The saints -- A specific class, who have taken two steps of grace:
justification from Adamic sin and death, and full consecration "even unto
death." R2479:2
In all the world -- Evidently not fulfilled at that time, else the end
of the Gospel age should have come at that time. R2518:5
A faithful minister -- Used as endorsement for travelling speakers in
1894. R1721:4
Might be filled -- The truth on every subject necessary for us will be
given as the Lord is pleased to reveal it. R5570:4
With the knowledge -- So we will know how to form character and bring
forth spiritual fruits; and our spiritual might, received from God, will
be the power to bring about our spiritual works. R4093:5*
The treasures of wisdom and knowledge divine which are hidden in Christ
and intended for those who come unto the Father through him. NS506:4
In all wisdom -- Christ, "who of God is made unto us wisdom." (1 Cor.
1:30) R2263:2
The acceptance by these (the meek, the poor in spirit) of Christ as their
wisdom makes them really wiser than others, not only in spiritual matters,
but in respect to the most ordinary affairs of life. R2263:3
Spiritual -- Greek, pneumatikos, understanding--of all matters connected
with your new spiritual relationship to God and his plan. E313
Understanding -- The Bible yields its treasures to the consecrated, the
studious. R654:4*
Might walk worthy -- Such rightly feel that to serve so good a King is
an inestimable privilege: and hence, to them his Word is law, and it
becomes their very meat and drink to do his will. R2020:1
Patience -- Greek, makrothunia, long-suffering. R2790:6
Made us meet -- Fit. R5072:5; OV201:T; NS19:2
Worthy. R942:2
By voluntary and willing endurance on account of the Lord and his Word and
people. E121
These sons of God whom he is now receiving must be tested in respect to
their humility--their submissiveness to the divine will. R5252:6
The call of this Gospel age is to select the Bride class and to develop
them, with the proper tests, chiseling and polishing. R5097:1, 5482:1
In proportion as we learn to appreciate the Father's will and to copy the
principles underlying the divine character, we are "changed" in our
hearts, minds, wills, conduct. R5072:5
Whoever seeks for the heavenly things must plant, or set out in his mind,
in his affections, those qualities and graces which the Lord marks out as
essential to the development of character. R4828:5
Each should see that he has not received the grace of God in vain, and
that this well-spring does not become choked with the rubbish of this
world, its aims, hopes, ambitions, pride, desires of the flesh. R2508:6
If we submit ourselves to him, he will perfect in us his spirit of love,
righteousness and holiness. R4664:4
Let us humbly and patiently seek to profit by all the discipline and
teaching necessary. R1842:4
Reckoned so of God. R1340:4
If we prove our earnestness, and love and zeal for God and his truth.
R1007:1
Christ is teaching us about God's character and plan for our admonition,
that we might be prepared for our glorious inheritance. OV424:2
He is bringing us to that condition of heart and character which he can
approve as worthy of life eternal. SM746:T
By putting away the fruits of sin and darkness, and by an appreciation and
stamping on our thoughts, words and deeds the characteristics of divinity.
NS621:6
Let us not be surprised that we need chiseling and polishing. NS604:5
Self-sacrificing serves to develop faith, obedience, gentleness, love.
NS19:2
To be partakers -- A positive decision to join oneself to the Lord and
become a follower of Jesus is essential to proper Christian progress and
to an inheritance with the saints under the terms of the Gospel age.
R5614:6
Prepared for the glory, honor, immortality and the divine nature which God
has promised to his faithful, elect Church. R5252:6
Let the Lord's people edify one another, building one another up in the faith, encouraging one
another, helping one another to put on the wedding garment and to be meet
for the inheritance of the saints. R2707:6
Of the inheritance -- Joint-heirship with Christ. R1340:2
The glorious hope set before the consecrated saints of the Gospel
dispensation. R1598:2
Reckoned as having passed from death unto life, to which they will be
actually received in the first resurrection. SM166:T
The power of darkness -- Original. R875:6*
With something of earthly loss as a consequence. D620
We who were at one time in darkness are now enlightened by the Lord.
R2712:2
The power of Satan is the power of ignorance, superstition, sin and death.
R1340:1, 1233:3
Under which is the rest of the world. SM242:T
Translated us -- Lifted over, by faith. R1340:1
During this life by enduring trial and temptation. R1149:2*
Men may be translated or changed from one condition to another. R167:4*
Into the kingdom -- In its embryonic state. F594
All who will have a share in the Kingdom must be copies of God's dear Son.
R4198:6
"Pre-Millennialists" believe the majority of mankind will not be
benefitted by it. R3074:5
Those who heartily submit to the authority of Christ are said to have been
translated into the Kingdom. R32:3*
It should constitute the very center and essence of our expressions of
faith and hope and trust. NS268:6
His dear Son -- "The only begotten of the Father." (John 1:14) R944:4*
In whom -- We are baptized into Christ. HG251:4*
God honored his Son by making him his instrument or agent for the
accomplishment of all his grand designs. HG297:2
We have redemption -- Greek, apolutrosis, deliverance. E434, 436
Not through his example, but "through his blood." R1810:4*
The ransom. R687:5
Through his blood -- Redemptive blood. Also explained by Matt. 20:28.
R1336:2
In shedding of blood Christ made atonement for the sins of the world.
R1299:1
Which became the basis for the forgiveness of our sins, made peace for us,
opened the way of reconciliation, and transferred us back to the family of
God. R1230:3
Basis of our reconciliation. R1058:6
"Being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through
him." (Rom. 5:8,9) Compare also Eph. 1:7. R866:4
Could only be justly accomplished by a ransom--therefore, Jesus' blood.
R324:5
The doctrine, forgiveness of sins through his blood, is the one on which
all our faith and hopes as Christians is built. R94:4
Forgiveness of sins -- All his grace is extended to us through our Lord
Jesus' sacrifice; we are "justified freely by his grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Rom. 3:24) E461
Through faith in his blood. R1231:2
If we are not forgiven, we cannot approach God as "our Father." R94:4
The death of Jesus cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:17) R93:6
Evidence of the complete forgiveness of all those who are truly repentant
and who draw nigh to God through Christ. Q832:4
Who is the image -- Leader and chief of the other stars of the morning.
R1686:2
We see the Bride "made like him." (1 John 3:2) R1210:6
He only asked to be restored to what he was before; but the Father "highly
exalted him" far beyond that previous glory. R1161:5
The express image of the invisible God. R361:6
"As we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image
of the heavenly." (1 Cor. 15:49) R41:3*
To us. R1340:5
Invisible God -- The Heavenly Father had no beginning, but is from
everlasting to everlasting the same. R1514:6
Clearly implying that as soon as creatures are born of the Spirit, they,
too, become invisible. R237:1*
Firstborn -- The only direct creation of the Father. R5992:6, 4107:2,
1599:1, 1278:3
As the Logos, "the beginning of the creation of God." (Rev. 3:14) F18;
R5972:3, 1642:1, 1609:3, 1247:2, 1125:3; SM659:T The "Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the end, the first and the last," of the Father's direct
creation. (Rev. 22:13) R5748:1, 4098:1, 1599:1
The very beginning of the divine operation was the Logos. R5351:3
After God created the One Great Being, he rested. All his power has since
been exercised through the Lord Jesus. R5239:1
He did all the great work of creation; but he himself was the first of all
God's direct creation. R4964:3
Jesus was simply what he claimed to be, the Son, the sent of God, the only
begotten of the Father, the firstborn of all creation. R2773:3
Literally, "First brought forth of all creation." R1904:5
That our Lord Jesus existed prior to his incarnation, in a more exalted
nature and condition, is clearly stated in the Scriptures. R1673:3
The great Messiah was with the Father before the beginning of creation.
R1583:1; SM483:2
He was not only the first of God's creation, but the last. R1514:6; HG297:1
The one who had known God's character longer, more fully, and more
intimately than any other being. R1125:3
Born before all creation. R1060:4, 446:5
Chief. R803:1
Does not support Trinitarian dogma. R560:3*
The Unitarians deny that he had an existence before the conception in
Mary. R505:2*
Who afterward became the man, Jesus. R421:3, 338:2
Jesus in his pre-human condition. PD54/67
The Psalmist refers to him as Jehovah's "firstborn, higher than the kings
of earth." (Psalm 89:27) SM491:3
Jesus was the one first created. HG292:3
This agrees with John 1:1-3, that his career dates from the beginning.
NS257:1; Q374:6
The Only Begotten appears not to have thought particularly of the promised
glory. NS438:6
Not in accord with the theory that Jesus began his existence as the Son of
Joseph. OV328:8
He precedes all things. Q746:3
Of every creature -- Of all creation. E86; R1063:5
"Every," from a Greek word meaning "all." R838:3
By him -- All things are the Church's, for they are Christ's and Christ
is God's, who created all things by and for his well-beloved Son. R1617:4
His agent in the creation of all things. R1266:1
This great being, Jehovah's Prime Minister and next to himself in dignity,
the Almighty entrusted with the work of redeeming and restoring mankind.
R1125:3
The plan and all things were formed not only by him, but for him. R21:4
All things created -- The first and only begotten Son of Jehovah was
given an exclusive place, so that "all things were made by him, and
without him was not anything made that was made." (John 1:3) R5351:6,
2985:2
Thus highly did the Father honor him as his agent in all the creative
work, both as respects angels, cherubim and men. R5351:6
Invisible -- To us. R1063:4*
Principalities, or powers -- Jehovah is the
head of Christ, but he has honored him by making him head of all
principalities and powers. R1550:1
Created by him -- These words are not in accord with the theory that
Jesus began his existence the same as others. R5767:6
Our Lord was the honored agent of Jehovah in all his mighty works. R1247:2
The only begotten. R2431:3
And by him -- Agrees with John 1:1. R2985:2
By him were all things created that are in heaven or that are in earth.
(John 1:3) R2431:3, 1247:2; HG297:1
As Jehovah's agent. R490:2
And -- He is also the first to partake of the divine nature. R446:5*
He is the head -- The new creation is represented as a man of full
stature. F362
Our Redeemer was raised up first to be Head. R4354:4
Christ (Head and Body) is the Mediator of the New Covenant. R2709:2
The first; the principal one. R2479:2
He is the first to partake of the divine nature. R446:5
Jesus never gave this office to any one, but claims it himself; and any
others who claim it are usurpers. R320:4
The only controlling authority for those who are members of that Body is
the will of Christ Jesus the Head. R132:3
He opens the way and himself is our Leader. R89:4
Jesus is the Head over the seed that will bruise Satan. R11:3
As man is head of the woman. HG99:3
Jesus alone would have been a grand antitype of Moses without the
association of any of his faithful ones, but it pleased the Father to have
it otherwise. NS142:1
The Body and Head must cooperate, are intended to cooperate, must be
together in every respect. NS341:3
Of the body -- "Our inglorious body," as viewed by the world. R827:6
At great cost, Paul sought membership in that Body; he was anxious to be
"found in him." (Phil. 3:9) R827:6
If we have been baptized into Christ, it is that we may be members of his
Body, the Church; it follows that the only controlling authority for us it
the will of Jesus Christ the Head. R132:3
The church -- Prepared for joint-heirship with him in his Kingdom.
