Marjorie Hidley

        “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work” (John 9:4).

        That we are living in the time of the end, many are aware.  The return of Jesus is not far off.  This is now the midnight hour.  For many years the cry has been sounding, “Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him” (Matt. 25:6).  In this same chapter we read of the activity of the wise and the foolish virgins.  It was midnight.  The cry had been made.  All the virgins awoke, and this fateful hour found the foolish unprepared.  As they went to buy oil, “they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut” (Matt. 25:10).

        In Luke the thirteenth chapter, verses 23-27, Jesus was asked the question, “Lord, are there few that be saved?  And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.  When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door…” there will be those standing without, and knocking, calling to the Lord to open.  But He knows them not and calls them “workers of iniquity.”

        There is a time coming, not too far off, when the door of salvation will be shut.  No more will men be given the opportunity to settle the question of their own eternal destiny.  The door of mercy will have closed, and the time will be present when “he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still.”  Every man will be judged “according as his work shall be” (Rev. 22:11,12).

        “Blessed are they that do his commandments” (Rev. 22:14).  The doers of the Father’s will, Jesus told us, are the ones who enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 7:21).  Christian friends, what are we doing with the words of Jesus?  He left them with us as the guiding light which will bring us home to glory.  Are we doing all He has asked us to do?  What kind of a light do our lives display to others?  Do our lives bear the fruit of His Spirit?  Is our testimony above reproach?

        We must STIR ourselves, must awaken!  There isn’t much time left to work for God!  Time is running out!  Do we have a consuming burden for others?  Can we face our King with little concern for the souls of men?

        Every Christian is called to labor.  We are all reapers.  All are obligated to minister to others.  All have been given a talent – or talents – His goods from heaven itself.  When invested for the kingdom of God, these talents bring blessing, and strength, and fruit unto righteousness.  Have we hidden that which God has given us, or buried it in the ground?  Friends, are the hours of our days so occupied with the cares of this life that we have lost the burden and concern that God wants us to have?  Jesus said, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35).  We are to pray the Lord of harvest that He send forth laborers into His harvest.  May we continually be burdened that the gospel of the kingdom go forth to the ends of the earth.  May we be willing to spend ourselves, that lost souls will find their God and walk in His ways.

        “The night cometh when no man can work.”  THEN IT WILL BE TOO LATE!

Alternate Name: When Will The Body of Lazarus Be Raised From The Dead?

Wayne King

        Many times when a fast-food chain advertises on T.V., they will promote one food item on their menu rather than present a long list of available choices.  Therefore, McDonald's may choose to promote their restaurants with an advertisement featuring one item that I have selected at random – their filet of fish sandwich.  Their advertisement will remind the audience of the great taste of their product and encourage them to try one again.

        In this article, I wish to establish one, single "bedrock" scripture (my filet of fish sandwich) to build a foundation upon.  One principle rather than a long list of scriptures related to the same subject.  I define a bedrock scripture as one that is straight forward and easy to understand and, especially so, if it is the plain words of Jesus Himself.  Rather than list numerous scriptures relating to the rapture topic, I will focus on just one or two only.  If we establish this principle clearly in our minds, error will have a difficult time sneaking in.

        At the end of this article, the reader must decide for oneself, "Is this a bedrock scripture?  Is this a significant foundational scripture – a plain, straightforward, immovable principle that cannot be changed or done away with?"  After this, any understanding we obtain when we are in the midst of very difficult passages of scripture cannot disagree with the words that are straightforward – the plain words of Jesus Himself.

        Let's begin with a familiar "rapture" scripture to establish when the rapture (the event where we and all saints before us are "caught up together") will occur.

        1 Thess. 4:16: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

        The rapture – or catching away of the church and all believers – will occur when the dead in Christ rise from the grave.  Of course, the dead in Christ include John, Peter, Paul and all others who have lived for Christ down through all generations.

        I will begin this exercise by asking one question:

        When will the body of Lazarus be raised from the dead?

        The answer to this question is key to understanding numerous other Biblical passages that may appear quite complicated concerning the resurrection of the saints.  This topic applies to millions of saints that have gone on before us, but let's focus on only one person – Lazarus – our filet of fish topic.  When will Lazarus be raised from the dead?

        Let's go to a familiar passage concerning the story of Lazarus.  We remember that he became ill and died, but Jesus miraculously raised him from the dead.  Of course, later on, hopefully after a long and fulfilling life, Lazarus died again once and for all and his body, along with millions of other saints, awaits the resurrection or "rapture."

        We begin as Jesus comes near the area where Lazarus has died.  We read beginning in John 11:20: “Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.” 21: Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22: But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23: Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.”

