The Kingdom of Christ and of God

Given in the Holy Spirit to Seeley D. Kinne

The copyright applies to this edited edition only

COPYRIGHT © 2011 by Wadetaylorpublications.org

 First Printing

Hornell, New York – 1947

Permission is herein granted to reproduce this book, so long as the reproduction is not intended for financial gain.

Index to:

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five

 Preface 

This is the Lord’s book.  He directed me to write it.  He gave it to me by inspiration of the Holy Spirit through several gracious increasing anointings until there came some understanding of the command:  “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom….” (Colossians 3:16).  How little do the people of God comprehend their very great loss due to disregard of this command to let Christ, the indwelling Word, richly abide.  How divine treasures would have abounded and the Kingdom grow.

Only those who attain to this prophetic utterance will become part of the Manchild Company, and now is the opportunity.  Therefore, the teachings found in this book, especially in the latter half, should be made your possession by both memory and experience.  “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.”  Become familiar with the facts: then make them yours by experience.  Be not as the Scribes and Pharisees, “For they say, and do not” (Matthew 23:3).

Divine truth is experimental and personal.  “I am the living bread … Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, you have no life in you.”  John 6:51, 53

Over five years ago, the Lord sent a blazing disc, a foot in diameter, into my breast.  I was made to see it at its first coming.  Many times I have felt it right under the breast bone, a fountain of life.  At times it has diffused itself from this center through my body.  There never appeared anything but divine life from this center.

The Lord has allowed the infirmities and weaknesses of age to accumulate upon me, being nearly eighty-nine years old.  He gave me Romans 4:27; “Believe in the God who calleth those things which be not as though they were,” having to stand on His promises contrary to appearances, all of which are for my training, development and chastening.  It appears that there is not a trait of character, or a tendency of nature that has not been overhauled and recreated.

Amid weakness and infirmity of body, my mind is clear, keen and alert.  Direction to write would come with revelation, insight and inspiration and supernatural strength supplied.  Thus, this new book has been produced.

It seems as if I have lived a two-sided life.  On one side, great strength, victory and power in God.  On the other hand, much weakness and infirmity.  One to do the work of God in the Kingdom: the other for test and discipline; working out the will of God for me in my life, and for His will in His kingdom.  By the miracle power of the King, I have been sustained and carried through intervention.

There are many written photographs of different spiritual states of being and experience in this book.  You are liable to find one of yourself, if you hunt for it; provided you have had an entrance into the reality of these workings of the Spirit.

Written by an “Old Scout,” Somona, California, August 14, 1945

 

PART ONE

Past Kingdom Activities 

Some Basic Principles which are at the foundation of spiritual affairs of the Kingdom.

1. The flesh is the scriptural name given to the natural state and activity of man, independent of and uncontrolled by the Holy Spirit.

2. Led by, moved by, or in the Spirit, is the name of that supernatural state and activity of man, when under the control of the Holy Spirit.

3. These two conditions are contrary to each other, yet so similar in action that most people do not know when they are under which.

4. In flesh activity, the soul is active, but not mans’ spirit.  This is displeasing to God, for the Holy Spirit enters man’s activity through his spirit.

5. Man’s spirit and soul are so closely allied, it takes the living Word of God to distinguish one from the other (Hebrews 4:12).

6. Man was created with a spirit that he might be possessed and motivated by the Holy Spirit.  Hence, moving of natural or lower power is abnormal, intrusive, and wrong, though most so live.

7. The substituting of natural Bible teachers, instead of the illuminating, divinely anointed      teachers, has resulted in shallow and partial forms of Christianity.  (John 14:26; 16:13)

8. A survey of history will show that there are but few who have approached Jehovah’s high ideal of prophetic experience, either in development, or accomplishment.

9. Consequently, the Creator, after centuries of effort and dispensations of grace, devoted to the redemption of man, finds Himself very short of men of high quality, according to His ideals.  (Jeremiah 5:1)

10. The original divine device was to make of man, a being possessed of and operating in various Spirit powers; which had been conveyed and imparted or located by the Creator’s matchless skill, in the structure of man’s being.

11. In the divine original test, man failed to qualify and fell away down low.  To and through various men, the Lord has sought to teach and inculcate these and other principles.  Under law, and through grace, they have been proclaimed.  Man’s comprehension has been limited, except in the few.

12. To carry out His plan, He needed many more.  So a new campaign is necessary:  an intervention: a larger degree of His grace and power.  This brings on the necessity of End-Time riches of a fuller salvation: a further enduement, a larger endowment, a greater divine acting upon the human.

13. As a principle for protecting life, the Creator placed in the human constitution, fear, suffering, and pain, over against death and destruction; so that there would be a recoil from danger.

14. In the fall of man there came into his nature, desires and tendencies which are contrary to the Lord.  Some of these are suddenly and miraculously taken away while others have to be crucified or circumcised, causing pain and sufferings: but we must suffer with Him, if we are to reign with Him.

15. There are many workings and gift powers of the Holy Spirit received by man, such as partaking of the divine nature, revelation, vision, language, inspiration, speaking, writing, intercession and others.  This overshadowing, indwelling, moving, communicating power of the Holy Spirit is called prophecy. 

Prophecy and the Prophet

Contact Jehovah and you will become more like Him.  The closer the contact, the more you partake of His nature.  He is such a fountain of life that He imparts life to all who approach Him.  This life and nature and imparting power is also in Jesus Christ.  “When He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (I John 3:2b).  “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8).

There are varying degrees of experience and relationship, or fellowship with God, as is taught by many Scripture illustrations: as the court, holy place, most holy, in tabernacle and temple; Moses, High Priest, Priests, Levites, Tribes in Israel; David’s Kingdom.  Jesus ministered to different classes, to the greatest and least in the kingdom, and to many others.

In a “great house,” (kingdom) there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth (II Timothy 2:20).  The Kingdom of God is indeed a great house, in which are many vessels, varying in quality, capacity, rank and order.  It requires an extensive and particular course of preparation, as will be realized when one gets a revelation of an accomplished vessel and his work.

Prophecy is the utterance of a prophet.  A prophet is a man of God, that is, a man who has partaken of God, partaken of the divine nature, eaten the flesh and drank the blood of Christ, the true Bread of God.

It is not generally understood what prophecy really is.  It is God speaking by the mouth of man.  Yes, and it is more than that.  “The words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).  Words of prophecy are spirit words and words of life.  “The Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power” (I Corinthians 4:20).

“My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of Spirit, and of power” (I Corinthians 2:4).  To merely speak the words of the divine truths without the experimental knowledge of them, is to be as a Pharisee.  Jesus said of them: “They say and do not” (Matthew 23:3).   The Almighty is the farthest removed from anything like that.  His words are full of life and power.  Christ has nothing in common with Pharisees.

For the Son of God to become the Savior of men, He must be the man Jesus Christ: babe in a manger, a boy in the temple, a man, a carpenter, baptized of John.  And He received witness of His Father from heaven: a voice saying, “This is My beloved Son:” (Matthew 3:17) and the Spirit in the form of a dove, descending upon Him.  One would suppose He would at once begin His ministry, but instead, “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness… being forty days tempted of the devil” (Luke 4:1).

Jesus must know the vicissitudes and sufferings of man with the various attacks, insinuations, and temptations of Satan, so malicious and painful.  “For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Not only did Jesus personally meet and vanquish Satan, but also, among the people in His ministry, He met and shared their temptations, trials, problems and sufferings.  When He ate with publicans and sinners, the high religionists of that time said that He was too familiar with the common people.  They had theories to promulgate, but He had life, spirit, and power to impart.  And He must know, not by observation, but by experience, our afflictions and heart aches that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest.

When Jesus spoke, it was the prophetic word, gracious, full of life, Spirit and power.  The dead came to life, lepers were cleansed, the lame leaped, the blind saw and life sprang up wherever His Word came.  For He not only spoke, He had compassion, He felt, He knew, He experienced and lived in the life of the uttered Word.  This is a marvelous mystery – that Jesus not only spoke the Word: He was the Word (John 1:1-5).  He said, “I proceeded and came forth from God.  Proceeded as the living Word, from the Father, and came forth into the world, a Messenger sent by the Father” (John 8:42).

The procession of the Word, the son from the Father, is a most profound mystery; and can only be rightly understood as God reveals it to one.  The mystery of the spoken word proceeding from the Living Son of God, the Word, is very wonderful too.  That same infinite power that is in God, the Almighty Father and in Christ, the Almighty Son, is in their spoken proceeding Word.  Nothing of it can fail.  “Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89).

And so of Jesus, the God-man, not only does the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily in Him, but the fullness of man and his nature also.  Jesus not only knew us by our creation, by observation and discernment, but He participated in our thoughts and feelings, partook of our nature, and became sharer in our joys and sorrows, our pleasures and pains, and all our vicissitudes: a merciful and faithful High Priest, in all points tempted and tried.

We are to become His ministers and share the eternal Word in its “speaking forth.”  The procession, or coming forth, of the Word does not end with the Son as the “Word of God was preached of Paul” and the early ministry (Acts 17:13; 19:20).

He who proclaims the Word of God must first partake thereof himself.  He must eat the book.  “The husbandman must first be partaker of the fruit” (II Timothy 2:6).  He cannot speak the Word mechanically as being a mere machine, like Balaam’s dumb ass.  But first shall enter into its fellowship, and experience its meaning and life.  This is a living essential truth that lies at the foundation of the prophetic Word of God.  It cannot be evaded without becoming pharisaical.

Jesus said, “My brethren the prophets” (James 5:10).  Because they had drank deeply of that fountain of the water of life, the living Word of the Lord, “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ”  (I Corinthians 10: 4).

“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16).  “Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come to Me, and drink… out of his inmost being shall flow rivers of living water.  But this spake He of the Spirit” (John 7:37b-39a).

To become a coworker with God in dispensing the Word of God is a most exalted ministry of prophecy.  But it requires our being a partaker of the Word of God before one can become a dispenser thereof.  Natural water, carries in solution, the elements of food.  The water of life is the Spirit of Christ carrying the Word of God, His works and gifts.  A prophet is a dispenser of the Word of God and its miracle effects –prophecy. 

Government by Man

The Creator, it appears, planted in man’s nature a tendency to form into tribes, clans, colonies and nations with some kind of government, having a patriarch, chief, or king.  Some nations have become very large and powerful, their rulers being absolute sovereigns.  They accumulated wealth and made advancements in learning, arts, and agriculture.

Almost all the nations of the world have been heathen and in idol worship, and did not know Jehovah.  Their religious practices were sometimes very cruel.  Often they practiced severe cruelty upon their enemies, putting them into terrible prisons or abject slavery.  Many were their low, base and wicked practices.

Jehovah at times sent His prophets to warn and reprove their wickedness: as Joseph, Jacob, and Moses to Egypt; Nehemiah in the palace of Artaxerxes.  Daniel was a prophet, who from boy spent his lifetime in the courts of heathen kings.  They knew of his prophetic powers, exercised before them.  He was offered by Jehovah to these kings: though but partially received.  His God was regarded, but worshipped little, if at all.

Under various circumstances and conditions, man has shown himself unfit and unable to rightly rule either individually or collectively.  Sometimes he has started with wise and righteous laws and principles, but went astray by not living up to his standards.  Repeatedly nations have sunken into such depths of wickedness that they were destroyed and utterly perished.

God has waited long and given abundant opportunity to show what man would do.  But all to no avail: man could not extricate himself from his degradation.  He only sank hopelessly deeper and farther.  Something had to be done.  God must take hold of affairs.

Man is still working on the problem.  He has hit upon a new plan – a world federation of nations.  But man has always failed.  Satan has managed to use his wisest plans.  He is too shrewd for man in his present state.  Man was made to be dependent upon and controlled by a higher power.  He must be brought into divine relationship, or be a hopeless failure. 

Past Kingdom Effort

Through messengers or movements, Jehovah has sought to promote an understanding of the nature, superiority and necessity of the kingdom of God and His rule.  It is so entirely different from man’s ways of thinking and doing, that progress has been slow.

When man has gone far in sin and contrary to His principles, He has sent them prophets and judgment and restraining influences.  These divine visitations have checked the wayward career of the race many times.  He even picked out Abraham and raised up a nation from his descendents.

The four generations, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and his twelve sons founded the nation of Israel.  Abraham as described in Genesis 15, had a great covenant visitation.  At setting sun, a horror of great darkness fell upon him: Jehovah told him his seed should suffer affliction in a strange land, and after 400 years they should come out.

Then the Lord raised up Moses and made him a theocratic king; that is, he ruled by being continually directed by Jehovah.  Moses told his father-in-law: “The people come to me to inquire of Jehovah” (Deuteronomy 33:5, Exodus 18:18).

This was the only theocratic government (a government entirely conducted by the Lord) in existence.  Jehovah had given them a complete system of religious service, with high priest, priests, Levites, sacrifices, instruments, tabernacle, a complete law concerning approach to God, religious, moral, hygienic conduct.  It was complete.  If there was an untouched point, they were given to approach Jehovah and get His mind.  Also, there was a pillar of cloud by day to guide them, which became a fire light by night.

The story of Moses with Israel and the theocratic kingdom, is one grand succession of miracles; of startling power and divine intervention.  They included deliverance from and destruction of their enemies (a way through sea and river).  The cloud protected from the tropic sun.  Food and water were supplied.  Clothes and shoes waxed not old for forty years.  There were manifestations and revealings of Jehovah, and His glory, majesty, and judgments.

The nations of Canaan had become so vile and corrupt that the Lord sent Israel to destroy them and possess the land; fighting with them, by sending a storm of stones upon their armies.  Israel possessed the land.  Everything that divine wisdom and watchful care could lavish upon them was provided for health, prosperity and true worship and service of Jehovah.  Nothing was lacking on the Lord’s part that they might become the great nation of the world.

Yet, the history of Israel in Canaan is a story of many backslidings into idolatry and heathen worship of false gods.  Jehovah sent them many brave judges, who fought for them and delivered them.  Yet, they sank back into doing evil again and again.  Often they were terribly oppressed by the heathen kings.  Then, the Lord would send them a deliverer.

