THE RIGHT TO DECIDE

"And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I inthe place of God?" (Genesis 50:19). A growing numberin our time apparently feel they can answer thatquestion in the affirmative. A recent editorial in the Huntsville Times reported that more than half of the British pediatricians who responded to an opinion pollsaid they felt that handicapped babies who wererejected by their parents should be allowed to die.Another poll indicated that 60 percent of the pediatricians felt the decision to let the handicappedbaby live or die should depend on the severity of itshandicap.

It frightens me to hear of such casualises towardhuman life on the part of those whose profession it is topreserve it. This editorial states: "Doubtless there are situations in which to our human eyes it appears that a pathetically handicapped newbornchild might be 'better off dead.' These eyes,however, are human and do not see the future.And it is not taking a quantum leap to go fromdeciding that a child should not live because ofphysical handicaps to deciding that he or she should not live because of political, social, racial orwhatever other reasons might develop in our Orwellian future."

It hasn't taken long for society to move from unconcern for the unborn child to apathy toward thehandicapped and rejected child. "Discontinuance oflife functions" for handicapped adults is being defended more and more. The latter end is really no worse than the beginning, in this case. The questionthat surely should be answered is: "Am I in the place of God?"

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THE WHITE OF AN EGG

Eliphaz had just opened the affirmative in thatfamous debate. The proposition: "Job is sufferinggreatly because Job has sinned greatly." As is the nature of polemics, he minced no words. No quarter was given to his adversary, and none was requested.

Job seemed dismayed, even confused over the turnof events. "My friends are like wet weather streamsthat overflow in the Winter and Spring. But in theblistering hot Summer, when a fellow needs some refreshment, he finds nothing but a dry bed" (See Job 6:15-21). Job needed someone to put his arm aroundhim and comfort him. He wasn't interested in debating their proposition!

"Can that which is unsavory be eaten withoutsalt?" he asked. "Or is there any taste in the white ofan egg?" (6:6). There are two ways Job might haveintended his words. Life was tasteless. It held no joy orpleasure. All flavor was lost. Then again, the words ofhis friend were as bland as food without seasoning. They were as tasteless as the white of an egg.

There are many things that go better with a little seasoning. These may be needful, and they may benourishing. They may even be medicinal. But as thechildren's song expresses it, "A spoonful of sugarmakes the medicine go down."

Reproof is like that. It's a duty. But it's always adistasteful thing. A little brotherly kindness (2 Peter1:7; Gal. 6:1) will make it much more palatable andeasy to swallow. I've known of instances in which brethren have rebuked others unkindly and weresomewhat taken aback when their "good intentions"were not well received. We would do well to remember that those eggs are tasteless little things anyway. Fewpeople can eat them without a little salt. Add the saltof kindness.

Many Bible doctrines are repugnant to mostpeople. The idea that "only members of the church ofChrist will be saved" is certainly of that nature to the average person who conceives of the church as just

another denomination. Misconceptions must be corrected and the truth must be taught. But "them eggs sure need some salt!" "But speaking the truth inlove..." said Paul (Eph. 4:15). Let's sprinkle on the salt of love. Affliction is ever a tasteless thing. Job found no pleasure in it. But the seasoning of patience saw himthrough. "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise" (Heb. 10:36). "Behold we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, andhave seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is verypitiful, and of tender mercy" (James 5:11). Let's be sureto add a pinch of the salt of patience to our trials.

Our speech should be seasoned with salt that wemight know how to answer every man (Col. 4:6). The speech of many Christians has no edification, no godliness, and absolutely no benefit. Frivolous thoughts and questionable, if not downright vulgar,jokes corrupt their vocabulary. "Let no corruptiblespeech proceed out of your mouth, but that which isgood to the use of edifying..." (Eph. 4:29) The speech of too many is rotten, negative, critical, and full ofmaggots. It needs the purifying quality of a little salt.

Death is an unsavory expectation. We have a natural dread of the unknown. Even Jesus did not relish the thought of death (Heb. 5:7). But "for the joy set before him he endured the cross" (Heb. 12:2).Thoughts of eternal life are just the seasoning we needfor that unfavorable dish.

Friends, let's not eat or serve these dishes withoutsalt. There's no taste in the white of an egg. Add someseasoning to your life. Jesus came that we might havelife and have it more abundantly.

A PERNICIOUS ERROR LIVES ON

In this issue of the paper we carry a lengthy article

on Premillennialism, by J. T. Smith. It is clearly stated

and well illustrated with charts and should prove

useful not only in studying the subject 'but also in

teaching against this error which, unfortunately, is

alive and thriving. This material will be put into tract

form and brother Smith is making arrangements to

send it free to brethren in the Philippines, Nigeria and

other places where recent efforts have been made to

overthrow the faith of some churches and preachers.

There is a tendency for some to think that because

an issue has been thoroughly thrashed in one

generation, lines of fellowship drawn, and in some

cases, error so identified and sealed off that it appears

to be no longer a threat to the bulk of the churches,

that the error will therefore go away forever. But all it

takes is one untaught generation to prepare the soil for

the enemy to sow tares while the rest sleep. There is

evidence that premillennial brethren are becoming

more militant and are spending much money and

exerting much effort to infiltrate the ranks of faithful

brethren in foreign fields. This has already come to

light in both Nigeria and the Philippines. Robert Boyd

of Louisville, Kentucky has personally visited in both

these fields and has put his radio program on several

stations in these and other countries He has equipped

native preachers whom he could influence with printed

materials to indoctrinate them on the basic premises of

this doctrinal error.

Premillennialism Lives Among Churches Of Christ

Within a thirty mile range of downtown Louisville,

Kentucky, there are 26 known premillennial Churches

of Christ. They date to the time and influence of R. H.

Boll who lived and died in Louisville. WORD AND

WORK is still published here. The Portland Christian

School (pre-school through high school) still operates.

A college at Winchester, Kentucky (where the famous

Neal-Wallace Debate took place) folded about three

years ago. There are a few other pockets of strength for

this movement among churches of Christ, though

Louisville is still the stronghold. Some of the

premillennial congregations in this area are fairly

large.

Premillennialism among brethren was borrowed

from denominationalism and it is no accident that the

churches and preachers associated with it manifest a tolerant and compromising attitude toward denominational churches and error. One of the larger ofthese churches is known to dismiss Sunday evening services at times when a neighboring Baptist Church ishaving a "Revival" so they can attend. The Baptistchurch has been known to return the favor. The editor has personally observed the warmth of associationsome of their preachers show for preachers of the Christian Church in this area. When Carl Ketcherside and Leroy Garrett come to this area they are welcomedwith open arms by both the Christian Churches and premillennial churches of Christ. Several years agopremillennial churches in the Louisville area bought a large ad in the local newspaper to endorse a BillyGraham Crusade and to register their opposition tochurches of Christ which opposed Graham and hisCrusade. They have an aversion to debating, though Robert Boyd moderated for a Filipino preacher in adebate last October in Davao City, Philippines.

We must teach the younger generation concerning these matters and we must do it NOW. We are a longtime removed from the major battles of the late 1920s,30s and 40s. Not only do we have second and thirdgenerations not properly taught, but many of thoseconverted out of denominationalism have had their minds saturated for years with one form or another ofthis error.

Premillennialism LivesIn Denominationlism

The so-called evangelical churches and especially the independent, fundamental denominations are nearlyall premillennial in their outlook toward Bible prophesy and future world events. Billy Graham aidsand abets this cause. Hal Lindsey has written severalbooks which have sold into the millions (such as TheLate Great Planet Earth and Armageddon Now) andhave been popular best-sellers. A number of the churches associated with the famous "Moral Majority" are thoroughly premillennial. Many of the better known faith healers are premillennial. Such popular radio preachers as J. Vernon McGhee, OliverGreene (now deceased, but whose programs continueeither with re-runs of his tapes or with his son preaching the same errors), Herbert and Garner TedArmstrong, to say nothing of the radio efforts of Adventists and others, pour out daily doses of thishodge-podge of deadly spiritual poison. Jehovah's Witnesses bring it from door to door. Time after timegospel preachers are called on to help church membersanswer questions raised by these deceitful workers.This false system of error is responsible for greatlycomplicating efforts of Christians to teach the truthbecause it warps and twists every part of the Bible tofit the pattern demanded by the engineers of this doctrinal maze. From the Abrahamic promises of Genesis 12 to the utterances of the prophets of Israeland Judah, to Babylon and back, through Matthew 24,I Thessalonians 4 and all the way to the end of thebook of Revelation, these doctrinal quacks have wrested the word of God not only to their own destruction but to the hindrance of some who might beable to see the truth were it not for the hang-upscreated by this mass of misinformation.