R2479:2
Who is the beginning -- Of the new creation. R5580:4
The firstborn -- Greek, gennao, born (also begotten), relates to the
entire process of bringing forth (spirit-begotten, then spirit birth).
R5580:1
As our Lord was born from the dead a spirit being, he must have been
previously begotten of the spirit, as birth is always preceded by
begetting. R5580:4
Jesus was begotten of the spirit at consecration, and three and a half
years later, in his resurrection, he was born of the spirit. R4544:2
Since then the members are being raised up from the world, separated from
the world to the Lord and the Millennial work. R4354:4
"The firstborn amongst many brethren." (Rom. 8:29) R3912:2, 3793:3,
2618:5, 2573:1, 2422:2
Jesus was the first to be raised completely out of death's power
(resurrected), to perfection of life, of being, on any plane of existence.
R3912:2, 3563:4; HG136:2; NS284:3
Therefore Moses and Elias could not have literally been on the Mount of
Transfiguration; it was a vision. R3793:3
Our birth will be in the first resurrection. R2630:1
Resurrection is a birth. R2618:5, 2573:1; HG63:1
"The first-fruits." (1 Cor. 15:20) R2467:3, 2461:3, 2288:6
At his resurrection. R2422:2
The first one fully and perfectly released from death. R810:4
It was his birth to a new nature. CR401:4
If we are faithful and become members of his Body, in the resurrection we
shall reach the glorious condition of birth. HG132:5, 229:4; NS101:3
From the dead -- The birth of the new creature is in the resurrection.
A197
As the resurrection of our Lord was his birth from the dead to the full
perfection of spiritual being, so the resurrection of the Church is here
and elsewhere referred to as a birth. B134
Lazarus and others who were raised to a measure of life only, did not
experience a resurrection; it is never so called in Scripture. R413:3
Christ, at his resurrection, entered on the higher life and work of the
second Adam, as the life-giving spirit. R42:2*
The preeminence -- "God hath put all things under his feet, and gave him
to be head over all things to the Church, which is his body." (Eph. 1:22)
A82
He had already had preeminence and having used it faithfully, he was first
in order of advancement to whatever higher honors and dignities the Father
had to give. F64
The honor of being the first that should rise from the dead. F676
Not preeminence over the Father, but above all others. R5418:4
Lord of all; the first place. R4964:3
Christ is to be enthroned in our hearts preeminent over all things. R2986:3
In all of Jehovah's creative work on every plane, the Logos had
preference. R2408:3
In his life, death, resurrection, the process of development from the
lower to the higher, from the natural to the spiritual, he is the
Forerunner of his saints; the Head. R89:4
In him -- In Christ the Spirit of God dwelt richly and without measure.
R2064:2
All that God does is through Christ, as Mediator, and all that Christ does
is by the power of the Father given him. R27:2*
He is the word, the truth, the personal embodiment of all that is good and
true, and emphatically the revelation of God. R9:3*
Should all fulness dwell -- In the sense that he should have complete
authority--not merely over man, but over all things--both heavenly and
earthly. R4665:1
Fullness here means unlimited or complete power. R1063:6*
Having made peace -- Propitiation--satisfaction. R1680:4
The death of Christ was necessary as the payment of the penalty before any
could be pardoned, granted liberty to become sons, or be resurrected.
R1392:4
Through the blood of his cross -- It was necessary for proving our
Lord's faithfulness unto death, whereby he was demonstrated to be the
right one to accomplish all these things. R4665:4
Redemptive blood--death. R1336:2
So it was by his death on the cross, in the shedding of his precious
blood, that Christ made atonement for the sins of the world, and through
it men obtain forgiveness and salvation. R1299:1
His blood became the basis for the forgiveness of our sins, made peace for
us, opened up the way to reconciliation, and transferred us from the
domain of sentenced culprits, back to sonship in the family of God. R1230:3
It was because the penalty of our sin was death that "he became obedient
unto death, even the death of the cross," that we might be forgiven.
(Phil. 2:8) R94:1
To reconcile all things unto himself -- Jehovah has entrusted all to
Christ to set right, as if to say, "Now you attend to this whole matter,
putting down all insurrection wherever it is; see that no rebellion is
left; bring everything into subjection, so that there will be peace and
order throughout my entire domain." R4665:4
Jesus is appointed to establish peace and righteousness throughout the
universe. NS823:3
Things in earth -- Earthly transgressors. E424; HG729:2
Things in heaven -- Fallen angels. E424; HG729:2
We do not understand this passage to intimate, in any sense of the word,
that "the blood of the cross" had anything to do with the salvation of the
angels. R4665:1
You -- Have been reconciled by Jesus' death. R37:1
Sometime alienated -- It is reasonable that God's friends, adopted into
his family as children, should be blessed, while others, aliens,
strangers, foreigners, are not. R2760:3
Enemies -- By reason of ignorance and the fall, they were violators of
the divine law. R4516:5
Some who had become saints had been liars and abominable persons. R4341:3
Many of the children of Adam today have attained marked characteristics of
goat nature (enemies of God through wicked works), because they have been
deceived by Satan. R2707:2
Wicked works -- A former condition of alienation; under condemnation of
death. R5431:3
Reconciled -- God was not reconciled by permitting his mercy to overrule
his justice, thus excusing sin, but by providing Christ as the sinner's
substitute. R37:2
Atonement. R37:2
Body of his flesh -- Human nature. R611:2
Christ, the Priest, sacrificed the flesh. R106:5*
No one can stand in his own strength. R90:1
Through death -- The reconciliation is complete, from God's standpoint,
ever since Christ made reconciliation for iniquity in his death. The
alienation of man has yet to be removed. R37:2
To present you -- The Church will need Christ continually as their
Advocate, down to the very last, when he shall present them blameless and
unreproveable before the Father in love. R5120:4
If they would maintain Christ as their Advocate, all who are of his Church
must also be advocating his cause amongst men, not ashamed of him, his
doctrine or his words. R5120:4
They will not be fully and actually presented until the Son shall have
cleansed and perfected them. R1713:5
Yet in the fullest sense God will not recognize us as sons until our Lord
shall present us actually perfect before the Father in the end of the
Gospel age. R916:4
Unreproveable in his sight -- In the image of God's Son. E395
Before the Father in love; at the end of the Gospel age. R5120:4
As long as our hopes, aims, objects of life are centered in heavenly
things, we need not fear; the Lord will keep us from falling. R2480:2
After all willful sinners have been destroyed, all the remainder will
Jesus present before the Father, perfect and unreproveable. R1601:5
Continue in the faith -- The faith of the Church should not stand in the
wisdom (the vain philosophies) of men, but in the power of God. R1719:6
Settled -- Settled convictions of truth, so rooted and grounded in God's
Word that we cannot be moved therefrom--a condition of uncertainty is not
a condition of faith. R1218:4
Not moved away -- And so pander the popular craving for something new.
R1719:6
The Apostle guards the Church against the Adversary's beguilements, by
which he would have them "move away" their faith-building from the true
foundation. R652:1
Hope of the gospel -- Not man-made substitutes for it. R2692:2
It is not some general hope, but this particular hope--the one comprising
the specified elements. R1435:2*
Which was preached to every creature -- The expectation that the world
was to be converted by missionary effort, before the Lord's second advent,
was a mistake. R2872:1
There is no longer any restriction of it to the Jews. R5101:1, 2518:6
Whoever has an ear to hear. Q287:2
Who now rejoice -- St. Paul counted it all joy to have tribulation,
knowing that it would work out the fruits of the holy Spirit in his
character, and thus prepare him for the Kingdom. R5951:5
Instead of Paul saying to himself or others, "I am doing more than my share of the gospel
work; some of you should come and help me," he took another view. He
declared himself anxious to fill up as much as possible that which was
behind of the afflictions of Christ. R5951:5
In my sufferings -- "Joint-heirs, if so be that we suffer with him."
(Rom. 8:17) E146; F632; R5079:4, 2787:2, 2511:1
We, his "brethren" are privileged to fill up a measure of his sufferings,
as "members of his Body." T42
Paul desired to be a participator with the Lord in the present sufferings
in order that he might also be a participator with him in the coming
glories. R5951:5
Ignorance and blindness of heart and mind are at the bottom of all the
sufferings of Christ until the Body has filled up that which is behind of
the sufferings of their Head. R5872:2
"If we suffer, we shall also reign with him." (2 Tim. 2:12) R5392:1,
5192:6, 5079:3, 2787:2
The suffering which we bring on ourselves through faithfulness to our
covenant. These experiences are not for Adam's sake. R5117:4
Remembering Christ's headship, caring and interest in even the weak and
humble, we would improve the opportunity to suffer with him and the fellow
members of the Body, assisting in bearing their burdens. R2824:2
Give thanks that we are counted worthy to suffer some of the reproaches of
Christ. R2782:1
The glory shall follow the completion of the sufferings. R2373:5
Jesus' act of handing the cup to the disciples, and asking them to drink
of it, was an invitation to them to become partakers of his sufferings.
R2272:2, 1637:2
While the Church is still in the flesh, the sufferings of Christ in the
flesh are still in progress, and will not be finished until the last
member has been glorified. R2201:2
Surely the Bible gives no suggestion that the Body will be free from like
sufferings with the Head. R2000:3
When all the sufferings of Christ (Head and Body) are ended, then will
flow forth streams of water of life, and whosoever will may drink freely
and live forever. R334:4
The Gospel age is an age of suffering, beginning with the personal
sufferings of Christ and not being complete until we, as members of his
Body, have filled up what is behind. R157:2
For you -- Christ's sufferings and self-denials were not for his own
sins, but for the sins of others, and so it is with the members of his
Body. E234
And fill up -- We tender ourselves to the Lord, and he, as God's High
Priest, offers us up as a part of his own sacrifice. Ev
It is part of our covenant. F466; NS78:5
We are privileged to enter the same covenant of sacrifice which Jesus
entered. R5690:5, 218:4
An invitation offered to the Church who are now qualifying to be members
of the Royal Priesthood in the work of blessing and uplifting mankind.