During this period of judges, about 450 years, prophetic men were scarce: Deborah is of note.  Then Jehovah raised up the great prophet Samuel, who judged Israel his whole life so wisely. The people asked for a king, and the Lord gave them a king though Samuel said, “Your wickedness is great” for “The Lord your God was your king.”  The theocratic government came to an end (I Samuel 12:12, 17, 18).

The human side of this period is a dark picture, yet some progress was made.  Israel was, to a considerable extent, cured of idolatry.  Some mighty men of God will live in eternity, to magnify Jehovah forever.  A start was made in training a nation.

The Kingdom of David

As an answer to Israel’s insistent call for a king, Jehovah chose Saul; a man of fine appearance, pleasing to their fancy.  He did not please the Lord and was a sad failure.  He was brilliant in victories at the start, but disobedient in the end.

Divine Wisdom was always watchful to use opportunity to teach the exceeding value of Jehovah’s miraculous assistance.  A lad with a sling shot and the Lord, were superior to Goliath the giant soldier.  The stately Saul went down in eclipse: the Lord would choose one of faith in Him.  David was a man with confidence in Jehovah.  He was not afraid to face difficulties, but he counted on the miracle working power of God.

In the beginning with David, the Lord did not give him promises, but put him into a life of severe training and discipline.  He had plenty of opportunity to show his disposition.  Except for his detour, David lived a God-fearing life, looking to Jehovah for guidance almost constantly.  He gained divine approval.

So pleased was Jehovah with David’s faithful conduct that He made him very gracious promises.  “I will build thee an house” (II Samuel 7:11, 27).  “There shall not fail you in My sight a man to sit on the throne of Israel; so that your children take heed to their ways that they walk before Me as you have walked before Me” (I Kings 8:25, Psalm 132:11).

Some of the descendant kings of the line of David kept the covenant.  To them, the Lord was very gracious.  Others were wicked and broke the covenant.  This continued till they lost the kingdom and went into captivity.  God has never broken the covenant, but has promised to fulfill it by giving David’s throne to His Son Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6, 7, Luke 1:32).

It was the constant custom of David to inquire of the Lord concerning matters that came before him.  In I Chronicles 21, is an account of punishment for David having numbered Israel.  David saw the angel of the Lord with drawn sword over Jerusalem in mid-air, because of which, he was afraid to go to inquire of God in the Tabernacle at Gibeon, so, the Lord told him to build an alter in the threshing floor of Ornan.

Then he set up a tent in Jerusalem for the Ark of the Covenant and built an altar there.  This was the tabernacle of David, which he called the House of the Lord.  As he said in Psalm 27:4: “One thing have I desired of Jehovah, that will I seek after; that I might dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of Jehovah, and to inquire in His temple.”

In the several places where the Ark was, or where the divine presence was manifested; there, David resorted to worship and inquiry.  When he set up the Tabernacle of David in Jerusalem near his own residence, he said, now I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

David had been a great warrior, but in his old days, he enjoyed peace.  “One thing have I desired.”  Day after day, see him resort to the house of Jehovah’s presence.  He was working the great problems of an architect.  He tells us what he was doing in I Chronicles 28:11, 12, 19:

“Then David gave to Solomon his son… the pattern of all that he had by the Spirit” from the porch to the place of the Mercy Seat.  “All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by His hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.”

David was a mighty example of a king controlled and moved by the Holy Spirit.  Of this, the Tabernacle of David became the manifestation.  Amos 9:11 and Acts 15:15-18 testify thus:  “After this I will return, and will build again the Tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up.”

This spiritual, prophetic tabernacle, set up by David, where men were led, directed and controlled by the Almighty Jehovah and taught His ways, and enabled to live in His Spirit, was intensely pleasing to Jehovah.  He determined to raise it up again with the Kingdom of God in Apostolic times, for the residue of men.  And though it again fell into ruins; a third time, Christ is determined it shall be fully restored with the kingdom, this time to fall down no more.

David was a victorious warrior.  Seldom, if ever was he defeated.  The enemies of Israel were subdued.  Israel became the master of the situation.  He stuck so close to Jehovah that he commanded respect from all.  He brought all into order of the Lord.  He was truly a great man, a servant of the mighty Jehovah.  He held himself and his people where the Lord could work.  It was a changed nation.  If his successors kept the same pace, they soon would be the ruling nation of the world.  

A Spiritual Kingdom

John the Baptist preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2).  Jesus said, “The law and the prophets were until John: since that the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it” (Matthew 4:23).  “And Jesus went about Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease among the people” (Luke 16:16).

This was an entirely new Gospel, never before announced.  And, the ministry of healing in such profusion had not been known.  Great multitudes followed Jesus.

As a nation, Israel had failed to grasp Jehovah’s plans for them, or His purposes for them, as a kingdom.  Something ought to be done for the Gentile nations also.  The Lord therefore started a spiritual kingdom movement.  How many times He has devised so many great benefits of His grace.  This was distinctly based on man’s spiritual needs, while past visitations looked more to his temporal welfare.

The nature, extent, and practical application of God’s spiritual kingdom was little known or understood by men.  Jesus did not lecture on the kingdom, but He preached, practiced, and set the powers of the kingdom in operation: “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power” (I Corinthians 4:20).  For three and a half years, Jesus performed the miracles and words of the kingdom of God among the people of Israel.  He also ordained twelve, and then seventy, and sent them forth to preach the kingdom and work miracles.

It was not the design of Jesus Christ to keep His power within Himself.  Rather, it was His delight to share with is own.  He will bring many sons to glory, and call them “brethren.”  Sanctifier and sanctified are all of one (Hebrew 2:11).

So we find Jesus arranging to perpetuate the kingdom of heaven after His departure, by appointing apostles and promising them, “You shall receive the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon you” (Acts 1:8).  That same Holy Spirit and power that rested on the Lord Jesus fell on the believers, and lo, here was a ministry of the same kind, the like of which had never been seen.  This was the ministry of the kingdom of heaven.  As long as they stayed under the control of the Holy Spirit and in the enduement of power, nothing could stand before them.

Jew and Gentile opposed with terrible persecution; but nothing could stay the tide of salvation: “So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed” (Acts 19:20).  With a lightning-like flash of glory from the face of Jesus Christ, the strongest opposer was struck down, and transformed into Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.  “And the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).

Ten years after the first outpouring, Peter having “the keys of the kingdom,” was sent to a devout Gentile, Cornelius by name, to open the door of privilege to Gentiles into the kingdom.  “While Peter was speaking these words,” describing the former Holy Spirit outpouring, “the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the word” (Acts 10:44).

This is concerning that original Kingdom of Heaven movement, brought to earth by the Son of God and set going by Him, and continued by the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  If the gift of the Spirit is but the earnest, what may we expect when the Latter Rain comes?

This was not generally known as the kingdom movement.  In the next chapter is to be shown how it was carried forward, and the operations by which it worked. 

The Ecclesia and Sons of God

The means, methods, and tools used to build the Kingdom of Heaven are assembled in the Ecclesia.  The working power is that of the Holy Spirit.  The workmen are called overcomers, or, Sons of God.  The Tools to be used by the workmen is the Word of God coupled with the gifts and powers of the Holy Spirit.

The word “church” is a universally used word for most any kind of a religious assembly.  Because of its association with so many unspiritual things, and not being a correct translation of the word Ecclesia, it is not fit to be used as the name of God’s congregation.  “Ecclesia” is the original word used by the apostles.  It is now an English word.  It means the summoned or called out.  Ecclesia is the correct word used by the Spirit, for a Holy Spirit baptized company.  Church is the name belonging to modern gatherings.

In the assembling of an Ecclesia, there are of necessity, babes and those in various stages of development in the Spirit, who should have opportunity to exercise their gifts in the Spirit: but the principle activity should be by mature sons of God.

“Set in,” or “adopted,” are Scripture names of the acts by which individual members are placed in their proper relation to the Ecclesia.  We are all baptized into, or set in as members of one body.  We are thus set into the body of Christ with some gift operation that corresponds to a part or office in the body, as being a foot or ear.  These gifts might not be well recognized at first.

In the early Ecclesia, when one came to begin operating in their gift, it was publicly noted and given place.  There was a preparation, a process of growth by the Holy Ghost development by teaching, revelation, circumcision, crucifixion, chastisement, refining, and recreation.  When they were sufficiently mature, they were “set in” their place in the Ecclesia, as prophet, teacher or whatever was their proper place.  This was done with imposition of hands, dedication, prayer, etc., as led.  They were “adopted.”  Paul describes this in Romans 8:14-16 and Galatians 4:1-7.

He illustrates by the Roman custom of celebrating, the majority of a son.  So, when a son in the assembly of Holy Spirit control, he was acknowledged publicly by the word of the Lord, and given the Spirit in adoption measure after which he was known as the son of God with high privileges.  An Ecclesia run in the Spirit by prophets, miracle workers, wisdom teachers, etc., would be a mighty sight to behold.

In those days, the Ecclesia was full of miracles and full of the presence of the Spirit of God.  It continued so for many years.  It flourished and multiplied exceedingly.  But after awhile, carnal men gained control and an educated ministry arose and took the place of Holy Ghost gift ministries.  The Ecclesia fell down and became a human church.  The Kingdom of Heaven, the Ecclesia and its sons of God were so utterly lost, we know not they existed as they were.

Wise and godly men have made strong efforts at restoration: but with partial success only.  Full restoration is yet to come.  It will come and more, as there is a move from the Lord.  And if this described is an earnest, what shall we see in the fullness of times?

Previous to the coming of Jesus, the Word of God came to prophets: but in the Ecclesia, the word of God came to both the people and the ministry.

This chapter is a brief reference to doings in the Kingdom of God in its visitation on earth: so miraculous and wonderful.  It has been lost, but will shortly be restored in great power, in the kingdom of Jesus Christ, before and after His coming. 

A Miracle Kingdom

The Kingdom of Heaven is a miracle realm, for it is the dwelling place and operation sphere of Jehovah Elohim, Lord God.  It is the how and where He works.  That is to say, Jehovah is always working in miracles.  The supernatural elements pertain to all He does.  Therefore, when He wants something done without the supernatural in it, He employs someone on that plane to do it.

In the world and universe there are laws, principles, or ways of existing and operating, which Jehovah has established.  But He is under, nor servant to any of them.  His will or His Word is His only law.  It is not that God breaks law, but He is far above them.  In fact, Jehovah is far beyond all our ideas of measurements in every way.  He is infinite.

There is a natural effort to comprehend God, but it will never succeed.  Jehovah can be rightly known only by His revealing Himself.  Almost the whole Christian world is astray here.  They have rejected or neglected the miracle working power of supernatural revelation: without which the way cannot be found; but is lost in a natural labyrinth tangle.

Jesus coming, preaching, and operating the Kingdom of Heaven among men, and His appointing to men the same activity: was the approach of an invitation to men to come up and operate with Jehovah in the same realm of miracles He lived and moved in.  “I said, Ye are gods, …unto whom the Word of God came” (John 10:34).  “All of you are children of the Most High” (Psalm 82:6).

This is the very height of privilege that has ever been offered to men, to share with Christ in miracle working power.  In the last of Matthew, the risen Jesus came to the disciples and said, “All power is given to Me in heaven and in earth… Go you therefore… And, lo, I am with you alway” (Matthew 28:18-20).  Thus, Jesus implied, all power is with you.  “Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19).

There were conditions of abandonment, and processes of preparation to pass through, but He would undertake the task, with winnowing fan, refining fire, fuller’s soap, and chastening rod.  His Word was all powerful preparation.  “Lacked you anything?” (Luke 22:35).  Every obstacle had been conquered, as all power was present.

This greatest of offers was abundantly carried out.  They went everywhere, and the Lord worked with them in signs and wonders and diverse miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Satanic wrath knew no bounds, and persecution was fierce.  But the Word of God grew exceedingly.  For years, nothing could stay the tide.

It is astonishing both to the Lord and men who have become acquainted with the magnanimous love and unselfish deep concern of Almighty Jehovah, for our race; and His desire for their welfare and fellowship.  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16).  “We have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (James 5:11).

Equally surprising is it that men are so shy and reluctant about venturing out on the power of God.  Why are we so fearful?  Where is found the manifestation of the power and presence divine, is the safest place of all.  “Thou blest Rock of Ages, I am hiding in You.”

God will yet show in these end-time days, a way of close approach to His chosen one, most glorious and successful.  All glory and praise to His name.  “All shall know Me, from the least to the greatest” (Hebrews 8:11). 

Why God Allows Failures

The Gospel of the Kingdom so mightily preached and practiced in its commencement, after awhile dropped to a lesser gospel, and the miraculous disappeared in the main.  The discovery of such and similar failures, readily provoke the inquiry: seeing Jehovah is all powerful, why does He permit these lapses?  The answer is, there are three exhibitions of the character, ability and tendencies of three classes of beings.

Exhibit No. 1.  Satan has made an attack on Jehovah, by denying His Word to man, and by charging Him with keeping man in ignorance, and with a prolonged most vicious attack upon His creation, especially upon the redeemed.  Jehovah could have immediately deprived Satan of all liberty in His universe by His supreme power.  However, the Lord decided to give Satan opportunity to exhibit his kingdom with its nature, aspects, and trend.

Throughout centuries and various dispensations, Satan has invariably shown that his whole activity and intention is vile, malicious, and malignant in the most extreme degree.  His exhibition is almost ended, and his dethronement and imprisonment are near.  All right thinking beings, are seeing he is a character too dangerous to be at large.  All his assertions against Jehovah and His servants are proven to be malicious lies.

Exhibit No. 2.  Man, as created was to be, so to speak, a sort of spiritual battery of dynamic center of the power of God.  Before his preparatory training advanced very far, he met Satan who threw him down and wrecked him.  This necessitated changes in God’s procedure with man.  It cost Him the highest possible sacrifice, His only begotten Son.  He paid the price, won the day, utterly defeated Satan, and redeemed the race of man.

