HIS ONLY GIFT

A testimony

INTRODUCTION

Many religions today offer a way to salvation. Some propose a method of working
one's way to the kingdom of God. Others propose that the way is by learning how not to
sin. Still, others are just waiting around to see what will happen. They believe that when
the Messiah comes He will get the worldly "mess" all straightened out. This book is the
proposition that God has already straightened it out.

The coming of Christ, many centuries ago, provided the human race with a most
wonderful gift. There are those who have received this gift through the centuries. There
are many who do live the life He provided. Today, some are calling this gift the
"spurious gift" and, in so doing, lose their own way as well as the way of all those who
enter into their doubt.

Christ has given us something. He did not give us "trying" or "falling on occasion." No,
He gave us victory and His own perfect obedience to His Father. I would like to invite
the reader to enter into the pages of this book without resistance and objection. As you
read this book, consider that this may be something you would like to consider. "Let it
be" for the few hours it takes to read and digest the contents.

If you have considered that it may be dangerous to read this book, I would like to
assure you that it is very dangerous. It may very well serve to destroy all the false ideas
and dangerous heresies you have accepted through the years. It may very well liberate
you from the pain and suffering with which you have so long lived. For those who love
failure and sin, this book is not recommended. For those who would like to come into
the light of Christ's own experience, this book will greatly benefit you.

The "spurious gift", in reality, is living in failure and sin on occasion. The "spurious
gift" is the one that does not give you the life of Jesus, but only a life of trying and
repenting while never fully realizing the power provided by a loving Savior. If you were
hungry, would you like a wax apple or the genuine article? Many, today, provide a wax
savior. Whenever these individuals taste to see if He is good, they cannot enjoy Him.
Those who have tasted of this good gift "the genuine article" have no doubt that He is
good. Come! Taste and see!

HIS ONLY GIFT

Chapter One
 For thousands of years nothing has changed upon planet earth but the facade. I
remember, as a young boy, looking forward to the future with so much hope. I imagined
the wonderful things the future might bring. The flowers were so pungent and the blue
skies excited my soul to the very depths. Simply lying on the grass watching the fluffy,
white clouds pass overhead brought such ecstasy to me that I wondered how anything
could be better. So it is and has been for generations that nature so easily pleases
young return to those earlier carefree days. We long for the time when it was easier,
before the light went out of those quiet, sensitive minds.

What is it that seems new and different as we hear of wars and rumors of wars? It is
only new to us, for the battle fields were filled with the blood of generations long before
our young heads came upon the scene. We grow up listening to the stories of great
troubles and trials, disasters and conflicts which remain only the things of story books--
until the day we feel the pain that tells us something is wrong indeed. "I hurt," and so
deeply we do hurt. What is this thing that makes the scent of flower and field drift into
the past in a distant memory never more to be quite as wonderful as those early days?

As disappointments come and suffering takes its toll upon our senses, we look for
ways in which we might return to those earlier carefree days. We long for the time when
it was easier, before the light went out of those quiet sensitive times. Indeed, for some,
those times of joy may have never existed, for their suffering began from the beginning.
With others it seems the light never did go out. But in the quiet of their closet they know
all things are not right within. Their hope is still that they might find something. The irony
is that we have made the world as it is and humans work to guarantee a world such as
this. Men even hire preachers to preach this kind of world to them. "The prophets
prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it
so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" (Jeremiah 5:31.)

THE WORLD LOVES TO FIGHT

The world belies the hope of peace. Whoever listens to the news or opens a
newspaper cannot help but see the truth regarding the condition of the earthly mind. It is
as if suffering were the goal. It seems some view suffering as their purpose and if they
could only suffer then their life would be worthwhile. Why is it we worship the disaster of
man to such a degree? Why is it the human family loves to talk and read of disaster
seemingly hoping for its appearance? In fact, they put forth every effort to insure its
happening. Why is it men speak of getting better and hoping to get better but, in reality,
never move a muscle to accomplish the fact? Yes, it seems this is the condition of the
natural man. He is always hoping, always trying and ever slipping further into the
culmination of his own destruction.

