GENERATIONS
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Substance ~ Faith is the very thing that is hope for, which is a life after death or eternal life. Evidence ~ faith is an eyewitness that cannot be seen. Faith is the presence of the Spirit of God in the lives of God’s children, which cannot be seen, testifying that there is a God with a power greater than self. This being so, we must understand that God has designed in each of the generations [days as described in Hosea 6:2 "After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up." ~ First generation was from Adam to Abraham ~ Second generation, Abraham unto Christ ~ Third generation, Christ unto the end of this time world] a method in which he will communicate with all of his children by giving them the fruit of the spirit, the inner witness which testifies there is a god. The only way the first generation (Gen 4:26), except for a few special people such as Enoch, and Noah, was given only the one witness. ‘The fruit of the spirit’ (Acts 17:23; Job 9:2). In the second generation he would give only a portion of his people additional witnesses, and call them a special people to him, in as much as they would be able to bear witness of the true I AM. (Deut 7:6; 32:9; Ex 3:14, Isa 43:10). He tells us in Jer 31:32 that he would make a marriage covenant (in stone) with them. In the third generation he would again give (Lk 12:32) only a portion or remnant of his children another witness: (written upon their hearts) betrothing them to His Son as his bride: sanctifying them to the truth. (2 Thess 2:13; 1 Peter 2:9) along with the second witness, that is the preaching of the gospel in the power and demonstration of the spirit.
The faith found as the seventh element of the fruit of the Spirit, which is in all of the children of God, did not define the truth as concerning the redemptive process, for this to wait until the dealt faith of the new covenant came (Gal 3:23). Only a few chosen such as Enoch, Noah, Shem, etc, had the privileged of knowing God in a personal sense in the first generation. We are told in Matt 18:16 "By two witnesses the truth is established." This is evident by the statement in Job 9:2 "I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?" Yes, this was before Abram, when Job knew God would redeem his people, but could not understand how it could be accomplished. This knowledge, of the atonement, comes only through the dealt faith (new covenant), and the preaching of the gospel, which was shut up (Gal 3:23) until the third generation.
In the first generation, before the law was given on Mount Sinai, God would deal with the children of men according to Rom 5:13: "For until the law, sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude (an established law as Adam was able to transgress), who is the figure of (Jesus) him that was to come." Where there is no law there can be no transgression, yet having the sin nature of Adam they died, just as those who die, while yet in the womb, without personal sins. In Adam all mankind died to the fellowship of God, and because of this (Adamic) sin nature all mankind suffers the death of these bodies. Adam died to the fellowship of God the very day (possibility the tenth day, in as much as ten is the biblical number for the fulfillment of iniquity. Nu 14:22). Adam violated the law of God and his soul was separated from his creator (died) that day. His body died also in the first day of the LORD (1000 years) at the age of 930 years. (2 Pet 3:8)
It is my understanding, that all of the children of God, (from the time of Abel until now) are in possession of the fruits of the spirit. (Hosea 6:1) This being so they are able to exercise all of the nine elements thereof: love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, long-suffering, faith, (This faith can only establish in the minds of the children of God, that there is a higher power outside of their selves. It cannot give the recipient thereof the knowledge of the completed work of Christ: pertaining to the atoning work of Christ. The proof of this can be found in Job 9:2. The only way one can obtain this knowledge is first: by the dealt faith [Rom 12:3; 1 Jh 2:20] of the new covenant, plus the second witness, which is the preaching of the gospel [Acts 8:31; Rom 10:14]) Meekness, temperance.
Having said this, the recipients of this faith: will find they are confronted with the conflict of the works of the flesh, when they are exercised thereby. The works of the flesh are manifest as, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings. (Gal 5:19; 1 Cor 5:9)
In the second generation, under the first covenant, there were two additional witnesses: (1) the laws written in stone, and (2) the very presence of God in their lives, by such things as the opening of the sea, manna, etc. (Num 14:22). This special chosen few (Deut 7:6, Ron 9:4) out of the total family of God, would not have the witness (new covenant, dealt faith) which gives us the knowledge of the completed work of Christ: that is as it pertains to his atoning work. Isa 45:4 describes those under the first covenant as the elect, and Ex 4:22 as the first born of God: none of the other (Gentile) children of God are include, for they were yet estranged from God (Eph 2:12), having only the one witness (fruit of the spirit) as did Job.