        Jesus told Martha, "Thy brother (Lazarus) shall rise again."  To be clear at this point, Jesus is referring to Lazarus rising from the dead – rising from his physical condition of being deceased (This is important later).  Of course, Jesus knew that He was going to raise Lazarus from the tomb at that time but, eventually, Lazarus would rise again from the dead along with all other saints.

        Martha essentially responds by saying that she knows that Lazarus will rise from the dead at some point long into the future, and she states when he will rise from the dead – she gives the answer to our question, "When will the body of Lazarus rise from the dead?"  Martha states to Jesus that Lazarus will rise from the dead at the last day.

        John 11:24: “Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

        It is implied here that Jesus acknowledges her answer as being correct, but He strikes out in a different direction.  In other words, Jesus essentially says, "Martha, you are correct with your answer; however, that is not what I am referring to at this moment.  I am going to perform a miracle and raise Lazarus from the dead, at this time.  Later on, Lazarus will die once again and then be raised at the last day along with all other believers."

        Jesus moved on from Martha's response by stating in verse 25, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

        At this point, the reader may question Martha's answer by stating, "It was Martha that stated Lazarus shall rise again at the last day – not Jesus."  That response is legitimate, so we will search for the reason Martha made that statement.  Our search informs us that Martha has been paying attention to what Jesus has taught previously, and she is merely repeating to Jesus what He has already said.

        In John the 6th chapter, we find the source of Martha's knowledge.  Jesus has already stated four times before the story of Lazarus that He would raise believers from the dead at the last day.

        The four scriptural references are as follows:

        John 6:39 “And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40: And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

        John 6:44: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

        John 6:54: “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

        This is the bedrock, foundational principle of this article – Believers will be raised from the dead at the last day.  Jesus declared it.  His words are simple.  No other scriptural interpretation is acceptable that disagrees with His words.

Bedrock Scripture?

        At this point, the reader must ask himself, "Is this correct?  Is this a bedrock principle that cannot be moved by our understanding of other, more complicated scriptures?"  If you consider this concept of a last-day resurrection to be valid, you may be in for another surprise ahead.

How Does This Apply?

        Let's think about this.

        Jesus stated that He will raise believers at the last day, and we have confirmed that He was speaking of a literal, physical resurrection.  However, the rapture doctrine states that believers and deceased saints will be removed from the earth before or perhaps during the last great tribulation – before the last day.

        In the familiar "rapture" scripture of I Thess 4:16, we read, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

        Based on this scripture provided by Paul and the previous scriptures directly from Jesus, when will this rapture event occur?  When will we that are alive and remain be caught up to meet the Lord?  When will all deceased saints be united with our Savior?  The answer is clear: At the last day.

        So, when will the body of Lazarus be raised from the dead?  At the last day.

        When will the bodies of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John be raised from the dead?  At the last day.

        When will the bodies of Peter, Paul, and Mary be raised?  At the last day.

        When will the thief on the cross, that asked Jesus to remember him, be raised?  At the last day.

        Therefore, how can the saints of God be removed from the earth before the end if it is the last day when we are caught up to God?

        We must conclude that the present-day rapture doctrine is erroneous!  The church will not be removed from earth until the end.  All interpretation of any passage of scripture, whether in Daniel, Ezekiel, Hosea, or Revelation, cannot disagree with this principle.  All Christians will be on earth until the end – the last day.

What We Have Learned Is Very Important.  Let's Go One Step Further!

        We have established a major principle concerning the exit of the saints from the earth, but let's add to our knowledge:  The thief on the cross will be raised at the last day.  When will the second man on the cross next to Jesus be raised – the unbelieving man that said, "If thou be the Christ, then save yourself and us"?

        Jesus answered that question in John 5:28 when He stated, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29: And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”

        Wow!  This is quite astonishing because it runs contrary to what we have always been taught.  Aren't the wicked supposed to be raised separately from believers?  Jesus stated that there will be only one resurrection – and both bad and good come forth at the same time.  We must conclude that we have been taught incorrectly.  Therefore, we have determined that the wicked are raised at the same time as the good – everyone is raised from the dead on the last day – every saint, every lost person – all that are in the graves, both bad and good, shall come forth at the last day.

        The rapture doctrine, the teaching of a removal of the saints before the end, has let us down.  We must realize that the present-day rapture doctrine does not hold up to close scrutiny.

        Obviously, there are many other scriptures that deal with the rapture doctrine.  We have presented just one simple, foundational, bedrock principle.  We can refer to this one principle as our "Filet of Fish" presentation.

        Satan has successfully infiltrated church doctrine with the error of an "early removal" of God's people before the end.  The fact is, God can and will protect His people regardless of what comes during the tribulation period.