Mankind continues to build castles that someday, perhaps in the future or a future life,
they will get better. Others see themselves as God working out karma and when that is
over then things will be better. Still others cease thinking of these things as they bury
themselves in parties, drugs, alcohol or other emotion-altering mechanisms to escape
their reality. Anyone who must alter his emotions with some device gives evidence his
life is not working and the "happiness" story is only a story. When people are unhappy
and their lives cannot produce that peace they desire, they opt for the illusion as second
best to cope until things get better. Humanity seems to try so hard for earthly glory.
They hold this up as their badge of worth. The irony is that when these pass from the
scene their bodies lie naked and dead as the man who had no glory and lies naked and
dead. Death--the great equalizer. All men are made equal once the worms begin to
make work of the carcass. Great wealth and honor are only imagined for a moment of
time, for all men return to the dust with no more in their hand than that with which they
came. The final blow to the human ego is that when we leave the scene of action few
remember us on any practical level. They may look through the pictures one day, or
remember that we were once on the scene, but it is only a fleeting memory. Think for a
moment, do those who have passed from this earth really take that much of your daily
thought? Does not the world go on much as it did before? Does the world really care?

GOD HAS GIVEN A GIFT

God has seen our woes that we have made for ourselves on this celestial ball and
given us a gift far too precious to put into words. Anything that could be said would not
tell the whole truth of His sacrifice and intercession for us. Truly all those pains,
sufferings and failures have been dealt with in this gift of heaven. His only gift is the gift
of His own life. This subject may be far too wonderful for any of us to comprehend fully,
but if we will but take a moment and look, we may see far more than we could have
previously imagined. This is the purpose of this book. As you understand His only gift
you will see the purpose of your past life and the glory of your future.

Men have tried religion for generations to make things seem better but, at last, mere
religion is the culprit and designer of the destruction of man. The gift of God transcends
the works of men in their religious pomp and ceremony. To some, the greatest thing that
can be said of their religion is that they go to church. Going to church has been the
great counterfeit of the age. Some suppose that this is the extent of religious experience.
I want to assure you that the gift of God is not only more than that--it is different than
that.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16. When I started
going to church as a young boy this was the first verse I learned from the Bible. This
was the most often quoted verse I heard for many years, but I did not know what it
meant for a generation. How is it that what has been called Christianity has done such
an efficient job of making this verse so meaningless?

The only hope for earthly men is to understand and claim the truth of this verse for
themselves. The only way we will ever give ourselves the meaning of life we want is to
make the truth of this verse a reality in our own experience. Only then will we find the
answer to the beauty of nature and the joy of life once again. Life may not be as it was
when we were children, but when we understand this verse, it will be better than it was.
There is an answer to all our heart's desires, but it can be seen that the world's methods
of attaining these desires do not work. Money cannot attain it, neither can war finally
end all of life's threats. But these lessons are never learned by earthly-minded men, for
they go on building engines of their own destruction just as before. Never before in the
history of the world have men had such destructive capability. If history proves anything,
it is that man never learns the lessons of his own futility, but goes on as if bigger bombs
were the answer. Mankind thinks the reason bombs didn't work to end all war before is
that our bombs were too small. Man cannot see that the end of it all is to destroy every
living being. Some imagine they would survive and be the undisputed rulers of the
planet. The only problem with that is, the survivors would once again make enemies of
each other and would battle until there would only be one lonely soul who would commit
suicide as a result of his loneliness. It is true that the problem would be solved but, then,
there would be no reason now to have the problem solved. Is it not much better to love
one's brother whatever his nationality? This is only possible with God's only gift.

