D O O R S

Jack Davis

“These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” Rev. 3:7-8

Oh, how I rejoice in our Father’s open door policy, which also involves our Lord Jesus Christ and the blessed Holy Spirit. As we consider the Scripture let us realize there are doors of communication, revelation, and translation and so much more. May the Holy Spirit direct our hearts into a deeper appreciation of the access we have unto God, who according to the good pleasure of His will, and “To the praise of the glory of His grace” hath made us accepted in the Beloved. “ For through him we both (Jew and Gentile) have access by one Spirit unto the Father” – Eph. 1:5-6 & 2:18. God’s Word gives many challenges to our faith, to come boldly to the throne of grace. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith unto this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” – Rom. 5:1-2.

Many may think of doors as a way of escape and exit to avoid danger, death, damnation or doom. We appreciate that, but praise God for the positive side. We are invited to enjoy doors of faith, favor, fellowship, fruitfulness, and fulfillment, since Jesus opened up the way.

GRAND OPENINGS: The Word sets before us many grand openings. I think of our God’s hand, Ps. 145:14-19. In verse 16 “Thou openest thine hand, and satisfieth the desire of every living thing.” The living God, which made heaven and earth and all things, He left not himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness – Acts 14:15-17.

Another marvelous grand opening is mankind’s HEART. This interesting metaphor seems to express well the way God’s thoughts can penetrate our innermost being. Acts 16:14-15 gives us an illustration of this. “And a certain woman named Lydia…which worshipped God heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken by Paul…she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there.” The Lord opened her heart and she opened her house. Her reaction is very instructive. If we realize the high privilege God has set before us, He must open our hearts doors. We read, “as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God…we have received…the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God” – I Cor. 2:9-10,12. Therefore Paul was inspired to pray for us that the “Eyes of our (hearts) understanding” be “enlightened: that ye might know…” – Eph. 1:18.

We rejoice in the grand opening of our Father’s home. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also” – Jn. 14:1-3.

Hallelujah! God’s grace hath brought us, as David said, “Into a large place” and we add as it dawns upon us, it is indeed a place of ever increasing dimensions. Doors in scripture give us many precious lessons. We are taught in type from the beginning, that our acceptance with God is on the merit of sacrifice. God said to Cain: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin (sin-offering) lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him” – Gen. 4:7. After the fall, that earthly paradise had been closed to man, and a flaming sword was placed to guard the way to the tree of life. Thank God for the way Jesus has made the changes for believing humanity. Availability of the true tree of life, and access to the heavenly paradise has been provided by Him who opened up the way. He is the “door of the sheep, and way, truth, and the life.” He said, “No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.”

I am so thankful our life is hid with Christ in God, the God that closed the door on the Noah ark, and then opened heaven’s doors. My, didn’t it rain! He is our Father, who opened heaven’s doors in the wilderness and gave Israel manna, and meat, Psa. 78:23-29. The same God to whom we pray, with our doors shut, eliminating distractions.

We read the stone being rolled away from the door of the tomb. Why was this done? Was it so Jesus could get out” Oh no! It was for the encouragement of faith, that witnesses could see in. He didn’t need material doors. After His resurrection He walked right in the room where His disciples were assembled with the doors locked.

DOOR OF COMMUNICATION: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” – Rev. 3:20. During this age of grace, He hasn’t usually gone where He is not wanted. Therefore He now longingly, patiently stands at each individual heart door saying tenderly, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” SOON, VERY SOON, as the King of glory, He shall demand access. The shout will go out; “Life up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors: and the King of glory shall come in” Ps. 24:7. We will be  glad on that day, we have been receptive to Him today.

We read in Matthew 25:10; of the time of the wedding feast, and preparation for that time in symbol (the “wise took oil”). Thank God the wise are taking oil today. Then  when the bridegroom came, “they that were ready went in, and door was shut.” Then after the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:5-9, “I saw heaven open” (V. 11), He seems to arise from the wedding feast, and goes out to make war.