Premillennialism Lives InWorld Politics

It is sad to see what Premillennialism does to undermine Bible study in the hearts of so many peoplecaught up in denominationalism. It is heartbreaking tosee it make any progress at all among those who havevowed to speak as the oracles of God. But it is downright dangerous to the peace and security of theworld when it enters world politics. It is contended bynearly all premillennialists that the nation of Israel must go back to Palestine. Jesus is to come back to earth and reign on David's throne from Jerusalem. This view leads its proponents to promote the cause ofZionism in world politics. It regards the Jewish people as still a favored people who are to receive special attentions from the Lord. They therefore may beexpected to use their influence in favor of legislation and foreign policy which gives preferential treatmentto Israel. On his last visit to the United States, Prime Minister Begin had a visit with Moral Majority leader,Jerry Falwell. In spite of the fact that the New Testament teaches that "God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34) and both Jew and Gentile arereconciled to God through the cross of Christ and inthe body of Christ (Eph. 2:14-18), these preachers withtheir powerful lobbying organizations are pressuringCongress and the present administration (as they did past administrations) to make decisions internationally which are pro-Israel and anti-Arab. This encourages political and military adventurism onthe part of the nation of Israel. The world is in a big enough mess without quack preachers bolstering military conquests by a nation which stands beforeGod on the same footing as all other peoples. There isnothing anti-Semitic about this. God's grace is extended to both Jew and Gentile through the gospelof his Son (Rom. 1:16-17; Acts 2:38-39). Those who embrace the gospel are God's chosen people. Of the church Peter wrote "But ye are a chosen generation, aroyal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; thatye should show forth the praises of him who hathcalled you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1Pet. 2:9).

We are indebted to brother Smith for his excellent material. Why not drop him a note of appreciation. If you differ with him, he would still be glad to hear fromyou. Extra copies of this issue will be for sale as long asthe supply lasts. First come-first served. Religious Supply Center has advertised several helpful study books on this subject in this issue. We especially recommend God's Prophetic Word by Wallace and the Neal-Wallace Debate.

Though the doctrine of Premillennialism is taught by

most every major denomination, there are but few

brethren who believe in the theory. Recently, brethren

from Louisville, Ky brought this doctrine to the

Philippine Islands and spread it among churches of

Christ.

Though the word "Premillennialism" sounds very

complicated, it is actually a very simple word. "Pre,"

meaning "before," and "millennial" meaning 1,000.

Hence the theory of Premillennialism is as follows:

(1) God promised and His prophets (Ezekiel and Daniel) prophesied that He would set up an earthlykingdom with Christ on David's literal throne in Jerusalem. (2) That the kingdom of Old Testament promise andprophecy has not yet come into existence. (3) Though the kingdom was announced "at hand" by both John and Jesus, it never has appeared. (4) Jesus is King by right, but is not now actually onHis throne. (5) The kingdom of Old Testament prophecy was postponed because national Israel rejected Christ. (6) Christ presented in parables a new announcement of the new and unexpected aspect (church age) the kingdom would assume during an anticipatedage of the king in rejection and absence form the world(Kingdom of God, by R. H. Boll, Page 70). (7) In order for the prophecy of Daniel 2:44 to befulfilled, pagan Rome must come back into existencewith a world dictator over a 10 part kingdom. (8) The Jews must be restored as a nation, return toPalestine, and be converted en masse, in order thatChrist can be king "in fact," instead of merely a "crown prince." (9) The temple of Solomon will be rebuilt and a Jewish system of worship will be restored. (10) There will be a "rapture"—the saints, both living and dead, will meet the Lord in the air andcontinue there for a time. (11) There will be two resurrections in the future, one of the saints at the "rapture," and one of the wicked at the end of the 1,000 years which will be theend of the world. (12) At the time of the "rapture," there will come a time of "the great tribulation" upon the earth, which the saints will escape. (13) After the "rapture" a period of time will pass,perhaps 7 years, and Christ will leave the throne of His

majesty in heaven and occupy the literal throne ofDavid for a literal 1,000 years.

(14) As king on David's literal throne in Jerusalem, Jesus shall engage in a carnal "battle of Armageddon." (15) Christ's coming is imminent.

Thus the theory of Premillennialism is that when Daniel prophesied of the kingdom that was to be established (Daniel 2:44), he was speaking of Christ coming to sit upon David's literal throne in Jerusalem and rule over all Israel. When the Jews rejected Christ,the prophecy was postponed and the church was substituted instead. Now, according to the theory,Christ has promised to return and fulfill the promise ofDaniel 2:44 by reigning in Jerusalem on David's literalthrone for 1,000 years according to Revelation chapters 19 and 20. Thus according to the theory, "pre" means "before" and millennial" means 1,000. Hence Christ will begin His reign before the 1,000 years of Revelation 20.

The Premillennial Theory—Part I

In our study I believe it will be to our advantage todivide the theory into 5 different parts, examiningeach part separately. We will include the first four statements of the theory in part # 1 of our study.

I do not suppose that any serious student of theBible would deny that God promised, in the book ofprophecy, that He would set up "His Kingdom."Neither is there any doubt as to "WHEN" it was to beestablished.

You will recall that in Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. The dream was of the image of a man whoseform was magnificent. Nebuchadnezzar called all hismagicians, and astrologers, and sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to show the king his dream. They told himif he could tell them the dream, they would give himthe interpretation thereof. The king said he could not remember the dream, and unless they told him thedream and the interpretation thereof they would all becut in little pieces.

Daniel sought "an audience" with the king and said,"there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known unto Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days" (Daniel 2:38). Then Daniel tells thedream of the great image Nebuchadnezzar saw.

The image which Nebuchadnezzar saw had a head ofgold, arms and breast of silver, the belly and thighs ofbrass, and whose legs were of iron, with the feet andtoes part of iron and part of clay. Then Daniel gives theinterpretation of the dream. (Next Page)

He said king Nebuchadnezzar was the head of gold

(v. 38). Daniel was simply showing that Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom was represented by the head of gold. However, "another kingdom inferior tothee, and another third kingdom of brass which shouldbear rule over all the earth. And the fourth kingdomshall be as strong as iron. . . (vs. 38-40). Thus historyreveals that the 2nd and 3rd kingdoms that should follow the Babylonian kingdom were the Medes andPersians, and the Grecian kingdom under Alexanderthe great. The fourth kingdom, that would follow the Grecian kingdom, was the Roman empire. Both Bible and secular history confirm that this is what did take place.

Daniel also prophesied that "in the days of thesekings (of the Roman empire, jts) the God of heavenshall set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed:and it shall not be left to other people, but it shallbreak in pieces all of these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever" (v. 44). Thus, all admit that God's prophecy,according to Daniel, was that during the days of theRoman kings, God would set up a kingdom that would never be destroyed.

However, the problem arises when brethren (1) wantto make it a literal kingdom in literal Jerusalem withChrist sitting and ruling on David's literal throne; (2)and saying that even though the kingdom was prophesied by both John the Baptist and Christ asbeing "at hand," it did not come "in fact." I believe both of the above statements are erroneous.

First of all, it is simply an assumption to say thatChrist was coming to Jerusalem to establish a literal kingdom and sit upon David's literal throne. Some brethren contend that the prophecy of Daniel was "postponed." Where is the passage of Scripture thatindicates this? Either the prophecy was fulfilled, or itfailed. Notice the following chart.

PROPHECY — UNFULFILLED OR FAILED — WHICH?

If Unfulfilled:

1. Who Can Give The Meaning? II Pet. 1:20-21
2. Only Deity Can Give The

Meaning Of Prophecy!I Cor.2:9-12 - Eph.3:2-5

If Failed:

1. Spoken By False Prophet Deut.18:21-22

Next we notice one of the great mistakes of the Jewsof the Old and New Testament periods is the samemistake of premillennialists today. They all want tomake the kingdom that God was to establish a literal,physical kingdom here on earth with Christ on David'sliteral throne in literal Jerusalem. God made no such promise. In fact, every specific thing taught by Jesusabout the kingdom is that it would be a SPIRITUALKINGDOM, and not a literal, physical kingdom likethe kingdoms of David and Solomon in the Old Testament.

CHRIST'S KINGDOM PHYSICAL OR SPIRITUAL Christ's Kingdom Is Not:

1. Of This World - John 18:36
2. Meat & Drink - Rom. 14:17
3. Entered By Natural Birth John 3:1-7
4. Entered By Saying Lord, Lord

Matt.7:21 Christ's Kingdom Is:

1. Within You - Luke17:21
2. Righteousness, Joy, Peace - Rom. 14:17
3. Entered By Spiritual Birth -John 3:1-7
4. Entered By Doing Father's WillMatt:7.21 - 1 Pet:1.23

The very thing that Christ argues when he speaksconcerning his kingdom is that it IS NOT physical, butspiritual. And then in many of the same verses, as youcan see from the above chart, he argues that IT IS SPIRITUAL in its nature.