        Not only can God protect His people, He intends to use His saints, the church, in a powerful way in the defeat and overthrow of Satan himself.

One Bad Apple Promotes The Next Bad Apple

        The erroneous doctrine that states the church will be gone during earth's final days has laid the foundation for the next erroneous doctrine, the doctrine of two classes of Christians – Gentile Christians versus Jewish Christians.

        The common idea of God using only Jewish Christians at the end of time no longer holds up.  God will use His church made up of all believers to fulfill His will on the earth.

Harry Miller

        “Jesus Christ…the prince of the kings of the earth…hath made us kings and priests unto God” the Scripture declares in Revelation 1:5,6.

        And the apostle Peter expressed a similar thought when he stated that Christians are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood” (I Peter 2:9).

        Again, this same idea of the royalty of Christian believers is set forth in the fifth chapter of the book of Revelation, verses nine and ten: “Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon the earth” (American Standard Version, 1901).

        Christianity in general seems to have more or less accepted the idea of its followers being priests; but in all its ranks, those who believe in the present royalty of God’s people are pitifully few.

        There have lately sprung up certain self-exalted, power-seeking, egocentric exhibitionists who clamorously and presumptuously proclaim themselves rightful heirs to this royal position in Christ; yet virtually none of these pretenders to the heritage have even the faintest idea of what is involved in this “high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  Because several of the more aggressive modern miraclemongers have been able to catch a fleeting glimpse or two “through a glass darkly” and glean some small inkling of the wonderful truths regarding this present-day Christian royalty, their greed has become aroused and they have apparently dedicated their every effort toward the goal of appropriating for their own unlawful purposes, that which the Heavenly Father designed exclusively for the use of His true children.

        How useless are man’s puny efforts when he engages in unlawfully endeavoring to wrest something he wants from God!  If only he would stop and consider, first, just how he stands personally, with his Heavenly Father – he might even discover the precariousness of his position – that is, if he is honest!

        All down through the ages of time God has sought out the “poor in spirit” who are “rich in faith,” and these are the folk who make up that number which constitutes “the precious fruit of the earth” (James 5:7).  Out of the chaotic conditions of earth, each generation has contributed a portion of its sons who, as the “salt of the earth,” have honored the Lord by their works and have been accounted worthy members of the heavenly family.

        As we near the end of the age, a further development is taking place among the subjects who are being prepared for the heavenly family: “The manifestation of the sons of God” (Rom. 8:19) must be an event of the near future.  It has been the legal right and privilege of every saint to reign with Christ ever since the church was set in order on the day of Pentecost, but few have availed themselves of the use of their inherited power and authority.  Full surrender of the carnal life is the first price to be paid in order for one to qualify as a prospective divine sovereign; this first cost eliminates many who attempt to “run the race.”  The final steps necessary to gain “the prize” are absolute obedience to the written Word and complete submission to the Spirit of the Lord.

        “He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my father” (Rev. 2:26,27).  This is the promise of Christ to His end-time church.  To “rule over the nations” in the name of the Most High God will require a very special class of individuals.  These will not be mere ambassadors of good will, such as representative missionaries of a good cause, but these rulers will swing a big stick: “a rod of iron.”  Take note that during the reign of God’s kings, nations shall be “broken to shivers.”

        You can well imagine the bitter reaction of “the world” against the reign of the sons of God.  As the Spirit of the Lord dictates His will through the sons who keep His words many violent changes will be brought to pass among men.  Senators and congressmen will not be appealed to, they will be told what to do.  Statesmen of all nations will be violently shaken until they are convinced that obedience to heaven’s Commander is absolutely necessary.  This is the day of the fulfillment of the second Psalm: “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? the kings of earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us…”  (The Most High answers) “Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel” (verse 9).

        God’s program for “the consummation” is one of great violence.  This is not a time for jellyfish ministers to prattle silly words; it is high time we urge the saints to put on the whole armour of God so that they may be able to stand in the evil day.  Americans are grievously divided, some bitterly berating the President for the lack of proper response to the pandemic and others supporting the liberal and progressive agenda which kills the unborn in the womb, promotes same sex marriage (which scripture declares is an abomination), and now the modern asinine “Woke” movement.  All this begs the question: Where are those who weep before God because of the appalling unpreparedness of a bankrupt professing church?  The threat of the pandemic and the uncertainties existent in changing of the presidency are nothing in comparison to the battle against false Christians, wolves in sheep’s clothing that side with evil principalities, and the war that the Lord has decreed shall be fought in this, our day.