In the time of Jesus’ Ministry this dealt faith was still shut up, for the Holy Ghost, the administrator of new covenant, had not yet came. (Jh 14:16,26; 16:7) The two pieces of evidences during the time of Jesus’ ministry were: (1.) his words, (2.) his works, (John 14:10) "The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." We find in Lk 24:43 that Jesus had to open the apostles understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. With out this special opening no one can understand the scripture, no matter what generation it is. (Acts 16:14)
The first two generation having been before the day of Pentecost, and although having the faith as defines in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, which is found as the seventh element of the fruit of the spirit, died in faith not having received the promise (11:13,39). You may ask what promise: that of the dealt faith, which testifies to the completed work of the atonement?
The day of Pentecost is the beginning of the third generation. The two pieces of evidence are: (1) the inner eyewitness, (dealt faith, which is in itself, is the very substance of eternal life, the seed of Christ in you) as it is administered by the Holy Ghost, opens their understanding, by circumcising their hearts, and establishing the truth of the atonement, in the mind of those so chosen. (2 Thess 2:13; 1 Peter 2:9) After this belief is established in the mind of those chosen and sanctified to the truth by the first witness, they are then commanded upon hearing the second witness (acting upon this belief) in believing. This second (2) witness come through the hearing the preached gospel, in the power of the Holy Ghost. (Rom 10:14; Rev 11:3; 1 Tim 5:19; Heb 6:18) When one acts upon these two witnesses, pieces of evidence, applying them to their life, by believing, it brings about the sealing of the Holy Ghost. Having been sealed, it is then impossible for those sealed to be deceived. (Matt 24:22). Eph 1:13 "After that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." This promise was given to Abraham, as the representative of the faithful. Gal 3:29 "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Eph 4:30 after having been sealed, we are told, "grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." If one turns from this truth after being sealed he is in danger of being cut off from the truth. He will continue to abide in this eternal life, (Rom 2:7; 1 John 2:25) only as long as he strives to follow the truth, but if he fails, after much longsuffering by the Holy Ghost, the administrator of the new covenant, he will die in his sin, and depart this life in unbelief. In other words, one may act in such a way as to be in danger of losing this knowledge, brought about by the abiding of eternal life in him. God will give him a space of repentance (John 12:39; 2 Peter 3:9) and if they repent not from their doctrinal error, then God will blind his eyes to the truth, and he will die in his sin of unbelief. See also (John 8:24; Heb 10:29; 1 John 5:17; Heb 6:4; Mark 3:29; Matt 12:32). If one does not have this new covenant, the dealt faith, having only the one witness, (fruit of the spirit) the gods of this world can take away that which he has been sown (received by the preached word) in his heart. He will not retain this knowledge of the truth. (Matt 13:13)
Conclusion: I trust this has established in your mind the three errs of time in which God has dealt with his people. There are three bases time periods or generation: a fourth being that of Jesus’ ministry. During the first err (generation) the children of God knew, inasmuch as they had the fruit of the spirit, that there was a god which worked in their lives (Acts 17:23,30), but could not know (save the few witnesses as was Enoch, Noah, and Job) how life after death would come about. Even here we find Job could not understand how man could be just with God.
In the second err, (generation) God called a man, whose family lived in the Ur of Chaldees, and later moved up the Euphrates to the land now know as Syria. From here, after his father, Terah dies he is called by Jehovah to go unto the land of the Canaan. In Gen 22:14 we find that The LORD for the first time is known as Jehovah, ‘it shall be seen’. Jehovah calls Abraham and gave him the covenant of circumcision, establishing a special faith in him, by visible and audible appearances, that he may become the father of the faithful. Under the law written in stone his descendants were married to Jehovah. (Jer 31:32)
In the third err (generation) we find they are the called out witnesses to the truth. They are betrothed (Acts 2:47) by the father, to his Son, (Gal 5:23) and are enabled through the dealt faith, (Rom 12:3) unction of the Holy One (1 John 2:20) to understand the completed work: that God in the person of Christ reconciled the world unto himself (2 Cor 5:19). They are the firstborn or first fruits as they abide in their husband: being called the first fruit of them that slept (1:18).