GOD LOVES
"For God so loved the world...." Surely everyone must have heard that from the
earliest times of his life. Someone must have said that to us at some time or other, but
not one who builds bombs to destroy humanity knows that. Not one who yells at his wife
or her husband knows that. No one who loses patience with their young children knows
that. No one who has ill feelings against his employer for some supposed mistreatment
understands that God loves the world. "For God so loved the world...." There is only a
remnant of human beings who believe this in any practical way. If one would take an
hour each day and contemplate that he is truly loved by God, it would significantly
change his ideas as to the nature of his own persecution. He would also find the
strength to treat others in a far different way than he does. Being loved is the answer to
loving.

HIS ONLY BORN SON

"He gave His own begotten Son." God's Son is His only gift. This Son speaks of
Himself in Proverbs 8:22-26: "The Lord made me in the beginning of His way, before
His works of old; I was poured out from ages past, from the beginning, before the earth
was. When there were no depths, I was born; when there were no springs abundantly
flowing; before the mountains settled down. I was brought forth before the hills; when
the earth and the field were yet unmade as well as the first dust particles of the world."
(RBV). Obviously, this birth was not an earthly one according to His own words. The
Son speaks of being born before anything created. Even the particles of dust came after
this great happening. This Son, born of the family of God, inherited a better name (God).

This Son of God had many names in Scripture, one of which is Wisdom. (1 Cor. 1:24).
This Wisdom of God (His Son) tells of the love of the world that He has. "My fruit is
better than gold, even fine gold, and my increase than choice silver. In the way of
righteousness I walk firmly in the midst of the paths of justice, in order to bestow real
substance upon those loving me, and I will fill their treasuries." Proverbs 8:19-21 (RBV).
His great work is to bring salvation and abundance to the children of men. This only
begotten (born) Son of God has riches in His hands and loving kindness to bestow upon
all those who will receive it. It will not be the destroyers of the earth who receive this gift.
It will not be those who strive to be the greatest till all lie dead upon the earth. It will be
those who submit to the loving rule of the Son--God's only begotten gift of God.

WHOEVER BELIEVES
"That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Proverbs 8:32-36 goes on to bring to light the benefits of this everlasting life. "Therefore
now, O sons, listen to me; for happy are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction, be
wise, and do not refuse it. Happy is the man listening to me, watching daily at my gates,
keeping watch at my doorposts. For the one finding me finds life, and wins approval
from the Lord. But the one missing me does violence to his own soul; all those hating
me love death." The only ones who can truly love life are those who love the Son. This
One born of God is the great gift sought after by many but found by few. The masses
simply hope and look for something better one day. God's only Son (His only gift) is
presented to us as the only life there is. This life, this eternal life has been offered to us
as a gift. It cannot be worked up, it cannot be tried, no one can go to church for it. It has
to be received. There is no other way. When it is received we live the very life of the
Son of God. While living this life a man cannot sin, he cannot fall, he cannot fail, for
victory is His only gift.

The discouragement of man and the falling of man has been felt with keen sensitivity
by the Son. Our welfare has been the great object of His attention. Since we had failed
in this life and polluted this planet with our own designs, He came to save us and deliver
us. Almost two thousand years ago this Son was born again into earthly flesh. He was
born of woman with the human nature we all are born with. He had come to conquer the
evil that beset our race. This gift of God given for us would provide the necessities of
humanity. He would give us His own victory. If Jesus would have wanted a mere
worship of Himself as God, He would have come in glory, but that would not have given
us salvation. It would have merely created an assent to Him.

WAS JESUS REALLY LIKE US?

The Son took the name Jesus, "For He shall save His people from their sins." Matt.
1:21. Jesus (Savior) came to bring us back to the harmony of God's perfect universe.
There are those who say Jesus was not born like us but, instead, He had a special body.
(They say His body was a kind of super body and this idea Scripture defines as
antichrist. See 2 John 7). Yes, Jesus came in the flesh. He came to gain the victory in
our flesh and give that victory to us so that we might live His life in the flesh. Jesus did
not give us the victory that a man with a super body has or the victory a god has, but the
victory a man has while living in the flesh trusting in God. God's own everlasting life is
given to all who receive it. This is not part-time life. It is not part life. No, this is God's
own life and His only gift to us. If we receive that, believe in that, trust in that, then it is
ours.