In this exhibit, Jehovah would show what moral creatures would do under various dispensations: that man was created to be a manifestation of God working through him; and that his activity as proposed by Satan, as an independent god, was an utter failure under every condition.  It resulted in the flood, with one man translated, and one transferred across the flood.  The several conditions of Israel were adverse.  The Kingdom of Heaven finally faded.  Man as a free moral agent resulted in the mass of mankind being without God.

Thus, it has been clearly demonstrated that man independent of God is an utter failure.  He must come home to his Maker, or be irretrievably lost.  There is no other hope: no other way.  Priests for religion, doctors for ills, inventors and wealth for needs, and government for protection; all leave man but a wreck.

Exhibit No 3.  Jehovah Elohim, Lord God Almighty.  To show Himself supreme with all authority to rule was not sufficient.  He would demonstrate to a whole universe that He loved more, had more care, felt greater sympathy, would suffer more, and go farther for the welfare of His created children, then they could think.  He was not a tyrant or a despot wishing to rule for rule’s sake, but a loving Father seeking their happiness.  “In all their affliction, He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them, and He bare them and carried them all the days of old” (Isaiah 63:9).

In the long history of men, the Lord has permitted Himself to come into contact with men and groups of mankind many times in various circumstances and conditions, that He might illustrate by actual happenings, His character, attributes and His feelings and solicitations.  It was the desire and design of the Almighty that He might be known and understood.

An electric apparatus or battery is said to be charged when filled with electricity.  This is similar to, or somewhat describes the Almighty I AM in His mode of existence.  “I AM that I AM” (Exodus 3:14).  Indescribable, incomprehensible, infinite.  God is love.  Our God is a consuming fire.  God is light and life.  “In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”  This may be said to be an abundant, overflowing fountain of love, life, power, wisdom, Word and all that they are, so bountifully and in such intensity as a fire; infinite in every respect beyond comprehension.

It is a significant fact that the desire to impart and share with His creatures is too deep in intensity for description in earth language.  Indeed, the fervency of the divine disposition is so intense, it is unfathomable to us.  It is the delight of Jehovah to create, and provide for the comfort and welfare of His children.

These three exhibits are therefore for the information of man; that he may know the malignity, viciousness and desperate character of Satan: The awful danger of regarding him in any way.  The utter failure of man as an independent being – a god.  He must return to his true center in God, or he is ruined.

Last and greatest, to exhibit the infinite greatness of Jehovah.  And to show the beauty, grandeur, nobility, sweetness, intensity, lovingkindness, and the many glorious perfections of His character.  The exceeding riches of being made joint heir with Jesus Christ in the kingdom.  And to show what very deep interest and concern He has for the comfort and well-being of His creatures.

PART TWO

End-Time Kingdom of Jesus Christ – A New Dispensation

That Jehovah might arouse attention, create interest, and impart further benefits of His grace; He has on occasion, brought about a change in dispensations.  Which means that bringing forth of new means, methods and revelations; usually richer and more glorious than previous ones.

Usually or always, there lies between closing one dispensation and opening of another, a shot period which partakes of the powers and methods of both dispensations, and is especially filled with activities.  We are now in the early part of such an epoch; which lies between the gospel era and the times of the Gentiles, now closing; and the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and Millennium about to open.

The Gospel of the Kingdom was preached by Jesus, Peter, Paul, “With the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven” (Matthew 4:23, I Peter 1:12).  “God also bearing them witness,, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will” (Hebrews 2:4).

However, Paul makes this wonderful revelation by the Spirit.  He says, “You were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of His glory” (II Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13b-14).  If the Kingdom of God ministry, following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, was so glorious, miraculous, powerful and widespread; yet was only an earnest, a pledge or foretaste, what then must be redemption of the purchased possession, the end-time coming of “the fullness of times?” (Ephesians 1:9-14).

In Scriptures, the early and latter rain are used to illustrate the two outpourings of the Holy Spirit. In Palestine, Summers are dry.  The early rains come at Fall seeding time.  The latter rains come at the time of ripening of grain.  The early rain of the Spirit came at times of the Lord’s ministry.  The latter rain is due about now, in this lap-over period, and exceed the early rain.

The incoming dispensation will see many extraordinary events.  Most noted and central of all the rest will be the revelation of the King.  Hidden in the Scriptures are surprising occurrences in the history of this wonderful King.  Micah 5:2 reads: “And thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though you be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall He come forth to Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, to the days of eternity.”

His “goings forth” under different descriptive expressions, have been eternal, and Jesus Himself said, “I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me.” (John 8:42).

He came forth as Creator.  “By Him (the Word) were all things made” (John 1:1-3).  “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:14

“Mine Angel shall go before thee” (Exodus 23:20-23).  “The Angel of His Presence saved them” (Isaiah 63:9).  “The Angel of the covenant” (Malachi 3:1).  “They all drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (I Corinthians 10:4).  These have reference to the Lord accompany Israel as the Angel Jehovah; one of His going forth.

“So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest; but He that said to Him, Thou art My Son, today have I begotten Thee” as High Priest (Hebrews 5:5).  John also said “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), giving testimony to Christ’s sacrificial office.

“Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness, and the first begotten from the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth.  Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5, Acts 13:33-34).

Here are given occasions of the “goings forth” of Jesus Christ, sometimes when He is said to be “begotten this day” to some certain office, occupation, or service by His Father in heaven.  All of these positions are of importance!  Greatest of all when it shall be said:

The song of Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God almighty just and true are They ways, Thou King of saints.  Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name?  for Thou only art holy: for the nations shall come and worship before Thee; for Thy judgments are made manifest” (Revelation 15:3).  “There were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15).

“This is the Kingdom, Jesus said, My Father has appointed to Me” (Luke 22:29). 

Daniel and the Kingdom

Daniel, it is thought, was about 15 when he was taken from Jerusalem, a captive slave by Nebuchadnezzar.  Though a lifelong captive, Jehovah made him the great prophet to the Gentiles.  He made him head governor in the court of one king after another.  He was astute in high degree, and exercised divine authority in a superior manner, sending kings to grass, to the sword, or to his feet in obedience.  God records no correction or criticism of Daniel.  His record is without flaw.

It is commonly taught that the Mighty God did not deal with the Gentiles until after Christ came; but here is one of the mightiest of miracle working prophets offered again and again by Jehovah to Gentile kings, to be their prophet, if they would have him.  Here was an opportunity to rule the world under divine authority, offered to king after king.  The response was tardy and momentary.  With the miraculous divine authority of God’s prophet before them, they were still blind and idolatrous.

Daniel’s record is a book of Prophecy on Government.  Over and over the fundamental principle of all government is stated.  “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: for wisdom and might are His: and He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings” (Daniel 2:20).

“To the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men”  (Daniel 4:1;7, 25, 32; 5:21, 23).  The main statement is repeated four times.

“And all the inhabitants of the earth, are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him. What doeth thou?” (Daniel 4:35).  Part of the Prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar, after eating grass for seven years.

The absolute, universal, supreme, sovereign authority of all government is of God.  Jehovah is about to establish this fact by setting Jesus Christ on the throne.  “The government shall be upon His shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6, 7).

Daniel saw this, for he says: “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of Days did sit: … and behold, one like the Son of Man came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him.  And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, and nations and languages, should serve Him” (Read Daniel, Chapter 7).  This is the end-time kingdom of Jesus Christ, which Daniel sees given to Him.

In the same connection, Daniel also sees “the saints of the most high,” which is the Bride Company, “take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever.”  “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most high.”  Thus, Daniel becomes a seer of last day scenes along with John, who sees them come from heaven on white horses, to take and possess the Kingdom.

In this Chapter 7, Daniel had visions of four Gentile powerful nations.  He says: “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of Days did sit” (Daniel 7:9).  “The judgment was set” (Daniel 7:10).   “I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame” (Daniel 7:11).  Jesus “revealed” “in flaming fire.”

Thus, Daniel saw in vision, the Gentile kingdoms destroyed and the Kingdom given to the Son of Man and the most high order of the saints. 

Daniel and the Stone Kingdom

In Daniel, Chapter 2, is recorded the matchless story of Jehovah, Ruler of the Universe, performing a great miracle before Nebuchadnezzar, king of the whole then known world.  By it, God in a most practical demonstration showed the exceeding high value of Daniel’s services as prophet and counselor of the Most High.  Thereafter, the king fell on his face before Daniel and held him in high esteem, but did not call on him except in serious emergencies.  God’s offer of prophetic directing wisdom for Gentile government was too refined and heavenly to be comprehended by so gross a monarch.

He could set up a gold image of monstrous size and cast those who refused to worship it into a furnace.  He could even prophecy a little, after eating grass for seven years: but to love and worship Jehovah was beyond his ability.  Judah had failed.  The Gentiles failed.  Idol worship prevailed.

The incidents of this dream are so familiar, the explanations so many, it would not need further comment, yet there are neglected parts that apply to our time, that should be understood, especially concerning the stone.

The great image of gold, silver, brass, iron and clay, represents the leading Gentile kingdom.  The stone comes out of the mountain of the Lord, and is the kingdom the God of heaven sets up in the days of these kings.  Jesus Christ is the chief Cornerstone Stone (Acts 4:11).

The power, nature, manner and method of the Kingdom of God is little understood by men.  It strikes terrific blows upon the metal image, until the whole structure is reduced to bits like chaff carried away by the wind.  No place was found for them.  The stone grows and becomes a great mountain, a kingdom filling the whole earth.

Jesus said of this Kingdom of God: “whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken.”  That is, become broken and contrite in sprit.  “But on whomsoever it shall fall, it shall grind him to powder” (Matthew 21:42-44).  This same stone is presently doing the work of the Kingdom.

John sees Jesus with winnowing fan, driving by wind, the chaff from the threshing floor, which is the earth (Matthew 3:12).  Malachi 3:1-2, sees Him as a refiner of gold and silver; and with fuller’s soap.  The Lord, in this way, uses natural activities to illustrate spiritual processes.

Jehovah regards this earth as one vast threshing floor, where the wheat is perfected and the chaff separated.  Or, as one immense refinery where the dross is removed from gold and silver.  It is His workshop.  It is His exposition pavilion.  Here, God shows what He can and will do.  Here, He exposes the malevolence of Satan and his accomplices.  Here, He exhibits mankind and their character and the results of their careers.

The character and procedure of the Kingdom of God are so entirely different from the ways of men, they do not compare.  God’s Kingdom has no carnal weapons with swords and guns.  War, hate, envy, ambition and unholy motives are unknown.  Everyone gets so much better than he expected or deserved, he is highly satisfied.

This Kingdom is not just set up at a certain time.  Various steps toward its consummation have been taken at different times, even quite far apart.  For instance, the Kingdom of God was preached by Jesus and others in Bible times.  But its full consummation is now at hand.  The New Testament Ecclesia was glorious with its sons of God set in.  But the latter house with manifested sons, will excel in glory.  The group of apostles excelled all previous happenings, yet was only an earnest of the latter day outpouring.

This world being the place where the Lord carries on His works in, for, and with mankind: He has never ceased working to bring to perfection a race, a nation, a people after His own plan, intelligent, understanding spiritual, holy, heavenly-minded, gifted, able to rule in His Kingdom, God-like in nobility of character.

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I AM Jehovah which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith Jehovah” (Jeremiah 9:23-24). 

The Stone Smites the Image

Jehovah, the Lord God of Hosts, is about to bring forth a movement, so vast in proportions, so dynamic in power, so revolutionary in its effects; that the present order of society, the currents of civilization, and the structure of nations, will receive such an earthquake shock, such a disintegration, and grinding and milling, as of a combination machine: and analysis of men, motives and methods, institutions, and movements; that the whole world will be changed, completely remodeled.  It will be fashioned after the divine plan, and will indeed “Be a fit place to live, and suitable for the King to rule.”

This revolution will penetrate, examine and analyze by divine judgment power, the motives, character and intentions of every group, assembly, institution, and society among men.  This activity and ministry will be in the hands of a new ministry, a priesthood of whom Peter says: “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people” (I Peter 2:9).  “You also, as living stones, are build up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices” (I Peter 2:5).

This end-time priesthood will be the most powerful ministry the Lord has ever sent out.  Nothing can stand before it.  It will consume and break in pieces the whole structure and fabric of nations, Babylon, civilization, religion, and every thing man has built up under satanic influences, and most of that which has been constructed under heavenly influences, because it is so perverted and contaminated by wrong motives, and ideas contrary to the incoming Kingdom of Jesus Christ that is being set up.

This is the time of God’s house-cleaning of His earthen workshop.  Look carefully at your condition and relationship to the King, lest you be in the chaff which the wind driveth away.  What a dust, as demon spirits and those who associate with them are herded off from the earth.  See those great edifices go crashing to pieces, one and then another.

These judgment messengers of the King are empowered with the mightiest weapon in the universe, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of good.  All things and beings obey the command of the Word of Jehovah.  At His Word, creation springs forth, and the objectionable disappears.  These redeemed and recreated sons of God go forth panoplied with divine armor, to prepare the earth for the King and the Kingdom.  The description of this, the latter day company of Jehovah of Hosts, is describes in Joel 2:1-17:

“Jehovah shall utter His voice (speak His Word) before His army: for His camp is very great: for He is strong the executes His Word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it” (Joel 2:11).  This army is Jehovah’s restoration hosts, not a so called a bunch of men of human organization, but a company of Divine formation: invincible and all conquering.

This is the white horse and the rider of Revelation, Chapter 5.  This is the angel with the Everlasting Gospel; and the Son of man with a sharp sickle, sitting on a white cloud, working through this cloud of white saints: Joel’s army (Revelation 14:6, 14).  The last call to repentance.

There is one more view of this army of Zion riding white horses to Jehosaphat, Armageddon, the “Valley of Decision” (Joel 3:14), where Jesus Christ, the Word of God, “shall be revealed from heaven, with the angels of His power, in flaming fire” (II Thessalonians 1:7-8a).  “Whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming” (II Thessalonians 2:8).

At Armageddon, with one final decisive blow, a flash of the Word of God, the opposition is destroyed.  The Stone smites the image, seemingly indestructible, into chaff.  Ashes under foot.