DOOR OF REVELATION: “After this I looked, and behold, a door was open in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were a trumpet talking with me: which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter” – Rev. 4:1. Oh, beloved, think of the marvelous access given to us into the highest purposes of God, the richest privileges, choicest pleasures, the most valuable treasures, we have been invited into the realm of love divine, and urged to launch out on the boundless ocean of grace. Oh, just consider! God has made Himself available, for a full depth of acquaintance, and His unsearchable wealth accessible to the complete acquisition of our faith. What a privilege we have to look, by spiritual illumination of the Scripture through heaven’s door right into eternity. Does not our heart burn within us as He opens to us the Scripture? How graciously He opens unto receptive hearts one door of instruction after another, showing us what must be hereafter. As He communicates to our hearts, we are made to realize we will enjoy most, “the hereafter” as we allow Him to work in our lives that which must be here.

TRANSLATION AND SO MUCH MORE: Considering Revelation  3:7-8, I am reminded of Brother C. E. Foster speaking of this letter to the Church of Philadelphia, as the Church of the “Open Door.”

“HE HAS THE KEYS:” He knows our works, the holy and true, opener and shutter, says to those who have ears to hear, “Behold, I have set before thee an open door” which includes translation and I am sure so much more. We are encouraged to look to that which is within, and beyond, within our Father’s heart and home, beyond all human reasoning. He urges us come on, come on in.

“FOR THOU HAST:” He is ready to reward those of “little strength,” lacking in self-sufficency, yet powerfully enabled to go on, and go in, and take all that His grace had provided. He is speaking to those who are dependent upon Him to sustain and guide, leading through the deepest depths unto the uttermost heights. Those that really appreciate His gentle favors are the ones He continues to open up for.

“THOU HAST KEPT MY WORD:” His people are of tough, firm, yet tender resolve, who put to practical use the “little strength.” To them, what He has to say is extremely important. They give the more earnest heed, and embrace His Word to their bosom as dear and precious. They are nourished thereby, hiding it in their hearts, and walk in the light thereof. They become set for the defense of the Gospel, and are striving together for (in interest of) the faith of the Gospel. Oh Yes, he opens doors for all that realize their continual need for His Word, as their daily sustenance. It works effectually in them, for they believe it all. These appreciate sound doctrine, holding fast the form of sound words. They do not add to or take from, but are diligent to rightly divide, and see its fruit multiplied. We gladly keep His Word, because it is His. He is the one that has committed it to our trust. What a treasure! We usually want to keep those things given to us by the ones we love.

“NOT DENIED MY NAME:” Let us not deny Him in any aspect of our life. Let us always give Him free access to every detail. If we gladly submit to His headship or Lordship, all our doing will be for His glory (I Cor. 10:31); in His name (Col. 3:17); with thanksgiving, wholeheartedly (Col. 3:23-24) by divine enablement. With all that He has set before us, we are challenged to approach with confidence His throne of unlimited access, for He sets before us an open door.
by J. D.

What does the Bible say?

When do Gentile Times end?
The times of the Gentiles is a period of time allotted by God for the Gentile nations to rule the world. That period is outlined in Daniel 2:31-45. It is a judgment because Israel failed to be a testimony for God in the world (Lk. 21:24). Gentile times will end when Jesus takes His throne in heaven – Rev. 4:1-3. It will be the Lord’s Day, His day to rule. The day for the Gentile nations to rule will be over, but we read in Psalm 2 that they will continue to rule in usurpation. Christ will have to put down all rule and authority and power. For He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under His feet (I Cor. 15:24-25). That will bring on tribulation days (Revelation Chapter 6 through 19). How do we know that Christ has not been seated on His throne yet? Because the first rank overcomers are present in the throne room and witness the glorious event of His enthronement (Rev. 4:4-11). They have not been call up to glory yet, but it could be any moment. The 4 living creatures and the 24 elders (a representative number) are redeemed ones of the highest rank that were promised to be kept out of tribulation because they kept the word of Christ’s patience (Rev. 3:10). It is very clear in Revelation 5 that they are redeemed ones (Rev. 5:8-10). They worship Him as the worthy ONE to open the seals of the book of judgments (Rev. 5:14). All glory and honor to the Lamb of God.
AMEN