When Jesus began His personal ministry in John 3, aruler of the Jews, Nicodemus, came to Jesus and told Him that he accepted Him as a teacher come fromGod. Now here was a man that had every right,according to Jewish and premillennial beliefs, to bea part of the kingdom prophesied by Daniel. He was aJew, even a ruler of the Jews. Was he, because of his being of the literal seed of Abraham, eligible to be apart of God's kingdom? Jesus said he was not! In factthe very second lesson recorded by John of Jesus' ministry involved His teaching concerning His kingdom, and he told Nicodemus, "Except a man beborn again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Nicodemus was amazed at this teaching. "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born?" (v.4). Nicodemus had missed the point entirely, just as

the premillennialists miss the point today. All he couldvisualize was literal. But Jesus explained that it wasnot the fleshly or Israelite that was destined to be apart of His kingdom, but "except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into thekingdom of God" (v. 5). What did Daniel prophesy?That God would set up His kingdom. To whose kingdom is Christ referring? God's! Then Jesus toldthis Jewish ruler, who thought, according to all heunderstood of God's kingdom, that he was of theproper physical lineage to be a part of it, "ye must beborn again (v.7).

So Jesus, in explaining His kingdom, said it is "notof this world." (The word "world" is from the Greekword kosmos which means "order or arrangement ofthings"), else would my servants fight (wage a carnalbattle) that I might not be delivered into the hands ofthe Jews" (John 18:36). Paul explained it was noteating and drinking, but righteousness, and peace andjoy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). And as Jesusexplained, it is entered by a birth of water (baptism)and the Spirit (John 3:1-7). It is not entered by sayingLord, Lord, but by doing the will of the Father (Matt.7:21; 1 Peter 1:23). Thus in the very beginning of Hisministry, Christ introduced His kingdom as spiritual.

You will recall that Daniel said God had made known these things unto him that would take place in the"latter days." But Isaiah 2:2-3 also talks about what isto take place in the "last days." "And it shall come topass in the last days that the mountain of the Lord'shouse shall be established in the top of the mountains,and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nationsshall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say,come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us ofhis ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zionshall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord fromJerusalem."

Now from these passages we learn that the "Lord's house" would be established in the "last days," andthe word of the Lord would go forth from Jerusalem. Iunderstand the expression "The Lord's house" to mean the church (cf. 1 Tim. 3:15).Jesus said thatrepentance and remission of sins should be preached inHis name among all nations (as Isaiah prophesied)beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47).

Then Joel's prophecy of what would happen in the"last days" (Joel 2:28-32), was quoted in Acts 2:16-21and Peter said, this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel" (v. 16).

We can see from the above chart that the prophecyof Daniel 2, Isaiah 2, and Joel 2 were fulfilled on the first pentecost after Christ's resurrection.

Thus to sum up what has been said by Daniel,Isaiah, and Joel, they said in the last days the Lord would establish his kingdom (which would be entered by baptism as the Spirit directed, John 3:5; the Lord'shouse or church) would be established and all nationswould flow unto it, or as Jesus said, His name was tobe preached among all nations (Luke 24:47); and Joel's prophecy of what would happen in the "last days" DID HAPPEN according to Acts 2:16.

Hence, according to the above information, thekingdom of Daniel's prophecy and the Church of Isaiah's prophecy are one and the same thing, both areentered by baptism. Thus both the Jews and the premillennialists look for the fulfillment of a prophecythat has already been fulfilled.

Those who are Christians, who believe in Premillennialism, are not foolish enough to deny thatwe are a part of Christ's kingdom today, for Col. 1:13plainly says we have been translated into it. However,according to a conversation I had in the Philippineswith brother Robert Boyd, the kingdom of Col. 1:13 is"Absolutely not the kingdom of Daniel 2:44." Butwhere is God's prophecy of two kingdoms? Thus according to premillennialists, God promised a kingdom which we do not have, and has translated usinto a kingdom which he had not promised. Who canbelieve it?

According to premillennialists, Christ is supposed tochange positions before the end. He is supposed toleave the throne of his Father David, which is now inheaven (Acts 2:29-35) and return to His footstool, theearth, to reign for 1,000 years. However, David, asquoted by Peter in Acts 2, said God would not leaveChrist in the grave (v, 29). This was fulfilled, Peter said, when Christ was raised from the dead (v. 31).Christ began sitting on Pentecost, for he sat down atthe right hand of the throne of God after He ascended(vs. 34-35). And, Paul said He must reign until he hathput all enemies under His feet. The last enemy to bedestroyed is death (1 Cor. 15:25-26). The end of death will come at the judgment, thus Christ will occupy hispresent position (of sitting and reigning over his spiritual kingdom) until the end.

Besides, Christ was to be raised up to "sit on David's throne while he slept with his fathers" (IISamuel 7:12-13). But, if Christ is to sit on David's throne after the "rapture," as premillennialists tell us,then it will not be while "David is sleeping with the fathers," for they will all, according to the premillennial theory, have already been raised.

The Premillennial Theory—Part 2

This section of our study will include numbers 5 and6 of our explanation at the beginning of this study onthe salient points of the theory.

It is claimed that one of the reasons Christ postponed His kingdom was because of the rejection ofthe Jews. However, in Matthew 3, when John the Baptist began to preach, "repent ye: for the kingdom ofheaven is at hand" (v. 2), the Scriptures say, "Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the regions round about Jordan, and were baptized ofhim in Jordan, confessing their sins" (vs. 5-6).

Also, in John 6 when the 5,000 were fed with the fivebarley loaves and two small fishes, vs. 14-15 say,"Then those men, when they had seen the miracle thatJesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet thatshould come into the world. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force,to make him a king, he departed again into a mountainhimself alone." Does this sound like they had not accepted him to be their king? They understood allright who He was. However, they already had theirminds made up as to what kind of kingdom He shouldestablish (literal instead of spiritual) and later rejectedHim because He did not establish the kind of kingdomthey expected. How great, however, would have beenthe problem had Jesus done what the Jews expected ofHim according to Ezekiel's and Daniel's prophecies. Observe:

That Christ should come to Jerusalem and sit on David's literal throne ruling over National Israel andconquering all the nations.

Question: If their expectations had been fulfilled,what about all the prophecies of Isaiah, and David inthe Psalms, concerning a "suffering saviour"? ForChrist could not have been conquered and would havenever died on the cross. Thus, both the Jews expectation, along with the premillennialists theory,would completely have annihilated Christ's suffering on the cross (I Peter 1:9-11); remission of sins, bothJew and Gentile being included in God's plan (Eph.2:16); etc. On the other hand, if all the propheciesconcerning the "suffering saviour" were to be fulfilled,is it possible that God never intended to establish Hiskingdom during the days of the Roman kings as Danielprophesied, which puts God in the position of makingtwo sets of promises both of which COULD NOT havebeen fulfilled without contradicting each other? Who can believe it?

However, if as we have already suggested, Christ'skingdom is spiritual, and his body (church) is spiritual,then He was to suffer and die that by His resurrectionand ascension He might receive authority both inheaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18; Romans 1:4) andestablish himself king of His kingdom and head of Hisbody, the church, which is, of course, what happened.

The Premillennial Theory—Part 3

Now parts 7, 8, 9 of our explanation of the premillennial theory are the next points of our study.

According to the premillennial theory, in order forDaniel 2:44 to be fulfilled, pagan Rome must comeback into existence with a world dictator over 10 world kingdoms. In fact we are made to wonder, because of some statements by brother R. H. Boll, whether Christ's failure to establish His kingdom was a resultof the Jews rejection, or God's mistake.

The Jews Rejection OrGod's Mistake — Which?

According to brother R. H. Boll in his book. The Kingdom of

God. page 32. "The Roman world-power then, though now it

does not exist, as such, is to return. When it returns, the

Roman power will be in the form of a ten-kingdom

confederacy under one dominant head; which fact is

indicated by the toes of the Image: more fully set forth in

the ten horns of the fourth beast (Daniel 7): and clearly

revealed to John in Revelation:...(Rev. 17:12-13; 19:11

21)."

HOWEVER

On page 30 of the same book brother Boll says. "But she

(Rome. jts)has never as yet. nor at any time in the past, taken

on its final shape as a ten-kingdom world-power which

Daniel and John beheld. (Daniel 2 and 7, and Revelation

13)."

THUS According to brother Boll. God sent Christ into the world(and Christ was willing to come) at a time when it would havebeen IMPOSSIBLE for the prophecies concerning the Kingdom to be fulfilled.