        Read again the words of the prophet Habakkuk.  Even this man of God was overwhelmed with awe and fear because of the revelation of God’s great wrath upon this end-time generation.  Listen to the effect this man’s revelation had upon him: “When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people” (Hab. 3:16).  This prophet did not see the Lord as the gentle man of Galilee; he looked down through the misty corridors of time and saw the day when the LION of the tribe of Judah would “measure the earth” and drive “asunder the nations” (3:6).  By the spirit of prophecy he said: “Thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation.  Thy bow was made quite naked…even thy word” (3:8,9).

        The fearful thing about this day of the end is the naked word of the Lord.  When men have nothing but the “letter of the word” they grow very careless, and are unafraid to offend the mighty God; this is evident by the millions of professing Christians who make no attempt to obey the Biblical commands.  Flippant spellbinders entertain the multitudes of so-called Christians, few of whom make the least attempt to “fear God and give glory to Him.”  The written words of our God have been wrested and abused; their meaning has been distorted and perverted.  Plain statements from the lips of our Saviour have been etherealized and philosophized until their message has been made virtually meaningless.  Fearlessly the mob holds the letter of the Word in contempt – but God will remedy this in the day of His wrath.

        As Habakkuk the prophet declared, God will make His word naked; He will speak and it will be done.  The oral commands of the Creator are not to be trifled with; there are many illustrations in the Old Testament of the severity of God against those who resisted His spoken voice.  Immediate and exact obedience to His Word will be the order of “that day.”  Jesus Christ Himself will actuate His true prophets, and He shall speak to the men of this world, and His will shall be done.

        John the beloved, on the isle of Patmos, saw this latter-day movement when “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ” (Rev. 11:15), and the result of this is, as John has stated: “The nations were angry” (verse 18).  The naked word is the element of provocation: “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” (Rev. 19:15).  These are days when many soft, sentimental religionists will be “offended” at what they will call a “lack of love.”  When a rebellious nation is violently smitten “like a potter’s vessel,” many namby-pamby effeminate souls will label the work of God as being of the Devil.  Such people today are ecclesiastical dreamers who live in a most unpractical ethereal world of their own creating.  This type seem to fairly drool with what they term “love.”  But they know neither love nor God, and are “like the chaff which the wind driveth away” (Psalm 1:4).

        The true love of God is not sentimental.  This fruit of the Spirit inspires saints to offer complete devotion to Him; and obedience to His will (whether written or spoken) is no burden to those who love Him.  Those who will reign as kings in this latter day will be filled with the love of God – not the oozing sentimental variety, but a love that will inspire saints to wade through fire and blood for their Lord.

Lorraine Scullin

        In the early part of the twentieth century, a system of teaching was foisted upon God’s sheep, and in particular upon the young sheep who were studying God’s word in Bible schools, colleges, and seminaries throughout this country.  Thousands of young ministers, missionaries, and Bible teachers were indoctrinated and were literally “brainwashed with a new gospel and, as a result, were led into some of the most blasphemous doctrines ever palmed off on the sheep of God.  In fact, these teachings have laid the groundwork for the present general moral decay, resulting from the liberal religious philosophies which have grown out of these original statements of doctrine – that we have been presented with another gospel for this day – supposedly by none other than the apostle Paul!

        IF, as C.I. Scofield and others who are propagating such teaching contend, Paul did teach a new gospel in his epistles, different from that given by Jesus Christ, it is certainly imperative that we learn the truth of this matter!  If Paul actually substituted something opposed to the doctrines of Christ and taught contrary to the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is of the utmost importance that we investigate such a claim and label this teaching for what it is – a truth or a lie!

        Error is a “deadly drink,” and one cannot swallow it without disastrous, and often fatal consequences, for evil spirits work through false teachings.  They cannot work through words of truth.  “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (I Tim. 4:1).

        Did Paul truly preach a different message from Christ’s?  Another gospel from His?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!  In at least fourteen separate references in his epistles, Paul calls his message, the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:9,16; 15:19,29; I Cor. 9:12,18; II Cor. 2:12; 4:4; 9:13; 10:14; Gal. 1:6-9; Phil. 1:27; I Thess. 3:2; II Thess. 1:8).  Paul boldly declared that he was “Not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Rom. 1:16), and that he had “fully preached the gospel of Christ” (Rom. 15:19).  As a matter of fact, Paul had such a concern for Christ’s gospel that he said he suffered “All things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ” (I Cor. 9:12)!  Does this sound as if Paul were trying to institute a NEW gospel?  Certainly NOT!  In conclusion, he even makes the statement that judgment will fall on those that “obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (II Thess. 1:8).  Plainly, Paul is saying that the criterion by which Jesus Christ shall judge all men at the end is: Did they obey Christ’s gospel? or follow another (John 12:48)?  Certainly, obedience to Christ’s words, then, is a most vital issue affecting the eternal destiny of the human soul.