THE LAST DAYS

Anita Clark

“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn” Zechariah 12:10

The above prophecy was given to Zechariah the prophet after the Jews had lived for seventy years as captives of Babylon and had returned to the land of Israel. He was contemporary with Haggai, and Malachi. God so graciously gave these prophets to encourage the Jews to hope for the Messiah in the future. Many of their prophecies told of the coming of a “messenger of the covenant (John the Baptist)” before Messiah would come, who would “prepare the way” before the Lord, and of His coming into Jerusalem on the ass, the rejection of the Messiah, His piercing in the “house of His friends,” and the price of His rejection, “thirty pieces of silver.” Even His coming in power and glory is told in Zechariah 14:1-4.

The prophecy in Zechariah 12:10 is referring to the time that Christ will come in manifestation to Israel at the end of the seven years of tribulation. Many of Israelites will perish during the terrible time called “the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7).” According to Zechariah 13:9, “...two parts therefore shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein,” speaking of the judgment upon Israel in the tribulation. The one-third who will be spared will be those who “... look upon Him whom they have pierced’ and mourn for Him, and become believers in the Son of God. Revelation 1:7 refers to this time, “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him; and all the kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so. Amen.”

The coming of Jesus Christ for His overcoming people, called the Bride of Christ could happen at any time. Eminent signs foretold in the Scripture stand out in our studies and minds in these last days of this age, and are a warning to us to be ready.

In previous issues of the Last Days article I told about some situations that are to arise in September 2015. One writer, Michael Snyder recently wrote an article listing “7 key events that are going to happen by the end of September.” I will list some of these here.

July 15th to September 15th, 2015 - “A realistic military training exercise known as “Jade Helm” is being conducted by the U.S. Army and other military branches as well as FBI, CIA, DHS and others in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. They will carry out “eight weeks of realistic interagency, unconventional warfare exercise training.” The purpose of this is not made known to the public, but many fear that it is just a front for Martial Law which may be enacted because of some coming crisis. We must not fear, but look up and be ready for the rapture which is coming before the tribulation of seven years of judgment. After that there will definitely be situations on the earth that will require Martial Law. The Word of God speaks of how the Antichrist will control the whole earth, making the people carry out his wishes.

International Monetary Fund Threatens to Kill the U.S. Dollar. - They plan to announce a reserve currency alternative to the U.S. dollar on October 20th of this year, which according to Bloomberg will “...send hundreds of billions of dollars moving around the world literally overnight. This announcement is expected to trigger one of the most profound transfers of wealth in our lifetime.” The warning states, “ If you want to protect your money, get it out of U.S. dollar investments and into the one asset class that rises as currencies collapse.- gold.” The truth is man can not secure his assets when the seven years of tribulation commences. People trust in their money instead of the Lord God. We are living in perilous times as II Timothy 3:1 says. Jesus warned to not lay up your treasures in this life, but lay up spiritual treasures in heaven where nothing can steal or corrode them. It behooves us to put all our hope and trust in the Lord alone.

France to launch on September 25th - 27th a Resolution at the U.N. which would give formal recognition to a Palestinian state. This would be totally against what Israel desires about the matter. It looks like the decision will be made without their agreement concerning it. The U.S. has always been the one nation blocking such a resolution until now, but things may be much different this time around. God will bring judgment on the nations for standing against Israel. (Joel 3:2). God gave the land to Israel long ago when He made the covenant with Abraham.

U.N. to Launch a Brand New Sustainable Agenda - When the U.N. meets September 25-27 they will promote a brand new agenda to enforce a plan for all nations to come under authority of the global authority of the united agreement of the nations. In a former issue (July, 2015) I wrote of this plan. This plan is not just about the environment and global warming, but also about economics, agriculture, education, and gender equality. On September 25th the Pope will travel to New York to give a major speech kicking off the UN conference where the new agenda will be unveiled. We are now so near the seven years of tribulation, when the Antichrist will bring about his one world government. This coming U.N. session is definitely a forerunner of the coming of the prophesied ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT.