Having established in our mind the three generations, let us look at Romans chapter eight. The contextual setting, although it can and has been used by most all of the minister to teach the eternal security of the children of God, is presented with many conditional admonitions unto those unconditionally chosen to be a witness of the truth. For one to enjoy this liberty found in the truth, as they are commanded to walk therein.
Romans Chapter eight
Rom 8:1,2 "There is now no condemnation to them, which are in Christ Jesus, (Gal 3:29) who walk not after the flesh, (Gal 4:24, letter of the law) but after the Spirit. (Dealt faith) For the (new covenant) law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law (in stone) of sin and death" (2 Cor 3:6 "the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.") ~ No condemnation – in Christ ~ who are the ones in Christ? (Gal 3:29) 'If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to promise.' How do ye be Christ’s? 2 Thess 2:13 'God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification (being made saints) of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto (having chosen and positioned you), he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Notice ye were chosen to this position, not based upon condition, but simply because it pleased him. (Lk 12:32) How did he do this? By sanctification of the spirit: setting ye aside unto a holy work. What holy work? 'Ye are my witnesses of the truth, (1 Jh 5:10) to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord (Husband) Jesus Christ': wherein God is worshipped in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) God made a promise to Abraham that he should be the father of the faithful, and he gave them the promise land. Ps 105:42 "For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant. And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness." Gen 12:7 "And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, unto thy seed will I give this land." Yes the promise was the land of Canaan, and unto his seed (Jesus and his church bride) Isaac, for the promise was looking forward to Christ and his seed (Ps 22:30), which is spiritual Israel, the church of the LORD Jesus Christ.
Before we proceed farther we need to examine the word 'chosen' in some detail. In Duet 7:7 those under the first covenant, written in stone, were a special people, yet the fewest of people. These same people are described in Isa 43:10 as "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, whom I have chosen: to know and believe me, and understand that ‘I am’ he". Why were they chosen? Ye are my witnesses unto the truth in the earth. Why witness unto the truth? That God may be praised. Luke 18:43 "when they saw it, gave praise unto God." We also find in 1 Peter 2:9 (the new covenant written upon the fleshly table of the heart). 'But ye (a small remnant of both Gentiles and Jews) are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you.' How? By the understanding given in the dealt faith of the new covenant. They are translated out of darkness (of the first covenant) into his marvellous (gospel, new covenant) light. They are to let their light shine as a witness of the truth. Why? 'That God maybe glorified: for in time past (ye Gentiles who were not included in the first covenant in stone) was not (the chosen witness) a people, but are now the (chosen witnesses) people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.' It appears that the chosen are those who have the law written upon their heart, that needeth not man to teach them, but simply have the truth confirmed unto them by the preaching of the gospel: that is the completed work of God the Father, who was in Christ reconciling the world of his people unto himself, in the atonement. (2 Cor 5:19)
Those under the old covenant, although they could know the truth as did Job (9:2 "I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?"). Although Job was a child of God: in possession of the fruit of the spirit could not understand how man was just before God, not having the new covenant faith of Rom 12:3, which testifies to the completed word of Christ, for it was shut up to him. (Gal 3:23) The chosen generation is the seed as defined in Ps 22:30 'A seed shall serve (which can be performed only in the spirit and in the truth) him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.' This generation is spoken of in Matt 19:29 as regeneration. These are the Betrothed Bride of Jesus: whom God has opened their hearts: calling them to the wedding of His Son: robbing them in the righteousness of His Son, and enabling them to have an intimate knowledge and relationship with the bridegroom. These have no visible outward signs, but inward at the appointed time the betrothed brides’ heart is circumcised, which opens her heart, given her the dealt faith of the new covenant, as was Lydia’s. Acts 16:14 'heard us: whose heart the Lord opened.' Acts 14:27 'God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of (through the dealt) faith, (by circumcising the heart) unto the Gentiles.'
