillment. B23
The sanctified in Christ Jesus, not for the unregenerate world. R3646:3
Jeremiah and his scribe prepared another statement of the prophecy
destroyed by King Jehoiakim; and this larger and fuller book was designed
for the instruction of the Gospel Church. R3614:3
And comfort -- "The Comforter, which is the holy Spirit." (John 14:26)
E268, 267
To the "new creature in Christ" who seeks to know the Father's will,
comfort and peace and joy and contentment are found in the instruction of
the divine Word, even in the midst of tribulation and persecution. E268
The holy Spirit comforts the Church through the Scriptures, and through
the promises of God, the truth. R3435:1
The Scriptures are the medium through which the knowledge of God's grace
and the comfort of all knowledge reach us. R2665:1, 3435:1, 385:3*, 372:3
Of the scriptures -- The Word of God, as the channel of the truth, is to
comfort us in proportion as the holy Spirit guides us into an
understanding of it. R3435:1
The Word of the Lord through the apostles is not the product of the Church
but of divine revelation. R1584:4
Might have hope -- Because we are commanded to be subject to the powers
that be, we receive comfort and hope through the dream of Nebuchadnezzar
and its divine interpretation. A252
The hope of the Gospel. R1584:4
And consolation -- The mission of the brethren is to comfort the Church
as the channels of the holy Spirit, and as the mouthpieces of God. R3435:2
With one mind -- "Gathering or Scattering. Which?" offers kind words of
admonition. The love of Christ constrains us to be of "one mind," "one
mouth," "of the same judgment," having the "same love." R3920:2*
The oneness of thought, mind and action required of the Church of God, may
be seen in this text and others, including "Love one another, as I have
loved you. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples." (John
13:34, 35) R1130:6*
Of the circumcision -- Symbolizing a cutting off, a separation from the
flesh, its aims, hopes and desires. R3022:3
That the Gentiles might glorify God -- In this chapter Paul alludes to
and explains something of God's plan relative to the casting away, and
subsequent restoration of the Jews; and hints at the casting away of the
Gentile Church likewise. R777:3*
A root -- Origin, source of life, progenitor. E136
Peace in believing -- Our peace in Christ begins from the moment we
begin to believe in him. R2625:2
Whosoever believes in Jesus as the propitiation for his sins has a rest
not transitory but permanent, not partial but complete. R543:6
The offering up -- Our sacrifice forms a part of the sin-offering, the
completing of Jesus' sacrifice. PT392:T*
On my way -- A precedent for helping our preaching brethren on their
way. R449:5*
Saints -- The truly consecrated among professing Christians. R1139:1
Saints -- The truly consecrated among professing Christians. R1139:1
That ye strive -- Greek: agonize. R1865:5
In Judea -- The nominal church. R238:6*
For Jerusalem -- The Bride. R238:6*
Saints -- The truly consecrated among professing Christians. R1139:1
I commend unto you Phebe -- It was the usual custom to give and carry
letters of personal introduction and commendation. R1720:2
Which is a servant of the church -- Some services can best be performed
by females, especially visiting the female sick. Many suppose that this
verse refers to such a female assistant. In the early church many sisters
did service. R1891:6
Receive her -- The Apostle's high regard for women and women's work is
shown by his mention of faithful co-laborers. R766:4*, 1076:5*
Priscilla -- Her name is mentioned before that of her husband, as if she
were the more efficient of the two, as a fellow worker. F268; R1549:3
My helpers -- Fellow-workers, helping Paul not merely in tent-making,
but specially in his chief work as a minister of the Gospel. F268
Have for my life -- Greek, psuche, soul, being. E338
Their own necks -- Risked their lives to hide me, at the time of the
riot at Ephesus. R2207:3
In their house -- The congregations of the primitive Church were small
and usually met in private houses. R2941:6
Much labour on us -- Personal services, perhaps washing and mending. F268
Urbane, our helper -- Another fellow-worker, helping Paul in his
ministry, the same as "Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers." (Rom. 16:3) F268
Tryphena and Tryphosa -- Two sisters whose labor in the Lord is
honorably mentioned. F268
His mother and mine -- Paul mentions with evident appreciation the
activity of certain females in the early Church. R1549:3, 1076:5*, 766:4*
The saints -- The truly consecrated among the professing Christians. R1139:1
Paul had a considerable number of kinsmen and acquaintances in
Rome, the number of whom we know was at least over thirty-two according to
the salutations of this epistle written to them from Corinth. R3208:3
An holy kiss -- In spirit, but not in letter; the courtesies and
civilities of our times being somewhat different from the customs of that
day, although equally hospitable. R1550:5*
In the East, it is frequently the custom for men to kiss one another. The
sex dividing line was very strict in olden times, so there was no
indiscriminate kissing among them. Q618:5
Churches of Christ -- The Church of Christ and The Church of God are
synonymous, because our Lord and the Father have one interest in us. F81
Our Lord established "The Church of the First-Born which are written in
heaven," "Church of the living God," "The Church of Christ." He gave it no
party name. (Heb. 12:23; 1 Tim. 3:15) Q755:4
Mark them -- The greedy, hungry wolves in sheep's clothing. R1558:6
Teachers who favor divisions should be watched and turned away from.