        The teachers of this “new gospel” heresy give, as evidence that Paul was presenting a new revelation in regard to the gospel, three Scriptures in which Paul states that certain things were true “according to my gospel” (Rom. 2:16; 16:25; II Tim. 2:8).  Paul was a zealous servant of God, and it is true that he was given to making statements in a manner that is sometimes puzzling and even, at times, seemingly contradictory, according to Peter’s testimony in II Peter 3:15,16.  However, it is only fair that Paul be judged in the light of all that he has written concerning the gospel, and not by a phrase here, and a few words there.

        Isn’t it strange that Paul, who, we are told by these teachers of perversion, was the one who actually brought the gospel to men, rather than Jesus Christ, should write the following words to the Galatians?  “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ” (Gal. 1:6,7).  In these verses, by the Spirit of God, Paul warned, nearly two thousand years ago, of these purveyors of error who would attempt to wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction and, sad to say, contribute to the downfall of the many sheep who listen to these teachings (See also II Peter 3:16).

        It is a matter of the divine record that Paul feared lest his Corinthian disciples whom he had taught in the word of God would also be beguiled by the serpent and the serpent’s teaching into receiving “another Jesus, whom we have not preached…or another gospel, which ye have not accepted” (II Cor. 11:3,4).

        Lest there be any misunderstanding concerning Paul’s stand relative to the gospel of Christ, he further affirms: “But though we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8).  Paul repeats this anathema twice, lest anyone fail to comprehend his position regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ: “As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:9).  This is strong language from a man who stood strongly against those who dishonor the Lord Jesus Christ by substituting a gospel different from that taught by Christ Himself.  Such a doctrine is actually ANTI-Christ, and it will, in time, bring forth the wrath and judgment of Almighty God.

        If we carry the reasoning behind Paul’s supposed new revelation concerning a substitute gospel to its logical conclusion, we are led to some very unscriptural views, the first being:

1. We Are Now Under A Special Dispensation Of Grace?

In order to substantiate such a teaching, the idea of Dispensationalism has been invented, which its perpetrators claim consists of seven different periods of time, during each of which God supposedly deals in a distinctly different way with man, demanding more of some than of others.  This makes God partial, which cannot be, for God is no respecter of persons; He is absolutely impartial.  All humanity will be judged by one standard alone: obedience to the words of the Lord.  The word dispensation appears only four times in the Bible: I Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:2; Col. 1:25; and not once does the original Greek word ever refer to a period of time.  It means rather stewardship, manager, administration, and economy.

          We are informed through this “grace” doctrine that we are now freed from the “harsh and pitiless laws of the Old Testament,” so that we might accept this free gift of unmerited divine favor.  We are liberated, so they tell us, from all law, all obligation, all responsibility and accountability.  We can set up our own standards and do as we please.  We are told from the pulpits throughout the land that, as long as we believe, all will be well.  The devils do better than this, for they believe, but they also tremble (James 2:19), because they recognize the great King and Judge of the universe: “Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” (Matt. 8:29).  “I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God” (Mark 1:24).

        Out of this “grace” teaching has come this permissive concept of believism, the curse of twentieth century religious preaching and practice.  This is not a teaching from the criminal elements of our cities, nor from the rebels of society, for they make no hypocritical profession of serving God!  This is a doctrine advanced by religious people – ministers as well as laymen – who declare that they know God, “but in works they DENY him” (Titus 1:16).  If there were no moral limits defined in the word of God, then men could lie, steal, bear false witness, commit adultery, as well as the whole gamut of sex deviations with impunity.  This doctrine of no law is one of licentiousness and has opened the door to the moral collapse and degeneracy which has spread throughout our nation.  This terrible tragedy can be traced directly to the teachings of the institutions which should have been the guardians of the moral standards of the American people, and should have cried out against the rejection of God’s laws.

        Instead of being liberated from bondage through the doctrine of “grace,” men have become more completely enslaved by ungodly appetites and unholy desires.  While these teachers of license “promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the 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 way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them” (II Peter 2:19-21).

2. We Are Now Not Under The Law?

        We are told by these same teachers of “grace” that the walk of faith has freed us from the necessity of obedience to God’s laws!  Certainly, our Brother Paul held no such views.  “Do we then make void the law through faith?  God forbid: yea, we establish the law” (Rom. 3:31).  These very individuals would have us believe that the Ten Commandment law has been abolished; but it was never nailed to His cross – only those temporary regulations, having to do with ordinances, “imposed on them until the time of reformation” (Heb. 9:9,10).  “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances…(He) took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross” (Col. 2:14; Eph. 2:15).  “All his commandments are sure.  They stand fast for ever and ever” (Psalm 111:7,8).  “The word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isa. 40:8).  “Heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away” (Luke 21:33).  God’s laws are as eternal as He is; they stand immovable, unchanging, irrevocable throughout all time and eternity.