God has seen our trials and He has seen the only solution. The solution to our trials
and suffering is not a political one. It will not come if we get the right leader in
government. It will not come if we join the right church. Neither will it come if we pass
the right laws. The biggest bomb will not secure it. This joy and peace will only come
with His life. It will only come with His gift. It will only come in our being restored to
harmony with the laws of God. These laws are the very nature of God and these laws
are the Wisdom of God. There is provision for all life's sorrows and difficulties. The
choice belongs to man alone, for the Gift has already been provided.

Yes, we lose some of the newness of nature we may have had as a young child. We
are not as aware of the smells and colors of those early years, but the gift of God gives
us a far greater appreciation in far more meaningful ways. I have received this gift and I
want to share with you that these are no idle tales. God is who He said He is and His
gift is what He said it was. God has given us His only born Son and His Son has given
His everlasting life to all who will receive it.
 HIS ONLY GIFT
HIS GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Chapter Two

The gift of righteousness is not separated from the gift of the Son. Righteousness is
in God's only gift. For generations, in religious circles, men have tried to get better.
These have, at least, tried to appear better. All, from the least to the greatest, are in
some way trying to accomplish this.

I remember back into my young life how this happened. When a child begins to
realize he has peers, he finds himself concerned as to how he looks in their eyes. As
with the common animal we find ourselves adjusting to the "pecking order." Young
people try each other to see who will be the leader. Strangely, this does not end with
youth. Adults continue this practice in one form or another.

Outside my window I keep a hummingbird feeder. As I watch them I see the traits of
many human beings. They compete for the feeder, one chasing off the other and
spending so much time at it that the one chasing cannot get much of the nectar himself.
It seems that the bird who can spread his tail feathers the farthest chases off the others
most successfully. Then, again, those with the red throat do even better. Most of this
chasing and struggling is all a big show from my vantage point. They cannot see that if
they would all take their turn, there would be enough for everyone. There are three
holes in the feeder, but they will only let one feed at a time and, most often, even that
one gets chased off. There is provision for all, but these little creatures will not for a
moment realize this.

So it is with the human population. These have wars and struggle and fight not for a
moment realizing that there is enough for everyone. The greatest business in the world
is in military weapons. We will do anything "even so much as to destroy the earth to
protect our nectar" and in so doing we will find that we will not get any either.

When Christ came to bring His love to this earth and offer His salvation, He brought a
new spirit. "But the Spirit's fruition is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, generosity,
fidelity, gentleness, self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23.) Those who receive the gift of Christ's
righteousness are receiving this Spirit and none of the traits of this Spirit are missing.
Since Christ is perfect, perfection is what those receive who receive Him. How can there
be anything greater than that?
 FREE FROM SIN
I remember back to that day when I found this great gift. I was reading the Bible in my
living room and I read, "But now, free from sin and made slaves of God, the good you
derive leads to holiness and the consequence is eternal life." (Romans 6:22.)

This was disturbing to me. I was a Sunday school teacher in a popular protestant
church but I still sinned. I saw myself even liking some of it. But the Bible said Christians
were freed from sin. I also read, "So sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not
under the law, but under grace." (Romans 6:14) I had always believed that being under
grace meant we could sin and it was okay. Now I was reading that those who are under
grace do not have that desire. I began to understand that those who are under the law
are those who still sin. Sin has no power over the true Christian. As I read this I became
deeply perplexed. I was unsettled and convicted that I had been believing a lie. I now
had a choice. Was I willing to give up my sinning for a Savior? Was I willing to give Him
my slime for His righteousness? I had no little battle over this one. I looked at my
possessions. I knew immediately that a strong wind could carry them all away in a
moment. I looked at my life and I saw myself wretched and miserable. It is true, I had a
small business and I was respected in my work. It is true, I had a nice family and two
cars in the driveway, but freedom from sin I did not have. I saw that I was like a
hummingbird always trying to chase the others off to get the nectar for myself. I saw that
I was concerned as to how I appeared to others.