R1571:2
Let us "mark" the course taken by those who have separated themselves from
us "because they were no longer of us," and whither that course leads
them. (1 John 2:19) R4531:4,5
We should not allow any bitterness respecting them to enter our hearts or
to escape our lips or our pens. Would we smite the blind? Surely not!
R4483:5
Satan still "works in the hearts of the children of disobedience." (Eph.
2:2) Let us all, therefore, beware of this spirit of disobedience in our
hearts--of any alienation from the Lord. R4469:5
Avoid their fellowship as you would avoid a pestilence or a vile odor or sparks from a neighbor's
burning barn. R4381:4
If, after we have done all in our power to hold a fellow-member with our
love and with the truth, he departs, we are to take the matter with
equanimity. R4375:5
It is not for us to judge, condemn, nor slander them, but to pity and pray
for them. It is ours only to reprove their bitterness of spirit. Our
avoidance of them for a time may be the best lesson we could give. R4327:2
Our enemies become unconsciously our best friends, when their slanders
deepen in us heavenly graces. Let them do their worst; they only give us
the God-like victory of forgiving them. R1665:2*
The ungodly policy of this evil day of compromise cannot believe that any
will arise to "pervert the truth" in the midst of the consecrated, but it
is made obligatory upon all the faithful to be on the alert. R1589:2
Avoid contentions and strife except it should be unavoidable, and then let
it be with loving desires. R4540:6
Warn the disorderly: those who are drifting away from the spirit of
Christ; busybodies who do not work; immmoral and unjust persons; those who
wrest the Scriptures; doctrinal disorders are among the chief. R1575:3
If one has a gift of debate, arguing whatever side of a question he
chooses to take up, proudly defending his liberality, the Lord will punish
him with stripes; but he can be renewed unto repentance. R1482:5
As soon as we see that any teacher is wrong on the one central and vital
point--the ransom--evading, misrepresenting and misapplying the word and
doctrine--we should have nothing further to do with him. R1453:4
Avoid helping such a person to an office, or anything that would specially
help him along if you see him in an unsafe position. Do not express
yourself so freely as to those who are in closer harmony. Q226:8
Prefer the company of those who are in the spirit and fellowship of the
truth. Q148:2; R1130:6*
Don't make them your bosom companions; don't elect them as elders. Don't
encourage anyone who has a strifeful condition. Q30:6
The sifting must go on to the finish. R1279:5
Cause divisions -- By a lack of love and humility, harsh and unkind
words. R4299:3
The spirit of favoritism led to factions, an evidence of carnality--a
worldly spirit. The Corinthians who took party names, evidencing a
selfish, party spirit, did not appreciate the oneness of the Body. R1571:3
Let the truth make the separation. R1279:6
The oneness of thought, mind and action required of the Church of God, may
be seen in this text and others, including "The multitude of them that
believed were of one heart and of one soul." (Acts 4:32) R1130:5*
Contrary -- Should "grievous wolves," "backbiters," "slanderers," and
"contentious" persons attend meetings of truth people, they should be
treated so scripturally as to make them ill at ease. R4461:4
The doctrine -- Of the ransom. R1453:4, 1482:5
Ye have learned -- The royal law of love. R2368:6
From inspired sources. R1453:4
Avoid them -- Treat them not as enemies; hope for their return to a
better spirit. R4540:6
We should not allow any bitterness respecting them to enter our hearts, no
matter what they may say or do against us. R4483:5
Does not mean excommunication. Avoidance for a time may be best lesson.
R4327:2
Reprove them by avoiding them. Show them that you do not sympathize with
such a strifeful, unholy spirit. R4318:3
The Apostle does not say to brand him as a heretic and have nothing to do
with him. But do not give him so much of your fellowship; just be a little
more cool toward him. Q227:T
Paul was not the man for compromises. He did not counsel gentle handling
of wolves. He did not say, You must call them brethren. R1559:1
Do not waste time investigating "the errors of the wicked;" the more
thorough our knowledge of the Lord, the more intimate our acquaintance
with him, the more secure we are in our own steadfastness. R3215:2
Good words -- Kind and complimentary words. R1571:2, 3215:2
Deceive -- Mislead. R1571:2
In this day of "deceivers," it is well to use conscientious care before
offering a testimony on a traveler's behalf. R1720:3
The simple -- The unsuspicious. R1571:2, 3215:2
Those not on the alert for the encroachment of error. R1589:2
Shall bruise Satan -- The Apostle was a firm believer in a personal
Devil, as shown in this text and others, including (addressing Elymas as)
"Child of the devil" (Acts 13:10) and "Turn them from the power of Satan"
(Acts 26:18). R3165:6
As in Heb. 2:14, we find the Devil is to be destroyed: "He might destroy
him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." R4363:5*, HG304:1
Crush the serpent's head; destroy him. R255:1
Satan is going to have his head crushed. That will be the end of him.