Also to show that when Daniel said "in the days ofthese kings" he was speaking of the Roman empirethat was in existence during Jesus' lifetime, we know that Caesar was on the throne in Rome. However,there were rulers (kings) over provinces during these days who were under Caesar, and the proof is so statedin Luke 3:1 where these men are referred to as "tetrarchs" (ruler of a 4th part). Herod is one of those who is listed as a tetrarch. However, in Matthew 2:1, Herod is referred to as "king." Hence, Daniel's prophecy of God's kingdom being established during

the days of "kings" fits completely in this time period.Almost every premillennialist that you hear preachon the subject sooner or later brings up the "land promise" or God's giving the land of Canaan to Israelin fulfillment of the promise to Abraham and his seedin Genesis.

RESTORATION OF THE JEWS TO PALESTINE

l. THE LAND PROMISE TO ABRAHAM & HIS SEED FULFILLED UNDER JOSHUA A. LAND OF CANAAN PROMISED TO ABRAHAM & HIS SEED GEN. 13:15,15:18,17:7-8, B. THE LAND PROMISE WAS FULFILLED EXO. 6:4-8, JOSH. 21:43

45. 2.THEJEWS & THE ABRAHAMIC PROMISE

A. THE LAND PROMISE WAS FULFILLED UNDER JOSHUA 23:12-16.

B. THE RESTORATION PROMISE WAS FULFILLED UNDER EZRA 1:1-4.

C. THE SPIRITUAL PROMISE IS FULFILLED IN CHRIST GAL 3:26-29.

PROMISES FULFILLED

CEASE TO BE BINDING!

As you will note from the above chart, every promiseGod made to Abraham and his seed was fulfilled. The promise of God's giving the land of Canaan wasfulfilled under the leadership of Joshua. Also the Jewsand Abraham's promise was fulfilled under Joshuawith a warning in Joshua 23:43-45 that if they did notcontinue to serve God but turned to idol gods, God would drive them off the land. However in the above cited passages in Joshua, God said "not ought of thepromise failed, all was fulfilled."

But premillennialists say that after driving the Jewsout of the land into Babylonian captivity, He renewed the promise to bring them back into the land. Everypromise made by Jeremiah was "accomplished" or "fulfilled" under king Cyrus according to II Chron.

36:22 and Ezra 1:1.

This only leaves the spiritual promise God made toAbraham in Genesis 22:18 when He promised to blessall nations through the "seed" of Abraham. In Galatians chapter three, Paul explains the spiritualpromise.

The above chart shows that God intended to fulfill

His promise to Abraham through Christ (v. 16). He

also shows that the Law of Moses was added because

of the transgressions of the people till (showing

duration of time) the seed (Christ) should come. So,

says Paul, "The law was our schoolmaster to bring us

unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But

after that faith is come, we are no longer under a

schoolmaster" (thus no longer under the law of Moses).

Now, Paul says, "Ye are all the children of God by

faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been

baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is

neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female:

for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's,

then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the

promise." Thus if one has been baptized into Christ, he

is therefore a part of the body of Christ, Abraham's

seed, and an heir according to God's promise to

Abraham. Hence all God's promises to Abraham and

his seed have been fulfilled.

Thus (the teaching of the premillennialists that the Jews must be restored to Palestine as a nation and be converted en masse as a nation is just a figment oftheir imagination. The truth of the matter is, today theIsrael of God are those who have received "spiritualcircumcision."

NEW TESTAMENT CIRCUMCISION

1. Kind — Spiritual of the heartRom. 2:28-29

2.Performed By — DeityCol. 2:11-12

1. Purpose — Cutting Off of theBody of the Sins of the Flesh Col. 2:11
2. When? — In Baptism

Col. 2:12 Rom. 6:6 "Spiritual Jews"

The Premillennial Theory—Part 3

Now parts 10-12 of our explanation of Premillennialism.

Premillennialists have taken a word that is not found in the Greek New Testament at all, but in the Latin,and continually talk about its fulfillment. The word is"rapture." Premillennial preachers preach about the "rapture" as if it is found on almost every page in the Bible. Of course the "idea" of the word "rapture" asused by the premillennialists is found in 1 Thess. 4:13

14. However, let me hasten to say that their application of it and their theory about it is not found.

The idea is that of "rising to meet the Lord." There is certainly no question about this happeningaccording to the above passage. The problem ariseswhen premillennialists say this is going to take place athousand and seven years before the resurrection ofthe wicked. (Supposedly the raised saints will be withthe Lord "somewhere" for 7 years before the millennium begins).

There is no evidence that there will be any "time separation" between the resurrection of the righteousand the wicked. 1 Thess. 4:13-17 is not a passage to beused as proof by the premillennialists. Here Paul hasonly the righteous under consideration. Yes, the word"first" is used in connection with the resurrection mentioned here. However, Paul's statement is that dead Christians will be raised before the livingChristians are caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord, and Christians who have died are raised first.The resurrection of the wicked is not even under consideration in this passage.

1 Thess. 4:13-17Does NOT TeachTwo Resurrections

It Does Teach ThatThe Righteous DeadWill Be Raised BeforeThe Righteous LivingAre Taken

There are a number of passages, however, that dodiscuss both the resurrection of the righteous and thewicked. According to the following chart, there will bean "hour" in which "all" shall hear the voice of the Lord and come forth, both the righteous and thewicked. Also, Acts 24:15 says there shall be "a" resurrection of the dead, both of the just and theunjust. And again, Paul said that when the Lord Jesusreturned, he would take vengeance on those who obeynot the gospel. But at that time, He will also beglorified in His saints (II Thess. 1:7-10). For Paul said"Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after theflesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more" (II Cor. 5:16).

When Will The LordReturn ? 2 Peter 3:10

Who Will Be Raised

At Christ's Coming?

ALL!

John 5:28-29

Acts 24:15

The evidence is overwhelming when we read thepassages that discuss a resurrection both of the justand the unjust. There will be "an hour" (definite pointin time) when "All" shall come forth. There is no roomfor 1,000 years between.

The Premillennial Theory—Part 5

This part of our study will involve the final portionof the premillennial theory, covering points 13, 14 and

15.

The majority of the teaching that is supposed toprove the final part of the theory is found in Matthew24 and in Revelation chapters 19 and 20.

The facts in the case are these. Matthew 24 is discussing the destruction of Jerusalem. Jesus said inMatt. 24:34 "Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, until all these things be fulfilled." It issometimes argued that the word "generation" meansan "age" or "race," and thus Christ was discussing theend of time. However, Mr. Joseph Henry Thayer in hisGreek-English Lexicon on page 112 says of the word genea translated "generation" in Matt. 24:34, "Thewhole multitude of men living at the same time; Matt.24:34." So Jesus said "This" whole multitude of men who are living at this time shall not "pass." The word"pass" is from the Greek word parerchomal and means "to pass away, perish" (IBID p.488). Thus Jesus issimply saying that those people then living would notpass away or perish until the things he had prophesiedbe fulfilled. Hence, He was speaking of the destructionof Jerusalem and not the end of the world.

"But," someone may ask, "What about the teachingof Revelation chapters 19-20 on this subject"? "Isn't Christ to return and establish His kingdom here on earth and reign for 1,000 years in Jerusalem onDavid's literal throne?" Let's look at the book of Revelation and see just what is said.

John gives us an insight into the book of Revelationin the very first chapter and the first three verses thatwill help us to understand what is taught therein.

In verse 1, John made two points that must beunderstood in studying the book of Revelation. (1) Godwas revealing "things which must shortly come to pass." Also, "he came and signified... unto his servant John." The word "signify" simply means hepresented it in "signs" or "symbols."

(2) In verse 3, he said the prophecies revealed shouldbe read and observed, "for the time is at hand." Thuswe understand from these statements that the thingsrevealed were "yet future" but in the "near future,""at hand," "shortly to come to pass." So, these thingswere written in revelation specifically to give comfort to those who were being persecuted by the "greatharlot" whom John identifies as "the great city, whichreigneth over the kings of the earth" or Rome (Rev.17:18). Hence, the book was written specifically toteach those who were being persecuted and killed forthe cause of Christ, that in the end those who wouldworship and serve God would be victorious. Chapters19 and 20 are the victory chapters with chapters 21and 22 showing the ultimate of what those who arevictorious will receive.

Now back to chapters 19 and 20. I contend that themajority of the things referred to are symbolic. Otherwise, we will have a literal "lamb" ridingthrough heaven on a "white horse." But observe the following chart, and after reading Revelation chapters19 and 20, see how many of the twenty things listedyou believe are literal.

Revelation 19, 20 Literal or Figurative — Which?