NOT FROM HUMAN LIPS

God was very close to me for I had not heard words like these from human lips. My
minister had no such idea. The religious leaders would have thought that my
understanding was nonsense. Whoever heard of being free from sin's dominion?
"Everybody sins sometime." With not one person to help me understand, I turned to the
Biblical Interpreter. I knelt down by my bed and asked the Lord to save me or let me die.
This wrestling lasted three days, and at the end of my prayers, I knew I had received
eternal life. I knew I had been freed.

This religion of Christ, which so few have come to know, is that "I have set the Lord
always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." (Psalm 16:8.)
The religion of Jesus is the religion of always doing those things that please Him. When
trials and temptations come, victory over them is always assured. The Christian will
never move from this most basic thought. "Dear children, no one should deceive you.
He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He Himself is righteous." (1 John 3:7)
"...God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin
in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:3-4.)

I remember the day when I first received the gift of God. I had been in prayer asking
for salvation because I had a terrible knowledge of my corrupt state. This great need,
which was precipitated by the knowledge that Christians do not sin, drove me to the
place of perfect peace and that place was Jesus. Christians have Christ's life. Reading
this from Scripture shocked and dismayed me. Who then could be saved? I read, "No
one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has either seen Him or known Him...No
one born of God commits sin; for God's nature abides in him, and he cannot sin
because he is born of God." (1 John 3:6, 9.) As I wrestled with God asking for this gift, I
found the answer to all the difficulties that had perplexed me, for God gave me His own
life. God had freed me from the dominion of sin. Sin no longer had its chains on me. I
now knew what the cross had provided me. I now was in possession of His
righteousness. I now knew the meaning of the words of Paul, "For as many as are led
by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14.)

When one receives this gift of God he is given a new Spirit. "A new heart, too, I will
give you. I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of
flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall
observe My ordinances and do them." (Ezekiel 11:19-20.) More specifically we have
already read what that new Spirit gives: "...love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness,
generosity, fidelity, gentleness, self-control. There is no law against these." When one
receives Christ his attitude changes. He may not possess all knowledge, but he will
possess this attitude of Christ with the knowledge he has. Not one of these traits of
attitude will be missing in one who has received this new heart. This is a wonderful
trade. God gives us His Spirit and we give Him ours.

Our fleshly nature has with it all the curses of life. The apostle describes the source of
this curse. "Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, such as immorality, impurity,
sensuality, idolatry, magic arts, animosities, strife, jealousy, bad temper, outbreaks of
selfishness, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousings and everything of the
kind, of which I warn you as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not
inherit the kingdom of God." (Galations 5:19-21.) In my own mind I could now see that
those who do these things do not find the kingdom of God, heaven, paradise or any
such place. This attitude is death to all who possess it. On the other hand, there is no
condemnation and no law against those who have the gift of God. This gift is for all who
ask for it.

Some will acknowledge that Christians live good lives most of the time, but lose their
temper or exhibit impatience on occasion. We have heard that the life of Christ is the
goal but, in reality, no one actually lives that way in the real world. I want to stress the
point that the life of Jesus is not the goal it is the possession of all who know Him. The
Christian does not sin less and less. Christian growth is the development of
righteousness, not less and less sin. We grow and in that growth we do not corrupt
ourselves along the way. We need also to observe that this life is continual and not
sporadic as some may suppose. We have read where we are given everlasting life and
not temporary life. If we choose to dwell in this life we will never fall or fail. Whoever
chooses to be separate from this life will only fail and fall continually. Some feel that
they do well most of the time, but only under extreme pressure they give in. These
imagine that they are standing in eternal life between falls. If one would only look at this
experience, he would have to acknowledge that the seeds of falling were there all along.
If a man is honest he can see further than the occasional fall. He will see that the truth
of it is that he is dissatisfied and his heart is woefully unhappy continually.