R5079:4
Christ's parousia had begun, even though this is not finished. R4543:3
God foreknew the share he had provided for the Church. R4495:6
When the last member of the Body of Christ shall have suffered with the
Lord, the Gospel age will close and the antitypical Atonement Day will
end. R4397:3
Laying down our lives in his service, for the brethren. R3526:5
By presenting their bodies living sacrifices. (Rom.12:1) R3318:6; NS475:1
Ye shall die like Prince Jesus, in sacrifice. (Psalm 82:6,7) R3175:3
Christ must needs suffer and enter into his glory as the Melchizedek
Priest; and his faithful followers must walk in his steps. R3115:5; SM144:T
The world must wait to be benefitted by Christ's death until this is
finished. R3088:6
As representatives of Christ in the flesh. R2924:2
By being obedient "even unto death." R2778:1
As a member of the Body of Christ; a new creature. R2908:4, 2434:5, 2373:5
The members of the Body of Christ must finish their course and lay down
their lives, before the great work of this Atonement Day, the Gospel age,
will be accomplished. R2511:1
There is a part of the sin-offering that is waiting to be finished for the
Church to fill up. R2474:6
As with Christ, so with the members of the Body, it is part of the divine
plan that it must needs be that offenses come. R2469:4
It is our blessed privilege to comfort one another, in the trials incident
to our "filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ."
R2448:6
This has been in progress throughout the Gospel age; Jesus was crucified
by the forces of evil, yielding himself up a sin-offering; and the members
of his Body are suffering with him. R2434:5
This is our mission. R2415:4
While our sacrifice is not part of the ransom price, it is on behalf of
the dead and dying world. R1987:1
Sharing now the reproaches of them that reproached him. R1911:3
Thus, now, the consecrated, espoused ones while in the flesh represent
Christ in the flesh; and in their daily sacrifices they are filling up
that which is behind. R1387:1
To share with Jesus in making the sacrifice for sins, being first
ourselves justified through his sacrifice. R648:6
Jesus' asking the disciples to drink of his cup was an invitation to
become partakers of his sufferings. R540:4, 467:1
Effect of Satan's reign on the saints. R492:3
We eat of our Lamb with the bitter trials and afflictions of evil in the
present age. R467:4
The reason the Gospel age intervenes between the death of Jesus and the
blessing of the world. R283:2
Completing the work of the head "for the people"--the world. R150:2
As the sacrifice of the goat filled up the sacrifice of atonement and
sin-offering in the type, so our Head, having suffered, left some little
(compared to his) suffering to be shared by us as his Body. R80:4
Though at times it might be grievous. R28:1*
Whatever Christ suffered for was what Paul wanted to share; Jesus died as
a sin-offering. Q676:3
One of the invitations offered to the Church who are now qualifying to be
members of the Royal Priesthood. Q376:3
If the Church clearly kept before her mind in the present life the
glorious things which God hath in reservation, how she would rejoice to
share in his sacrifice. CR39:3
The agreement is that if we suffer with him, not differently, or something
else, we shall reign with him. CR49:4
The experiences of the consecrated have been their communion, their
fellowship in the blood of Christ. NS298:2
The great High Priest accepts us as members of his Body, and counts our
suffering for righteousness sake as part of his own sufferings. NS421:4
Reasonable service. NS501:1
By sacrificing earthly interests and rights and, being accepted of the
Father, finishing his share in the sacrifice of Christ. NS698:1
Our Lord began the sacrificing and, in accepting believers as his members,
it is on condition that they will be sacrificed. NS716:6
By participating with Christ in the work of sealing the New Covenant.
NS289:5
Experience the baptism of his will, his heart, into death with Christ and
be inducted into membership in his Church. NS53:4
That which is behind -- As the goat filled up that which was behind of
the sin-offering, completing the sacrifice begun by the bullock, so does
the Little Flock, following after Jesus. T66; R4475:5, 1871:6, 729:6
The Church, as well as their Captain, should be made perfect as spiritual
beings, by suffering in the flesh as sin-offerings. T80
Paul declared himself willing and anxious to fill up as much as possible
of that which was behind of the afflictions of Christ. R5951:5
Being accepted by the imputation of Christ's merit, we enter into the same
covenant of sacrifice as Jesus. R5690:5
Thus, suffering with him in this present time, they will shortly be
glorified with him in his Kingdom. R4832:5
The participation of the Church in the sin-offering for the world is not
due to any necessity that has arisen, but owing merely to the divine
arrangement. R4747:6
Where the sufferings of Christ, the Head, ended, the sufferings of the
"Body of Christ" began. R4710:5
This shows the participation of all the members in the Body of Christ in
the suffering of our Head. R4475:4
Jesus is now imputing of his merit to a small class, so that they may be
acceptable to the Father, and have the privilege of participating in his
sufferings. R4747:2
Whatever was the divine program for the Master is the divine program for
his members. R4398:5
From this standpoint the first advent of Christ--in the flesh--has been a
gradual one, covering a period of nearly nineteen centuries. R3192:6
In the daily sacrifices of the espoused ones who, in the flesh, represent
Christ. R1387:1
The work will progress among the people of the world after all the members
of the "Body" have filled up that which is behind of the afflictions of
Christ. R1364:2
To be "saved" is to have all the desires of the flesh (proper as well as
sinful) under subjection, and laid daily on God's altar, that we may fill
up that which is behind in the sufferings of Christ. R1151:4*
Most clearly shown in the Day of Atonement sacrifices of Leviticus 9 and
16. R514:1
With Christ, the Bride bears a cross here, and when every member of that
Body is made "a living sacrifice," then the atonement sacrifice will be
finished. R252:6
As the goat followed the bullock in the sacrifice, does not the Church
follow her Head? R245:3
Adam and Eve were one in the transgression; Jesus Christ and his Bride are
one in the redemption of the world. R150:2
Soon the Body will have finished its work. R147:3
As the sacrifice of the goat filled up the sacrifice of the atonement and
sin-offering in the type, so our Head, having suffered, left some little
to be shared by his Body. R80:4
If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him. (Rom. 8:17; Col. 3:4)
SM783:1
The flesh of the consecrated having been counted as the flesh of Jesus,
has been suffering all down the age. SM360:3
Of the afflictions -- Self-sacrifice, self-denial, cross-bearing. R4434:3
The Church shares not only her Lord's sufferings for righteousness, but is
also promised a share in all the glories of her Lord. (1 Pet. 5:9) E42
One must have experienced baptism of will and heart into death with Christ
and thus been inducted into membership in his Church, which is "filling up
that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ." F446
If we desire this privilege, we must present our bodies living sacrifices,
as he presented his. R5392:1
The privilege of sharing the Lord's cup is not for the world; all
opportunity to share in his sufferings and glory will have ended when the
Church is glorified. R5342:3, 2201:2
Since our Lord adopts the flesh of his followers as his, the Church is
said to be filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ.
R5173:4
With those who are to be exalted to the divine nature and glory, it is
necessary that they make special manifestations of loyalty, of
self-abasement and of self-sacrifice. R5147:4
Since he must suffer, the just for the unjust, so his members, being justified through faith, must
similarly suffer, the just for the unjust. R4352:6
When all of those afflictions shall have been filled up, the glorious work
of the Millennial age will follow. R4310:2
When the sufferings of Christ are ended, the glory will follow. R3683:3,
2373:5, 1364:2
Those antitypical sufferings occupy the entire Gospel age. R3318:6
Very shortly now, under the sounding of the Seventh Trumpet, the atonement
for the sins of the world shall be proclaimed with a full emancipation
proclamation to all people. R3115:4
When persecutions come in the line of duty, we are to esteem them as part
of the cup, giving thanks to be counted worthy to suffer. R2782:1
The Body as well as the Head must be subjected to the discipline of
suffering and thereby be proved worthy to reign with him. R1988:2
The sufferings of Christ, to a share in which all believers cleansed by
his blood were invited during the Gospel age, will soon be filled up or
completed. R1231:4
By sharing the communion of the blood and body of Christ. R611:6
Sharers in sufferings of Christ and not in any other kind of suffering;
laying down our lives in showing our loyalty for the brethren. Q10:2
Whoever gets a large share of the afflictions and sufferings of Christ is
going to have a large share in the glory that shall follow. CR172:5
The Head or Chief Priest and the underpriests delight to so do. NS625:2
Of Christ -- Because God has accepted you through Christ, your
sufferings are counted as a part of his sufferings. Q678:T
We must present our bodies living sacrifices as he presented his. R5392:1
Our physical infirmities which are of heredity are not the sufferings of
Christ. Rather we should speak of the sufferings of Christ as being
voluntary and not involuntary. R5117:4
"Buried with him by baptism into death." (Rom. 6:4) F446
"Dead with Christ." (Rom. 6:8) "Made conformable to his death." (Phil.
3:10) C239
The Church with their Head is the "one loaf" being broken during the
Gospel age. R5192:5
Because God has accepted you through Christ, your sufferings are counted
as part of his sufferings. Q678:T
We fall like one of the princes--like the second Adam, as members of the
Body of Christ. C239
In my flesh -- Our Lord adopts the flesh of his followers as his. Ev;
R5173:4
As the consecrating of the antitypical priesthood requires the Gospel age
to complete, so also the sin-offering: it commenced with the Head, and the
members of his Body fill up the measure of the sufferings left behind. (2Cor. 1:7) T50
For his body's sake -- "We ought also to lay down our lives for the
brethren." (1 John 3:16) F633; R4492:2, 4128:5, 2824:2; NS254:4
The Heavenly Father purposed not to have Jesus alone, but that he should
be the Head of the Church, the Body. R5391:6
The measure of our love for the Lord will be indicated by our love for the
fellow-members of his Body. F468
The High Priest, after offering his own sacrifice was to "offer the
offering of the people [the goat], and make an atonement for them [all
Israel] as Jehovah commanded." T80
For the Body of Christ; we are serving the Church, not the world. R3586:3;
Q11:T
Who have taken up their cross to follow in the footprints of the crucified
One--the Body of Christ. R1964:3
Legitimate children of God can be identified by their sacrificing for all
who love and serve the truth. R985:4
Note Paul's anxiety to be "found in him" (Phil. 3:9), and at what cost he
sought membership in that "Body," and the superior or chief resurrection
it will enjoy. R827:6
To the Church, Jesus is called the Head. The Head suffered first, then the
Body follows--"considers him" and his example. R218:4
All united to him through faith and consecration. NS210:5
Evidence that we pass from death unto life is that we love the brethren.
NS79:4
Which is the church -- Jesus was the Head and Forerunner of the
Christian Church, which is his Body, consequently none preceded him as
members of the Church. B202
Whose names are written, not on earthly scrolls, but in heaven. R1309:2
Which represents him. R1171:6
Jesus did not lay down his life day by day in the service of the world,
but in the service of God's peculiar people, Israel, and especially of
those who were Israelites indeed. R4492:3; Q676:3
Jesus applied his earthly life rights on behalf of the Church. They will
then pass through the Church to Israel and through them to the world.
Q676:4
Jesus laid down his life for the Church. Q677:T
There is but one true Church; other organizations called churches are not
so recognized by God. R1102:6
In the most restricted sense, it is those who fulfill their covenant and
accomplish the sacrifice. R581:5
According to the dispensation of God -- Pushed to the front as the
Lord's mouthpiece to the Gentiles, St. Paul's mind grasped more quickly
than did the minds of the other apostles the things pertaining to the new
dispensation. R5941:6
Given to me for you -- Paul perceived that the Gentiles were to be
fellow-heirs with the Jews in the Kingdom privileges. R5941:6
Even the mystery -- Who the Deliverer of mankind should be. A77
That the Messiah was to be, not an individual, but a company under one
Head. A82; R5549:2; HG275:1, 274:6; SM246
God's plan a secret until the due time for revealing it should come.