1. The Great Harlot - 19:2 13. Fowls Flying To Supper - V. 17
2. Her Smoke - V. 3 14. Beast -Mark -Image -Vs. 19-11
3. Four Beasts Worshipping God - V. 4 15. Angel Coming Down -2O:1l
4. Lamb V. 7 16. Key Chain Pit - V. I
5. White Horse and Rider V. 11 17. Dragon - Tall Stars V. 2. 12:3-4
6. Eyes As Flames or Fire - V. 12 18. Bound - BottomlessPit - V.3
7. Many Crowns On His Head - V. 12 19. Shut - Sealed - V. 3
8. Vesture Dipped In Blood - V. 13 20. Thrones - Beheaded -V. 4
9. Armies On White Horses V. 14 21. Prison -Loosed - Battle - Vs. 7-8
10. Sword Out Of His Mouth V. 13 11. Camp of Saints Compassed - V.9
11. Tread The Wine Press - V. 15 23. Fire and Brimstone - V. 10
12. name On His Thigh - V. 16 24. 1000 Years V. 2

Perhaps you only chose the 1,000 years. If so, why?Besides, in order for the 1,000 years to fit into themillennial theory, all of the things on our next chartwould have to be taught in these two chapters. And,even though Revelation 19 and 20 are the "proof texts" given for the theory, notice according to thefollowing chart that none of them are even mentioned.

REVELATION 19, 20MILLENNIAL PROOF TEXT ??

Yet It Does Not Mention:

1. The second coming of Christ.

2. A bodily resurrection,

1. Christ on earth.
2. An earthly reign.
3. Palestine
4. Jerusalem

1. The literal throne of David.
1. Resurrection of the Jews.
1. All the saved.
2. Flesh and blood.
3. Imminence

12. Us

"But," someone says, "do you mean to tell me thatwhen Christ returns that He will not be given Hiskingdom?" That's right. The facts of the matter arethese. The premillennialist have Christ going in the wrong direction to receive His kingdom. (Read Daniel7:13-14, cf. Acts 1:9). Christ received His kingdomwhen he came TO the Father—not FROM the Father.

Then What About Rev. 20:1-6?

The writer here concludes by showing that Satan hasbeen overcome and is now bound so that he should deceive the nations no more. The Hebrew writer said that Christ by His death destroyed him that hath thepower over death, even the devil" (Hebrews 2:14).Also, John said that the Son of God was manifest thathe might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

During the days of Christ and the apostles, Satan and his spiritual followers could deceive, and peoplewere demon-possessed. However, that is not truetoday. Christ's death on the cross destroyed that device of Satan. Notice what John said in Revelation 20:3, "that he (Satan) should deceive the nations nomore." Man does not have to be deceived by Satan now, for we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11).Christ came to make manifest the works of the devil,and said if we "resist the devil he will flee from us" (James 4:7). Peter says Satan does not deceive us, forhe goes about "as a roaring lion," (1 Peter 4:8-9), not asone who "stalks his prey" but as a "roaring lion" seeking whom he may devour. Whom Peter said,"resist steadfast in the faith ..." So we are told not to let Satan get the advantage of us, for we are notignorant of his devices. We are told we may resist him,and if we do, he will flee from us. Thus, Satan is bound.He can deceive us no longer, unless we allow him to doso. However, this is predicated on our "having an evilheart of unbelief in departing from the living God ..."and allowing ourselves to "be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:12-13). So, as Johnpointed out in Rev. 20:3 no one should be deceived.

The First Resurrection of Revelation 20

But what about the "first resurrection" of Revelation 20:3? It seems to me that verse 4 explainsit. "The souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and the word of God" in verse four are the ones who are reigning with Christ in vs. 4-5, andthat is said to be the "first resurrection." Of time the Bible speaks of the freeing of people, who are heldcaptive, as a resurrection. For example, when thechildren of Israel were in Babylonian captivity inEzekiel 37, and God showed Ezekiel the "valley of drybones," He said it represented His people in captivity.However, He was going to bring them out, and in37:11-14 God describes it as "opening their graves and causing them to come out of their graves and live.

But we see the people of Rev. 20 described as thesame people who had already been mentioned in Rev.6:8-11 and being "under the altar" and begging fordeliverance of their cause. They were told, "rest for a little season until thy fellowservants and thybrethren" that should be killed as they were, should"be fulfilled" (Rev. 6:9-11). Thus as we have the resurrection of a people held captive in Ezek. 37, so wealso have a resurrection of a people held captive in Rev. 6 and 20. And the passage says, "and THEY lived andreigned with Christ a thousand years" (or long periodof time).

Universal Peace

But if the preceding teaching is true, what of all theprophecies in Isaiah and Micah of the "peacefulnature" of the kingdom? When we understand that thekingdom of God is spiritual and not literal, then thosepromises also have spiritual application, and are notdescribing literal beasts of the field, but the nature of apeople.

Please Renew Promptly

UNIVERSAL PEACE lsa.4:2 — Micah

4:3 lsa. 11:6-9, 65:25

1. The Church — "Spiritual Kingdom" It APeaceful Organization:

A. Its Servants Should Not FightJohn 18:36B. Its Weapons Are Not CarnalII Cor.1O:4

C. Its Members Are Peaceful In Nature —Rom.14:17-19

2. The Church Is For All People, And Nations

Have No Identity In It Eph. 2:11-17

Though R. H. Boll said in his book The Kingdom of God, written in the 1920s, that the millennium isimminent, brother Boll is dead and Christ has not yetcome. Besides, if premillennial teaching is true, weknow that it cannot be imminent. (Observe the following chart).

Millennium Not Near

According to millennialists. certain conditions are going tohave to be in existence before the millennium comes, forExample:

1. The Jews Will All Return To Jerusalem.
2. The Jews Will Be Re-Established As A nation.
3. The Jews Will Rebuild The Temple In Jerusalem.
4. A 10 Kingdom World-Ruling Roman Empire Will Exist.
5. This Empire Will Be Under A Roman World-RulingDictator.
6. I Thessalonians 4:13-17 Will Be Fulfilled.
7. The City Of Babylon Rebuilt

Conclusion

If Christ should return to earth, notice on thefollowing chart the things that would have to takeplace in violation of the teaching of the Bible.

IF CHRIST RETURNS TO EARTH

1. He will not be a priest (Hebrews 8:4; 7:14).
1. There will be no forgiveness of sins.
2. There is evidence that there will be some sin even in the millennium" (R. H. Boll, The Kingdom of God. P. 163). cf. Hebrews 10:4
2. He will have a name inferior to the one he now has (Eph. 1:21).
3. He will not prosper (Jeremiah 22:30).
4. He could not have any more authority than he has now (Matthew 28:18-20; I Cor.l5:27).

THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT CHRIST WILL EVER SET FOOT ON EARTH AGAIN!

What then, does the Bible teach about Christ's 2nd coming? It teaches that "The Lord will come as a thiefin the night in the which the heavens shall pass awaywith a great noise, and the elements shall melt withfervent heat, and the earth also and the works that aretherein shall be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10).

It teaches that both the just and the unjust—ALLwill be brought into judgment at the same time (John

5:28-29; Acts 24:15).But what about the kingdom and the end of theworld?

WHAT IS TO TAKE PLACE

I Corinthians 15:23-26 "...at Christ's coming"

"THEN cometh the end

WHEN

He shall deliver up the kingdom to God.—

WHEN

He shall put down (bring to an end — Gingrich; render

inactive — Vine) all rule and authority and power.

FOR= GAR

He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."

Thus Christ is not coming back to BEGIN anythingon earth. His coming will be an END of all things onearth, the premillennial brethren notwithstanding. ForJesus himself said, "And these are the words which Ispake unto you, while I was yet with you, that allthings must be fulfilled, which were written in the lawof Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms,concerning me" (Luke 24:44). So, Jesus said it, thatsettles it, I believe it!

"Unto you therefore which believe, He is precious ..."1 Pet. 2:7a

The apostle Peter used one word repeatedly in histwo brief epistles to convey to his readers what itmeant to be a Christian and what it meant to receive the blessings of Christ. That word was — "PRECIOUS." Eight times in eight chapters Peteruses that term to describe the blessings of Jesus. In 1Pet. 2:7, Peter uses the term with reference to ChristHimself. Jesus is "THE PRECIOUS ONE," or "THEPRECIOUSNESS," i.e., it is from Him that all blessings originate. Among the cluster of jewels wornby the saint, there is one central jewel whose brillianceeclipses all the rest. It is Jesus. He is our central gem in a crown of blessings.