The conclusion is that those who be in Christ are the promised seed, and are therefore the seed of Abraham. They are blessed with the double portion of Isa 40:1. They, through the new covenant faith (Rom 12:3) have been blessed with not only knowing there is a Creator, but also knowing the completed atoning work of God who being in Christ, their husband, accomplished in the three hours of darkness. They are the ones spoken of in Phil 2:13 which have the will and the to do of his good pleasure, which worketh (Gal 5:6) by this new covenant dealt faith. The motivation generated by this new covenant faith enables them to walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. Do all such respond to this motivation? The answer is an obvious no; but thus walking they are not condemned. Why? 'For the law of the Spirit of life (new covenant, promised) in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Sinatic law of sin and death.' Free from the condemnation, which the old covenant continued to bring to their remembrance. (Heb 10:3) This is not to say that if you are not included in the old or new covenants you are not his child, but it was the fathers’ good pleasure to express his love to Judah in a covenant marriage relationship, (Gen 49:10) and a civil marriage relationship with Israel (Jer 31:32; Deut 7:6) by the covenant in stone. In as much as the marriage to Israel was a civil marriage unto Jehovah, God the Father, could legally give her a divorce (Jer 3:8); but not so with Judah as she was his covenant wife (Gen 49:10). The new covenant marriage of his Son is unto the little flock (Luke 12:32). Both covenants were given unconditionally, but require adherence to them; not be condemned, but blessings in keep them. Let us then fear lest we trod under foot this marriage covenant of grace to Jesus (Hb 10:29), and do despite to it, as did the Fathers’ (covenant) wife (Judah/Jews). Lk 12:48 'Of him shall be much required,' which much has been given. Judah, the Jews do not know that their husband is dead to them, and are still attempting to worship him under the old covenant of works. (Rom 7:4) See also Heb 2:15 'And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.'
Before we leave vs 1 and 2 and go on to vs 3 let us examine a few other scriptures as they teach of the promise: Lk 24:47 'And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.' ~ The all nations under consideration here, included only those nations wherein dwelt the natural Israelites. (Acts 13: 46 'It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of the new covenant, everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.') Ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: (Jewish remnant) but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.' The promise herein is the power of the Holy Ghost, in His administration of the new covenant, dealt faith. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rm 1:16): the preaching of the gospel will resonate with those in whom the belief of the truth has been established: by the first witness (nc). John tells us in 2:20 of his first epistle, that he was only confirmed what they already knew in their heart. We are told also that those to whom the new covenant is administer too, already know without some man teaching them (Heb 8:12). Yet to confirm this knowledge one must hear the second witness: the preached gospel. Acts 1:4 'Wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.' The promise, ‘Ye have heard of me’. That, which was promised, was the Holy Ghost as the administrator of the new covenant, dealt faith testifying to the completed work of Christ.
Acts 2:33 'Having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost.' Acts 2:39 'For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.' Who is the promise (Holy Ghost) to? The called. One might say; does not God call all of his children from a death in sin? The answer is a resounding Yes, yet we must understand this calling is to those of the promise: that is the seed of Abraham. Abraham is not typed as the complete family of God, but rather the father of the faithful. Gal 3:9 'So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.' Notice the ‘be of’ before faith ~ it does not say by faith, which indicates to me the faith here is the dealt faith which come with the new covenant (1 Jh 5:4). In other words, those under consideration are positioned as it were in the bosom or loins of Abraham as was Lazarus, and Isaac
Acts 13:23 'Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: (vs 32) And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob): that is (Rom 4:13) the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through (their keeping) the law, but through the righteousness of (found in the dealt) faith.' This righteousness is that of Jesus, not the believer, for we are told in Matt 7:32 that John came in the way of righteousness and they rejected the council against them selves. Again we see the little word 'of' use to describe position not condition. 'For if they which are of the law be heirs, (then the new covenant dealt) faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: (Rom 4:16) therefore it is of (dealt) faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; (both a remnant of Jew and Gentile) not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed'
Rom 9:8 "That is, they which are the children of the flesh, (Sinai law Gal 4:24) these are not the children of God: (in the sense of the new covenant election Rom 11:1) but the children of the promise (New Jerusalem Gal 3:29, 4:24) are counted for the seed [Rom 11:28 'As concerning the gospel, (natural Israel) they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, (What election? That found in Isa 45:4, which is natural Israel), they are beloved for the fathers' (Abraham) sakes.' Why? Even though they have now rejected him, yet the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Rm 11:29).] For this is the word of promise, at this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, 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 to election (What election? New covenant ~ Rom 11:6) might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth)". We have both natural Israel, elect ~ and spiritual Israel, elect included in this lesson. Natural Israel having the birthright of the first born, it was taken form him and given to spiritual Israel. Neither of these elections was based upon (Isa 65:8) what, but who was the new wine found in the cluster.