THE NATURAL MAN

You may have heard that Paul had some sin problems in his life and so do we. You
may have heard Romans 7:19-21 quoted. "For the good that I would I do not: but the
evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but
sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with
me." This is the continual state of the man who is searching for the gift of God. Paul
went on to say, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this
death?" (Romans 7:24.) Paul was saying he did nothing good. He went on to say he did
only evil. In Romans, chapter 8, we see what happens when one receives this victory of
God. Although he still has with him his flesh, he no longer lives after that flesh. The new
man in Christ now lives after the Spirit. "There is therefore now no condemnation to
them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit...For as
many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:1, 14.)

I can remember in my religious training of being instructed as to the Advocate. I was

taught that when I sin I was to go to the Advocate and receive forgiveness each time I
sinned so that my record would be clean. Jesus was a kind of heavenly confessor. I can
remember confessing my sins each day. I also remember getting up from those prayers
not experiencing forgiveness. I remained guilty; but I had misunderstood the Advocate.
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we
have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1.) Those who
use this text to remain in sin but stay confessed-up, miss some very important
statements that surround this portion of Scripture. In verse 9 of the preceding chapter
we read, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness." How is it that we are still sinning if we have been
cleansed from all unrighteousness? In Chapter 2, verses 3 and 4, there is more light.
"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that
saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in
him." If one is a Christian keeping all God's commandments, then how is it that he is
using the Advocate for confession because he has not been keeping the
commandments?

If one will but spend a little time with the Word of God, he will not be confused. The
Advocate is never intended for our willful sins. When any man sins we have an
Advocate. Any man can come to Him and God will cleanse that man from all
unrighteousness. If a Christian has not had light on a given truth and finds that he has
been in violation of a spiritual principle unknowingly, he may also come to the Advocate
and he will be cleansed from that previous error. But in no case is the Advocate for
those who retain their corrupt heart but need a confessor for the sins of that heart. Is it
not true that those who confess this way still leave the place of confession bearing the
marks of their burden? Are not those who repent in this way simply repenting to repent
again? This kind of repentance needs to be repented of.

HE FREES US
The Advocate is He who finds us in our sins. He draws us away from them with His
intercession so that we sin not. He "cleanses us from all unrighteousness." We are
"freed from sin's control" forever. That is the gospel. This is the "good news" of the
kingdom. "Sin shall have no dominion over you." By this we can know if we are
Christians. If sin still has control over us, we can know we are not the children of God. Is
that bad news? No! We have something wonderful to look forward to. We can accept
Christ and be freed from this monster. We can look forward to the gift of God and His
righteousness where love and obedience will continually dwell. We shall never fall with
this gift. We shall never fail with this gift. What a joy this will be for all those who accept
it.
 In each of our lives we find times when something breaks. We look for the cause of
that breakage. If our gardens don't grow, we look for the reason they don't grow. If a
crack appears in the wall of our house, we check to see if the foundation is insecure.
Why is it that one does not do that with his religious experience? If one finds that his
spiritual house is falling in, why is it he does not look at the cause of it? Jesus gave us
the explanation and solution to the problem of one's falling. If one wonders why it is he
continues to yield to evil influences, he has only to look at the secret of life. "A good tree
cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit." (Matthew 7:17.) The problem
with our lives is not the fruit; it's the tree. Most religious people spend time trying to
make their fruit better. These spend time polishing and washing and spraying, but the
problem is the tree. Your works are not the problem. Your deeds are not the problem.
Your heart is the problem if you are bearing evil fruit. One's intention determines the
condition of the heart. The Holy Spirit will always be in the heart that intends for that to
happen.

THE HOUSE ON THE ROCK

Another secret to righteousness and victory is found in the place we build our lives.
"Every one, then, who listens to these sayings of Mine and puts them into practice will
be like a thoughtful man who built his house on the rock. The rains came down, the
floods rose, the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it never collapsed, for it was
based on the rock." (Matthew 7:24.) Notice that this house never collapsed. Never! Now
that is good news. Who is it that would not like to have his house never fall? This is the
gift of God to every believer. The believer will never fall. This is because he "listens to
these sayings of mine and puts them into practice."