R5391:3
The Church is not a supplemental and additional part of the divine plan.
R5054:6
That God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. R4841:3
During this Gospel age, a saintly Little Flock would be selected from
amongst men to be Messiah's Bride and joint-heir with him in his Messianic
reign. R4715:2; CR460:4
Revealed only to the saints and hidden from all others. R4452:5, 4053:6;
CR46:1
That the Gentiles also were to be fellow-heirs with the Jews in these
special blessings of Messiah. R4366:6
The Church, selected from both Jews and Gentiles to be the Body of Christ,
are joint-heirs with him in the Abrahamic Covenant and in his entire
inheritance. R4310:1
Participation with Christ in his sufferings, and by and by in his glory.
R3152:6
An exceedingly precious favor not before made known. R875:5
It will not be finished until the end of this Gospel age, under the
sounding of the Seventh Trumpet. R368:3
We have a society in which nobody can give away its secrets--the mystery
of God. CR52:3
Neither Abraham, nor any for four thousand years, knew anything about a
spiritual seed. CR98:6
Messiah would first make use of his "restitution" authority for the
gathering of a special class of people, "a holy nation, a peculiar people,
a Royal Priesthood." OV251:2
It is the divine purpose to have two Israels--both of them specified in
the promise to Abraham. OV71:4
The divine program included a Christ of many members. OV28:13
That Jesus should be the Head or High Priest and that God would draw out
and sanctify, through Jesus' sacrifice, an under-priesthood. NS625:2
Comparatively few who have named the name of Christ have any knowledge of
it. NS624:5
Hid from ages -- As God covered the type and hid its beauty under
curtains and rough, unsightly skins, so the glories and beauties of
spiritual things are seen only by those who enter the "Royal Priesthood."
T127
The arrangement for our having part in the sacrifice of atonement was a
part of our Father's command or original plan. T80
When God had through the prophets spoken of Messiah as a King upon his
throne, he had declared that which would be mysterious to the
people--would not be easily understood. R5391:3
The due time for revealing to the Church the divine plan respecting its
participation with Christ in the blessing of all the families of the earth
having come. R2490:2
To be made clearly known. R2070:1, 368:2
God has kept his plans covered and hidden from the world and has revealed
them only gradually to his Church. R368:3
From generations -- From all previous ages, and is still hidden from all
except a special class. A81
Greek, genea, people living contemporaneously, as in "This generation
shall not pass." (Matt. 24:34) D603
Dispensations. R5549:2, 4715:1, 4334:3, 4310:1, 4053:6, 4034:5, 2490:2
But now -- The due time for revealing to the Church the divine plan.
R5391:3, 2490:2
Since Pentecost. R368:2, 179:4
In this "good-news" age. R179:4*
Is made manifest -- Began to be clearly revealed after the resurrection
of Christ. A77
The time for the holy Spirit to reveal to the Church what had previously
been a mystery. R5391:3
The Gospel age is to be seen as a parenthesis. R4646:3
Revealed. R4492:1, 4310:1, 368:3
The Gospel invitation was entirely a new proposition. CR98:6
To his saints -- Us. R4841:3
His Church, the holy ones taught of God. R4452:5
And none others; and if the saintliness be lost, the understanding of the
mystery undoubtedly goes with it. R4334:3
To his Church. R368:3
In proportion as they are saintly. OV5:2
His people, but not for the world nor for the merely nominal Christian.
CR10:4
It is proper that the saints should know this, for now the strength of
this knowledge will be of special value to them in the special trials and
difficulties immediately before them. SM246
Would make known -- When the Body of Christ is complete, the mystery
will be finished in both senses; the secret features of God's plan will be
made known, and the Church will be complete. A87
God had purposely kept his plan a secret until the due time for revealing
it should come. R5391:3
God during this period will finish the mystery by letting his saints come
to a full appreciation of his glorious plans. R368:6
This mystery -- The secret. R5391:3,6
That the Gospel age has been devoted to the development of the Mediator.
R5300:5
Share with him in present sufferings and future glories. R4495:5, 4415:3,
3152:6
That the Lord is now seeking for and electing a special class to be
joint-heirs with his Son--joint-sufferers with him in his sacrifice and
joint-sharers in his Kingdom glory. R4398:2
Those accepted by the Lord are sacrificed by him as parts or members of
himself; and their blood (death) is counted in as a part of the blood of
Christ. R4397:6
The call of the Body of Christ to another plane of being as the associates
of the great Messiah. R4388:5
To the nominal Christian. R4334:4
That Christ is the elect class; Jesus, the Head and the Church, his Body.
R4034:6; OV77:4; CR460:3
Until its fulfillment began. R902:6*
Began in our Head--Jesus--and is being added to by every true member of
the vine or Body whose names are written in heaven. R368:6
The Lord's saints constitute the most exclusive and most secret society on
earth. CR11:4
This election or selection of the saints of this Gospel age as the
spiritual seed of Abraham. OV77:4
Among the Gentiles -- Paul perceived that the Gentiles were to be
fellow-heirs with the Jew in the Kingdom privileges. R5941:6
Christ in you -- The word "Christ" signifies "anointed." "The anointing
which we have received abideth in us." (1 John 2:27) "Now he which
stablisheth us with you in Christ and hath anointed us is God." (2 Cor.
1:21) A81; R4841:6
The spirit of God in Christ, and the spirit of Christ in us--God
manifested in the flesh. A87
The anointing which we have received. R5229:4, 368:6
Christ signifies anointed. All members of the Royal Priesthood will be
anointed collectively. R5227:3, 368:6
The Church. R4647:5
You are his "members," and this is the only ground for your hope. R4535:5,
1273:3
By the begetting of the holy Spirit. R4415:3
The "hidden mystery" is "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Col. 1:27)
R4334:3
The overcomers of the Church. R3916:3
All the members of Christ are counted as one. R3710:4
Is Christ formed in you so fully that no one else can, however much they
grieve you, affect your spiritual life? R3251:1
Not that Christ personally comes into the consecrated soul and uses that
soul simply as a machine. R3251:1
The new nature. R237:2*
If Christ be not formed in you, then indeed is your hope vain, no matter
how much truth or how many advantages you may possess. R1273:3
The spirit of truth manifested in the Church is Christ's representative.
R160:2*
The blessings and favors thus conferred upon us no man can take from us,
and they shall continue to have fellowship in this mystery. NS400:3
God's plan includes first of all the selection of the Church. NS295:6
The hope of glory -- "We know that when he shall appear, we shall be
like him." (1 John 3:2) A211
Honor, dignity, brightness, shining. R5229:1
Above that of angels, principalities and powers, next to that of the Lord.
R5229:4
To this Christ, God has promised glory, honor and immortality, the divine
nature. R4841:6
Your membership in the Body of Christ. R4495:5
It is not some general hope, but this particular one--the hope comprising
the specified elements. R1435:2*
The only hope of success. R160:2*
Warning every man -- To take heed not to accept any theory that does not
prove itself from God's Word. R1223:1
To be very certain that his heart is entirely emptied of self-will. R1223:1
While hoping and believing the number of willing rejectors will be small.
R883:4
Every man perfect -- Whose names are written, not on earthly scrolls,
but in heaven. R1309:2
At Laodicea -- Colossians 2:1-8 forms an appropriate message for the
Laodiceans--the Lord's children still in the "spewed out" nominal church.
R494:5
Hearts might be comforted -- By the mystery or secret of the Lord,
intended for his people, but not for the world, nor for the merely nominal
Christian. CR10:4; NS398:5
Knit together in love -- Members of the Body cheerfully contribute that
which would be for the growth and perfection of the whole. R449:2*
The mystery of God -- The Church. R5928:1
Not only is the message itself called a mystery, but the Church class, the
Little Flock, now being selected from the world, is Scripturally
designated "the mystery of God." CR11:3
In whom -- Christ as God's Anointed. R5557:3
We must come into Christ, as members of his Body by sacrifice, before
finding any of the hidden treasures. R2762:5
Treasures -- Yea, I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of (the treasure hid in) Christ. (Phil. 3:8) R1756:6
Wisdom and knowledge -- Knowledge of divine good things in reservation,
and the fellowship with God which permits us to enjoy those blessings in a
measure now. R2762:5
As ye have therefore received -- It is important to receive his message
in our minds, and to appreciate his love and what he has done for us.
CR99:3
Christ Jesus the Lord -- With the understanding that Jesus is Christ's
representative as the Redeemer of the race of Adam and the Deliverer of
mankind from the power of sin and death. R5557:3
The robe of Christ's righteousness. R1008:2
So walk ye in him -- Make a full and definite consecration to him. CR99:3
The path that leads to glory, honor and immortality. R5557:3
Continue in Jesus. Do not combine earthly philosophy with the heavenly
message. R5557:3
The great test of our Lord Jesus was his loyalty to the Father's will. The
various tests permitted to come upon the Church of God will be tests of
heart loyalty. R4647:1
Obedience to the Lord in thought as well as in deed means overcoming
selfish propensities. The fight is against the old nature with its
perverted tastes, appetites, and will. R4647:1
Rooted and built up in him -- Roots of faith push down deep into the
knowledge of the divine plan, while the tree of character grows higher,
developing and maturing rich fruits of the holy Spirit. R5557:6
The rooting process is unseen and can only be judged by its outward
manifestations. And so the spiritual life of the child of God will
manifest itself by the fruitage that is borne. R5558:3
Paul urged all to examine and prove themselves, whether they were in the
faith, grounded and settled, and not moved away from the hope of the
Gospel. (Col. 1:23) R1719:6
Trees also need sunshine and rain to develop fruits of holy Spirit. R5558:2
Any endeavor to incorporate theories of men with God's plan will result in
spiritual death. R5558:1
A tree that is well rooted is hard to uproot; it has a wonderful strength.
R5557:6
Stablished in the faith -- So established in the promises of God, that
no wind of doctrine could overturn his faith. R5557:6
Present truth. R1536:4
As ye have been taught -- By us, the apostles. R3215:3
Beware -- The divinely inspired words of warning are very explicit,
instructing us all to be ever on the watch that we be not caught in any
snare of the Adversary. R1661:6*
Any man -- The wisdom of men as compared with the wisdom of God. SM19:1
Through philosophy -- The Lord would have us cautious, careful and
watchful of all the deceptions and dangers that beset our day. R1670:6
Wisdom of earthly science. HG470:5
Greek philosophy and science falsely so called. R2611:3
Not to waste valuable time in investigating "the errors of the wicked." (2Peter 3:17) R3215:3
The tradition of men -- Which have come down to us from the Dark Ages.