September 28th - the morning after the U.N. Agenda meeting, the last of the 4 blood moons will take place in  2015 on Israel’s Feast of Tabernacles. It will be a “supermoon,” which according to NASA is a full moon, on an obit which comes nearer (90% of its closest approach to earth making it appear 14% larger in area or almost 7% larger diameter) and 30% brighter than one at its farthest point. It will be actually visible this time in the city of Jerusalem. Some do not place any credence in the blood moon phenomenon, but there have been similar patterns before where major events pertaining to Israel happened at the time of the blood moon appearing, when it occurred on Feast Days. Time will tell if there will be a significant happening this time. The Word of God speaks of “signs in the heavens” that will mark the time of the coming of Jesus.

These events happening soon are definite signs of the nearness of Jesus’ coming, and the time of the wrath of Almighty God coming upon the earth. Man thinks that he has all the answers for directing the events of this world, but God has a predetermined plan outlined in the Word of God. Events will happen just as God has decreed, not according to man’s agenda. Let us be watching and waiting for the soon appearing of our Beloved Jesus. It is time to be ready NOW.

Fulness

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; Colossians 1:19
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  Colossians 2:9

“In all our searching, the only thing we’ve found that makes the emptiness bearable is each other.”   Carl Sagan

One of the great problems of humanity today is their feeling of emptiness. Man is continually searching for something to fill their emptiness. For some it is drugs or alcohol or other things that alter their reality even if for a little while. For others, it is education and position or fame and recognition. There are many ways in which people try to fill their emptiness.

“The fact that our hearts yearn for something Earth can’t supply is proof that Heaven must be our home.”   C. S. Lewis

That emptiness is there because God has allowed it to be since the fall of man in the garden. It is a place that can only be filled by God Himself. Everything that exists has been created by Him and for Him. Without Him, nothing exists or continues to exist. As long as man tries to fill his emptiness with things of this world, it will always fail. What the world needs is not more stuff and more entertainment, but the only One that can fill the emptiness.

There is no purpose to life outside of God’s purpose. God has determined, before the foundation of the world, that Jesus Christ would embody all fullness. That means that nothing else can fill our emptiness.

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.  Ephesians 3:19

But, as it always is with God, it means much more than that. It is impossible for us to fully comprehend what it means to be filled with the fullness of God.  God offers and makes available so much more than we can ever imagine.

As we get to know our wonderful Lord Jesus, we are filled more and more with His fullness. Paul reminds us that we have the life of Jesus in us. “. . . Christ in you the hope of glory” Colossians 1:27. If you are neglecting to spend time studying God’s Word and spending time in prayer, you are missing out on the maximum of what God has made available to you.

So many know who Jesus is, or think they know who He is, but they do not know Him. Even many Christians today do not take time to really know their Lord. There is so much more to know than just “knowing” Him as Saviour. He wants to fill us with so much more than that.

As we grow in our knowledge of Him, He fills those places that tried to fill with other things, and then those things lose their grip on us. Why be satisfied with such empty and non-filling things of the world when we can be filled with all that God is and has for us.

Gordon Crook

RUTH

Debra Isenbletter

Ruth 3:1 – “Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?”

“In chapter 1, Ruth doesn’t even know that Boaz exists. In chapter 2, Ruth is a poor laborer, gleaning in the field of Boaz and receiving his gifts. To her, Boaz is only a mighty man of wealth who shows kindness to her. The turning point is in chapter 3 where Ruth yields herself at the feet of Boaz and believes his promises.” (Warren Wiersbe)

There are several wonderful titles for this chapter: The Bible School – “An Obedient Heart”; Scofield – “Ruth Resting”; Warren Wiersbe – “Submission: Ruth Waiting”. In this chapter I see three wonderful things: Subjection – Seeking – Satisfaction. We see Ruth’s attitude toward Naomi and Boaz and what she does by faith and the beginning of her reward, her rest, how she is satisfied by simply resting and waiting.