Thus, we have seen the triumph of Jesus, the Word of God, with His Word of God white-horse army.  This is distinctively a war by the Word of God.  Only those who come into speaking by the prophetic Word are able to fight.  That sword of the Spirit is the decisive weapon.  Humble yourself to come into the spoken Word or be left out.  The word of man is powerless to produce spiritual results.  “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which lives and abides forever” (I Peter 1:23).

We have seen the smiting of the image through the prophetic army, and there are other ways of smiting.  The red horse is taking peace from the earth.  A mighty sword is in her hand and she is slaughtering Christians.  “Strong is the Lord who judges her” (Revelation 18:8).

The black horse of famine has begun riding.  Death, the rider on the pale horse, has by the sword, destroyed many millions in the last war, and by deliberate slaughter, five or six million Jews alone.

“Thus saith the Lord: such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; as are for captivity, to captivity” (Jeremiah 1:2).  “The burden of Babylon… He shall destroy the sinner thereof out of it” (Isaiah 13:1, 9).

It may be supposed by those who have wandered far from the knowledge of God, that Jehovah cares little for earth happenings: but those who are intimate with Him, know that He is a God of judgment, and retribution upon those who neglect His righteous commands, is at hand.  “Damnation slumbers not” (II Peter 2:3).

We are, by the Holy Spirit’s direction, considering the various judgment scenes of the Stone smiting the image until it becomes like chaff.  I wondered how Jesus, “King of saints,” could rule over nations so wicked and rebellious, until I saw that when the book of title deed was given Him in Revelation, Chapter 5: it was a sealed book.  None but Judah’s Lion could break the seals and look into the book.

We have already seen that the breaking of four seals brought four mighty horses, or powers, into the world.  The first, a white horse, is the power of the Everlasting Gospel, bringing a great ingathering of all who will hear the call to forsake rebellion and rally to the King of saints.  This is the multitude of the end-time revival attending the Lamb’s opening the first seal.  Magnificent scenes of glory in the latter rain.

Then, the second seal and the diabolical masterpiece, the great antichrist movement, to put Jehovah and His Christ out of the world.  But Satan is put out.  Then come the black and pale horses.

The opening of the fifth seal pertains to giving white robes to the martyrs.

The sixth seal extends the day of God’s wrath to the physical.  “There was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell.  The heavens departed as a scroll when it is rolled together.  Every mountain and island were moved out of their places.  Kings, great men, all classes cried for the rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them from the face of Him that sits upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb” (Revelation 6:12-16).  So is the smiting of the Stone.

Afterwards, there is a pause.  Four angels are holding the wind of the winnowing fan purging His floor, are held back for the sealing of the 144,000 to be taken up later. (Matthew 3:12, Daniel 2:35, Revelation 7:1).

John gets a glimpse of the innumerable company of martyrs who came out of the great tribulation.  Then, in Revelation, Chapter 8, at the opening of the seventh, he sees seven angels, each given a trumpet.  Also, another angel offers on the alter before the throne, the prayers of saints and much incense.  He then fills his golden censer with fire from the alter, and casts it into the earth; and there were voices, thunder, lightning, earthquake.

The seven trumpets are seven very severe smitings of the stone finishing “the mystery of God” in His fearful consuming of the image, and destroying the wicked Gentile nations.  As described in Daniel, Chapter 2, and Revelation, Chapters 6 to 10; and by the Spirit here commented upon.

PART THREE

The Consumption

Daniel saw the Stone Kingdom consume the kingdoms of the image.  Isaiah, in Chapter 28, also saw a “Consumption” with further explanations.  Thereto is added the further comments given by the Spirit.

Introduction

In the near future, the seventh angel shall sound, and voices in heaven will proclaim,

“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ: and He shall reign forever and ever.”  Revelation 11:15

However so exalted a realm as that over which Jesus Christ rules in righteousness, holiness, justice and peace could not proceed successfully, while there remained so much turmoil, unrest, rebellion, and disobedience among its subjects.

Accordingly, divine skill and wisdom has arranged a far reaching and elaborate plan of renovation and transformation; which Jehovah calls by names, expressing its character.

Verses 14-19, of this Isaiah 28; describes this “Strange Work,” as “An Overflowing Scourge,” which floods every nook and corner, so that not a hiding place can be found anywhere, the whole world around.  Every last one of men is discovered and hunted from their hiding.  “The refuge of lies,” as false teachings and doctrines will be exploded, demolished and swept away.  It is compared to a man stretching himself on a bed that is too short; and trying to wrap himself in a cover that is too narrow. A message which is a vexation to understand: so serious and exacting are its requirements, so searching its teachings. 

Consumption in the High Calling

Those who remain in Christ’s Kingdom, and especially those in office, must come into perfect harmony with its government principles.  The processes, methods and means by which men are adjusted and suited to Jesus Christ and His rule, is here called, “His work, His strange work: and bring to pass His act, His strange act” (Isaiah 28:21).  This applies to the whole activity of Jehovah in the end-time, which is carried on for preparation of the world kingdom for the personal reign of Christ.  It is called “A Consumption.”  This includes all classes and nations both righteous and wicked.  It is consumption for salvation or destruction.

In this end-time classification, which is according to character attainment, the first or highest division is in three groups (Revelation 12) named Man-child, Overcomer, and Remnant.  The consumption for them is a period in which the processes called refiner’s fire, fuller’s soap, winnowing fan, washing by the Word, chastisement, crucifixion and the like are faithfully endured, until they gain perfection, become overcomers and are spiritual sons.

To these groups, consumption means consuming and riddance from every evil and objectionable character flaw; and deliverance from the old fallen nature, and death put out of the body, “swallowed up of life.”  And “they are without fault before the throne of God” (Revelation 14:5).

This process of consumption, applied to overcomers, is described in verses 9-13.  It is asked, “Whom shall be taught this doctrine of consumption and perfection?”  Not to unweaned babies, for it requires careful consideration to acquire such knowledge, and much development in experience.  It must be those baptized in the Holy Spirit and entering the prophetic realm.  This is God’s way and is entirely superior to any natural way of man.

Once having entered this school of Christ by this new and living way, we begin learning “Precept, upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little and there a little” (Isaiah 28:13).  This is a serious and most practical school, and the Holy Spirit is an earnest exacting master.  He expects minute mastery of every part of every lesson.  Only divine illumination and assistance can enable one to make the grade.

To those students in this school of the Spirit, it is also taught that you must rest from your own works.  This is the Sabbath.  “Turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My Holy Day; and call the Sabbath a delight; the Holy of the Lord, honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, no speaking thine own words” (Isaiah 58:13, Hebrews 4:1-12).

This is the true Christian prophetic Sabbath of rest from the ways and works of man, separate and independent from the Holy Spirit, by whom the Word of the Lord comes forth; precept upon precept, line upon line; here a little and there more and more, as we go deeper into the Spirit and prophetic state.

For those who choose the “More excellent way” (I Corinthians 12:31), and “Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14), there is an entrance into the Celestial realm.  These become mature and adopted sons of God.  To this residue, “in that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty” (Isaiah 28:5).  “The King’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold” (Psalm 45:13).  These become the manifested sons of God (Romans 8:19). 

Consumption for the Born Again

But we may not linger to describe the many glorious privileges of this way so exalted and grand, and which calls for consumption of all that is earthly.  Jehovah is exceeding gracious and longsuffering.  He arranged a measure of consumption for all who are His children by birth from above, described to Nicodemus.  He has many dear children.  Some devout and devoted, and having a measure of the Spirit, more or less.  For each, according to his several state, there shall be apportioned a supply of consumption grace that each may be fitted for his station, and come up in his own order or rank (John 3:1, I Corinthians 15:23).

Whatever is superfluous shall by consumption, be taken away.  Whatever is lacking or necessary that may come up to the capacity of his proper rank or order, shall by grace by supplied.  There shall be no lack.  “I, the Lord am ordaining a ministry that shall be sufficient to prepare what may be necessary for every end-time requirement.”

There are many born again ones who have been snared by the fowler (Psalm 91:3).  They have been drawn into teachings, beliefs, and isms that are dangerous, injurious, and false.  The Lord is preparing and equipping with the tools of His Word, ministries adapted to the consumption and destruction of every spider web, and the deliverance of every captive one who can be delivered and rescued by His Word and miracle working power.  Babylon with her hordes of demons shall not be able to hold them: they shall be delivered.  Satan’s stronghold shall be demolished.  They shall be afraid at her doom, and flee for their lives, frightened at her consumption.

When those rescued see the consuming of the folly from which they have escaped, multitudes shall rejoice with might rejoicings.  The earth shall resound with echoes of delight.  The wicked shall be abashed and filled with fear at the miraculous deliverances, and the wreck of their institutions, for the “refuge of lies.”

The vast extent and far reaching proportions of this movement of the day of Jehovah in which His wrath is poured out in “His strange act;” a consumption wherein false teachings, various societies and groups are destroyed, can hardly be imagined.  He will clear out of the world, the last one of them that is contrary to His government.  Means and methods will not be limited to His personal fiat alone: but He will raise up and equip ministers in whose mouth is the Word of Consumption. 

Consumption Upon the Wicked

Consumption upon the incorrigible and unbelieving wicked of the earth is also determined by Jehovah.  Many will have met their doom and been swept out of the world, for having opposed the advancing movements of the Almighty, and for hindering those who were being delivered from the snare.  These events pertain to the great and notable day of the Lord.  Many prophecies in Scripture describe phases of this appalling time of retribution.

Wickedness is rapidly progressing from extreme to extreme.  Satan’s audacious design to put Jehovah and Jesus Christ and their worship out of the earth; and set up worship of the beast and false prophet instead; will require Jehovah to put Satan and his followers off the face of the earth.  This He will do by His strange act of Consumption.

In Isaiah, Chapter 13 and 24, it says: “A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the Lord of hosts musters the hosts of battle.  They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the Lord, and the weapons of His indignation, to destroy the whole land.”

“Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.  Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.”  “And I will punish the world, for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity.”

“The stars of heaven and the constellation thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.”

“Behold, the Lord makes the earth empty, and makes it waste, and turns it upside down, and scatters abroad the inhabitants thereof.”

Jeremiah 25:30 “Prophesy you against them… The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter His voice from His holy habitation… He shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.  A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth: for the Lord has a controversy with the nations, He will plead with all flesh: He will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord.”

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coast of the earth.  And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth.”

In a severe stage of consumption, “Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth” (Zechariah 14:12). 

The Days of Vengeance

In the coming days of vengeance, all things that are written will be fulfilled.  There will be wars and commotions, signs in sun and moon and stars, distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and waves roaring, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, plagues, fearful sights and great signs from above. (Luke 21).   A vast consumption.

“Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth… And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great wine press of wrath of God” (Revelation 14:18-19). 

ARMAGEDDON

Revelation 16:14-16, Joel 3:1-14, Zephaniah 3:8, Zechariah 14:2-3, Jeremiah 25:30-31)

Here is the gathering of “the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the great Battle of the great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:14-16).

In Joel, the Lord says, “I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehosophat, and will plead with them there for My people.  Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together around about... Come up to the valley of Jehosophat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen around about… Put you in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe… Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:1-14).

It is called the “valley of decision.”  It is the most momentous and important, and probably – largest battle ever fought.  It is the decision that settles the rule of Jesus Christ, and ends the interference in earth affairs.  It prepares the way to eject Satan from this world, and ends wicked rulers sway.  “Jehovah has a controversy with the nations” (Jeremiah 25:31), which ends here.

Revelation, Chapters 15 and 16, give an account of the closing scenes of the consumption.  The plagues of seven vials of God’s wrath are poured out.  Vials six and seven have to do with Armageddon and events leading up to it.  A great voice from the throne declares, “It is done” (Revelation 16:17), meaning this is the finish of the iniquity.

There were voices, and thunders, and lightnings, and a great earthquake, mightier than was ever know, which changed the face of the earth.  Every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.  (See Zechariah 14:4-10).

Babylon, modern civilization, government and religion and the old, come up for consumption in wrath of the Almighty God.  Described in Revelation Chapters 17 and 18.  Summed up and declared, “True and righteous” beginning in Chapter 19.

Then comes the closing scenes of Armageddon.  Following the marriage of the Lamb, heaven opens and forth comes Jesus Christ, the Word of God, riding a white horse: accompanied by His armies on white horses.

His weapon is the sword, the WORD flashing out of His mouth, suddenly slays like lightning flash, the whole army.  The beast and false prophets are cast into a lake of fire.  Revelation, Chapter 20 tell us Satan is bound with a might chain, and sealed in the bottomless pit.  Thus, is the consumption of Satan’s kingdom complete.

So is the story of His strange act of consumption, which is a world housecleaning, and preparation, so that it can be said, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).

“The former things are passed away, And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:4-5).

As a final search, “The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom, all things that offend, and them which do iniquity” (Matthew 13:41). 

Jehovah the Infinite Designer

Here, Isaiah in closing Chapter 28, descends from lofty heights of world-wide events, to a homely parable of the grain grower.  He remarks, the ploughman is not always ploughing; he sows the principal wheat and the lesser grains in their appropriate places.  And when the threshing time comes, he has a proper machine and method for each grain.

God instructs man to discretion, and teaches him.  Here is pointed out a great fact.  Jehovah Himself is the Author of all arts and sciences, and the skilled Inventor of all machines, mechanics, and devices.  Discoveries come to man, but they originate in the Almighty.  “In Him (Christ) are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

God honors men frequently, who are diligent searchers, with the discovery of secrets of science and nature.  But they are well known, all of them to the Lord.  He highly honors men who follow after Him; as He did Moses, giving him the pattern of the tabernacle.  And also, Bezaleel with skill, and David with the pattern of the temple, and Daniel with government wisdom, and Paul with Gospel mysteries.

Thus, it is seen how the Creator has taught His creatures the many useful and valuable secrets and powers that lie all about, awaiting man’s harnessing them and using them.  Yet, there is an important very high teaching which is expressed in the last verse, that this parable is intended to convey.  The meaning is, this, the account of His strange act comes from Jehovah of Hosts, who is wonderful in wisdom, and excellent in His working.