NS368:6
Errors, the doctrines of demons. NS301:3
Plato taught the theory of human immortality. SM19:1
Not only was Jesus displeased with the observance of the traditions of
men, but the Apostle to the Gentiles strongly warned his converts to
beware of the same, among other injurious things. R1011:5*
In him -- Christ. R249:1
All that God does is through Christ, as Mediator, and all that Christ does
is by the power of the Father given him. R27:2*
He is the word, the truth, the personal embodiment of all that is good and
true, and emphatically the revelation of God. R9:3*
Dwelleth all the fulness -- He represents to us the very fullness of
every divine provision for our eternal welfare. R5927:6; HG593:1
The Spirit of God dwelt richly and without measure. R2064:3
Dwelleth all the completeness of the divine nature in a body. R249:1
Godhead -- A meaningless word, and merely a bad translation. It should
be rendered divinity or deity. R1515:4; E71
Fullness of the divine nature (Rotherham); so that the new seed was sown
in a natural body (earthen vessel); and raised in a spiritual body. (1Cor. 15:44) R340:6*
Ye -- Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus accepted with the
Father through the Beloved One. R2671:5
Invited to become under-priests, sharers both of the sufferings, and also
later on, if faithful sharers of the glories of Jesus, the Chief Priest of
this order. R2671:5
Complete in him -- "Not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing."
(Eph. 5:27) R2587:6
Christ's merit gives us association and cooperation with him; gives us
weight and influence and power for God and his cause. "Accepted in the
Beloved." (Eph. 1:6) HG387:3; R3149:4
"Without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5) R5902:2
The head of all principality and power -- A statement of the glory of
our Lord Jesus' Kingdom given him by the Father. E79:2
Although Jehovah is the Head of Christ, he delights to honor his Son,
making him, in turn, Head. R1550:1
Buried with him -- With Christ. HG248:2*; NS326:3
Death to self will, earthly hopes, aims and prospects. R5063:5
Thus baptism is placed in contrast with the ceremonies of the Law. R1540:3
Our earthly nature has been given up, deprived of life, and is taken
without the camp to be destroyed, while our new nature is within the first
veil as members of the High Priest's Body. R154:3
Baptism -- We Christians apply to ourselves the baptism of Rom. 6:3-5.
R1542:2
Not only does the Greek word signify to bury, immerse, or cover, but the
connected Scripture narrative of itself, without the particular strictness
of the Greek word used, would imply that the baptism was one of immersion
and not of sprinkling. R1541:2
Baptism was not a feature of the Law Covenant; hence it was not at all a
part of that which our Lord ended and cancelled at the cross. R1540:1
Wherein -- Even if Jews formerly under the Law Covenant. R1540:2
Risen with him -- We are counted as new creatures the moment of
consecration, and the new creature arises from the old dead creature, so
that the resurrection or raising up begins, and progresses in proportion
as the new creature grows. Q588:3
Through the faith of the operation of God -- God does not count
Christians in the flesh, but in the spirit through faith. R237:1*
Who hath raised him -- Hence no agency of man, nor even of the angel
Gabriel, was permitted in the work of our Lord's resurrection. No agencies
great or small were employed. R1005:4
God the Father raised him. (Gal.1:1; Acts. 2:24, 32; 3:15; 4:10; 10:40;
13:30, 34; 17:31; Rom. 4:24; 8:11; 1 Cor. 6:14; 15:15; 2 Cor. 4:14; Eph.
1:20; 1 Thess. 1:10; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 1:21) R2795:2
Quickened -- Made alive, resurrected. NS326:3
The flesh is not the new creature, but the old, which is reckoned dead,
and is also reckoned alive as revived or quickened. R5197:4
We are begotten of the holy Spirit at the time we give our all to the
Lord. By and by comes the next step, namely, quickening, which means to
make alive. The begetting is the beginning of life, but the quickening
comes a little later when there has been some development. CR2:1
After you had presented your body a living sacrifice, and God had accepted
that sacrifice, and given you the holy Spirit, then came the time, perhaps
longer for some and shorter for others, when you began to be active; you
were quickened, you were energized. CR2:1
The energy that you manifest on behalf of righteousness and truth, on
behalf of the service of the Lord, and the service of the brethren, is
part of the quickening. CR2:2
Our quickened flesh, by the grace of God, is represented as pure,
desirable in his sight, and in proper condition for the marriage, the
union with Christ. R5197:4
When that quickening comes in, you will not only see it, but your
neighbors will see it and your friends will see it; it will manifest
itself. CR2:3
If you are never quickened, if you are never energized, if you never come
to the moment where you have such a desire to serve the Lord as will lead
you to do with your might what you have opportunity to do--if you do not
reach that point, you will be "still born"; it will be an abortion. CR2:2
Having forgiven you all trespasses -- Those believers who had been
Gentiles were pardoned fully and freely from all condemnation. R1734:6,
975:1
Blotting out -- Christ blotted out the written Law. R1734:6
Handwriting of ordinances -- Or decrees of the Jewish Law. R1527:3
Originally written dogmas of the Law. R974:4
Still over the Jews, and they are still obligatory. Q176:2
Baptism is not one of the ordinances. R1540:1,2
Against us -- Condemning us to death. R1205:5
Which was found to be only unto death. (Rom. 7:10) R1527:3
Unfavorable, disadvantageous to the Jew. R1540:1
Against all Israel. R5047:2, 4505:4, 1767:3, 1734:6, 1729:6, 975:1
To us -- Those who have accepted Christ. Q176:2
To those in Christ there is no law on the subject of the Sabbath except
that of love. R543:4
Took it out of the way -- Admitting Gentiles to favor. R4341:2
The covenant the Jews could not keep was fulfilled by our Lord and passed
away. R1231:2
All these typical Law Sabbaths ceased, at or before the death of Jesus,
who made an end of the Law which commanded the types. R314:6
Christ blotted out the written Law. R975:1
By the vicarious sacrifice of Christ Jesus. R1527:2
This signifies, not that the Law Covenant was abrogated or done away, but
that so far as the Jews who had accepted Christ were concerned, the
demands of all of the Law's ordinances were fully met for them by the Lord
Jesus when he was nailed to the cross. R4505:4
Nailing it to his cross -- The Law Covenant did not pass away until
Christ "nailed it to his cross." R4013:3, 3831:4, 3752:6, 2121:5, 314:6;
B85; NS362:1; Q135:2
The Mosaic Law ceased when Christ died. R3843:2, 1454:1
But not the divine law of the Universe, forbidding sin.
That law has been over men and angels and all others of God's intelligent
creatures since they came into existence, and it will never cease. R1724:6
The Ten Commandments were not nailed to the cross. Q134:1
Spoiled principalities -- Having stripped away from the original Law all
obscurities. R1734:6
And powers -- The Law's authorities. R1734:6
Made a shew of them openly -- This spoiling of principalities he openly
showed in his resurrection. R669:2
Made a public illustration of them (the Law and its authorities) in his
life of obedience to them. R1734:6, 975:1
Triumphing over them in it -- In obedience unto death, even the death of
the cross. R1734:6, 975:1
Let no man -- Because our Lord has made both you Gentiles and us Jews
free. R1734:6
Therefore -- Many Christians seem to be mixing the Jewish Covenant with
the Christian. Many feel a heart-condemnation with respect to Sunday as
the sabbath because they rarely live up to the requirements of the Law for
that day. R2119:3
The new creation is not under the Law, but under grace. F382
We are to appreciate and guard our liberty in Christ. R974:4
The Mosaic Law Covenant, with all its forms and ceremonies has passed
away: no one is longer under its dominion. R1499:2
Judge you -- All who are in Christ have liberty with respect to the
festivals, new moons and sabbaths of the Law. R975:1
If anyone presumes to judge another in these matters, he is violating a
direct command of the Lord. Q824:T
An holyday -- The Law's sacred days, its times and seasons. R598:6
Typical of spiritual truths belonging to the Gospel age. F228
The Apostle was not anxious to use his liberty except as between the Lord
and himself. R2118:6
New moons and Sabbaths surely would prove no hindrance to Christians in
any physical flight in winter. (Contrasting Matt. 24:20-22) D579
Sabbath -- The Christian, free from the Law, esteemed every day alike.
R1557:3
The fourth commandment in the Law given by Moses was that this day of rest
shall be kept holy unto the Lord. R1499:4
This term "sabbath" signified rest. R1499:4
We observe this day as a law of the land, and with rejoicing and
thankfulness for so favorable a time for worship and study. But we do not
keep it for a Jewish Sabbath. R812:1*
The spiritual Israelite, while he is free from the Law, nevertheless
rejoices in and should avail himself of any arrangements favorable to his
spiritual resting, Sabbath-keeping. R2534:5
Cannot mean some of those yearly occasions also called sabbaths, for Paul
had already included these under the words, "holy days." HG582:1*
A shadow -- Or picture. Q746:1
Or reflection of the things future as the moon's light is the reflection
of the rays of the sun. R5420:2
The Jewish holy days and sabbaths were merely shadows. R404:2, 310:3
The Jewish sabbath is typical of some higher blessing. R1499:4
The Tabernacle, as well as the whole nation of Israel, its laws, its
religious services and ceremonies. T11
Things to come -- The antitypes will be laden with blessings for
mankind. B173
The substance, or antitypes, of which appertain to the anointed. R1734:6
Body -- Substance. F382
Of Christ -- Head and Body. R1734:6
Of your reward -- The prize. R4547:2
In a voluntary humility -- Without reason submitting to. R4547:2
Many think it is a mark of humility to discard reason and blindly follow
others. R496:6*
Worshipping of angels -- Reverencing as messengers of truth those who
thus far have given no evidence of teaching ability, in that God never
sent you any message through them. R4547:2
The temptation to man-worshipping will come insidiously, craftily, and not
by brazen demands for reverence. R2080:1
Vainly puffed up -- They fail to hold the headship of the Lord and the
membership of the Church as his Body. R4547:2
Not holding the Head -- By quietly submitting to and doing reverence to
those who usurp the Lord's place in his Body. R3613:2
By exalting ourselves, usurping our Lord's place in the Church, ignoring
his words and arrangements, and being puffed up as his servants. R3613:2
Such who lose sight of their personal unworthiness and seem to see
something wonderful in their own little self-denials. C278
The poorest, weakest and most insignificant of the Body is, in the Lord's
estimation, better qualified to teach than one who vaunteth and puffeth up
himself and affects to take in the Church the position of the Head. R3613:4
Recognition of Christ as not only the Redeemer from sin, but as the Head,
representative, guide, instructor, and preserver of the Body, is essential
to each member of it. F120
And render him supreme reverence and obedience. R1571:4
Acknowledge in every thought and doctrine the pre-eminence of our
Redeemer. R1386:4
Jesus. R2461, 247:6
Peter, in his love for the Master, and intoxicated somewhat by the honors
bestowed upon him already, undertook to be the teacher--"not holding the
Head" in proper reverence. R3790:2
The body -- The membership of the Church. R4547:2
Having nourishment -- Eating of the living bread and drinking of the
cup. R4547:2
Increase of God -- In grace and knowledge. R247:6
Ye -- Gentile converts. R5047:2, 1729:6
Be dead with Christ -- Self, with its own selfishness, or depraved
desires, is reckoned dead. R1861:3
"For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him." (2 Tim. 2:11)
R80:3
Thus Jesus and his Church are being presented during the Gospel age before
God on the altar--the Head was laid there first, and since, all who are
"dead with him." R73:2
We are not reckoned in the flesh, because we have crucified the flesh.