It is said of Natural Israel that she was the wife of Jehovah in Jer 31:32. We do not have the same straightforward verse concerning spiritual Israel, although the though is implied as we read about those included in the second covenant. We read in Heb 8:13 'A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.' Rom 7:4 'Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law (of you husband, Jehovah) by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.' God (Jehovah) the husband of natural Israel was in Christ (2 Cor 5:19) wherein the old having been satisfied: Judah being now release from the law of her husbands (Jehovah) and the new covenant being established in the marriage of the Son. Jehovah was the husband of natural Judah (Gen 49:10) and Jesus is the bridegroom (Gal 5:25) of spiritual Israel, the called out new covenant church Gal 3:14 in that, 'the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through (the dealt) faith. Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; even though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the (new) covenant, that was confirmed before (2083 AM) of God in Christ, the law, (old covenant) which was four hundred and thirty years (2513 AM) after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise (new covenant) of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law (works), it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.' Gal 3:29 'And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and (new covenant) heirs (Acts 2:47) according to the promise.'
Eph 1:13 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession." Those that have the law (dealt faith, evidence) written in their hearts must hear (additional evidence, by the second witness) the preached word, having heard they must then manifest this belief, (established by the two pieces of evidence) by acting upon this belief: in believing. The truth is then sealed in their minds (Ep 1:13). The sealing of this knowledge of the truth is the earnest, escrow of that inheritance to come, until these bodies shall come out of the graves. Do all of God’s children have this assurance? No: but not having it in time will not prevent them from the full inheritance after death. It even could be that once, one has been seal, confirmed by the two witnesses; one could sell his birthright, just as the Jews did under the old covenant, and become a castaway.
Eph 2:12 "That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world." What time? Prior to and during the time the old covenant was in effect. It could be said of the Gentiles at that time, that they were in the same stated as described in (Rom 5:13). Even though they were sinners by nature, being with out the law in stone, sin was not imputed or charged to them, having not the law in stone to condemn them. Where they children of God? First we must understand it is not man’s responsibility to establish son ship, some or all might very will be, for this judgment is in the hands of the all wise God, and not mans‘. Some might say, do not we read in Rom 2:14 that the Gentiles had the law written in their hearts? Yes, but this is after the day of Pentecost, and in my opinion is talking about the new covenant, which was administered to a remnant of Jews and Gentiles after the day of Pentecost. What about the moral law? I have heard this position all my life, but if you do not use Rom 2:14, then where is your scripture to define such a law? We know that each society is governed by it own set of law, which can be about anything man can think up. In one society a man may have as many wives as he wants, or even eat other humans, yet the so called ten commandment which they suppose defines the moral law is said to condemns this, although we find through out the old testament where gentiles had more than one wife and even sacrifices their children to their gods. These ten also make the seventh day holy. Moral law, how? It is true that if a society would establish these ten rules of law in their society, it would be a better society, but I find no scripture that tell me that, the race of Adam is governed by an inner moral code of laws, unless it is the fruit of the spirit, and this is only in the child of God. We do find in 1 Cor 11:14 'Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?' and in Rom 1:26 'Their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature.' On might also tells us that Rom 1:18 'who hold the truth in unrighteousness,' is talking about the ability for one to see even in nature enough to declare there is a god; but these people under consideration here are the one who are able to hold the truth in unrighteousness. To hold the truth in unrighteousness, it appears to me that they must first know the truth and then do despite to it: to hold it in unrighteousness. Heb 10:29
Eph 3:6 "Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise." The body is Jesus’ body or the called out assembly. The promise is the Holy Ghost as the administrator of the new covenant, dealt faith. The, ‘of' (positional Acts 2:47, added daily) the same body’ speaks of the body of Christ as the relationship of husband and wife, which shall be no more twain but in and of him as believer in him (unconditional given)". Under the old covenant the Gentiles were not of the body of Jehovah as were the Israelites, and therefore were not fellow heirs of Canaan and partakers of the promise land.
Heb 9:15 "He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise (nc dealt faith) of eternal inheritance." Christ is the mediator or husband of the new covenant, for Jehovah (the husband of the first) having been a partaker of the death (2 Cor 2:19) in Christ as the husband/over the first marriage covenant, released his wife Judah, that she should be married to another. Therefore they that are called (upon the death of the testator) might received the promise of eternal inheritance. This inheritance is now, here in time, to the bride. God the Father, know as Jehovah, tells us in Gen 49:10 that he would continue as the husband, or lawgiver of Judah until Shiloh, (in type, the church) came. At which time He would release his wife Judah by death (of the testator` Heb 9:17) in order that she should be married to His Son, the man Jesus.