So extensive and so comprehensive are the designs wrapped up in the vast plan of Jehovah that they surpass human conception.  He has required centuries of time to carry out their purposes: sages and seers widely separated by periods of time, to prophetically foretell and describe, and nations rise and fall, to illustrate its many phases.

Moses and his theocracy, David with a divinely given and directed kingdom, Daniel and Gentile kings, Jesus and the kingdom of heaven, Paul and the Ecclesia, the United States, and finally, the End-Time “Kingdom of Christ and of God” (Ephesians 5:5).  By the various kingdom manifestations, by the prophets in their teachings, descriptions, and works and accompanying judgments; and by His dealings with nations, kings and individuals, God has sought to make men understand the laws, principles, and ways of the kingdom.

By Moses, He showed what he could and would do for a nation of slaves when He was absolute Sovereign.  By continuous miracles, Jehovah freed them, fed them with manna, supplied them with water, spread a cloud for protection from the sun, destroyed their enemies, and caused clothes and shoes to last forty years.  All necessary laws were given, and He gave them a goodly land.  Nothing was lacking.

The kingdom under David advanced rapidly in prestige and power, showing that under a righteous king who kept in communion and harmony with the Lord; He would soon put the whole world at his feet.  Solomon started brilliantly under divine favor, but his heathen wives caused him to sin.  David was an illustration of a king constantly seeking for the Lord to guide him.

Israel lost her position of promised world-rule, which passed over to Gentiles.  The captive Daniel, a man of spotless character and stalwart loyalty to Jehovah, was used to present the opportunity to heathen kings, of having a prophet of the living God as their counselor.  Under great pressure, they accepted Daniel’s prophetic direction and explanations, but Daniel’s God remained a stranger to them.  Daniel showed that a man could live right with God even in a godless heathen court.

When He came, “Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:23).  He attended to the spiritual part of the kingdom, leaving the government until His return.

By personal dealings in blessing or in judgment, in precept or example, with kings or with prophets: Jehovah has sought to give men an insight and an understanding of His kingdom and its laws and methods.  For He is not despotic, merely seeking to exercise authority, but He loves to have delightful heart obedience from those who understand.  He could compel, but prefers to persuade –“All day long I have stretched forth my hands to a disobedient and gainsaying people” (Romans 10:21).  The ways of the Lord are the most tender, pitiful and courteous imaginable. “Behold!  I stand at the door and knock.  If any man hear” (Revelation 3:20).  O, the infinite pains the Almighty takes for the information of His creatures.

So, it is plainly to be seen that Jehovah has with lavish hand, bestowed efforts to convey to the comprehension of all classes of mankind, an insight into the nature and the operation of the Kingdom of God, so that they might enter and dwell therein, in full communion and fellowship with the Sovereign of high heaven, and not be destroyed with the wicked.

Accordingly, we see the Lord visiting men of different rank with messages of prophecy that invite attention to the value and necessity of Kingdom relations.

The measure of response to these divine advances has been rather meager, and over and again, Kingdom advancement has retarded and even gone backward until its ways disappeared from the earth.  Even now, where are to be found prophetic Kingdom apostles, prophets, or wisdom teachers?  Where?  A genuine fully supernatural kingdom movement has not been seen for centuries.  It is high time for the King to arrive on the scene and set up His Kingdom.

This ends the survey of past Kingdom movements, and as well, a considerable number of prophetic descriptions of past doings and future expectations. 

PART FOUR

PREPARATION FOR THE KINGDOM – Intervention

That dispensation in which free moral agents could oppose the plans of God, if they chose so to do, has seen many terrible tragedies.  The arch opposer will shortly be hurled into the bottomless pit, and his followers meet destruction.  To carry out the divine exhibition, this had to be.  The authority and power of God is now coming into action, to raise the world out of its wicked slump.  These activities of Jehovah will bring a complete transformation everywhere.

In order that the heirs of God shall become full overcomers, it is necessary that the power of God be exercised more than in the past, and decidedly stronger than these sons can ask or think.  The Lord has called this degree of His independent power, exercises for His elect as revealed to me, “Intervention.”  He has put an intervention over me, which I have never asked or expected.  By it, many things have been received unsought and unexpected.  My joy and delight is exceeding.

Without this divine intervention, it would not be possible for one to go through the testings, tryings, and chastisements necessary to become one of Daniel’s highest order of saints who take the Kingdom.  And, there are other reasons for the coming of intervention.  Those experiences and privileges, given to the Apostles and their followers as wisdom teachers, miracle workers in the true Ecclesia, so long lost, must be restored.  We are to grow up into Christ in everything.

Then too, Paul prayed for the Ephesians that they might know the exceeding greatness of the resurrection power of Christ (Ephesians 1:16-23).  And who now knows what that is?  And Peter says there is “A salvation that even now stands ready for unveiling at the end of the age” (I Peter 1:5).  The resurrection degree and end-of-the-age salvation, call for a powerful intervention.

When the Lord works miracles in answer to faith, He is at home.  When He performs miracles of deliverance and aid of His own will unsolicited, this is intervention, whether it be protection, finance, revelation or what not.  And when it continues year after year, it is wonderfully rich.

When there is somewhere a need, and the Lord steps in and supplies that need, this is intervention.  When an affair requires labor and time to accomplish, and the Lord, by a miracle of His powerful Word, immediately performs the deed, this is intervention.  For instance, Israel and Pharaoh at the Red Sea: one delivered, the other submerged.  Many other instances were experienced by Israel.

Jehovah has always exercised, whenever He chose, His absolute sovereign power.  But the privilege of having an experience of intervention as a divine grace is especially noted at this time, rather than in the past.  Our attitude is one of loving welcome recognition and response, when it is proffered, rather than seeking and asking for it.  The Lord may, as in Paul, strike down and instantly convert a violent opposer and make him His messenger.  It is not so much these extraordinary acts, as it is the introduction of a miraculous daily assisting experience of divine help at points of difficulty.  Not to be claimed by faith, but to be recognized and accepted when it appears.

This may be said to be the overcomers grace, added to enable him to succeed.  It is wise to keep constantly in mind, that we are entering a new dispensation, having new and powerful divine manifestations, with which we may not be familiar.  This was a failure of Jewish leaders facing Jesus.  They thought Him an innovator.  They could not endure to have their traditions demolished.  Look where you step, least you stumble and fall at this point.  He is that Stumbling Stone.  The greatest changes this world has ever known are on hand.  “Who may abide in the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appears?” (Malachi 3:2).

Personal experience of intervention is just one of many new moves the Lord is preparing.  Satan too, is launching efforts.  If you rely upon your own shrewdness you will be baffled.

Man as created, was fitted to dwell and operate in the spirit realm, or the miracle realm.  When he fell, he lost that capacity.  In some way, the enemy seems to have imparted a fear and a distrust of that region, making man wary of its activities.  Comparatively few have ventured to explore its riches or cash in its capital.  Yet, the Lord is determined to raise up a new race, who will be at home in miracle land.  Intervention is one of His efforts in that direction.  There are others.

Once having made man for such capacities, the Creator will not be defeated.  He will have such overcomers.  Happy are those so chosen.  There has been a crossing of the line between the earthly and the heavenly.  Jesus descended from above, and intervention does the same.  Again, it is repeated!  Oh, the infinite sacrifice and effort the Almighty has expended to save men that they might know Him, and prove His existence and veracity if they would.  Ample proofs are nigh at hand.

For God, the Almighty living One, has made Himself known through the creation, even His eternal power and divine Being; so all are without excuse (Romans 1:19-21). 

Classification

Scriptures and experience both give ample proof of degrees in our spiritual development, as we press toward the “mark” for the prize.  Jesus taught, some thirty, some sixty, and some an hundred fold.  Paul said, I have fed you with milk, for you are babes.  John named little children, young men, old men, and sons of God.  “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4).  “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Moses was above other prophets (Numbers 12:5, 8).  David classified his mighty men according to their attainment (II Samuel 23).  In the resurrection, each in his sown rank, or division (I Corinthians 15:23 Moffatt).  Seven classes of overcomers, manchild, and remnant, and other groups in Revelation.

We have received permission to insert the following that was given to David Lee Floyd, which simply and clearly sets forth this truth. 

A Dream vision

I stood upon a large stadium that had been erected to face a large gradual sloping hill.  The hill sloped downward toward the stadium.  Thousands of people were seated upon the hillside and faced the stadium.  They were grouped in many orders.  They were also in many shades of color.  I do not mean races or different nationalities.  Some were very white, some very dark.  There were many varieties of shades between black and white.

These thousands of people were gathered and seated in their various ranks.  They were waiting for the Lord to give them the last great message, for the preparation for His coming to set up the Kingdom of God among men.

I was seated in the stadium not knowing that I was going to do more than to just view the thousands of God’s people seated in their various ranks upon the hillside.  I studied their faces.  I was fully aware that the Holy Spirit was opening my eyes and my understanding to discern the many ranks of His people.  As I have stated above, every group or rank was of a different shade of color to the others.  The highest order was the whitest; and the lowest the darkest.  Everyone was in rank according to the light of God abiding within them.  This had nothing at all to do with their race or nationality.  In fact, there was neither race nor nationality represented.  Everyone was located according to their individual rank.

As I looked upon this great throng of thousands upon thousands of the Lord’s people; I was in deep meditation concerning their various degrees of experience.

The Spirit of the Lord began to move upon me.  I was moved to raise up and say something.  I arose to my feet, opened my mouth, and the Voice of the Lord began to pour forth like water.  The Voice was calling upon the people to: “Repent, make Restitution and Prepare for the Judgment of God that begins with this House.”

Thousands were trembling, for the power of God was shaking them.  The very hill was trembling at His presence.  I awoke, preaching with a loud voice, and a great anointing from the Lord.

The scribe of this book has not emphasized repentance, restitution, confession and kindred truths, as much as is necessary; not because he does not believe it necessary, for he does.  But, there are other equally or more neglected truths laid upon him by the Lord: as prophecy, revelation, wisdom preparation in higher senses.  But someone must preach repentance.  “We then as workers together” (II Corinthians 6:1).

This dream shows up in one instance by color, a simple, vast, clear, exact picture of the state of the Lord’s people.  I presume He could give a dozen equally skillful photos.  The Bible contains many wonderful word pictures.  Revelation is amazing.

Here is one from a friend: “I was thinking, I am in the kingdom, etc., when the Lord spoke aloud!  ‘Yes, but the kingdom is not established in you.  Righteousness, peace and joy is not a fixed permanent law in you.”  If the Lord spoke, what would He say to you?

You have heard of the kingdom.  Are you established in it?  Where would you classify, or fit?  Are you covered with the white linen of His inwrought righteousness?  Or, is the cover too narrow and the bed too short?  Where are you?

The end time Kingdom of Jesus Christ, which God has given to Him (Luke 22:29), is both an outward, visible, literal ruling Kingdom over this earth and its inhabitants: and an inward, spiritual heart Kingdom, possessing the lives of its subjects.  Its governors, judges, and officers are men who have been thoroughly prepared for their various places by passing through a process of training, teaching and development, which makes them entirely familiar with the Kingdom, and puts them into the Kingdom, and makes the Kingdom a part of them.

All leaders, preachers, and teachers must qualify in this way as the time and place for this process is here and now.  True, there will be schools in the new dispensation, but the Apostles and ministers of the “Everlasting Gospel” will be Celestial men of a new class, processed and prepared.

The class, rank, order, and station that you are in will be according as you qualify at this present time, in these preparatory processes.  Do not be misled: here is the place, and now is time for this processing and qualifying.  Miss out now, and it will be gone forever.  Now is the opportunity to become Kingdom men.  There will be no second chance.  “Many prophets and kings have desired to see these things” (Luke 10:24).

“In a great house (like our Heavenly Father’s) there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth.”  That is the way the Lord has of saying there are different degrees of attainment, or different heights of experience.  There is one outstanding company, which is called overcomers, manchild, high calling, remnant, and the bride.  These are the hundred-fold ones.  These are the seven overcoming companies of Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, the two witness companies of Revelation, Chapter 11, and the palm multitude of Chapter 7, each having its own peculiar characteristics.  There is also a company called the woman (nominal church). 

Born from Above

In Leviticus 19:19, Israel was commanded: “You shall not let your cattle gender with a different kind: you shall not sow your field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woolen come upon you.”  There are other statues of separation, such as that a bastard is not allowed in the congregation.  The important lesson to be taught by these is to not mix natural things with spiritual.

Jesus told Nicodemus he should have known about the born-again experience.  They were dispensationally behind, or lacking.  Jesus knew the necessity of a sound, fully supernatural, miraculous birth of the Spirit, if they entered the supernatural realm that He was leading them into, to became fully developed sons of God.  He looked down the vista of time and saw the diluting of the Word of God, and the mixed ideas of the birth of the Spirit by natural water and other natural means.  He knew that in this way, true entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven would be obscured and lost.

You cannot build a supernatural structure on a natural foundation.  They will not fit together.  They just will not unite.  You cannot build a spiritual skyscraper in a carnal mud hole.  You will get a leaning tower, or a toppling edifice.  The latter rain does not fall on spouting seed, but seed approaching harvest.

Herein lies a root foundation fault which prevents many from entering the Kingdom realm.  That which they call born-again was largely what man can do, and was not therefore, a birth from above.  Christ’s Kingdom is in power.  “All power is given to ME in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18).  “The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power” (I Corinthians 4:20).  Peter had his birth.  Jesus said he was blessed, “For flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but My Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17).

The true, pure, full birth of the Spirit, is “the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).  The pulling down of the divine miracle-wrought birth of the Spirit, until it is but a man-made theoretical profession, has wrought havoc in the so called church, and has caused it to become earthly instead of heavenly.  It has shut out multitudes from entering the Kingdom.