There have always been moral laws and obligations; there will always be moral requirements.  There was law before creation, for Satan could only be judged a rebel and a transgressor where law existed, since “Sin is the transgression of the law” (I John 34:4).  “Where no law is, there is no transgression” (Rom. 4:15).  It was moral law that Adam and Eve broke in the garden of Eden, and this disobedience of the eternal principle of moral law made them transgressors.

3. There Is Now No Kingdom Of God?

        Contrary to popular teaching, the gospel that Jesus proclaimed, He never once called the gospel of salvation or the gospel of grace.  Neither, for that matter, do any of the four gospel writers!  “Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying…the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:14,15).  Jesus “called his twelve disciples together…and he sent them to preach the kingdom of God (Luke 9:1,2; 10:9; Matt. 10:7).  Jesus said that this kingdom was within their reach, and that it “cometh not with outward shew (margin)…for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20,21).  Notice that the tense is present, and there is not a word about a future kingdom, nor a physical location of this kingdom.

        Salvation is the door through which men enter this kingdom (John 3:5).  Without the new birth, men cannot even see this kingdom (John 3:3).  However, Jesus has called us to a state even far beyond regeneration, necessary as that is.  The good news is that we are now members of His kingdom, “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17), and the powers, authority, and triumph of that kingdom are now available to us, actually within our grasp, if we will take hold of them.

        “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ” (Rev. 12:10).  Through the work of the cross, salvation came to men, and at the same time, the Kingdom of God came, also.  They cannot be separated.

4. There Is Now No King?

        This kingdom of God does not operate without a head, or a ruler (contrary to what many preach today), for there is perfect government and order within the vast confines of this mighty realm; its rule is administered by the Sovereign of this kingdom.  By One into whose hands all power in heaven and earth has already been given (Matt. 28:18).  By One who now has the keys of death and hell (Rev. 1:18).  By One who has already been set “far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named” where all things have been put under His feet (Eph. 1:17-22).  There is nothing left outside the control of Him who is the “only Potentate, THE KING of kings, and LORD of lords,” the “LORD JESUS CHRIST” (I Tim. 6:14-16).

        In conclusion, we find NO foundation in the word of God for the teaching of another gospel, or the “grace” doctrine that rejects the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as the existence of His Lordship and His Kingdom.  Let the words of Paul settle for all time this issue: “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ…he is proud, knowing nothing…and destitute of the truth.”  Paul’s counsel is clear: “From such withdraw thyself” (I Tim. 6:3-5).  The disciple, John, adds this admonition: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.  He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (II John 9-11).

Alfred King

        Observing only one year ago where the American economy, the low jobless rate, record employment, several terrorist leaders put down, and peace rising in various parts of the world, to where we are today is shocking to say the least.  How could such prosperity and hope for the future founder so quickly?  The Covid pandemic, lock-downs, riots across America, the push to defund the police, and paying the bonds for criminals to be released from prison so they can riot again, have left most of us in a state of bewilderment at the total foolishness of it all.  And as bad as all this has been, the executive orders that have come from the White House in the last month and a half has brought this nation to a critical state, a state from which we may never recover.  The executive orders signed by the recently elected president has proven that unity is not in the progressive vocabulary.  That coupled with the brazen forwardness of many liberals in Congress to hunt down conservatives, silence them through tyrannical big tech, and the vocal call for any whom they feel are “dangerous” to be prosecuted or put in re-educational camps (for deprograming or reprograming), all of which is in direct violation of the United States Constitution.  The Constitution provides freedom of speech, and it states that US citizens are innocent until proven guilty.  But this no longer is of concern to the progressive left which is determined to undermine the Constitution and set America on a totally different course.  If all this transpired in only one year, what will four years from now look like?

        Let me refer the reader to an article entitled, “Ozy Presents Reset America” which I received on February 1^st of this year.  In this article, citizens are being encouraged to participate in a program and offer suggestions which could be used to “Reset America.”  I quote from the author, Carlos Watson. “The big ideas behind the founding of the United States, noble ideals of freedom and self-government, came from a specific set of white male property owners whom we now revere as the Founding Fathers.  The past year of upheaval has proven that we need new ideas and new voices to positively #ResetAmerica. So instead of Thomas Jefferson or Alexander Hamilton, our next framers should be people like filmmaker Ava DuVernay and OZY reader Tori Barnes.  People like you!  Each week in this newsletter, we’re going to elevate big ideas for Resetting America from some people you know and some people you may not.  Beyond merely talking, we hope this will be a force for getting America on course to realize our best selves.  We hope this will drive real positive change and healing — government policy, individual actions and new ways of thinking.  This is only the start of our conversation: Please reach out and email me your thoughts to keep it going.”