This chapter begins and ends with rest. In the beginning it is what Naomi seeks for Ruth and in the end it is what Boaz will not do until he can obtain it for Ruth. In this chapter Naomi takes action and takes charge, we see this at the beginning and end of this chapter. Naomi is no longer helpless and hopeless, she is a changed woman. She is no longer looking at herself and her losses; she looks at Ruth and makes provision for her through the promises of God. In doing this, Ruth will provide for Naomi through Boaz. Naomi begins her instruction to Ruth with “My daughter,” she is not called “daughter in law” but “daughter,” for Ruth has shown the love and devotion of a true daughter. Can you not see the close, personal relationship between these two women? It is more than a relationship of blood; it is a relationship of shared suffering and shared devotion. They had taken a journey together and the trials they shared had forged a precious bond, the same holds true in our lives. We form a bond of affection and love with others who journey with us, like Ruth and Naomi. There are shared experiences, sufferings, persecutions, sorrows but also shared devotion and faith, when we are discouraged others encourage us. I believe this is what happened between Ruth and Naomi, and the love and affection they had at the beginning of the journey from Moab had grown and blossomed into something deeper and more lasting at the end of the harvest season.

What was Naomi’s desire for Ruth? – It was Rest: “shall I not seek rest for thee?” Naomi is going to do something, she has a purpose and a goal, and she knows what she is going to do and who she is going to do it for. Naomi sees how she can fulfill her responsibility to Ruth. Ruth has been taking care of Naomi, now Naomi will take care of Ruth. This is more than duty, more than obligation, this is love. The word “I” shows that Naomi realizes now what she can do. She will instruct and prepare Ruth, she will teach Ruth what to say and do. Naomi will fulfill her obligation to Ruth, not through her works, but through the Word of God, through the promises of God. How different this is from her words to Ruth in the first chapter, in that chapter it was all about what she could not do, in this chapter it is about what Boaz can do. Naomi says she will “seek” rest for Ruth. The word “seek” comes from “to search out” and it means “to search out in worship or prayer,” “to beg, to beseech, to make request.” Naomi will do this through prayer to God and through the Word of God. Naomi makes a “request” of God, she “beseeches” and asks for guidance, and God has shown Naomi what to do and when to do it. Ruth will then “beseech” and “make a request” of Boaz. Two make a request: Naomi and Ruth and two hear the request: God and Boaz.

Naomi’s desire is a desire for Ruth, “rest for thee” – rest for Ruth, she says nothing of herself. The word “rest” comes from “quiet” or “a settle spot,” it means “a home” or “a (place of) rest.” It is translated “shall I not seek rest or a home for you” (Amplified) and “should I not try to find a home for you” (NIV); “shall I not see security for you” (NAS). Naomi had first spoken of this rest to Ruth and Orpah while they were in Moab, she had said this in parting, and it was her farewell prayer for them. She had asked the Lord to help them find rest, knowing she could not. She had said that this rest would be in the “house of” a “husband” (1:9). Even then Naomi desired for her daughters in law a home and security and she did ask God to provide it but she didn’t realize that the Lord could not give true rest in Moab! It is Naomi’s lessons from bitter experiences that show her where true rest is found. Yes, it is a “place” and a “home” and it is found in “marriage,” but Naomi will see where and who alone can provide this perfect rest for Ruth. It is through Redemption, through a “kinsman-redeemer.” It is through a Person, through Boaz. It is through a Relationship, through marriage. – “A married state is, or should be, a state of rest to young people. Wandering affections are then fixed, and the heart must be at rest. It is at rest in the house of a husband, and in his heart.” (Matthew Henry)