You may be looking for the latter rain and never receive it, because you are not prepared by getting the early rain experience of “birth from above.”  Spirit baptism and Spirit impartations.  The latter rain is not to make up for the loss of early rain neglected privileges.  Latter rain follows the former rain, but does not make it unnecessary.  God does not bridge over our failures in that manner.  His requirements are too exacting to be thus slighted.  God has allowed men to slight His plans, but they must face the consequences.  Nothing will make up for shallow experiences, except repentance of fault, and correction of failure.  Do your first works over.

Jehovah expressed much displeasure through His ancient prophets at similar doings.  Through Jeremiah, He called it, “Healed the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly” (Jeremiah 8:11).  Ezekiel said that it was “daubing with untempered mortar” (Ezekiel 13:11).  He called those doing so, “Foolish prophets, that follow their own spirits, who have seen nothing”   (Ezekiel 13:3).  That is, have no word from the Lord.

To Nicodemus, Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say to you, Except a man be born from above he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).  The revelation that comes in the new birth is necessary that one may discover and understand the Kingdom of God, or, enter it.  The new birth opens the spirit of man to consciousness or awareness of God.  By personal contact with the presence and living power of God and of Christ, he knows he has come into contact with them.  It is the most real and powerful knowledge that one can experience.  He knows, and he knows that he knows.  Nothing can obliterate that divine revelation.  He will go to the stake, or the chopping block.  Someone may say this is emotion.  The reply is “no, the touch of God is so different from everything else that I cannot be mistaken.  Then too, I now know Jesus and have communication with Him.  I did not before.”

The spirit of man, when born into this world is said to be dead.  It was created to be in living and worshipping communion with God.  This relation it has lost, and must be regained to come into the Kingdom of Heaven.  That is why it must be born from above.  This too, is why it can never enter heaven.  Everything there is alive in God.  Therefore, a new birth in the Spirit is the essential foundation of a life in the Spirit.

Those who live in the Kingdom of God and cooperate with Him, must be alive and in unity with Him.  He is the living God, the Almighty, the I AM.  To communicate, worship, commune, operate with Him, we need the best born again, fullness of experience.  Such a state is not otherwise attainable.

Jesus Christ Himself, and through His ministry, directed and laid the foundations of a divinely devised miraculous christianity; strong, deep and supernaturally substantial.  It is a rare thing to find a minister or a group who clearly and accurately know what these fundamental principles are, and their relation to one another, and how they inter-work, overlap and increase each other.  Nor can it be properly, successfully done without divine kingdom power.

By movings of the Spirit, we have been viewing the birth from above.  Jesus told Nicodemus, that without it, he could not see the Kingdom, or enter it.  A human spirit, out of touch with the Lord, is dead.  It cannot partake of any sort of spiritual activity until it is born from above.  There are those professing to be born again, who do not have this miraculous and heavenly view, but keep closer to earth estimates.  We do not declare they are not in touch with God, though their view may prevent them from entering and operation in the miracle and Holy Spirit realm of power, which the Apostles operated in.

This is the vision of christianity in its original fullness that must be restored to experience the latter rain.  It will not fall on backslidden or lukewarm people.  It was not arranged at all for the purpose of making up for spiritual dwarfs or pigmies.  It comes on maturing, developed, vigorous seekers of God’s best. 

Gift of the Spirit

Jehovah has been exceeding gracious and lenient in His efforts to fellowship and work with and through man, and in His desire to protect him, and advance his interests.  This disposition was notably shown in His disposition toward Moses and Israel, even under great provocation, as in Exodus, Chapters 32, 33 and 34.  Moses asked of Jehovah that His presence should go with them.  So He sent an Angel, called “The Angel Jehovah,”  “Mine Angel” (Exodus 32:34).  “The Angel of His presence” (Isaiah 63:9).  “The Angel of the Covenant” (Malachi 3:1).  In I Corinthians 10:4, we learn it was Christ.  Since Christ is ever “God with us,” His name is Emmanuel.

When the time came for Jesus to leave His disciples, He said to them, “I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you” (John 14:18).  So He devised and worked out the Gift of the Spirit.  His indwelling was very marvelous.  This was not just the Angle Presence of Christ, as with Israel.  Nor was it the physical Presence of Jesus Christ as the apostles had enjoyed.  It was the personal Presence, by the Holy Spirit, of Jesus Christ in every believer who received the Baptism, or gift of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ personal ministry was startling indeed.  Now, here was a group of His followers anointed with the same power and life.  Nothing could stand before them.  Nothing could quench their ardor.  The torrent of divine enduement swept everything.  Multitudes believed and received the new birth and then the Holy Spirit.  There never has been a movement among men that would compare with it.

Fierce persecution rushed on the believers.  But love and loyalty burned in their hearts so strong they gave their lives as testimony to their new found treasure.  They would suffer rather than sin.  Sometimes, the headsman of today would be the martyr tomorrow.  So convincing were their statements, no one could withstand the wisdom of the Apostles.

The gift of the Spirit brought into each recipient such an acquaintance with Jesus and knowledge of spiritual affairs, that they were able to inform others, and so there were many preachers.

So God has given Himself to us, as Father, for protection and providence.  He has given Himself to die for us, as Son.  He has given Himself to live in us, as Holy Spirit: to guide, control and enable us to live as we should live, and come up to His high standard.  In some infinitely wise devised way, He has planned to afford us every needed help without taking away personality, individuality or ability.  To ascribe to the Triune God thanksgiving, praise and glory for His unspeakable gifts be our only capable response.

Unbelief or neglect concerning the privilege of this gift of the Spirit can find no sensible excuse, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him” (Luke 11:13).  The loss to the cause of Christ arising from neglecting to receive the Holy Spirit is simply incalculable.  It is a great insult to the Almighty that demands deepest repentance and confession.  It has left much of that called Christianity shorn of its power.

Not only has the cause of Christ suffered from rejection of the Holy Spirit Baptism; it has also suffered from the failure of those who accepted the Spirit, to fully live the Spirit life.  Somehow there was not that deep, wholehearted abandonment as formerly.  The gift of the Spirit was not quite so full.  Or, those who received, became careless or a bit formal.  It was not just the same as formerly.

We have experienced an outpouring of the Spirit and it is wonderful.  Multiplied thousands have been brought in, yet, it did not come up to apostolic times.  We should have continued right on seeking the Lord, until it did become fully apostolic, instead of building great organizations.  Now, the end of the age is coming upon us, and we are not ready for it.  Our backslidings must be healed before we can advance into the new end-time privileges.  We are like a boy up for examination, with unmastered lessons against us.

There are a number of gracious and precious privileges that come to one in connection with the receiving of the Spirit.  One of the most valuable God-given bestowals is the Enduement of Power (Luke 14:29, Acts 1:8).  It is the pure saving power of the mighty God.  It saturates the words, acts, and presence of those receiving it.  Every moral spiritual being has an influence about them.  That personal, invisible cloud of spiritual power accompanying Jehovah and Jesus is so mighty at times, that it prostrates those present (John 18:6).  This divine, personal saving influence, the Lord has imparted to individuals and groups many times in varying degrees.  How very gracious!  The saving value of this great gift is inestimable, yet sadly disregarded.

Another miracle gift that also shares with this one, is the spoken Word, of which Colossians 3:17 says, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.”  This is eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Christ.  This has been little understood, but the Lord is about to raise up a people who shall live on the true Bread from Heaven.  “Eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness” (Isaiah 55:2).

This Jesus, the Word of God placed within us, is a great mystery, a fountain of blessing.  Whoever receives, is rich in God.  No words an adequately describe it.

Another great privilege, the Holy Spirit becomes Guide or Teacher to those who receive Him, and follow His leadings. “He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you” (John 14:26).  “He will guide you into all truth… and He will show you things to come” (John 16:13).  “He shall take of mine, and shall show it to you” (John 16:15).  This is a privilege beyond value.  It has been shamefully neglected, which is a high insult to God.

These three powers – Enduement, Word of God or prophecy, and Guide or Teacher, are very great favors from the Lord.  They may be not large in the beginning, yet grow to be powerful as they are lived in.  Revelation by the Spirit, in vision, dream illumination or opening, of Scripture or other matter; is indeed a great favor to all who will seek for it, and a valuable and necessary impartation.  The lack of obtaining this divine insight has been the cause of much unnecessary failure that should have been abounding success, if the Holy Spirit had been given to lead the way.

Then too, gifts of the Spirit have been provided in abundant profusion, and aimed to replace every natural gift power that has been lost by the misdoings of man.  Spiritual gifts cover the whole realm of gift powers, except that they are not obtainable for selfish purposes.  By means of the powers supplied by the Spirit, if we live and walk in them, their “effectual working” would cause us to grow up into Christ to the “measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-16). 

Apparent Difficulties

When Jesus came to earth, He came into great perplexities.  Herod killed many children in an endeavor to get Him.  Divine watch-care protected him.  When He began His public ministry, He faced an array of religious leaders of His people who should have welcomed Him and said, “Here is the Messiah.”  But, they bitterly opposed Him and crucified Him and outlawed His movement.

Undaunted divine wisdom proceeded, and set going in the world a power that nothing could stop.  Fierce and bitter persecution martyred its advocates, but other brave ones made up the ranks.  Finally, an educated and political ministry came and the power subsided.  We have had some recovery at times, but have been unable to fully recover.  The Gospel of the Kingdom, the Ecclesia sons of God, miracles, and the supernatural disappeared, something so entirely above and beyond, that we did not even know there existed such things.

Now, we are come to the dispensation’s close, and the soon second coming of Jesus.  These great important essentials are lacking.  We cannot go forward into the new mighty things that are upon us without these essentials restored.  Where are the stalwart prophetic and apostolic ministers?  Some have been caught in the modernist net, denying those great truths of revelation.  Yet, the Lord has lost none of His skill to surmount obstacles.  In the very midst of the great falling away, He will conquer all difficulties, and receive His bride.  But, pity those who miss the moving of the Lord at this time, for the days of vengeance are at hand.  Woe to those unprepared.

Not only are these the days in which retribution will come to those who have destroyed the earth; but look up for redemption draws nigh.  The fullness of full deliverance is about to dawn –the highest degrees of saving grace ever known. 

The Ecclesia

Through fierce persecution and their unusual methods, early Christians were pressed into separate groups.  Each of these were called an Ecclesia, meaning “called out ones.”  The conduct of their services was quite different from everything else in the world; Ecclesia was the word the Spirit chose from the Greek.  It is now in the English dictionary, but describes something different from the word, “church,” and are not properly interchangeable.

There were classes and divisions in the Ecclesia that are lost, so much so, we have not even known they existed.  A full Ecclesia of the original luster and power would be a wonder on earth in these days.   But we shall see it restored, and more.  Those Ecclesias were not of earth or conducted on the natural plane at all.  Their government, activities, works and ways, were conducted by apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, discerners and other grown-up-spiritually men who had been set in by divine wisdom and moved by the Holy Spirit.  Everything thing was done by direction of the Lord in the Spirit.

True, there were those who were beginners, and sometimes carnal babes that walked as men, but they were told to wait till moved by the Lord, and to keep out of the natural.  There was a clear distinction made between the carnal and careless, and the diligent who walked after the Spirit, and sought to grow up into Christ.  It was in a Spirit controlled and Spirit conducted Ecclesia that real substantial growth and progress could be made.  Earnest effort was made that every babe should “grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).  Proper growth in the power of the spirit is now much neglected.

A genuine Ecclesia was a nursery and school for the young, with milk of the Word, and strong meat for the mature; a temple of spiritual sacrifices of worship, praise, and adoration.  Where the weak could be strengthen, the strong could do exploits, and the tempted be succored.

In the early Ecclesia, it was very important that everybody keep in a growing condition.  If one be sufficiently developed in the Spirit, there were positions to be filled, such as evangelistic, interpreter, miracle workers, healing, prophecy, and various gift powers.  Those who pressed forward in the Spirit, found opportunity.  Those who were neglectful had poor opportunity.  Diligence received proper reward.  Selfishness was frowned upon, but right emulation in the Spirit was encouraged.

Various kingdom works and conditions were wrought by the miracle power of the Spirit through anointed ministers.  It is rarely that anything of the like kind occurs now.  Yet, the Lord has set His hand to restore the Ecclesia in its original power and glory, and, He will do it.  These are days of restoration.  These are days of great opportunity to those who get in full line and harmony with the Lord’s Kingdom movements.  A place and part in the Kingdom is most desirable indeed.  Are you awake and alert to these movements?

The Ecclesia is God’s temple of divine manifestation, service, and worship.  Here Jehovah displayed His power and glory.  It was the successor of the ancient tabernacle, temples, and the tabernacle of David, the House of God in which to inquire.  No limit is noted as to what displays of Kingdom power God might give, if it kept to the ways of God.

It was the divine workshop, where Jesus, the Angel of the covenant came to His temple as a refiner of gold and silver; refining His saints.  Where the work of preparation of vessels of honor, for higher service in the great house of God were fitted.  Now in this end-time, it must be raised up for the service of the King and Kingdom, once again.  It is the “great wonder in the heavenly realm, a woman ready to give birth” (Revelation 12:1). 

Sons of God

An insight into the inner workings of the Ecclesia can only be attained by revelation of the Holy Spirit.  This is a supernatural work that cannot be gotten by natural means.  It is a divine mystery, incomprehensible to natural understanding.  “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him” (I Corinthians 2:9).  “For us, however, God has drawn aside the veil through the teaching of the Spirit” (I Corinthians 2  Weymouth).

Accordingly, we shall not get into the genuine Ecclesia unless we come into the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and follow Him closely.  Become familiar with this in I Corinthians, Chapter 2, and its divine mystery.  However you may be familiar with the Bible, and you should be, yet the Holy Spirit should be your personal Teacher, or you will be shallow. “He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

The center and principal acting part of an Ecclesia, was a group of what were called “sons of God.”  These who were called sons, were a clear, distinct, well-known and leading class.  When they came out of heathenism and were saved, they came into the Ecclesia with open hearts and listening ears.  They had undergone so great a change they were eager for more.  If possessed of evil spirits, they were cast out.  They listened to such teachers as Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy – men who knew spirituals by the Holy Spirit.  They received the Spirit and were taught to distinguish between the evil and the divine.  They became diligent, earnest, continuous seekers, as they were told they had just begun and must go on to perfection, and to go beyond just receiving the Spirit.