        With a quick glance, this may sound like a pregnant idea, but upon closer examination and critical thought, what is being promoted is a change to America’s Constitution, and it offers the idea that the Constitution needs to be changed.  This is exactly what the far left wants, and remember: progressives are opportunists and will take every opportunity they can find to do away with the freedoms Americans treasure.  The premise presented in this article is that this nation was founded by “a specific set of white male property owners” is certainly not the whole story, but one that has been propagated over the past year as a prelude to condition the American populous to accept a National Reset.  The fact that rich white males were the framers of the Constitution probably cannot be disproved, but a little research of American history will show that many poor people, especially Christians, came to America looking for a better life.  Christians came searching freedom from religious tyranny.  Europe had become a land of hopelessness for the poor.  The rich did not have problems in Europe; it was the poor.  America offered hope of a better life and, even today, millions throughout the world long to live in this nation.

        When England began pushing the early settlers with more and more taxes and were determined to rule the colonies just as they ruled England (which meant that if not resisted, the same problems which they left would soon overtake them in the new world), the patriots rebelled and war broke out with England.  After a surprised victory, a victory that was virtually impossible, wise men set out to draw up a Constitution in which men could be truly free and yet have a government which was necessary to maintain some sort of law and order (that which progressives hate) and one that could form a military to protect the citizens of this new nation.

        Now think seriously for just a moment: Would you want some poor peasant, or even a poor unlearned religious person, to draw up this Constitution?  Even today America’s most educated (whether Christian or secular) are not knowledgeable enough in government and world history to draw up a Constitution even close to that which our founding fathers composed.  Remember, this Constitution has been the foundation of what has made America the most prosperous and powerful nation in the world.  It is this Constitution that has offered more freedom to mankind than any civilization in the history of the world.  It has made America a beacon of hope for the rest of the world, and many nations have attempted to follow the American pattern.  Why do so many people throughout the world risk their lives to come to America?  Because it’s so terrible?  No!  But because it is (or has been) the best country in the world in which to live, be free, and pursue and achieve any desire one may have.  Thousands from South and Central America risk their lives and the lives of their children with a mere hope that they can be free and find prosperity.

        But America’s progressives are determined to destroy everything good in this nation and bring it into a communist regime.  That “specific set of white male property owners” were men of great integrity.  They had experienced tyranny under the hand of British kings.  They were men who had studied history, both ancient and the more recent of their time.  The poor did not have the opportunity to study and learn, for they were busy providing their livelihood.  Ah, but this is the whole point; right?  The poor were disadvantaged.  It was “white privilege” operating over 240 years ago.  And yet the document composed by these “white privileged property owners” was that which has made it possible for a black man born in Detroit and reared in poverty in Boston to be able to become one of the greatest neurosurgeons of our time.  Hmmm!  Those “white male property owners” were pretty smart after all, because that could never have happened in old Europe.

        I believe those who proposed this idea concerning the great reset have good intentions, but at the very heart of the article (referred to above) is the fundamental, yet unspoken premise, that the United States Constitution is faulty and needs to be revamped.  That premise is very dangerous and gives the progressive left their opportunity to change it, and be certain they will not change it for better, for their agenda is complete government control.  The Constitution makes the government the servant of the people, but the progressive agenda is to take all power from the people and give it to the government.  When that happens, freedom will be a thing of the past.

        It is my conviction that God gave that “specific set of white male property owners” the wisdom to compose the best Constitution ever drawn up by men.  Consider a few of their own statements:

        “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.  It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” (John Adams, second president)

        “If religious books are not widely circulated among the masses in this country, I do not know what is going to become of us as a nation. If truth be not diffused, error will be; If God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendancy, If the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will; If the power of the Gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign without mitigation or end.” (Daniel Webster, early American Senator) [emphasis mine]

        “If we and our posterity reject religious instruction and authority, violate the rules of eternal justice, trifle with the injunctions of morality, and recklessly destroy the political constitution which holds us together, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us that shall bury all our glory in profound obscurity.” (Daniel Webster)

        “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this; it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.” (John Quincy Adams, sixth President)

        “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” (George Washington, father of our country)

        “No nation has ever existed or been governed without religion.  Nor can be.  The Christian religion is the best religion that has been given to man and I, as Chief Magistrate of this nation, am bound to give it the sanction of my example.” (Thomas Jefferson)

        "A more beautiful or precious morsel of ethics I have never seen.  It is a document in proof that I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus" (Thomas Jefferson)

        “Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon the teachings of the Redeemer of Mankind.  It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent, our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian." (U. S. Supreme Court 1892)

        Do these statements sound like racists?  Do they portray a sense of superiority?  Do they exude “white privilege?”  Do they appear to be only for the rich?  They clearly are for freedom for all people.