2 Pet 2:19 'while they promise them liberty, (in the law) they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. (Gal 3:1 by not obeying the truth) For if after they have escaped the pollution of the (law worship) world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known (the truth as it is found in the new covenant, dealt faith) the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy (new covenant) commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.' 2 Pet 3:4 'And saying, Where is the promise of his coming (Matt 16:27,8)? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.'
2 Pet 3:9 'The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any (of us) should perish, but that all (those who have turned back to the law or doctrines of the perseverance) should come to repentance.' When one having been delivered from the worship of the law: self-righteousness to the knowledge of the truth via the two witnesses, (new covenant, dealt faith and the preaching of the truth) turns back unto the worship of the law, (Titus 3:10) Having suffer long with such a one, after the second admonition reject, for he is declared a heretick Why? Because 'he has trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the (new) covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace', committing the sin unto death. Having so done, he shall pass from this life in his sin of unbelief: no longer able to believe the truth; having his eyes blinded and his conscience seared over with a hot iron (John 12:40; 1 Tim 4:2).
2 Pet 3:13 'Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering (1 Thess 1:7) of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, (betrothed bride) seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be (2 Thess 1:4-11) glory both now and forever.' The promise of the Holy Ghost: including in the finished revelation of the New Testament (70 AD). The church at that time (new heavens and new earth) having come to it maturity is delivered into the hiding place, away from the precautions, there to rest in peace. Rev 12:14 'And to the woman (church) were given two (witnesses) wings of a great eagle, (the administrator of the new covenant: Holy Ghost) that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.' Here she is hid from the serpent, to rest waiting for the reformation.
1 Jn 2:25 'and this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life'. John 17:3 'And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ.' Eternal life is not something we are waiting for, but it is the unction of the Holy One, motivating those who have the new covenant to follow after the truth.
Conclusion: If ye be in Christ you are Abraham’s seed to whom the promise was made. The promise is eternal life, which is Christ working in you according to the direction of the new covenant in the way of truth. After the new covenant faith of Rom 12:3 is dealt to one chosen and sanctified to be a witness, it works in him the will and the to do, motivating him to walk not after the flesh, (letter of the law) but after the spirit of truth. Even though one may have the First witness, (dealt faith, evidence), which betroths one to His Son Jesus Christ, he still must have the Second witness, piece of evidence: the preached gospel as it is delivered in the power of the Holy Ghost. Having received these two witnesses, pieces of evidence, the truth, belief is established in his mind. This belief of the truth having then been established in his mind, he then should (Ep 2:10) make this belief manifested by acting upon this established belief in believing, whereupon doing this, the Holy Ghost seals him (Ep 1:13). Once this belief is sealed, he can no longer be deceived. This is not to say that he cannot fall away, for once enlighten by these two witness, and turn from the way, God will give him a space from repentance (2 Pt 3:9), and then cut him off, sear over his conscience, blind his eyes (Jh 12:40), and harden his heart that he can not longer experience the blessing which has be afforded him in the new covenant. Why? Because he has counted the blood of the new covenant wherein he was sanctified to the truth and unholy thing and done despite to the spirit of grace (Hb 10:29). The latter end of this man is worst then had he not known the way of truth (Lk 11:26). He will die in his sins. He has committed the sin unto death or presumptuous sin (Nu 15:30; Nu 27:3; Jh 8:24; 1 Jh 5:17; Lk 11:24).
I realize that I have taken up a lot of time in these first two verses, but I believe it necessary to establish the contextual setting which begins in the preceding chapter, 'So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh (Gal 4:23) the law of sin.'
Vs 3,4 "For what the law (of the flesh) could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, (Gal 4:23) God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness (Mt 21:32) of the law, might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, (old law) but after the (new law) Spirit."