R192:2*
Self with its own selfishness, or depraved desires, should be reckoned
dead. D476
Only such could possibly have right to be at the great banquet. R4525:5
Touch not; taste not; handle not -- The unclean thing. R127:3*
If -- I hope then that as you consider this text, you will say to
yourself, "Where does the if come in my case?" CR3:2
Ye -- A special class, a peculiar people, a Little Flock, some who have
been called out of the world. CR173:1
The class begotten of the holy Spirit. CR173:2
Risen with Christ -- We could not rise with Christ unless we be first
dead with him. CR173:3
The resurrection of the Church begins in the present life with believers,
who in their minds rise in newness of life into Christ. R5440:5, 5354:1, 3132:3
We are not risen with Christ as yet, except by faith, and shall not
be until we pass beyond the veil into the antitypical Sarah's tent.
R4490:4*
None of us could have such a transformation of character except as we
should receive the begetting of the holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ.
NS670:3
The new creature, the new will, acting in and through these mortal bodies,
is declared figuratively to be risen with Christ and living for, seeking,
those things which are above. F487
The Apostle is not speaking of the future resurrection. He is speaking of
the figurative resurrection which the Lord's consecrated people experience
in the present time. R3203:3
Many eyes of understanding have been opened, deaf ears have been unstopped,
morally halt and lame have been cured, many
have been raised from the dead (reckonedly). R3756:5
Our hopes, aims are linked with the resurrection of Jesus, and our
endeavor is to live dead to the world's interests, alive toward the
spiritual interests, heavenly promises through Jesus Christ. NS325:3
As the Apostle suggests we are risen to walk in newness of life--our
resurrection is already begun. R5440:5, 3132:3
The inward man is renewed day by day. NS637:6
The Apostle is addressing the class that is buried with Christ by baptism
in death--figuratively, reckonedly, their hearts given up, their wills
given up. CR1:1
We are begotten of the holy Spirit at the time we give our all to the
Lord. CR2:1
Ask yourself, "Am I risen with Christ?
Not in the actual resurrection--am I risen now in the same sense that I am
dead now? According to the will of the flesh I am dead." CR2:5
New creatures. R5325:3, 5089:2, 3132:4, 2479:5, 914:2
The risen Body of Christ is invisible to mortals. R237:1
Seek those things which are above -- Seek chiefly the Kingdom of God, to
make our calling and election sure to participation with our Lord in the
Kingdom honors and glories to which he has already attained as a reward
for his faithful sacrifice. R2479:5
To seek to have a share in them, to avail ourselves of the glorious
opportunity and invitation to become sharers in his throne. CR174:4
By seeking to follow the example and precepts of their Lord. NS235:1
Not merely in prayer. R2479:5
From begetting of the holy Spirit, the Christian begins the resurrected
life. His "change" to a spirit body at the second coming is dependent upon
the maintenance of this resurrected life. NS637:6
Seek the higher things, the things that are not of sin. CR3:2
Set -- This word indicates continually setting. Q158:4
Implies a repeated setting, as though the affection might slip from the
heavenly things or had already done so. NS638:6
More than ever at this time. R5062:6
For your citizenship is in heaven. NS102:1
Each who finds the spirit of worldliness growing upon him should feel that
he is losing ground, should seek afresh to set his affections on things
above and to grow in grace. R3203:2
Your affection -- Keep setting your affections, and if they slip off a
thousand times a day, set them back a thousand times, and by and by they
will begin to stick to the heavenly things better. CR5:3
The word of Christ has entered into our hearts. Our minds, aims,
ambitions--everything--are being transformed, are being set on heavenly
things. (Rom. 12:2) OV429:4
At the opening of a New Year we afresh set our affections, expecting
trials not to have the effect of discouraging us, weakening our faith, but
to increase our love, trust, devotion, zeal, conformity to Jesus. NS448:2
On things above -- God intends not that his people have
heart-satisfaction in anyone earthly, but that loyalty to him make us
realize our responsibility, that in him we may find the companionship, joy
and peace all crave. R5248:6
Those who do so become correspondingly heavenly, spiritual, blessed,
generous. R4567:2
The things of earth are all blemished, have lost their attractiveness to
those who have a knowledge and appreciation of the better glories. They
have the eye of faith to see things before not discernable. NS451:2
We are to strive to have our minds pure, to cast out everything
sympathetic with sin. We are not to permit ourselves to ruminate on what
is sinful. R573:1
If you have wealth, beautiful things, wonderful arrangements and comforts
of an earthly kind, they draw the heart more in that direction, and it is
all the more difficult to leave them. CR5:3
Would signify so loose a handling of worldly riches as would hinder the
accumulation or preservation of great wealth. R4567:2
Set them on the very highest things, the high things that are spiritual.
R5889:5
Even husbands and wives should not set their affections too much upon each
other. R5906:2
Heaven is to be our eternal home; all the precious promises center there.
R5906:6
Heavenly promises. R5859:3
Reckoned as though they were in another land. CR1:1
Not on -- There should be a natural love for husband, wife, children,
parents; and the Lord would have this continue, but in full subjection to
the heavenly things. God should be first. R5906:6
Whoever sets his affections upon earthly treasures will become sordid,
selfish, earthly. R4567:2
Things on the earth -- We are, so far as possible, to cut off every
earthly tie. CR174:4
There are many things on this earth that are attractive, that are
beautiful; but we need not set our hearts upon them. R5906:
We have certain impulses of affection, certain powers that go out toward
other creatures; and it is very important that we see where they are
tending, otherwise they will lead to idolatry. R5906:3
We should not reckon our earthly relationships as being the highest and
best of all things. R5906:3
Ye -- The Church of Christ. Q760:2
The new creature. Q411:1
Are dead -- As a human being. R914:6
There is no you. You are out of the question. Q389
From the divine viewpoint, so far as the earthly existence is concerned,
reckoned dead. Q760:2; CR1:1
These are the "dead who die in the Lord"--dying daily in the Lord's
service, and in the service of the truth. (Rev. 14:13; 1 Cor. 15:31) See
also Rom. 6:8; Col. 2:23. Q764:4
The only condition upon which we are accepted of the Lord is a full
surrender of our wills. And this surrender of the will is reckoned as the
death of the old will. Q679:3
The new will conquers; and self, with its own selfishness, or depraved
desires, is reckoned dead. R1861:3
This death, this burial, is our baptism into Christ's death. F436
The old creature is counted dead, and God looks at you that way. CR454:2
It was not the new creature that died, but the old creature. R5325:3
So that we are dead to ourselves, dead to the world and all of its
ambitions. To us all things have become new. CR6:4
You have died to yourself, died to the world, died to the flesh, died to
sin, died to everything of the earthly kind. CR1:2
These are reckoned as though they were in another land; as though they
were not living in the world; as if the new nature had already commenced.
CR1:1
Speaking of our death to sin. R180:5*
Deadness to earthly things. R2480:2
When the sacrifice of those who are of the consecrated class is accepted
of the Lord, then it is true of this class, "Ye are dead." R4865:1
As men. R154:4
Our flesh, which is reckoned justified fully and freely through faith in
Christ and consecration, is considered dead. R4656:1
The old body is dead because it has been devoted to God in connection with
the sin-offering. R5101:3
Your life is hid -- Our vitality, which by fellowship with Christ in
sacrifice has become hid with Christ in God's design. R875:6
Not manifest to all, nor upon all occasions to any. R4829:1, 2480:1
From the time of begetting onward. R180:5*
We have not the life in ourselves, nor in any sense separate and apart
from our glorious Lord. NS336:2
Men can kill the body but no man can take from us the right to live.
R5103:2
In divine power and promise. R3028:4
As associate members of his Body. R1264:1*
They are reckoned as having risen to newness of life in Christ. CR1:1
Represented by our endeavors to follow the new will of Christ. R2480:2
So long as our hopes and aims and objects of life are centered in the
heavenly things. R2480:2
Now, in God's promises. R1077:4
Bury past experiences and let them remain hidden from sight forever. Q613:4
At present, like all other New Covenant favors, the life is possessed by
faith and hope only. R1179:4
This new life that you have with all its new hopes and new prospects and
new ambitions, is all centered in Christ. It is a life of faith. R4829:1,
4865:1
Which the world can neither see nor appreciate. R2480:1
With Christ -- The Anointed One. R914:6
It is "with Christ" in the sense that God's plan is being accomplished
through Christ, who ransomed and justifies all. R666:6
Thus every suggestion of God's gift is bound up similarly in Christ; only
as we become united to him, related to him, can we have this gift of God,
this unspeakable gift. NS516:2
To have your life hid with Christ in God implies that you have that
absolute trust in God that he has provided the Redeemer in Christ, and
that all of the promises of God's Word will be fulfilled in him. CR6:3
The germ of life through which man shall be restored to being (whether of
earthly or heavenly nature) is "hid with Christ in God." R666:6
As underpriests. CR407:6
It is then "Christ in you" that is the only actuating or controlling
principle. R80:1
In God -- It is "in God," in the sense that it is decreed in God's plan
and possible through God's power. R666:6
Christ, who is our life -- The Scriptural testimony points in every
instance to the second advent of Christ and to the resurrection as first,
the hope of the Church, the new creation, and second, the hope of the
world. F664
He must raise us from the dead before we can have eternal life. CR321:3
If we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified together. Then shall the
righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. (Rom.
8:17; 2 Tim 2:11, 12; Matt. 13:43) A86
The delay of the Kingdom's coming was for the purpose of selecting a Bride
for Christ. CR268:5
Shall appear -- Shall be manifested. R914:6, 616:1*
Then -- Then, the Church shall in reality be a glorious body, a body
suitable in every way for the high position she shall fill as the Bride of
Christ--the companion of the Son of God for all eternity. R1102:3
His members must be completed before he will officially take his position
as the King of the world. Ciii
Ye -- Overcomers. R1669:3
The Church. R5399:5
The Church, the sheep of the present age. R4784:6
The Bride class. R4693:1
Also appear -- The gathering of the saints to Christ must precede their
coming or appearing with him. R206:6
For this glorious appearing of the divine sons and heirs of God the
groaning of creation must wait. R616:2*
This appearing or revealing will be to the world. R5008:2
Immanuel's epiphania, revealing, showing forth. R5523:1
In glory -- We shall be glorified together if we suffer with him as his
members. R4398:4
And the purpose of that glorious appearing, and that Kingdom, will be not
for the injury of mankind, but for the blessing of the whole world. CR269:2
We know that Christ could not come in the glory of his Kingdom (Church)
until he has first gathered it from the world. R579:5, 263:2, 19:2
Our vile body shall be made like unto his glorious body. R2064:5
It is the divine nature which our Lord has that he has been privileged to
give to his followers. R4155:1
The Lord's Kingdom will not be fully manifested until the Church is with
her Lord in glory. R5567:1
Is Christ to come in glory?