CR461:6
The Kingdom will crush out evil and bless and heal all nations. A306
Crushing Satan and all his willful followers who love evil rather than
good. R1176:4
Putting "all enemies under his feet" (1 Cor. 15:25) is not conversion but
destruction as also taught in Rev. 20:10. R1057:2
Totally destroyed in the end of the Millennial age. R725:3, 696:6
This serpent that is now to be crushed is not merely Satan, but it is all
sin in every shape and form. CR462:1; A306
Accept with fortitude and resignation whatever tests of patience and
perseverance the Lord may permit to come upon you. All our experiences
will result in blessings, however unpropitious they may appear. R2413:4
The bruising of Satan and the destroying of death have both been deferred
until the Body of Christ is complete, and they shall bind Satan, destroy
death, and restore mankind to harmony with God. R86:6
Under your feet -- The feet of The Christ. R3926:6, 11:2
The Church's feet. OV224:1
So intimate is the association of the Church with Christ that the work of
restraining Satan and the powers of evil in the opening of the Millennial
age is here ascribed to the Church under her Head. SM243:2
The Little Flock, who are to be joint-heirs with Jesus Christ their Lord,
shall share glory with Christ and they are to share in the bruising of
Satan and in blessing and restoring of sight to the blind. R526:5
The feet of the Church; thus associating the Church with the Lord, the
Head. OV305:5; R2842:2
The seed which will bruise the serpent's head is not Christ, the Head,
alone, but the Church, which is his Body, "Which seed is Christ, and if ye
be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed." (Gal. 3:16, 29) R257:2, 6:1
The Church is a part of the seed of the woman. CR461:6; R257:3, 11:2
The seed of the woman and the seed of Abraham are different ways of
referring to Christ and the Church. Q643:T
Not until it is selected, developed, and exalted to power, will the Seed
bruise the serpent's head. A98; R2434:5, 257:2, 6:1; OV224:1; HG343:3
There is a future favor to the world to be accomplished through the elect
Church, called and tested during the Christian age. R868:3
When the called-out company is complete, the plan of God for the world's
salvation is only beginning. Then will the seed "bruise the serpent's
head" and bless all the families of the earth. (Gen. 3:15) R533:1
Shortly -- As soon as this age shall end. R4965:1
The next thing in the outworking of God's plan will be to bruise Satan and
destroy sin. R4964:6
Satan and ignorance are the real assailants of truth, and the vail of
ignorance and power of Satan will soon be cast aside and trampled upon.
R3121:1
The "promised seed" is to crush the serpent's head, thus destroying evil
and bringing about "the restitution of all things." R270:5, 255:1, 134:6,
11:3
"A little while and he that shall come will come." (Heb. 10:37) "A
thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday." (Psa. 90:4) R11:1
Tertius -- This epistle was sent from Corinth, dictated by Paul, written
by Tertius. R1582:2
Gaius -- A Corinthian Christian, at whose house this book was written.
R1582:2
Quartus a brother -- A brother in Christ; the apostles never ascribed
titles to each other or to other brethren, nor did they receive homage
from the Church. R1523:5; F230
To him that is of power -- This scripture, like many others,
differentiates between "him" and the preaching of "Jesus Christ." Jesus
said: Ye call me Lord and Master and so I am, but one is your Father,
which is in heaven. (John 13:13; Matt. 23:9) R369:6
To my gospel -- The inspired writings of the apostles, in their various epistles, are as
authoritative as were the words of Jesus. OV412:1
Revelation -- A full knowledge of the mystery of the Lord was not promised until the end of the Gospel age. OV6:T
Of the mystery -- That at the second advent the Messiah will consist not
only of Christ Jesus the Head, but also of the Church his Body. R3192:4
Daily and hourly the saints of God are being searched out and sealed
intellectually with a clear appreciation of the "mystery of God"--the
mystery of God being about finished. R1279:2
Kept secret -- In part, hitherto. R1279:2
The proclamation of many of the sweetest notes of the glad tidings of
restitution, are reserved until now, during the sounding of the seventh
trumpet, when the mystery of God is finished. R287:2*, 3192:4, 757:2
Made manifest -- Unto the saints, according to the will of God. R1279:2
God only wise -- "Jehovah our God is one--Jehovah." (Deut. 6:4) R369:2
Glory through Jesus Christ -- By and by, God will reveal to the world
his loving character. When "the glory of the Lord (through the Christ)
shall be revealed, all flesh shall see it together." (Isa. 40:5) R385:1*