Naomi seeks by prayer (to God) and by petition (to Boaz) to find rest for Ruth. Again, a reminder, the word “seek” also means “prayer.” Prayer is necessary for rest. Naomi’s prayer for Ruth hasn’t changed, but the place and time of her prayer has. The place is Bethlehem in Judah; she is no longer in Moab. The time is after their return and after the harvest, after labors, their trials, and service. Naomi will still “beseech” and still make a “request” but it will be through Ruth. First her request is to God for guidance, and then the request is to Boaz to fulfill the promise of God and meet the need of Ruth. Ruth will find rest in a Person (Boaz) in a Relationship (Marriage) and the Lord will grant this request through the man He has chosen for Ruth. We find our rest in our relationship with Christ, as Savior, but ultimately we will find rest in our relationship with Christ as our Bridegroom! It is the marriage relationship that will provide the greatest fellowship and reward.

Rest is important; it is something we all seek, especially when we see that rest as security and there are two types of rest that we can enjoy, a rest from within and a rest from without. There is a rest that brings both tranquility and security; both depend upon Promises from the Word of God. We have that tranquility, a rest from within, when we realize that we have “peace with God” (Ro 5:1) and we have the “peace of God” (Phil 4:7; Col 3:14). We have a security, a rest from without, because we know that nothing can take away for the Lord has promised and no matter what the turmoil may be, the promises hold true. We have the security of eternal life (John 3:15 6:68; 10:2); the security of sonship (John 1:12; Gal 4:5-6; Phil 2:15); the security that none can charge (Ro 8:33), condemn (Ro 8:34) or separate (Ro 8:35) us. This rest is an enjoyment of and appropriation of our inheritance, the “inheritance of the saints” (Col 1:12); the “inheritance among all them that are sanctified” (Acts 20:32;26:18); the inheritance given not by law but “by promise” (Gal 3:18); the inheritance revealed by and enjoyed by the Holy Spirit, who is “the earnest of our inheritance” (Eph 1:13-14) and the inheritance that is an “eternal inheritance” (Heb 9:15).

But the rest that is our security is tied to the rest that is our relationship with Christ, the deeper our relationship, the greater the security we enjoy; that rest will culminate in the marriage relationship – the marriage of Christ, as Bride to His Bridegroom. Ruth will first find rest at Boaz’s feet before she finds rest at his side as his bride. This is a picture of how we first find rest; it is in our place of subjection, in our willingness to seek and ask, and our faith in the promises given to us that bring the greatest satisfaction.

Finally we see Naomi describing the full provision of this rest: “that it may be well with thee.” The word “well” means literally “sound, beautiful, happy.” Naomi wants the very best for Ruth, stability and happiness. But there is a wellness that the Lord is working in our lives that produces these three things: “soundness,” “happiness” and “beauty.” There is a spiritual soundness that comes from sound doctrine that leads to a sound walk a sanctified walk. There is a spiritual beauty that comes from within, the Christ life fully matured. There is a spiritual happiness, the joy of the Lord, a joy in every circumstance. The word “well” can also be translated “to be accepted.” Ruth will be accepted by all because of her relationship with Boaz. We are accepted because of Christ, “accepted in the beloved” (Eph 1:6). The word “well” can mean “to (make) better.” One translation reads: “you will be well provided for” (NIV). Ruth’s circumstances will be made better, she will no longer be a gleaner, but through Boaz everything he owns becomes hers. What a glorious promises and provision we see in Ruth; how it points to what we will receive and enjoy as the Bride of Christ!

Ruth is no longer a gleaner. She is claiming now, seeking the place which has been promised. According to her mother in law’s instruction, she seeks out Boaz as the kinsman, able to do for her what she is unable to accomplish for herself. Ruth must have a resting place, and to find it she must seek it. Ruth is bidden to put forth a personal claim upon him. How touchingly suggestive of the individual seeking after Christ today! We must all come to Him for rest, and find even as Ruth that He is ready to receive us.”

The Second Person of the Godhead:

The Lord Jesus Christ

John 1:1 tells us who Jesus was before His human birth. He “was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Verse 14, “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” He became man, born of a woman, conceived in her of the Holy Ghost – Mt. 1:20.