We also shall appear with him in glory. R30:6*
Note Paul's anxiety to be "found in him" (Phil. 3:7-11), and at what cost
he sought membership in that "body," and the superior or chief
resurrection it will enjoy. R827:6
The apostles did not expect glory at death, but at the second coming of
Christ. HG334:3
The New Testament clearly locates the appearing in glory after the
resurrection of the saints. R56:2*
As the whole Christ has thus been manifest and has suffered in the flesh,
so they shall also be "glorified together" before the world. T84
The Church will be with him in his throne. SM224:2
It should be noted that when the Lord occupies his throne, the Church
reigns with him. HG336:5
At his second advent. R2958:6, 1102:3
The revelation of our Lord's glory is not another coming, but another step
or development during the same coming or presence (parousia). R2303:6
As foreshadowed by the transfiguration. (Matt. 17:1-9) R32:6
It is after the sacrificing is all finished and the Church glorified that
he comes forth the second time unto salvation, saving and blessing all the
people. R5655:6
The epiphania or apokalupsis of the Lord in power and
great glory is not to the Church nor for the Church, but to the world and
for the world. R4543:6
To the world. R5399:5
"It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall
appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2)
R1881:6, 98:5*; NS338:4; HG334:3
Mortify -- Deaden, kill. R5486:5, 2336:3
Put to death. R1214:6, 112:4
Surrender your human will to death, that you may have no will of your own.
SM632:2
Grapple with every organ of our mortal bodies and not only to render them
dead to sin, but to quicken and encourage them with the holy Spirit of the
new creature. SM632:2
All our mortal members are to be dead to everything except the new mind,
which is to use them in the service of God, Christ, the brethren, and the
truth and, as opportunity may afford, in the service of humanity. SM632:3
Flesh insists that things are not wrong, but natural, that its rights
should be conserved, and sometimes insists that the new creature would
commit a crime in mortifying the flesh, with its affections, desires.
R5248:3
The Lord's followers have to some extent lost the esteem of their friends
and neighbors; they have been counted as the offscouring of the earth.
R4767:2
The putting away of sin. R1594:3
The purity of the Church demanded that the transgressor (1 Cor. 5:5) be
dealt with rigorously; and his own future depended upon whether or not the
animal nature which was ruling him should be put to death. (Rom. 8:13)
R1699:1,2, 1698:1
Your members -- Your fleshly mind. R5486:5
Kill the old man. R4349:3
Your mental members, your depraved tendencies. R2336:6
Those members on the earth. R1214:6
These evil members must be lopped off, else they will choke the life of
Christ commenced, and prevent your entrance into that everlasting life and
render you a vessel fitted to destruction. R112:5
Uncleanness -- Impurity. R1214:6, 914:6
It means anything that is not pure, not chaste, not holy, not clean.
R2480:3
Inordinate affection -- Passion and inordinate lust. R1214:6
Evil concupiscence -- Evil desires. R4070:6, 1857:6, 1214:6, 914:6
In "View From the Watch Tower," ecclesiastics warn of loss of moral
virtues among coming dangers. R2768:2
Covetousness -- Covetousness is an inordinate desire, whether for wealth
or luxuries or what-not. R2459:5, 1214:6
Greed. R4070:6, 1857:6
Covetousness and Jezebel's methods adapted to today, prevail much more
generally than the majority of people suppose, and chiefly among the very
rich who covet their neighbors' stocks, bonds, gold, silver, etc. R4742:1
One of the most crying evils of our day. It is causing more heartaches and
trouble of every kind, perhaps, than any other sin. R4742:4
Sharp practices in business, selling commodities below cost, interfering
with another's credit at the bank, slandering. R4741:6
Money loving. R914:6
The covetous person is a mammon-worshipper. R2459:5
Not applicable only to the wealthy. R2459:5
"Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24) R3047:4, 2459:5, 1836:1
Is idolatry -- The Apostle designates covetousness as idolatry, which
gives us the thought of false worship. R2459:5
Idol worship. R1214:6
The sin of covetousness, the worship of mammon, the
idolatry of money, is the great sin of "Christendom," the antitype of
fleshly Israel. R1836:1
Children of disobedience -- Disobedience is a cause of failure among the
Great Company. R4079:4
Ye -- Those who have put on Christ. R2688:6
Put off -- All Christians should know that the Scriptures direct that
their minds should be transformed. SM336:1
Less than one percent of the millions in Christianity would make any claim
to be Christians seeking to cultivate the spirit of meekness, gentleness,
patience, long-suffering, brotherly kindness, love. The great majority
manifest the reverse spirit. SM128:3
A Christian is no longer a slave of sin, controlled by the desires and
weaknesses of his fallen flesh and its spirit of the world, bearing fruits
unto unrighteousness. R2444:6
Special testings along these lines are now permitted. R4521:3
Fiery trials are now on the Church, of faith and practice. R4521:3
Put these away as you would put away a contagious thing. CR447:2
All these -- These things more or less attach to you. R5756:3
Works of the flesh and of the devil. R5756:3
The Apostle has really taken into his list nearly all the weaknesses of
the flesh which beset those who have become "new creatures in Christ."
R4829:2
The works of unholiness, the works of the flesh and the devil. NS603:2
Anger -- The Greek word used is orge, the same exactly as used in
reference to the "wrath" of Jehovah, and the "anger" of Jesus. We, as
imperfect in judgment, are admonished to leave it for him who cannot err.
R787:4
Malice -- Old leaven. R2283:4
Blasphemy -- Evil-speaking, slander. R4829:2, 1214:6
Evil-speaking. It has seemed too as though some who profess relationship
to Christ do even more of petty evil-speaking, slandering and busybodying
than do the worldly who make no profession whatever. NS714:2
Busybodying--thinking and talking about the private affairs of others,
with which we have no direct concern--leads to evil speaking and
backbiting, and engenders anger, malice, hatred, strife, etc. F585
Filthy communication -- Vile words. R1214:6
Impurity of language and falsehood in its every form. R4829:2
If all evil and impure language were avoided, what a wonderful world this
would be! R4829:3
Put away all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit (mind), perfecting
holiness in the reverence of the Lord. (2 Cor. 7:1) R2390:5
Lie not one to another -- All our conduct with our fellow-men should be
characterized by sincerity and truth. R1594:3
Do not speak falsely. R1214:6
Neither falsely misrepresent the teachings of another nor our own. Let us
be thoroughly honest, beginning with honesty in our own religion, allowing
this quality of faithfulness to pervade all life. NS446:2
Not only of having good intentions in the heart, but also of expressing
those good intentions truthfully one to another, without deception,
without hypocrisy. R4829:3, 2481:2
Put off -- We have put off the old man, the natural, fallen man, with
his privileges as the successor of Adam, in the same sense that we put off
the old will and have received a new mind in Christ. R5221:1
Putting out, as illustrated in Congress. One party which has been in
control is to be superseded by the other party. R4894:3
Old man -- Or outward man. R2231:6
The old nature. R1214:6
The old will is reckoned dead at the time of our consecration. R5103:4
The old will; he is to be dead. Q605:T
The human will, which once dominated the being. R5685:3
New creatures have an old man, an outward man, that is perishing, and a new man,
inward man, a hidden man of the heart, who is being renewed day by day. (2 Cor. 4:16;
Eph. 4:23,24; 1 Pet. 3:4) F675
All the justified and consecrated, notwithstanding their imperfections and
short-comings through inherited weaknesses, are acceptable to God through
Christ, whose robe of righteousness amply covers us. R1295:6
The old defilements. R1214:3
With his deeds -- With his practices. R1214:6
Put on the new man -- The new character. R1214:3
The new nature. R1215:1
The inward man or hidden man of the heart, who is being renewed day by
day. R2231:6
The renewed mind or begotten life. R191:6
The old nature is repudiated, and is no longer to control the life of the
individual. The new will is now master--a will to do God's will. R5685:3
It means the laying on the altar of our every power, every ability,
strength, time, pocket book, and influence. R5686:1
Renewed in knowledge -- Or refreshed, built up, made strong. R4894:6
Knowledge is the basis of faith and obedience. R5686:1
It shows us the Lord's character that we are to imitate. R5686:2
As we have come into Christ, we have an increase of knowledge, coming to a
clearer knowledge of the new will in proportion as we seek to put down the
old man, to be directed by the holy Spirit. R5221:4
Our knowledge is increased in proportion as we give heed to the things which God has
spoken; in proportion as we set our affections on things above and not on
things on the earth. R4895:1
Christ is all, and in all -- Those who accept Christ are all one in
Christ Jesus. R3043:1
Put on -- This is needful if we would stand complete in the will of God.
R1781:5, 1273:2
Such should put off the old estimate of things, put on a new one which
would recognize members of the elect, not according to nationality nor
denomination, but recognize all in Christ as being the elect. F191
Those who receive the holy Spirit feel the love of God shed abroad in
their hearts producing in them love of the brethren and all the good
fruits of the Spirit. R2456:1
Bowels of mercies -- A heart of compassion. R3586:4
A disposition of largeness and generosity of heart toward everybody and
everything. R4829:4
Kindness -- Kindness toward all. R4829:4
Humbleness of mind -- The reverse of boastfulness, headiness, arrogance.
R4829:4
Humility. R3586:4
Meekness -- Gentleness of disposition. R4829:4
Longsuffering -- Greek, makrothunia, means merely long-suffering. R2790:6
Patient endurance with the faults and weaknesses of others. R4829:4
Forbearing one another -- We should exercise a spirit of forbearance and
of forgiveness toward the erring. R1594:3
Forgiving -- The Greek word karazomai signifies, to forgive freely.
R1058:6
Even as Christ forgave you -- And still forgives you. R5603:6
Above all these things -- And thus overlook much of what others do.
R4984:2
Charity -- Love is pictured as the "girdle" which binds and holds in
place the folds of the robe of Christ's righteousness with its various
graces. R4829:5, 2426:2
Jesus said love is the fulfilling of the divine Law. R1330:2
Lacking this, we would be as sounding brass and as tinkling cymbals. (1Cor. 13:1) R1330:3
Bond of perfectness -- It is the girdle which binds and fits them all
close to the person. R1215:4, 3080:1
Bonds of the completeness. R1215:4
The very Spirit of the Lord. R4829:5
The peace of God -- The peace, joy, and comfort resulting from a
completeness of consecration to the Lord. R5571:6
To sway all our actions. R1594:3
Many have never learned it, and do not apply it to their outward lives.