As soon as these candidates were sufficiently advanced in being led by the Spirit, coming into divine control, they were “set in,” or “adopted.”  This is described in Romans 8:14-17, and Galatians 4:1-10.  An illustration is used of a Roman son.  He eats and lives with tutors and governors until he is of age.  Then, on an appointed day, he is publicly recognized or adopted as son, and appointed a seat at father’s table.  After that, he has a place as one of the family.

So in the Ecclesia, when a son reached the proper measure of Holy Spirit development and control, then the Spirit moved the leaders to recognize him as an adopted, mature son.  He was then “set in” a place in the meetings, according to the gifts that had been given to him by the Spirit.  He then had freedom to operate as moved by the Spirit.  This public recognition was ordered by the Lord, for all things in the Ecclesia were done by the movings of the Spirit.  There was perfect order in the spirit, without natural interference, so that the Spirit controlled.

That this is correct is plainly stated in I Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 2:20-22, and 4:11-12.  “God has set some in the Ecclesia” – God, not man.  Nothing could ever break the power in such an assembly, until man’s control displaced that of the Lord’s government.  Let us return to divine control, as we have played church long enough.  “Loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion” (Isaiah 52:1-5).

There was only one way to get into this group of sons, and that was to be moved or recognized or adopted by the Lord.  And the way to receive His recognition was to become led and guided by the power of the Spirit.  Thus, the Spirit had entire control.  Human government was stopped.  This at once put an end to all manipulation. “The government shall be upon His shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6).

Their names were in the Book of Life.  If not, woe to them.  Those having an official place were sons of God, “set in,” by the power of God.  Those who did not abide in these divine orders were subjects of the Lord’s discipline.  Those who stayed down on the natural plane, and “walked as men,” were out of tune and had little to do or say.  Honor and opportunity were for those who lived in the Spirit and walked in the laws of power.  It was perfectly adapted to destroy all self-seeking.

It is true that there were several classes varying in attainment.  These were being taught, trained and developed in the Spirit.  They were not taught natural activities.  If the Spirit gave them a sentence, they might speak, otherwise not.  The natural was out of order.  This was such an innovation and so against the ways of man, that Satan and wicked men martyred the Christians in multitudes; until one Roman emperor said, “This killing Christians must stop, or I shall have no subjects to reign over.”

The Ecclesia and sons of God are not generally called the Kingdom of God, though they were the working form of it in its spiritual part.  With governments they did not meddle, though they were persecuted.  Now, in this end-time, it will be different.  John said that he was in the Kingdom, and so did others (Revelation 1:9).

These things make it clear why we have a human conducted church, instead of a divine Ecclesia.  We have lost this group; the sons of God.  The mature sons of God, guided by the Spirit, operating in the power of God, must come to the front.  And the Lord will bring them forth.  It is essential to His plan.

The Early Rain experiences need to be restored to prepare the way for Latter Rain outpourings.  One comes upon the other – additional, not in place of.  We have been considering that which has been lost that was given in the Early Rain.  We shall soon pass to the new things that are coming in the Latter Rain outpouring.

PART FIVE

END-TIME KINGDOM 

Jesus Comes to His Temple

The return of Jesus Christ to this earth is usually thought of as a single event.  Yet, there are several steps or times in His coming, for different purposes.  One of these steps is described in Malachi, Chapter 3 and Mathew 3:3, 12, and other similar passages.  The Lord Jesus, as the Angel of the Covenant, comes to His temple in the power of the Holy Spirit; under figures of fuller’s soap, refiner of silver and gold, and threshing machine, chastening rod, and other means, to work a process.  This though not an outward physical coming, is to those experiencing it, very real.

There was a fulfillment of this in early Christianity and down through the past centuries, but now it is seven times severer and fuller.  End-time salvation demands a completeness and perfection of deliverance from the natural earth life, hitherto little known.  For this schooling or preparation for last day service and future glory, the Lord has set in motion a method and means of training, which is elaborate and exacting.

There are a number of different processes.  Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5).  Vine branches grow a winding wire-like tendril that attaches to a tree or other support.  Similarly, human nature intertwines with a hundred natural things, which hinder progress in spiritual life.  These human tendrils though invisible, are real, sensitive, and full of life.  To break or loose these attachments cause severe pain, but it must be done if the Lord’s will be attained.

These processes are called crucifixion by the cross of Christ.  It is the cross prepared by Christ, not humanly devised trials or penance.  Or it may be circumcision wrought by the Sprit and the Word, or other means.  This is essential to deeper spirituality.  There is required by the Lord a deeper separation from the world than is ordinarily known.  It must be wrought by the working of God’s power and not by man’s methods.  Man’s ways are not acceptable to The Lord.

There are many looking for the coming of Jesus Christ, and hoping to be in the Bride Company, who are not heeding His admonition to be made ready.  There is not the proper preparation being made: and so there is coming a general disappointment.  When these discover the wedding call is past and they have been left out, that will be a terrible day for them.  We must be crucified by facing the cross, and not evading it.  We must endure the fuller’s soap, go through the refining fire, get on the Lord’s threshing floor, and allow the winnowing fanning mill to blow away all of the chaff.

Many and various are the means He uses to accomplish our crucifixion.  Loss of friend, business, opportunity, health, sickness, and others.  In Hebrews and Job, we are told, “Lo, all these things works God often times with men” (Job 33:29).  “Whom the Lord loves, He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:6).  The Lord is exacting, thorough, and severe.  You must pay the last farthing.  He requires perfection in the Bride Company.  He will not mix the fallen with the divine nature.  The fallen must be done away, so that He may engraft the divine.  It is a wondrous privilege that we are to partake of the divine nature.  But, we must previously be crucified with Christ in order to be recreated and become entirely “a new creature.”

Paul was three years in preparation in Arabia.  George Fox was three years in severe chastenings.  Madam Guyon spent twelve years in prison.  So of many others.  You may ask how this is wrought about.  By earnest prayer and diligently seeking the Lord. “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him” (Psalm 34:6).  No matter how or by whom the cross may come, you should see it as being from the Lord.  We may take it as being someone trying to do something to us, and miss the Lord’s intention toward us because we did not see His hand.

The working of God’s power and purposes for man are sometimes ineffectual because they are not perceived and complied with.  It is a great thing to understand and be in harmony with the workings of God’s power, so that it is effectual and accomplishes that which is intended, and not come short of His glory, or fail to fulfill His plans for us.  Lukewarm, careless, lazy, neglectful people are bypassed by the Lord.

A little serious thinking should lead one to believe that Jesus in selecting a Bride Company, would choose those of highest attainment, and that getting ready would be the highest and most important occupation we could be engaged in.  Therefore, we should be willing to undergo whatever suffering and chastisement that He sees we need, to bring us to the required separation from the earthly that we may partake of the heavenly.

Not only are we to be perfected, but also, there are positions of responsibility.  Whoever is to be given such a place must first be proven and tested to know if one may be safely trusted with weighty matters.  Men who figured in God’s great program were severely tried.  Faithfulness cost Daniel a night in the lion’s den.  Character traits are tested so it may be known how far we may be depended on to carry safely the outworking of our Lord purposes, and not break down in the middle of an important affair.  Therefore, He proves beforehand.  All this is done here, as earth, not heaven, is His proving ground.

To get some understanding of how God works with man, read Psalm 141; especially verse 5; and Job 33, the whole Chapter.  Where great trouble is, man fails to recognize that it is God working.  He does not perceive God’s hand.  If there be a messenger, an interpreter, one among a thousand, who can give an insight into the dealings of God and their purpose, then there is deliverance and God’s will is accomplished, and preparation goes forward in us.

This then, is the coming of the Lord to His Temple, His body, in the end-time (Parousia); to make ready a Bride or a Manchild Company.  It is the most searching severe examination, and trying, the most painful chastising, and most extensive correction of character flaws: along with the largest impartation of divine nature ever undertaken by the Almighty.  There is nothing to compare with it that is known to man.

This coming to His temple, that is, to His people (overcomers) in these end-times, is a mighty far reaching Kingdom move.  Its purpose is the beginning of a great plan to bring forth an end-time Kingdom salvation of a much higher and fuller and richer degree than has previously been known.  It is harvest time.  The Lord will inaugurate new and wonderful salvation moves, gathering from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.

Several companies come forth.  There appears a wonder in the heavenly realm, a birthing through a woman an exalted Ecclesia (Revelation 12), clothed with the Sun of Righteousness, and reflected moonlight underfoot.  From this movement, comes the Manchild, the 144,000 overcomers, sealed ones, the remnant.

There are also in Revelation, Chapter 11, an account of two groups, or candlesticks, which Jesus said are Ecclesias.  Then, in Revelation 14:14, is the Son of man sitting on a white cloud, which means, Jesus is working His newly made white company, with a sharp sickle to gather the final innumerable company –the great revival harvest of believers. 

The Appearing of Jesus

The coming of Jesus Christ in Holy Spirit power, as a purifying and refining process of preparation, has been looked at; now we come to His appearing visibly to individuals, coming back to the earth as He went away.  The purpose of this appearing is this: there are groups of classes of saved humanity, who go away out in the things of God far beyond the masses.  These are known as spiritual, overcomers, sons of God, and other titles.

Of these, Paul writes:  “Whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). They are “God’s elect,” who look or wait for Christ, who are eagerly expecting Him to appear a second time, without sin, to make their salvation complete by glorifying them, though still in their bodies (See Romans 8:29-39, Hebrews 9:28).

These “brethren,” or sons were long ago picked out by the Lord, before their birth.  Later they were called for the Kingdom.  Then justified, which has a large meaning, including forgiveness, regeneration, sanctification, crucifixion, and the entire sin question.  Then glorified, what that means may not be quite clear, “but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (I John 3:2).  “From whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21)

The Scriptures say, “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:24-25a).  “Waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:23).  “Children of God, …heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ” (Romans 8:16-17).  “Hath begotten us again to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith to a salvation ready to be revealed at the end of the age” (I Peter 1:3-5).

“We who are in this tent certainly do sigh under our burdens, for we do not wish to lay aside that with which we now are clothed, but to put on more, so that or mortality may be absorbed in life. And He who formed us with this very end in view is God, who has given us His Spirit as a pledge and foretaste of that bliss” (II Corinthians 5:4-5).  “That He may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hop of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead” (Ephesians 1:17-20).

This is a divine mosaic of the word on life and redemption for the whole man, as found in Romans Chapters 7 and 8, I Peter Chapter 1, II Corinthians Chapter 5, and Ephesians Chapter 1.  This is the end-time full salvation for spirit, soul, and body, for which we have received the earnest.  The sight of the appearing of His glory, face to face, will change those who see Him, to be like Him.

This “appearing,” or return of Jesus, “as He went away,” is a highly important part of His return to this world.  This “appearing” brings about the manifestation or revelation of the sons of God, as celestial sons or beings (Romans 8:19, 23) – their sealing as the 144,000 (Revelation 7:3), the birth of the manchild, and their final “redemption of the body,” which means our full sonship (Revelation 12:1-12).

Someone may object that they are Jews.  But these are spiritual, not natural, according to Galatians 3:28 and Romans 2:20.  These truths concerning events now at hand, have been written in Scripture in parable, type and symbol, the meaning thus is obscured, and not found by natural means, as the assistance of divine revelation is required.  The prophetic gifts have waned and become scanty: but these are days of restoration, and soon the Lord will raise up a group of prophetic men who will reveal the hidden things, so that all who will believe will know that they must face the severe preparatory processes, or miss the Bride Company.

I do not write thus from opinion, observation, or hearsay, but by revelation from the Holy Spirit, that which is verity and truth, and it dare not be disregarded.  If any man be willfully ignorant, let him be ignorant: if he would know, let him listen to what the Spirit says to the predestinated sons of God (I Corinthians 14:38).

Thus, it may be seen that this end-time “appearing” of Jesus is for the transaction of very important Kingdom spiritual business: even the changing of our vile earth bodies, to be conformed to the image of His Son, or clothed with our house from heaven, put on over our earthly house.  Later, the manchild is “caught up” to the throne of God.  Death gets a staggering blow, and looses his prey.  A glorious ministry, as to look into His face makes us like him.  “For both He that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all on; for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Hebrews 2:11). 

The Final Coming

The coming of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to prepare the sons of God is a great affair.  The appearing of Jesus to individuals as an act of redemption is most magnificent.  Now we come to His very great descent to earth “with ten thousands of His saints,” to take possession of the whole world.  He arrives at a most decisive moment – “The Lord Jesus Christ shall be revealed from heaven, with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God” (II Thessalonians 1:7b-8).

“Then (at Armageddon) shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the breath of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming” (II Thessalonians 2:8, Revelation 19:11-16)).

“The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout and with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” (I Thessalonians 4:16).  Satan and his wicked followers have disregarded and trampled underfoot, God and His government and Jesus Christ, His King and Son.  Now, the antichrist plan to banish from earth all belief and worship of Jehovah and Christ, is being originated and pushed over the earth, and seems a success.

Suddenly, Jesus Christ and His white horse army appear in the opening heavens.  Flaming fiery blasts of the Word of God flash through the army of Armageddon, and they are a sea of corpses –the supper of the Great God.  The great change is begun.  Wicked, oppressive, persecuting rulers are called to account, and hurled into perdition.  “The former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).  It may take awhile to accomplish all, but “it is done.”  Righteousness goes up!  Wickedness goes down.

Satan is bound and in the pit, and his entire malicious kingdom is abolished, to the last fallen angel.  The entire horde of demon spirits that preyed upon men are done away with.  Every evil influence is destroyed.  The kingdom of Satan is no more.  Instead, the Kingdom of Heaven, under King Jesus, will reign universally and supreme.  Every influence and incentive to righteousness and holiness will prevail everywhere.