We gave notation last month to three aspects ofPeter's preciousness:

1. Redeemed With The "PRECIOUS" Blood (1 Pet. 1:18-19).
2. Build Upon The "PRECIOUS" Corner Stone (1 Pet. 2:4-6).

1. Hope Through The "PRECIOUS" Promises (2 Pet.
2. 1:2-4).Now let's turn our attention to three more.
1. Trials of our faith are "PRECIOUS"That the trial of your faith, being muchmore precious than of gold that perisheth,though it be tried with fire, might be foundunto praise and honor and glory at theappearing of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:6-7). Herethe apostle introduces a subject that he will expound upon later, i.e., the theme of trials, tribulations and suffering. Note the outline of 1st Peter:

a. Doctrine of Salvation, 1:1-2:12 b. Doctrine of Submission, 2:13-3:12 c. Doctrine of Suffering, 3:13ff

Beginning in 3:13, the apostle cautions us that ifsuffering comes, we need to be certain that we sufferfor that which is right.

But even if you should suffer for the sake ofrighteousness, you are blessed (3:14).

For it is better ... that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what iswrong (3:17).

If you are reviled for the name of Christ, youare blessed (4:14).

If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him notfeel ashamed (4:16).

Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust theirsouls to a faithful creator in doing what isright (4:19).

Suffering has always been a great questionconfronting Christians. Why does God allow pain andanguish, disappointment and discomfort, various trials and tribulations? Peter gives the answer in 5:10when he says, "And after you have suffered for a littlewhile, the God of all grace, who called you to Hiseternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm,strengthen and establish you." Sometimes we have togo down in the forbidden valleys of life to realize ourdependence from above. Sometimes we must experience trials in order to grow stronger. Andsometimes we must suffer through the fiery furnace toattain perfection and be molded into the shape desiredby God.

Why did Jesus have to suffer? For the same reasonwe do. "Although He was a Son, He learned obediencefrom the things which He suffered. And having beenmade perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation" (Heb. 5:8-9). Jesus suffered to learn obedience and to be perfected. Somust we.

In Malachi 3:1-2 the Messiah is pictured as beingboth (1) fire, and (2) soap. Now fire and soap arepurifying agents. Who are the objects of the Messiah's purifying? "He will purify the sons of Levi and refinethem" (vs. 3). Who were the sons of Levi? They werethe priests of the elder covenant. Who are the Lord'spriests under this covenant? Who is it that Malachisays will pass through the Messiah's refining fire?Why, it is the saints! We are the Lord's holypriesthood. We are the sons of Levi. And why must wepass through the fire? "So that they may present tothe Lord offerings in righteousness" (vs. 3). Metalsthat were not purified were worthless. God purifies theChristian for we are "precious." We are His chosen vessels and He wishes us to be free from imperfections.

5. Gentle and Quiet Spirit is "PRECIOUS"Let not your adornment be merely external . .. but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of agentle and quiet spirit, which is precious inthe sight of God (1 Pet. 3:3-4).

In this section the apostle stresses submission andadornment. Pound for pound there has been more error taught here than on just about any other subject. Two things are demanded in verses 1-4: (1) the right character (wives are to be subject to their husbands "in the same way" as Christ was subject to the Father),and (2) the right adornment. In verse 3 Peter is not condemning, but rather is stressing priorities. (If Peteris condemning the braiding of hair and the wearing ofjewelry, he also condemns the putting on of dresses!)

Verse 4 informs us that the attitude God desires in His people is one of a quiet and gentle spirit. A quietspirit is a spirit that is at peace, one that works in a quiet fashion (2 Thess. 3:12), and has itself undercontrol. In 1 Thess. 4:11 Paul urges us to make it ourambition to lead a "quiet life." Then he tells us how—"by attending to your own business and working with your own hands." I imagine we all could seekimprovement in that category. Next, a gentle spirit is a spirit that submits to the authority of God. Theoriginal meaning of meekness (or gentleness) had to dowith the taming of an animal. A meek animal was onethat was trained and disciplined. Consequently, a meekspirit is one who brings himself in line with the discipline of God. Those who do are "precious" in Hissight.

6. Like "PRECIOUS" Faith Simon Peter ... to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through therighteousness of God and our Savior JesusChrist (2 Pet. 1:1).

How precious is the bond and union among God'speople all over the globe. We are a people of "likeprecious faith." But how is our faith alike? What givesus a common bond?

a. All of us hold to the same redeeming blood.

b. All of us build on the same chief corner stone. c. All of us hope for the same promises. d. All of us experience the same trials. e. All of us are trying to develop the

same meekness of character. As a result we are men and women of "like preciousfaith." We all wear the same precious crown jewelsof the Savior. Yes, "Blest Be The Tie That Binds."Can you think of anything more precious than that?

THE FREE WILL OF MAN

QUESTION: Recently we had some difficulty in ourBible Class trying to harmonize the free will ofman and his accountability with some statementsin the ninth chapter of Romans. Please comment onverses 10-21, especially verse 21—L.S. ANSWER: The verses in question read as follows: "And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived byone, even by our father Isaac; (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according toelection might stand, not of works, but of him thatcalleth;) As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is thereunrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom Iwill have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raisedthee up, that I might shew my power in thee, andthat my name might be declared throughout all theearth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thouwilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault?For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man,who are thou that repliest against God? Shall thething formed say to him that formed it, Why hastthou made me thus? Hath not the potter powerover the clay, of the same lump to make one vesselunto honour, and another unto dishonour?" (Rom. 9:10-21).

The figure of the potter and the clay is not alwaysused to teach the same lesson. What it teaches dependsupon its use and application in its context. For example, a different lesson entirely (from Rom. 9:10-21)is taught in Jer. 18:1-6;

"The word which came to Jeremiah from the

Lord, saying, Arise, and go down to the

potter's house, and there I will cause thee to

hear my words. Then I went down to the

potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a

work on the wheels. And the vessel that he

made of clay was marred in the hand of the

potter: so he made it again another vessel, as

seemed good to the potter to make it. Then

the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O

house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this

potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is

in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O

house of Israel" (Jer. 18:1-6).

While these verses teach the power and willingness ofthe divine potter, God, to transform that which has marred into a vessel of honor, it also teaches that in the final analysis it is conditioned upon the pliability of theclay which represents the volition of man. Until theindividual yields to the will of the divine potter (which isalways a thing of beauty and honor in behalf of theindividual) the divine objective cannot be realized. Hence, the tender appeal of God to the "house of Israel" in verse six. These verses teach with greatemphasis and clarity the free will and accountability of man. This is the very opposite of the use Calvinism makes of this figure which affirms that man is what he isbecause the divine potter made him that wayirrespective of his will and according to a decree of Godfrom all eternity.

The lesson taught in Roman 9:21 and its contextemphasizes the prerogative of God in designing,molding, and executing the scheme of redemption for allmen. We are the products of His creation and have noright to criticize such efforts on His part. He "enduredwith much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted todestruction," namely, the nation of Israel, until the divine purpose—the coming of the Messiah through whom salvation is provided for all—should be fulfilled(vs. 20-24).

Furthermore, since God is the potter in relation tothe scheme of redemption, it was His prerogative todesign a plan that would save both Jew and Gentilealike. Again, since He is the potter, it was His prerogative to elect whom He willed, to have compassion on whom He willed, to show mercy on whom He willed in executing this plan.

Right here a very important point must be observed!Otherwise Calvinism must be true. Of all the elections God made in Romans nine, not one was unto salvation ordamnation. The elections had nothing to do with theirpersonal salvation. Jacob was elected over Esau (vs. 1013) to be a vessel unto honor in that he was to stand inthe honored lineage through which Christ was to come.After this election, both Jacob and Esau were

still responsible for their salvation or damnation.

Pharaoh was elected to a position of power andwidely extended influence that through him God's power and name might be declared throughout all theearth. After this election, Pharaoh was still free to obey or disobey. God did not ordain him to do evil. Had he obeyed, God's name would have been honored among all nations through the news that Pharaoh had humbled himself before the God of Israel. However, hechose to disobey, and God showed His power anyway,and through him declared His name throughout all theearth.

True, God hardened his heart, but the Bible also saysthat Pharaoh hardened his own heart (Cf. Rom. 9:17,18; Ex. 7:3; (:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10: 14:8; 8:15, 32; 9:34).God hardened his heart by multiplying his opportunities to obey. Each time Pharaoh disobeyed it was easier to do so the next time. Thus, he hardened his own heart. In this way God hardens people's heart today. Each failure in the presence ofan opportunity to obey sears one's conscience to somedegree (Cf. 1 Tim. 4:2). Pioneer preachers often referred to such as "gospel hardened." However, the verse in question (v. 17) shows that Pharaoh was elected of God to be the one through whom His namewas to be declared throughout the earth.