R1652:3
Rule -- Preside. R1215:4
"Let the peace of Christ be acting as umpire in your hearts." (Rotherham)
R2358:4*
Let God's will direct and rule all our course of action according to his
plan. R1563:4
Rule in your hearts -- The lives of God's people should in every case be
"living epistles, known and read of all men" (2 Cor. 3:2), especially by
their own families. R5571:6
Let our wills remain dead to self and subservient to God's will. R1563:4
Ye are called -- The members are being raised up from the world,
separated from the world to the Lord and the Millennial work. R4354:4
One body -- There is but one prize offered by the Scriptures during this
age, as there was a different one held out previously, and as there will
be a still different one held out during the Millennial age. R1668:5
One corporation, one Church--the Body of Christ. R2482:1
Be ye thankful -- Thankfulness will make every trial and sacrifice on
our part seem small, and thus easy to be offered, and will make all of
God's mercies and favors toward us proportionately grand, great and
inspiring. R2723:4
Thankfulness of heart is a very sure sign of the character God is
seeking--especially in matters pertaining to our great salvation. R2722:6
Thankfulness of the Christian must continue--daily, hourly; its loss even
for a moment should be deplored as evidence of spiritual sickness. The
afflicted should go for healing in the divine Word. R2076:3
Unthankfulness is unholiness. R2723:1
Let -- We should not only crucify our own wills, but fully accept of and
use the Lord's will instead. R962:5
Dwell in you richly -- By bearing in mind Christ's teachings and
endeavoring to apply them in our daily life. R1594:6
By being filled with his Spirit. R1594:6
To have and to keep his commandments, that the abiding presence of the
Father and the Son may be with us. R3251:6
Paul prayed for his converts. R653:6
Hymns and spiritual songs -- All are able to unite their hearts in
prayer and to lift their voices in praise, in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs. R1890:3
Whatsoever ye do -- As representatives and ambassadors we should feel
both the dignity and honor of the position and the weighty responsibility.
R3330:2
With the hope that by thus doing things well we shall obtain salvation.
R3331:4
Every Christian is privileged to spend as much money for tobacco as to eat
and smoke as much of it as he sincerely believes will do him good
physically and spiritually and result in the Lord's glory. R1849:4
In the name -- As his ambassadors. R3331:4
Whether he realizes it or not, each who professes to be a Christian speaks
and acts in the name of the Lord Jesus. We should endeavor to keep this
fact continually before our minds. R3329:3
Our actions and words should properly represent our Lord and honor the
name he has permitted us to bear. R3329:3
We represent the heavenly Kingdom and its King of kings and Lord of lords
before the "children of this world." R3330:1
We should say to ourselves, "I must see to it that I have not taken the
name of the Lord in vain." R3331:1
The holy name of the Head belongs to all the members of the Body. R3331:1
We have taken the name of Christ as our name. R3331:1
An erroneous custom amongst those who have named the name of Christ is
that of ignoring his name in favor of some sectarian names. R3330:5
Many are unauthorizedly using the name of the Lord in combination with the
name of some earthly institution. R3330:5
Be not bitter -- Any one of the Lord's people who thus practices
injustice is not making progress as a new creature. R5168:4
Fathers, provoke not -- It is important that parents exercise
temperance, self-control in their own discipline, as well as toward their
children. F526:1; R3573:5
Servants -- The servants addressed by Paul were bond-servants or slaves,
and not employees. R2037:6
Obey -- Paul cannot have meant that they should violate their
consciences in obedience to the commands of their masters. R2037:6
Whatsoever ye do -- Servants are specially addressed by the Apostle. All
service should be good service, and whether the person served be one of
the Lord's people or an enemy of the truth, the work should not be
slighted. R2343:1
Heartily, as to the Lord -- The person who is earnest and zealous to
serve the Lord, so willing and so anxious for the opportunity that he will
do what his hands find to do. R2344:2
Thus the name of Christ would come to be respected among the intelligent,
and the inquiry would naturally be, What is there about these Christians
or their teaching that makes them more capable and efficient as servants?
R2343:2
All who would be followers of him shall be servants, not merely in name,
but in deed and in truth and in spirit. R2344:4
One is your Master (Lord), even Christ. (Matt. 23:8) R1769:4
Oh to measure fully up to this experience! R1802:4
Of the Lord -- The Church of Christ are granted fellowship with the
Father Jehovah from the time of their begetting of the spirit, when they
consecrate themselves, being previously "justified by faith." (Rom. 5:1)
R1768:6
Reward of the inheritance -- Christians are not expecting earthly
rewards, but heavenly rewards. R2343:2
He received from his Father and our Father, his God and our God, all that
he has given or will give to us. (John 20:7) R1769:4
Ye serve the Lord Christ -- The slightest service done to the least of
his brethren is accepted as done to himself. R2343:6
There is nothing inconsistent with being his brethren and still his
servants. R2343:6
The Bible, the Old Testament as well as the New, has fostered the spirit
of liberty, not directly, but indirectly. D306
Give unto your servants -- Serve them with kindness and compensation,
and do it with good will as unto the Lord. R1464:2*
Ye also have a Master -- The Bible, the Old Testament as well as the
New, has fostered the spirit of liberty--not directly, but indirectly. D306
In the Bible, masters were restricted in the interests of the servants,
assuring them that injustice would be recompensed by the great Master of
all. D306
Continue -- We are to recognize a distinct difference between the "vain
repetitions" of the heathen, which our Lord condemned, and continuing
instant in prayer. R5020:1; Q539:2
To grow faint or grow weary in prayer would not be right. R5020:2; Q539:4
We are not to give up nor to become weary, but to be constant in our
prayers. R5020:4; Q539:5
In commenting on the course of the importunate widow (Luke 18:2-5), our
Lord said that if an unjust judge be moved on account of importunity to do
justice, how much more a just judge. R5020:1; Q539:2
In prayer -- Communion with God is a great privilege and an evidence of
his favor. R4983:1
Praying also for us -- For what should we pray? For one another. (1Thess. 5:25; John 17:20; Eph. 1:16) R3715:5
That the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified. R585:5*
Pray for opportunities of service, for wisdom in presenting the message to
others, for the Lord to assist in inculcating meekness, humility and
gentleness. CR440:3
A door of utterance -- Not praying for each other that he make his
calling and election sure. But pray for opportunities of service. Pray for
wisdom in presenting the message to others. Pray for assistance in
inculcating meekness, humility and gentleness. CR440:3
Mystery -- Intended for the Lord's people, but not for the world nor for
the merely nominal Christian. CR10:4; NS398:4
Paul says that God's grace in Christ "abounded toward us in all wisdom and
prudence; having made known to us the mystery of his will according to his
good pleasure which he had purposed in himself." (Eph. 1:8, 9) CR10:4;
NS398:4
Redeeming the time -- Greek, exagorazo, to publicly purchase and take
possession of. E430
We are to purchase and to secure out of the evil time as large a
proportion of time as may be possible for devotion to higher
interests--our own and others' spiritual sustenance. E431
Securing the season--Diaglott; buying the opportunity--Rotherham. R756:4*
Securing the opportunity for sacrifice, remembering that it is a great
privilege because of its great reward. Secure the opportunity and with it
the great prize of our high calling. R756:6*
Seeing the reward as we do, we should wisely secure the present
opportunity which can never again be enjoyed. R756:5*
Christians are in the midst of evil, the tendency of which is to use
energy, influence, time, in things sinful, foolish, or unprofitable
compared with more weighty interests closest to their hearts. E431
Alway -- Let the spirit of the glorious truths so fill your heart that
out of its fullness your mouth may speak to the Lord's praise and to the
enlightenment and profit of your opposers as well as its hearers. R698:2
Study and apply the principles of the divine law in all its bearings, both
on the present and the future, and let your course be ruled accordingly,
and your counsel to others be drawn from it. R1118:4*
With manifest love and kindness. R1937:3
Does self-control apply to language? (Jas. 1:19,26; Eccl. 5:2) R3573:1
The Christian is to be temperate in his language, not given to
exaggeration or misrepresentation. He is to speak forth words of
soberness, making sure that he speaks the truth in love, and not in
severity or bitterness. R2355:2, 3573:1
How necessary that all the tongue-servants of the Lord's Body be only such
as are of his spirit, wielding an influence for good and not evil, for
blessing and upbuilding rather than injury and cursing. R2447:4, 3573:1
How few have conquered the tongue to the extent of bringing good, and only
good, to all with whom they come in contact! R2447:4, 3573:1
Evil-speaking is slander. R2443:5
Grace -- Liberality, favor. R756:3*
Seasoned with salt -- A purifying and preservative influence. R1937:3
Not only should our speech be liberal ("with grace"), but also "seasoned
with salt" (well established in the truth of God's Word). R756:3*
The quality of salt to preserve and to arrest the spread of corruption
rendered it a fit symbol of an everlasting covenant and a significant type
of true Christians in the midst of sin and vice. R84:6*
The first duty of everyone who would obey the call to preach is to become
an earnest, faithful, diligent student of God's Word, that he may be able
to minister grace to the hearer. R646:3
The appetizing salt of purity, righteousness, truth. R2099:3*
In reproof, warning or counsel, a spirit of liberality will not lose sight
of commendable features in those opposed, nor fail to commend it. R756:3*
Truth, like salt, has the power of preserving from decay that which is
good and pure. R756:5*
Marcus -- John was his Hebrew name and Mark his Latin name. R3003:6
Mark seems to have ultimately become a true yoke-fellow, very highly
appreciated by the great Apostle. (2 Tim. 4:11) R2141:3, 3009:3
John Mark eventually restored to Paul's favor. (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11)
R4364:2
Sister's son -- Should read cousin. R3003:6
Received commandments -- In introducing brethren to the churches, the
liberty of all is respected even by the apostles, who write not
arbitrarily, but giving the reasons why those commended should be held in
esteem. R1822:2
If he come -- When the apostles called or sent any of the younger
brethren in the ministry, it was not as of arbitrary authority, but as of
request. R1822:2
Receive him -- Introductory letters as a safe-guard against "false
brethren" and "wolves in sheep's clothing" were the custom of the
primitive Church, practiced by the apostles. R1707:1
Luke -- Luke wrote not only a version of the Gospel, but also the Book
of Acts and nearly all of St. Paul's epistles. R4399:3
Salute the brethren -- Whenever there was opportunity, the churches were
prompt to send Christian greetings and benedictions to those in other
places. R1895:4
Which is in his house -- In the primitive Church the congregations were
small, and usually met in private houses. R2941:6
Epistle -- The letters of the apostles, claiming divine authority equal
to that of the Old Testament Scriptures, were treasured and guarded with
special care by the various congregations of the early Church. R1146:1