Just what is under consideration in the statement, ‘weak through the flesh’? The sin of Adam corrupted this flesh in as much as it can no longer live in the perfection of the old law. Jesus therefore came to establish the old law as righteous by fulfilling it in every jot and tittle: thereby destroyed the condemnation of the law in stone, which was after the flesh (Gal 4:23). Had there been a law that sinful flesh could have kept then Christ died in vain (Gal 3:21). We are now, even in this sinful flesh, declared righteous, through the dealt faith, therefore those that be in Christ, are commanded to crucify the flesh and walk after the spirit. In doing so the righteousness of the law is manifested in us (Gal 3:19). 'Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed (Christ) should come to whom the promise was made; is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law'. (Heb 10:3) The first covenant was designed to establish sin, and to bring those exercised thereby to a remembrance again of sins every year. (Rom 5:13) Before the law was given on Mt Sinai 'sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed or charged to those not under a law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the (an established law) similitude of Adam's transgression.'
Vs 5 "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; (to the fellowship with Jesus their husband) but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (With their Husband) Because the carnal mind is enmity (seeking to justify itself by the law) against God: for it (the natural mind) is not subject to the (new covenant) law of God, neither indeed can be, (Why, because they are not under it) so then they that are in the flesh (attempting to keep the old covenant) cannot please God." Who are they that be after the flesh? (Gal 4:23). Those who are still in bondage to the works systems: having not the new covenant, and are yet attempting to keep the old Sinatic law of works. They do mind the carnal things; which is their own works. Those who have the dealt faith, of the new covenant, are able to rest in the assurance of the completed work of Christ, which brings peace to the soul. No one is able with the carnal natural mind too serve God, for he must be worshipped in spirit and truth. The so-called Christian world in ignorance is offering up carnal work in an attempt to serve God. Inasmuch as the carnal natural mind is not under the new covenant, called the law of God, it cannot please God. The carnal mind must die and the body brought under submission by adoption to the new covenant, spiritual mind, 'When the commandment came, sin revived and I die' (Rom 7:9). This operation of the Holy Ghost must be accomplished before God can be praised in truth.
Vs 9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God (new covenant, dealt faith) dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Timely new covenant relation, or bride) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of (truth) righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that rose up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." These verses further define the working of the dealt faith of the new covenant in those chosen to bear witness of the truth. ‘If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you’, indicates more than just being a child of God. The next phrase, which has the clause, ‘he is none of his’ is not speaking of one just as a child of God: but a marriage relationship. See Mt 7:23. In other words if one does not have the dealt faith, then they are not included in this lesson, not having been betrothed to the Son, Jesus Christ. The implication by the use of ‘so be’ is positional in as much as the dealt faith has been imputed to you, and as such, having continued in the abiding of this relationship, just as sure as Christ rose from the dead, this abiding of the Holy One will quicken, these mortal sinful bodies to service. In other words the abiding, indwelling of the Spirit, assist in mortifying, crucifying these mortal sinful bodies and motivate them to his service. Will the one so moved always respond? The answer is no, for it is still up to those so motivated to exercise himself in studying and seeking to serve his LORD, Jesus Christ. Remember this is teaching disciples not how to become children of God.
Vs 12 "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, (work systems) to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the (law of works) flesh, ye shall die: (to the fellowship of Jesus, our husband) but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the (adopted) sons of God." We find here the continuation of the admonition, to not live after the law of the flesh, (works systems): having the facilities, dealt faith, new covenant imputed to us, that we may abide in the truth as the adopted sons of God, for if we fail in mortifying the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19) we shall die to the truth, which has set us free from law of works, flesh.
Vs 15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage (works systems) again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of (new covenant) adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit (new covenant, adoption, which is the mind of Christ in us, 1 Cor 2:16) itself bearish witness with our (mind) spirit, that we are the (adopted) children of God: And if (adopted) children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; (being no more twain, but one in Christ our husband)) if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified (present perfect) together." What is the spirit of bondage? It is the works systems. We have two Spirit / spirit in this lesson. The Spirit (spiritual intellect, first witness), which is of, or based upon the adoption, established by the Holy Ghost: bearing witness with our (natural intellect) spirit, and testifies that we are joint heirs (Gal 3:29) with Jesus our Husband. In order to experience the glory, we are called to dine with our Husband, if we have suffered with him. Suffer, how? By mortifying the desire of this flesh (self-righteousness). In doing so, when we meet in the assembly, our Husband Jesus Christ may extend his scepter and bid us come up unto his chamber, and be glorified there with him.