Again, Paul refers to vessels unto honor, saying: "Ifa man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work" (2Tim. 2:21). This verse shows that whether or not one isa vessel unto honor depends, in the final analysis, upon man. God's part is certain . . . "he shall be a vessel unto honour." This, however, so far as the salvation ofhis soul is concerned, is conditional. Paul says, If aman purge himself. . ." As the clay must yield to the touch of the potters hand, so man must yield to God'swill.

The thrust of the ninth chapter of Romans is to showthe divine prerogative of God to suffer long with thenation of Israel in order to execute His scheme of redemption; to cut them off as a nation after His divinepurpose had been served; to include the Gentiles in thisplan, and to save both Jew and Gentile individuallyupon the same basis. Furthermore, we have no right tocriticize Him as the divine potter in electing whom Hewilled in executing the plan. Remember, the personalsalvation of those elected in Romans nine is not the point at issue.

It is presumed that you understand what is meant when people currently remark that "So and so was 'sent up' to the 'Big House'"! The statement is being madethat someone has been sent to prison...."the Big House"being a metaphor for the prison or imprisonment.

Centuries ago, long before the time of Christ our Savior, the Egyptians had occasion to make reference tothe residence of their ruler, they spoke of "PAR-O", meaning "the Great House". "PAR-O" at first referred to the large structure in which the ruler was housed....a palace, if you will, but gradually, "PAR-O"came to refer to the entire Court of Egypt. The word mayalso have been related in their thinking to "PH", which was an article in their speech, and then, added to "PH" wastheir word for their God, "RA", the sun-god.

It is within the memory of many people living today,that Hirohito of Japan, was considered to be a DivineRuler by the Japanese, at the time of the attack uponPearl Harbor in 1941. So it was in ancient times that the Egyptians looked upon their rulers as gods or demigods. So, the Egyptian word for the "Great House" gradually came to be applied to the Ruler himself.... "PARO" changed to "PHAR-O", and finally spelled in English,PHARAOH. The Coptic word, OURO, meant "king", soPH-RA-OURO, literally meant "The Sun King".

In later centuries, in the time of the Old Testament record of the Children of Israel, in bondage to Egypt, theword "Pharaoh" was ultimately applied to at least tendifferent rulers of Egypt.

1. Pharaoh, in the time of Abraham (Genesis 12:15).
2. Pharaoh, of Joseph's time (Genesis 41st Chapter).

1. Pharaoh, the new king who knew not Joseph (Exodus 1:8).
2. Pharaoh, before whom Moses worked miracles (Exodus 5:1).
3. Pharaoh, who gave his queen's sister in marriageto Hadad (1 Kings 11:18-20).
4. Pharaoh, whose daughter, Bithiah married Mered, a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:18).
5. Pharaoh, whose daughter Solomon married (1Kings 3:1; 6:37-38; 9:16).
6. Pharaoh, in whom King Hezekiah placed confidence (2 Kings 18:21).
7. Pharaoh-Necho, against whom Josiah King ofJudah fought and was slain (2 Chron. 35:20-24; 2 Kings23:29-30 & 24:7).

10. Pharaoh-Hophra (Jer. 37:5-8; Ezek. 17:11-13).

Send all News Items to: Wilson Adams, 317 Trinkle Ave., N.E., Roanoke, VA 24012

TWO NEW FAITHFUL CONGREGATIONS KEITH SHARP, 1800 Harriston Ave., Conway, AR 72032. It istruly a cause for rejoicing when a group of God's people take a standfor the truth after having been in error or when a congregation isstarted which stands for the truth. This article will report on one ofeach.

DRY PRONG, LA

September 14-18,1981, I preached in Dry Prong. This village is incentral Louisiana, twenty-two miles north of Alexandria, on U.S.highway 167. Until recently there was no sound church in this area.Several years ago Brother and Sister Bud Grimes, who are nowmembers in Conway, lived in Pineville, LA. In search of a faithfulcongregation with which to worship, they visited Dry Prong. Thecongregation was not sound, but some were willing to study, The Grimes began meeting in their home, along with R. F. Knight, amember at Dry Prong. Brother Knight learned the truth concerningthe organization and work of the church. Later Brother Knightstudied with the members at Dry Prong. The entire church subsequently has taken a stand for the truth. When I preached atDry Prong I found a congregation hungering for the truth anddetermined to stand for it. They have only about a dozen members.The building is located on the north edge of town on the west side of highway 167. They can be contacted by writing R. F. Knight atRt. 1, Box 69, Bentley, LA 71407.

HEBER SPRINGS, AR

September 21-25, 1981 I preached in the Spring Park Ampitheatre in Heber Springs, AR. At the time there was no faithful congregation in this beautiful Ozark town. Several families workedintensely to prepare for a successful attempt to begin a new congregation. Brother Rick Gilreath paid for hand bill and radioadvertisements and taped the radio spots himself, along withBrother Tim Haile. Brother Gilreath made the announcements, kepta list of visitors from the community and lead the singing throughout the week. Several families devoted time and labor to godoor to door passing out hand bills and many drove long distancesto be there each night. This was despite the cool nights and dimlights in out of doors. As a result, a band of Christians standing forthe New Testament order now meet in Heber Springs. They areknown as the Eighth and Scott Streets church of Christ and meet inthe Senior Citizens Center at the corner of Eighth and Scott Streetin Heber Springs. This is one block off highway 25 south, immediately west of the National Guard Armory. Sundayassemblies are at 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. with classes at 10:00

a.m. Wednesday Bible study is at 7:00 p.m. The preacher is RickGilreath of Bald Knob. You may contact these brethren throughBrother Gilreath at P.O. Box 256, Bald Knob, AR 72010. Or phone

(501) 724-5137. It is truly a joy that I am able to make these reports.Worship with these brethren when in either of these areas.

FROM THE FIELD JOHN HUMPRHIES, 5017 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, KY 40291. Bill Beasley and I just completed our second India effort together(Bill's third trip and my fifth). We had to change the time of departure three times! Conditions in India caused the changes, Bill and I agree that this was the best effort yet that we have had. Webelieve that much good was accomplished, and the churches withwhich we are working appear to be growing spiritually.

We had classes in English with churches and also classes withpreachers. We taped our classes (51 tapes of 90 minutes each) andleft the tapes (along with tape recorders) for the brethren to useafter our leaving. We also had outlines and charts for the brethrenwith many tracts as well. Some of the Indian brethren are in education and thus appreciate these tools and methods.

Brother Beasley presented lessons on 2 Peter and a series ofstudies on love. Bill put a lot of hard work into the lessons andoutlines, and I believe much good will come of his efforts. I presented lessons on the Old Testament in general and then on astudy of the prophets in particular: finishing that series with astudy of Daniel. The second series that was presented was a studyof Colossians and Ephesians. Bill brought some prepared tapes onthe Lord's church: history, organization, work, and the various issues of the day.

We continue, as on the last trip, to work mostly with the brethrenand encourage them to undertake "evangelistic" work. They areconverting people to Christ and several new congregations are inexistence since our last visit in 1980. Some of these churches are trying to support the preachers working with them. Bill and I arethrilled at this evidence of maturing faith in India.

Brethren, thank you so much for your prayers and support. Wecouldn't do the work without your help in these areas. Bill and Imanaged to stay fairly healthy this time. Only minor problems withstomachs and a little back ache (from sleeping on a board bed with aone inch thick mattress). Please continue to pray for our brethren inIndia. PETER MCPHERSON, Box 254, Airdrie, Alberta, Canada TOM 0B0. Brother Connie asked me to send Wilson a report of the workhere in Airdrie, Alberta. He was happy to hear that I was "back on the firing line" as a preacher. Believe me I have been on "the firingline" all along! Only for a short time I was preaching and "tentmaking." Now my wife Judy and our youngest daughter (DawnEve, age 9) have begun another "full-time" preaching "call" (Acts16:9-10). We are hoping to be able to receive adequate support inorder to be able to give ourselves wholly to gospel work. I am just alittle short of total support. I will need about $500 more a month. Itis simply impossible to live here, in even the modest priced accomodations, without having about $2,300 a month support. If youcan help we would be very grateful and strive to be worthy.

Airdrie is a town in its own right with some factories, etc., but it isalso a bedroom community for the "fastest growing Canadian city,"Calgary. (Perhaps even North America's fastest growing city).Airdrie is situated only 15 miles north of Calgary on Highway 2which leads to Red Deer and then to Edmonton, the province'scapital.

Eight families make up the Airdrie church. Some of them live some forty miles north-east. The church started here two years agoby some faithful members of the Hillhurst congregation in Calgary.This spring one was added to the Lord, but their growth has beenslow. Hopefully, with the Lord's help, we can help to numericallyincrease this loyal band. There are now four conservative congregations in the province of Alberta, There is hardly anythingtruly "conservative" further west in British Columbia. There is Brother Morris Bailey and possibly a handful in Saskatchewan,nothing in Manitoba, a half dozen in Ontario and nothing further tothe Atlantic. The liberals have a fair number of churches in B.C., three in Alberta, some in Saskatchewan, a good number inManitoba and Ontario, possibly a couple in Quebec and, hardlyanything in the Maritimes.