But what about the bad fruit? This is described in verse 26. "And every one who
hears these sayings of Mine and fails to practice them will be like a foolish man who
built his house on the sand. The rains came down, the floods rose, the winds blew and
beat upon that house and it collapsed. And the wreck of it was complete." All one need
do is fail to practice the sayings of Jesus and he will fall and his fall will be complete.
The evil tree can only completely fall and the good tree can only completely stand. We
all have those storms to face. We all have great temptations and trials. Even so, those
who build their houses on the word of God will not be blown down. When the weather is
good and there are no storms it is difficult to tell whether a house is built on the sand or
rock. But when the storm of temptation comes there is no more question. The man that
falls can know where his house is built and so it is with the man who stands.

I AM THE WAY
What a simple lesson this righteousness of Jesus is. "...I am the way the truth and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6.) Jesus gave us the truth of
His life to be the truth of our lives and no one will come to the Father without the life of
Jesus. Did Jesus fall on occasion? Did He sin now and then? This life, that will always
stay true under any circumstances, is the life that Jesus offers us. This is what Jesus
provided on the cross at Calvary.

Jesus' own life "His own righteousness" is the gift of heaven. This is the Christian
experience. At no time did Jesus ever yield to the flesh, even though He went through
dark times and discouraging experiences. He suffered hunger and thirst and there were
times He could not see what was to come yet, in all this, He never yielded up His trust in
His Father. He always obeyed His Father's commands even against the rage of His
persecutors. He faithfully stood against the advice of His family. This will ever be His gift
to humanity. No man or woman will ever come to the Father without this determination.
Is not this a most wonderful gift? Have we not always desired the peace and love of the
Father? Who is it that does not want joy and rejoicing? This is all in the gift of His
righteousness.

This life is available to all, but one must count the cost. Jesus called this life
experience "the kingdom". He said, "...the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in
a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and
selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a
merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price,
went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:44-46.) "He that loveth father or
mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than
me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:37.) These are the conditions for receiving the
kingdom of God. Nothing less can be accepted. When one bows before the Lord, asking
for this gift, he is in effect saying, I give all that I have. I give my job, my family, my
respect, my life. Jesus said, "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not
down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" (Luke 14:28.) He
was saying, "Perhaps before you start on the road to heaven you may want to consider
what it will cost to finish the task and prepare your heart for that. After all, no man starts
a building without considering this." Then Jesus gives the cost. Clearly He defines the
expenditure. "So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he
cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:33.)

Some are willing to go to church to be saved. Others are willing to say prayers and
pay money to be saved. Some are even willing to give all their earthly goods to be
saved. A few are willing to die in order to be saved. But, truly, a remnant are willing to
forsake all that they have. We must yield up every talent, every possession and every
claim. We must even yield up death or any good work to gain this salvation. Every sin,
all pride, every self-defense must be yielded up. When this is done you will live Christ's
life, for He gave all to save you. You must give all to be saved by Him. His own life is all
that He has ever given. If you want it, it is free. It will only cost all that you have. When
you forsake all that you have, you may then be trusted to have all that He has. God can
then trust you with family, friends and financial provision. When a man gives it up he will
receive, but if man seeks to keep anything, he will lose it all.

This is the formula. It is not hard to do this if one wills to do this. My invitation to you
is to accept this great life if you have not done so. All you possess is only chaff in
comparison. We are only asked to trade things which will finally be destroyed, for the
things which will last forever. Jesus gave us the formula and now He asks us to accept
the gift of His righteousness.