        This “specific set of white male property owners” were statesmen with the greatest integrity, wisdom, foresight, and knowledge that very few men throughout history have possessed.  The very fact that the Constitution they drew up has lasted over 230 years is a shining testimony of their brilliance and of the inspiration that God had in the founding of this nation.  For the past four years, the progressives in Congress have spent millions of tax payer’s money and spent the majority of their time fighting to gain control of government while letting the needs of the people unaddressed.  They are filled with hate and are determined to control the people of this nation.  Has hatred and hypocrisy ever been so blatant in government as it has been over the past four years?  These haters are the ones who want to control you.  And this desire to control is not only on the left, it’s among many on the right as well.

        Jesus warned of these days.  It’s sad to see them coming upon us, but America has rejected God, His word, and immorality is flooding this nation.  There is no need to go into the depths of degradation that fills the land in this article, but know this: God will judge this nation for her transgressions.  And His judgment will be great, because God blessed with great prosperity, health, liberties, opportunities, and peace, yet man has used those blessings to pursue their own ends, many that are in opposition to God and His teachings.  Many prophets today are predicting that God is going to restore this nation.  Why would He when this nation has rejected Him?  It is not scripturally sound to make such statements.  Jesus said there would be many false prophets in the end times, and we hear them every day.  The only way God will turn away His wrath from this nation is if this nation repents and turns back to Him.  There must be repentance, and only then may God spare this nation.  If there is no national repentance, there will judgment.  It’s time to seek God and trust Him through these difficult times.  God will protect those who truly seek Him, and He will spare them just as a father spares the son that serves him (Mal. 3:17).

Harry Miller

        “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12).  Such is the true message of the apostle Paul to all saints.  Take note that the context of this passage of Holy Writ indicates very plainly that this admonition is not to the unconverted: he speaks to the “beloved.”

        Work, in relation to one's salvation, is a very unpopular doctrine in these days of great license.  Men are told to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” and they have it made.  This is like being vaccinated with salvation.  He who has been “born again” is told that he cannot be unborn; so, he is to assume that he has a through ticket to glory; they fail to tell him that he who has been born, can also die.  “Twice dead” (Jude 12) is a scriptural term.

        In the day of judgment, humanity will not be judged by their beliefs, but by their works (Rev. 20:13).  “Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it” (Heb. 4:1).  For “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation” (Heb. 2:3)?

        In the apostle's letter to the Philippians he not only told them to work in relation to their salvation, but he told them to do it with fear and trembling.  The apostle knew how men would always choose the easy way, the “wide gate” and the “broad way”; it is such that leads to destruction.  Men are saved only if they work at it.  This is taught in many places in the Scriptures.  “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and the Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20).  We belong to Christ only “IF we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end” (Heb. 3:6).

        People of the Living God will be observing Passover this year beginning April 25^th.  We realize that this is not when most Passover observers will be celebrating this feast.  The accounting of time for the Passover revolves around the vernal equinox and the new moon.  People of the Living God always begin the count from the first new moon after the vernal equinox whereas many others begin their count from the closest new moon to the vernal equinox.  This year March’s new moon fell on March 13^th which was before the vernal equinox.  Counting 14 days from the 13^th brings one to March 27^th.  This is when most Christians will be observing the Passover feast. 

        Since this feast was the Feast of Firstfruits, which was an offering of thanksgiving to God for the first ripe barley to be offered at Passover, it seems very unlikely that there would be any ripe barley for harvest to offer this early in the season.  By the end of April, however, there would be some barley ready to present in thanksgiving to God in the Passover Feast.

        Since we believe that counting should begin with the first new moon after the vernal equinox, we count from April’s new moon, which falls this year on April 11^th.  Counting 14 days from April 11^th brings us to April 25^th.  People of the Living God will begin our Passover celebration at sundown on April 25^th and it will last for seven days, ending on Sunday May 2^nd.  We hope this explains why we will be observing the Passover at a different time than when many others will be keeping this feast.  May God richly bless all those who celebrate God’s great deliverance, first to Israel in delivering them from Egypt, and even more importantly, to all who have experienced God’s deliverance from the bondage of sin through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.  All glory, honor, and power belong to Him.