We have had a pretty good interest since my moving here in lateAugust of this year, 1981. A gospel meeting was held here in July,just before our move, with Rod MacArthur. I helped in that meeting, along with a number of others, in canvassing the whole town, population nearing 10,000. And we had a few visitors toattend and made one contact that shows signs for obedience oneday. Then in October I held a meeting in Acme where some ofour members live and several contacts were made. One woman was contacted who had just recently been baptized and was attending

the liberal 38th St. church in Calgary. She is now attending

regularly with us and is a real worker for the Lord. One aged woman

was baptized and other studies have resulted from that meeting.

I am a preacher and not a prober (into other people's business and

lives) but in as much as it was pointed out to me by one preacher and

some members here that a certain family was probably involved in

an unscriptural marriage, we had to deal with that shortly after we

moved here. It seems sometimes that some of us have to do some of

the "dirty work" that others should have done years ago.

Contacts are made by meeting people. So I have decided to meet

as many people as I can. In a new work this is imperative. And in a

small town this is somewhat easier. Though in a larger church the

members should be making many of the contacts for the preacher

(see Don R. Hastings report in the November issue of STS). One

way to meet people is to set a goal of meeting five to ten new people

each day. One salesman put ten beans in his coat pocket in the

morning and would not go to bed at night until he was able to, one

by one, put those beans into the pocket on the other side of his coat.

Every time he met a new person he would put another bean in his

other pocket. Simple but effective. Some of us need that kind of

discipline in regard to the Lord's cause.

The local paper here gives all the "ministers" in town an opportunity to write an article every ten weeks or so. I have averaged better than that with three already. Some of them don'tlike to write so I take their turn for them! Also we run a little ad each week in the classified section. It goes like this: "WANTED . . . people to study the Bible. Anytime, anywhere." Then we give anaddress and phone number and we get one or two calls per week. Ihave a number of ideas for the new year. We will be pushing ourBible courses, doing some door to door canvassing, possibly somephone canvassing in bad weather, looking into the "door knob packets" that some are having success with.

The attendance runs between 15-30. The collection averages $175.We only have a couple of wage earners. The church here had areserve and was able to support me for six months at $1,000 amonth. After January the amount will be reduced to between $500and $600 per month. That's about the story from here. Oh yes,please allow me to tell you that Judy and I are grandparents again.My daughter, Sherry Puterbaugh of Seattle, WA gave birth toanother boy last week. And Tim, our 19 year old is in college inLethbridge. For further information write to me at the address above. I surely want to thank all that responded to my pleas forsupport. Most were already committed but your answers wereappreciated. And a special thanks to those churches that are andwill be able to support us in '82.

FERNANDO VENEGAS, Casilla # 122 C.C., 5500 Mendoza,Argentina, South America. With great joy I report that we baptizedone man after four months of studying with him. With the obedience of this brother our membership has increased to 15 brethren. At the present I have seven home studies going. Also wenow have a blackboard in our meeting place and are presentlyworking on making a baptistery. As you can see our work is blessedby our heavenly Father and we give Him thanks. JERRAL R. KAY,

P.O. Box 834, Rapid City, SD 57709. The church that met on LineRoad in Box Elder is now meeting in its new building in RapidCity. Rapid City has a population of 55,000. Two years ago thechurch became concerned about growth in the small community ofBox Elder with only the Air Force base to draw from. We began tomake plans to move and purchased 2 acres of land in a new subdivision in the southeast part of Rapid City. When the land waspaid off we began to build and in July of this year we moved intoour new facilities.

This church is in its sixth year of existence in a state that had noscriptural churches. Starting with two families in 1975, it has grownto an average attendance of 75-85 on Sundays. We hold two gospelmeetings a year, and have different classes to edify the church aswell.

From the information that we can get we are the second largestcongregation in a five state area—Minnesota (St. Paul church is thelargest), North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota (asmall group is meeting in Sioux Falls). There are no sound churchesmeeting in Wyoming except for three Christians that meet inSaratoga, Wyoming (south-central).

I am so thankful for the wonderful saints here that are willing tosacrifice to see the church grow. Young families who were converted while in the military have stayed to help instead of returning hometo other states. We work together as the family of God that we are,because there are no other churches to visit or associate with. The next nearest sound church is 400 miles away. We have averagedabout 18 baptisms a year since coming here and this does not leavemuch free time. However I have enjoyed meetings with the churchin St. Paul, MN; West Washington St., Indianapolis, IN; Saratoga,WY; and Peru, IN. Brother Ron Howes is leaving St. Paul after fiveyears of preaching there and was able to come by and stay with usfor a few days. He is moving to Arizona. If you are ever in the beautiful Black Hills or Badlands of South Dakota please visit withus at 1302 E. Fairmont Blvd. Phone (605) 348-8184. HIRAMHUTTO, 53 Idlewood, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. The work here goeswell. As you may know, Tuscaloosa is where the University of Alabama is located and as a result we have a number of youngpeople from various places. They are very different from any I haveever worked with. They sit right up front, participate vigorously inall phases of the work: lead the singing, teach classes, preach,baptize people, etc. It's a real thrill to see it and be a part of it. Wehave about four young men who plan to preach.

CHURCHES RECONCILED FORT COLLINS, CO—On November 1, 1981, the members of both the Downtown church of Christ and the Foothills church of Christ in Fort Collins began meeting together as one church. This was theresult of favorable sentiment expressed on the part of all, and wasbrought to final action by unanimous consent of all concerned. Thenew church will hereafter be known as the Southwest church of Christ, and will meet in the building occupied by the formerFoothills church. Johnnie Horton, minister of the former Downtown church, will serve the Southwest church in this capacity. Mailing address is P.O. Box 1418, Fort Collins, CO 80522-1418. Phone numbers are (303) 484-9838 and 226-0680.

AMUEL GARNER BELL

1912-1981 LEON GOFF, 3535 West Georgia, Phoenix, AZ 85019. My father-in-law passed from this life November the 6th. He was born in Mississippi, reared in Arkansas near Monette, married RubySimpkins in 1932, moved to California in the war years, where helived until retiring to Mt. Pleasant, TX in 1977. He is survived byhis wife, Ruby, two daughters, Mrs. Alma Goff of Glendale, AZ, andMrs. Margaret Martinez of Lake Elsinore, CA, and by one son,James Garner of Mt. Pleasant, TX. He is also survived by twograndchildren, Derinda and Brian Goff, and by three brothers andthree sisters.

Brother Bell had been a faithful Christian all of his adult life, and served as an elder for a number of years. He was an elder when the institutional controversy broke in the 1950's. He took a stand early against institutionalism. He stood alone in the eldership, which leadto his resignation. He was an exemplary husband and father, a hardworker, and always helpful and considerate toward his family and others. I cannot imagine a better father-in-law. He has been much ofan encouragement and support to me through the years. Thememorial services were conducted in Mt. Pleasant, with Patrick Farish preaching. A good number of family, brethren, and friendswere assembled for the service.

NEW CORRESPONDENCE COURSE "WHAT SAITH THE SCRIPTURES" is the title of a new eight lesson Bible Correspondence Course. For a free set write H. L.Bruce, 5108 Sherrill Dr., Amarillo, TX 79108.

PREACHERS NEEDED YOUNGSTOWN, OH—The church here is looking for a full-time preacher. We will make the last payment on our building inDecember, 1981 and will become nearly self-supporting. If interested contact Robert Shreve at (216) 792-6405.LEXINGTON, KY—Bro. J. F. Dancer will be leaving Liberty Roadhere in Lexington the first of the year. Bro. Dancer is moving towork with the Eastside church in Russellville, AL. His new address will be P.O. Box 446, Russellville, AL 35653. The church at Liberty Page 18

Road is fully self-supporting and also helps in the support of fiveother preachers Any one interested should contact Harvey Baker

(606) 299-5708, or Jerry Herndon 293-0741WOLF POINT, MT—The church in Wolf Point is looking for a preacher We are a very small group and so would be able to provide only partial support If interested contact Phil Stewart at 213 E.Indian St , Wolf Point, MT 59201 ANCHORAGE AK—The church of Christ in Anchorage, AK islooking for someone to work with them as an evangelist If interested please correspond with Calvin Hoggard, P. O. Box 1448,Anchorage, AK 99510 Please supply references

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH

BAPTISMS		227
RESTORATIONS		177
(Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)