Vs 18 "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory, which shall be revealed in us. (When we are glorified with our husband as we dine with him) For the earnest expectation of the creature waited for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty (truth) of the children of God." This glory is to be revealed in us, when the earnest expectation is manifested in us, as we are call unto his chamber and therein glorified with our bless husband. In this position we are able to experience the reality as the sons of God. O’ what glory, for a few fleeting moments we are able to sup at his table. To experience the liberty as did the three apostles on the mount of transfiguration. Praise his holy name. ! ! !
Vs 22 "For we know that the whole creation groaned and travailed in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the (or this) adoption, to wit, (make known) the redemption of our body." Even though this cursed world groans under the burden of sin, the lesson taught herein is not about all of Gods’ children, but specifically those who are included in the adoption, under the new covenant: the first fruits of the Spirit, as they struggle with sin. These first fruits are the called out body (Acts 2:47) of our LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Even though they have this beautiful truth of the completed work of Christ in his atoning work, they still yearn to be called home as they wait in these adopted bodies, longing to experience, to wit the resurrection of these bodies and be carried to the glory land above the stars. We are told in Rom 9:4 those under the first covenant were also adopted. This is another subject of it own and I will look at it after completing this chapter.
Vs 24 "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seethe, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Saved by hope, in what way? This hope is the very substance or thing that gives us the assurance, as stated in the definition of faith: it is the very things that allow us to face the trials of this life, with an understanding that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory, which shall be revealed in us, as we patiently wait for our husband to extend the sceptre, bidding us to enter his chamber and sup with him. The very fact that this hope is not see, but by the two witness, but has established in our mind the knowledge of our husband and the blessing afforded in knowing him as our provider in all things: helping us in our infirmities, trials of life, while we know not what it is we need, he understand those need and comforts us as we rest upon his breast, as did the apostle John.
Vs 27 "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints (those sanctified to the truth) according to the will of God." Just how are we comforted? It is because as our husband knows our heart, and makes intercession for us according to the will of God, our Father.
Vs 28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For 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. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called them he also justified: and whom he justified them he also glorified." The all things working together for our good are the basic truth as defines herein, and contained in the new covenant. God foreknew in a covenant relation, the bride of his Son, and predetermined (before time begin) to betroth them to his Son: adding them to the church (Acts 2:47) as promised to Abraham. Those betrothed would be called to the marriage feast (Mt 22:14) of the Son by the ministers of the new covenant, and robed in the righteousness of his Son, having thier hearts circumcised, declared to be justified in his Son, that they may live in his kingdom here in time: being raised up from time to time: to be glorified with his Son, that they should be to the praise of his glory. (Eph 1:12)
Vs 31 "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" What things? Those things which give us access into this glory: these fundamental truths, as it is in or Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Vs 33 "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justified. Who is he that condemned? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh "intercession for us." The eternal principle can be taught from this verse, but the verse is set in a timely context, and should first be applied to that context. I do not find where all of Gods’ children are called elect. This as adoption is a subject within itself, so I will apply it according to the context here. None can lay charge to those chosen, and betrothed to the Jesus. It is God the Father that has justified. Yes it was the Father (2 Cor 2:19) incarnated in flesh to pay (as the scapegoat) the sin debt, of eternal separation. It was the man Jesus, the anointed, as he offered up his own body as the Passover offering, to cover the sins of the firstborn. Having satisfied the father he rose again for our justification, and is now making intercession for us, the firstborn.
Vs 35 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the daylong; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." This does not say who shall separate us from the love of God, but it speaks of the love of Christ as the husband of the firstborn. Yes it is the firstborn that are counted, as sheep for the slaughter, for it is they who suffer for the cause of Jesus, their husband. Paul tells us in 2 Thess 1:4 that 'it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you: and to you who are troubled rest with us.' Even though they may be poor in the things of this world, they can rest with assurance that their husband, Jesus will not forsake them.
Vs 38 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This love is Christ Jesus our Lord, our husband. Let us continue in his love and run the race set before us: giving honor to him who belongeth honor. 1 Cor 9:24 'So run, that ye may obtain.' Gal 5:6 'but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?' Phil 2:16 'rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.' Heb 12:1 'Ye that have these witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin (that of failing to make manifest the belief established in your mind ~ 1 Jh 5:17) which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.' O’ give praise unto his Holy name, for the grace which he hath bestowed upon such as I, the chiefest of sinners.
Allen Cook 8-29-2005
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