The contrast between the malicious rule of the devil and the waywardness of man: and the benevolence and goodness of divine reign of the Christ will stand out vividly.  This soon coming change in this world from the sway of Satan’s evil power, to the reign of Christ, is a revolution that has nothing known with which to compare it: so vast, so complete, so all-inclusive, it is indescribable.  It is already begun.  But alas, the people are asleep and know not what is at hand.  At Armageddon, the King will wreck the enemy entirely.  Warfare will receive her final decisive blow and the wicked will come to the end of aggression.

We may not at this time, be assigned the unpleasant task of tracing the progress of divine judgment among the nations.  Suffice it to say that every nest of national rebellion against King Jesus will be destroyed.  Sin and sinners and strongholds of opposition will be utterly demolished and put away out of the earth.  It will become universally known that there is an Almighty Jehovah who has His hand upon affairs, and has appointed Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, to be the King.

Little needs to be said regarding the wicked, more than that they are utterly destroyed.  Suddenly and completely all persecution and oppression will cease.  Freedom, liberty, and righteousness will reign everywhere.

It may here be said that, while the mass of assembled armies of the red horse (power) are destroyed at Armageddon, the plagues of the seven seals and the seven vials are visited upon the nations.  If it cannot be understood now, it will then be known by seeing, that Jehovah is destroying the sinners out of the land.

So, we have seen the Lord Jesus sit in His temple as refiner, purifier, chastener, and recreator.  He miraculously appears as transformer, conforming to His image.  Finally He comes with His saints to possess the world and reign 1000 years. 

The High Calling

In Philippians, Chapter 3, Paul gives a somewhat detailed description of his experiences.  There had been revealed to him the vast difference between being just an ordinary believer in Christ, and what might be attained.  This included for those living before the end-time, a special out-from-among the dead resurrection, so that they might share in the glories and experiences that follow the dispensation change.  He knew and taught that this required special attainments, if he is to have a part in these high privileges of being at the marriage supper and in the Bride.

Accordingly he says, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).  This highly privileged company, the saints of the most high order as Daniel calls them, who are to take the kingdom; and to which Paul was pressing to attain, are described in a number of places, under various surroundings; from beginnings to perfection.

They are called “the Elect,” because they are “chosen in Him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4) as being “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God” (I Peter 1:2).  “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you” (I Peter 2:9).

Their first goal was to become sons of God in the Ecclesia, or workshop of the Lord, going through the process of becoming full overcomers.  Then they received a second “adoption to wit, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:23b), “the manifestation (or revelation) of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19), the sealing of the 144,000 (Revelation 7:4), these assembled with the Lamb on Mount Zion, and sang a new song (Revelation 14:3-5).

In their advance (Revelation 12), is described their entrance into the celestial state as a birth.  After which they ascend to heaven.  On this trip, they meet Satan and his army and cast them down to earth.  There was great rejoicing in heaven.  “I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God” (Revelation 12:10).

In the creation of man, God designed that man should live and operate in a realm akin to creation.  That man should be a receptacle, a depository, or indwelt by God and His power, in such a way as that God would produce in whatever way He might choose; using man as a workshop or means of operation.

This divine intention was thwarted by Satan’s temptation, which threw man out of his proper high realm, into a much lower state; so that man could not be used by God as designed.  As has been stated, Jehovah’s countermove was so unexpected and over covering contingencies and so far reaching, that Satan found himself in a total defeat, from which he can find no escape.

This alliance of Christ becoming a man, and sharing his ills and taking his guilt, is not fanciful, but serious and sincere in the uttermost degree.  It opens the door for a return of some men to the original intention, or higher.  This company is designated by various names, according to advancing state, attainment and final station.  They are, such as, sons of God, virgins, overcomers, white horse army, manchild, bride, wife of the lamb (Song of Solomon 6:8-9).

This is the highest and most distinguished privilege imaginable.  It is becoming joint heirs, inheriting the kingdom with Jesus Christ as members of the Melchizedek royal priesthood, holy, heavenly, spiritual rulers of the restored world.  The whole scheme of redemption hovers around this, or these companies and their destiny.  True salvation’s plan takes in all who respond to the gospel; but this is “the prize of the high calling,” “the first fruits,” the highest of redemption’s fruits.

The Bride Company comes first, and may include, first, a group who are nearest the heart of Jesus, who have drank deep of the soul travail for a fallen race.  Then arranged in widening circles, are the queens, the concubines, the virgins, the manchild with its counselors, its judges, and various ruling capacities, and martyrs and guests, and courtiers.  All arranged to the King’s taste.  The ranks of groups of the higher orders even will be many, covering great variety of station and occupation.

The nations of the millennium will no more learn the arts of war and conquest under “The Prince of Peace …  of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7).  Of artisans, inventors, scientists and all manner of skilled teachers for the nations; plenty will be needed.

Whenever Christianity, and the freedom and peace of Christ have been given an opportunity nationally, all kinds of civilizing inventions have flourished.  Today, America is reaching a helping hand to the nations of earth; notwithstanding her failures.  What may we expect to see when Christ takes full control with Satan off the scene?  It will excel our fondest anticipations.  Do you grasp the situation?  Are you of sufficient understanding?

Besides the thousands attaining to the high calling, there are the many millions of the centuries, saved and safe in the mansions of the Father.  But the Lord’s great original intention is bound up with the high calling.  Except the Lord permitted it, Satan could not have interfered with his temptation.  God is absolute in His authority.

Our concepts of the Lord are so limited; His devisings, plannings, and realm of activity and achievement are so vast and various that they stretch beyond measure our ability to grasp.  They are overwhelming.  And yet, in His approach to man, He is so gentle, so delicate, so very considerate of man as he is, that there is never a criticism to be anticipated.  We are safer in His hands than anywhere else.  His choice for us excels our highest anticipation.  We are so affected by the superiority of the divine provision for us, we would not if we could, and might not choose otherwise.

So then, “the prize of the high calling” of the Manchild, is beyond anything whatever that man could imagine might be a privilege.  It cost Jehovah the highest possible price.  The scope of attainment and privilege therein offered exceeds everything that a finite mind can imagine.  Yet, its opportunities are but for a brief time.  Once they are passed, and the kingdom is fully set in order, there will be no vacancies.

Many very good Christians are being led to think they are to be in the Bride, but are not ready and will discover when it is too late, they are left behind. 

Being Also Ready

We have been made to write plainly and earnestly concerning preparation for the Bride Company, but the Lord is not satisfied without writing one more warning.  It is so exceeding important to be ready.  There is so much to escape, and so very much to gain, and so many are deceived that I must shout to you!  Prepare, get ready.

The foolish virgins finally got ready, but they were too late.  The door to the marriage supper was shut.  It requires earnestness and diligence to get in.  Such an opportunity is very rare.

You may say, what shall I do?  Yes, the Spirit will here give directions.  The first thing is to become earnest.  Put your whole heart into it and seek the Lord.  You cannot get through without more help from Jesus than you ever had.

If you do earnestly and continuously seek the Lord, then He will engage with you.  He will come to you with processes of crucifixion, circumcision, refiner’s fire, chastenings, and such purgings as are necessary to make you an overcomer without fault, a son of God without rebuke.

To those who are thus prepared, Jesus will come from heaven, and “appear a second time,” and “conform them to the image of His son,” make them manifested sons of God, redeem their bodies, and seal them: passing them into the celestial realm, by a flash of His glorious face.

If you think it worth the effort, make a supreme effort for it.  But it is most costly and of highest value.  If you fully meet the requirements, you will be in the Manchild Company, caught up to the throne of God to reign in the kingdom.  This is the prize of the high calling.  Every other mansion is below this.

To attain to so rare and so very rich privileges, it must be readily seen that no ordinary or indifferent walk or experience could possibly do.  One must clearly know and well understand, and diligently perform everything required.  “They shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy” (Revelation 2:3).  To do which there must need be a mighty powerful and far-reaching descent of the divine, recreating spiritual energy upon our wayward earthy nature.

This power is provided and attainable: but only through and in a close walk and contact with and in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. “But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you” (John 14:26).

These experiences and privileges are in the supernatural or miracle realm.  They can only be attained by living a spiritual and supernatural life in the Holy Spirit.  You must start this way, or you will get nowhere.  The gift of the Holy Spirit has been given and may not be ignored, if you keep step with the Lord.  “For as many as are led (guided, controlled) by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).

That form of Christianity, after man’s ways of interpreting the Scriptures, without waiting to receive illumination and instruction, by direct contact with the Spirit will not do in these higher realms of spiritual living and divine relationship.  You cannot get forward in that way.

These are the days of restoration.  All the fallen forms and classes of Christianity are to come up before the judgment of the Lord.  He will lay His correcting hand or rod upon everything and everybody.  Nothing, and no one can escape.  Jehovah, “in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways,” but henceforth will require that all nations walk in His ways, or come under swift judgment.  The nations of the whole world must soon come face to face with the Almighty God, and submit to His mandates, either in entire submission and obedience; or be destroyed.

A brief statement of divine proceedings in changing dispensations and taking possession of al earth affairs would read thus.

1. Scripture prophesies concerning end-time affairs

2. Restoration of fallen or lost original experiences, states, gifts and powers, as sons of God, Ecclesia, apostles, prophets, wisdom teachers, etc.  The Lord’s people must fulfill in past privileges, to advance.

3. New latter rain privileges and deepening and much enlarging of all early rain experiences of the Spirit and gifts, and increase of anointing of the Spirit in every way.

4. Becoming adopted and matured sons of God.  Opportunity is before one to become a full overcomer, be in manifestation, adoption –redemption, “conformed to the image of His Son,” sealed as the manchild.  (Romans 8:19-23, 30, Revelation 7:4, 12:5.)

The writer is well aware that these are unusual teachings.  However, they are in the Scriptures, and applied thus by the divine guide, the Holy Spirit.  They have been written in mysteries, so that the natural man or any enemy might not misuse them.  They are explained and applied here for the purpose of helping those who desire to overcome.  And there is an intervention from God to help you. 

The Millennium

This earth, and its lordly master (Adam), were created in the heavenly realm; to be occupied in his pursuits: operating in the highest kinds of production; even to the giving forth of the creating Word of God.  He was privileged to luxuriate in its extravagant industries, occupations and horticultural fruits.

Yet Divine Wisdom saw these lavish environments need at least a small test.  All moral beings have to be tried.  Many have failed.  Satan struck at divine veracity.  If he could break the faith of man in the Word of God, how could man speak it?

Jehovah laid out a program of seven thousand years.  In these years the Lord, Satan, and men, should have opportunity to exhibit and work out their character and works.  Satan having hold of mankind, individually and collectively, has clearly shown intention to wreck and destroy all he possibly can.  His last great act is through the antichrist, in attempting to put the Almighty and His Son out of the world, and instead he is bound and put in the bottomless pit.

Jehovah has worked plan after plan for the salvation of men at infinite cost, with great patience.  Central to His program, is the obtaining of a company to fulfill His original purpose of speaking of His Word.  This company He has by the working of His redeeming power, snatched from earth, amid Satan’s most malicious workings.  This is a great triumph over Satan.

This brings us to the opening of the seventh, thousand years, during which time, Jesus Christ, Son of Man, and Son of God accompanied by the Lamb’s wife, saints of the most high order, those conformed to the image of His Son, will reign on the earth over all.  There will be abundant opportunity to observe a world redeemed and freed from temptation.

“Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever.”  Isaiah 9:7

The Millennium Kingdom in its character, conduct and purposes, depends upon Jesus Christ, the King, and the highest order of saints, who sit in His throne, and rule with Him, and take the Kingdom.  These are known by several names, starting with Sons of God, and overcomers, they finally become the manchild and the Lamb’s wife: royal priests, which defines the Melchizedek priesthood.

Here in Christ’s Kingdom, will be the permanent union of church and state, so called.  Here will be a government, holy and heavenly, with no unrighteous therein.  Bribery, favoritism, unfair concessions, class legislation, and the like will be unknown.  Every legitimate enterprise will be fostered.  Services of worship and praise to Jehovah and the King will have their proper place.

In order to understand the conduct of the Kingdom in the Millennium, it is necessary to know that its officials are men who have passed through the vicissitudes of an earth career, and overcome all things.  They are redeemed men.  They are glorified.  They are conformed to the image of His Son.  This only will be the ruling class.

Instead of evil powers that haunted men, they have been cast out and every incentive to do and be right will have taken their place.

These are different levels, or realms of the redeemed.  They may properly be named the Court of the King.  In Revelation, Chapter 7, they are in twelve divisions as tribes.  In Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, are seven kinds of overcomers.  In Revelation, Chapter 19, the white horse army, and in Revelation 14:14, a white cloud.  In Song of Solomon 6:8, 9, 13, are classifications.

There are government men, such as executive, legislative, judges, etc.  Religious apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists, heralds, and many varieties of gift of Spirit workers: heart members, as intercessors, etc.  It will be the most illustrious Court ever known.  If you should be a foolish virgin, you will miss it.

To hold a portfolio under this King Jesus is an indescribable privilege.

To Shepherdize the nations is one of the chief occupations of the Kingdom in the Millennium.  In Revelation 2:27; and 12:5, the overcomers and Manchild are said to “rule all nations with a rod of iron.”  In the 11^th chapter of Isaiah, we are told, “a rod out of the stem of Jesse, a Branch, an Ensign of the people (nations); to it shall the Gentiles seek.”

“But with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth; and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked.”  Isaiah 11:4

The word “rod” means the curved stick which is the shepherd’s principal instrument.  It is called “a rod of iron,” because of its firm unbreakable rule.  It is the Kingdom of David, the son of Jesse: the rod of Jesse.  It is here explained to be “the rod of His mouth” – the Word.

By the prophetic Word of the Lord in the mouth of the Lord, and in the mouth of the Manchild, which is His rod, the wicked will be slain, and the nations shepherdized: that is, cared for, comforted, controlled, directed, led, brought into righteousness, fed and developed into God fearing nations.

To have a share in this great recreation is a high honor from the King.

Opportunity is nigh you
But will soon pass by you!
Engage while you may,
Ere failure be to pay.

“Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and forever.”  Amen and amen!