Peter informs us that this was no afterthought, but planed before time. A Divine counsel was held. “Him (the Son of God) being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God” Acts. 2:23. “Whom God hath set forth (foreordained) to be a propitiation (atoning sacrifice) through faith in his blood” Rom. 3:25. Our redemption was foreordained before man was even created. The second Person of the Godhead had to be willing to become man to accomplish that work of man’s redemption.

I Pet. 1:18-20, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” Read II Tim. 1:1 and Titus 1:2. “According as he (God) hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children (or the placing of sons) by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” The wealth of God’s blessing to man was His choice before the creation of man. God purposed a new creation in Christ before He saw the old creation in Adam. The Son of God delighted Himself by faith, in bringing many sons whom He should afterward bring to glory. In eternity past Christ was by Him, as one brought up with Him: and was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him” – Prov. 8:30.

This choice does not mean God rejected some and selected others independently of their will. God chose no one in the old creation (the first Adam). He chose a new creation in Christ. All who would become that new creation by faith in Jesus, the “whosoever” of John 3:16. Man’s wealth and enjoyment in Christ is because “God so loved.” He chose away back yonder, before the world’s sick-spell by Satan’s intervention. Praise God! He close us “in Him,” in Christ, to be “holy and without blame before Him.” Can man be blameless? Not if the believer yields to the old creation. If we yield to the Christ life we  received at our spiritual birth, that life cannot sin – Romans 6.

Christ has three distinct offices: Prophet, Priest and King.
As Prophet: Peter declared in Acts 3:22 that Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of Deut. 18:15 that God would raise up a greater Prophet than Moses. The Gospels record Jesus prophetic ministry from His baptism to the Cross. Prophecy means to utter by Divine inspiration. Jesus declared the Father, gave spiritual instruction, foretold future events, etc. John the beloved disciple said of Jesus, there are so many other things which He did, that if they should be written, every one, he supposed that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.

As Priest: Christ’s priesthood began at the Cross. He is the Aaron of the New Testament. The book of Hebrews especially describes this office. How did it begin? By Jesus offering Himself on the Cross. His priesthood will never end. In all things He was made like man, except He had no sin in Him. He took on Him flesh and blood and was tempted and tried severely. He was criticized and persecuted by the self-righteous. He was in jeopardy every day and finally nailed to the cross, being counted sin for us. With the crucifixion, His prophetic ministry ceased and His High Priestly ministry began. He showed infinite mercy to us sinners in being faithful unto death, making full atonement for our sins. By His blood our sins were covered and God’s holy government was satisfied, the penalty was paid. Read Eph. 1:7 & Jn. 5:24. His atoning work done, He is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us, our High Priest– Mk. 16:10; Heb. 3:1; 4:14-16. He is in the presence of God in our behalf. All our blessings and victories are dependent upon Him. He is able – Heb. 2:18. We have a Representative in heaven, a Mediator, a Go-between; we have access to the throne of grace and are accepted because God sees us through the wounds of His Son – I Jn. 2:1. He is our High Priest now and for eternity – Heb. 5:5-6. His entrance as the forerunner into heaven is the guarantee of our entrance both now and future – Heb. 6:20. He is able to save to the uttermost (all-complete, absolutely, all-entirely) forevermore – Heb. 7:25 & Eph. 3:20.

As King: That office begins when he comes back and will reign as God almighty for 1,000 years. The wise men searched for the King of the Jews (Mt. 2:2). When He later entered Jerusalem presenting Himself as their King (Mt. 21:5), He was rejected and crucified just a few days following. Pilate put this title on the cross – “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews” (written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin) - Jn. 19:19-20. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; I Tim. 6:15. When the allied evil powers make war upon the Lamb (Rev. 17:14), “the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. Rev. 19:11-16, “…heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns…he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him…And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

After Christ Millennial reign, He will eternally be in subjection to His Father – I Cor. 15:24-28.

Earlene Davis