HIS ONLY GIFT

 THE GIFT OF HIS TESTIMONY
Chapter Three

I remember the day I received this gift of Christ. What a complete joy filled my heart.
What a perfect experience. The first thing I remember doing was going to my job and
telling others what Jesus had done for me. Some hearts were strangely warmed. Others
were chilled. The ones who presented themselves as being good Christians seemed to
be those who were chilled. A lady working near my station heard me say how Jesus had
removed my sins He had cleansed my heart. Her question was, "Oh, you don't sin
anymore?" I could tell immediately this heart was not a warm one. I did not have a
theology for my experience. I did not know for sure what had happened to me. All I
knew was that once I was blind, but now I saw. God had given me His testimony. I knew
I had been forgiven and I knew my sins had no more power over me. I had been
delivered once and for all. This was my experience. Now this was my testimony. I
realized that I had become the light of the world yet not I, but Christ who lived in me. I
always did those things which pleased the Father yet not I, but Christ who lived in me.

As I began to behold my Savior I could see more clearly the nature of the natural man.
I saw myself as the offscouring of the earth. My own nature appeared to me as the
slime pit of the universe. I saw myself as unworthy of so great a gift. This man was
sinful and weak yet, now, Christ lived in me. Now the natural man could no longer
continue to bring me into the pit of sin's experience. Now I had a testimony of that fact.
Of course I encountered those "spiritual hecklers." These would say, "Are you saying
you are sinless?" They could not resist the temptation to make me speak of myself.
They knew if they could get me to boast that I was sinless the trap would be set. I never
fell into their traps but continued to recognize that I am sinful sold under sin. I could
never make the claim that I, myself, was sinless. In fact, looking at myself to see if I was
sinless gave me no little pain because I am chief of sinners. This is why I continued to
keep my gaze upon the Savior and ceased looking at myself. He is sinless and He lives
within my heart. Thank God I am dead. I will put this carcass into the grave where it
belongs. Now I live unto God. I would answer the scoffers, "Whether I am sinless or not
I will leave with God. I will let the angels record whether or not that is true. But this I
know, once I was trapped in sin and now I am free."

I DO NOT BEAR WITNESS OF MYSELF

The testimony of Jesus was not, "I am sinless." But the Scriptures abound in His
testimony regarding the relationship to the Father He had. He came as a man to be tried
as a man but in all things He pleased the Father. "Wherefore in all things it behoved him
to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in
things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He
Himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted."
(Hebrews. 2:17-18.) Jesus was made like us and, as well, He was tempted as we are, but
He gained the victory in every area never yielding to sin, thus giving us the victory in
every area never yielding to sin. What a blessing! His testimony was far more
descriptive than merely bearing witness of Himself. Indeed He said, "If I bear witness of
myself, my witness is not true." (John 5:31.) Again He said, "...I can do nothing of
myself...." (John 5:28.) This is the testimony of Jesus and this is the testimony of all those
who have the testimony of Jesus. If we speak of ourselves, we cannot speak the truth,
for we do nothing of ourselves. Jesus did not bear witness of Himself but His testimony
was decided and true. This being true, to some His testimony sounded like He was
speaking of Himself. "...For I do always those things that please him." "...But the Son
abideth ever...." "Which of you convinceth me of sin?" "...I honor my Father...." "...I know
Him...." (See John Ch. 8). As with the testimony of Jesus, so it is with the testimony of
the Christian. Christians do not bear witness to themselves; but to those who know not
the truth, it sounds like this is what they do. The Christian does nothing of himself and
does not bear witness of himself, but his testimony remains, "...I have gained the
victory...Jesus' word is true He means what He says." (TM 517.) "I know Him! I know Him!
I have tested Him; I have proved Him, and He has never failed me...." (UL 256.)

WHAT WE KNOW
John wrote concerning his testimony, "We know that no one begotten of God
commits sin; rather, God protects the one begotten by Him, and so the evil one cannot
touch him. We know that we belong to God, while the whole world is under the evil one."
(1 John 5:18-19 NAB.) It may be well to notice that John was bearing witness to a truth that
few would accept today. He said, "We know that anyone born of God does not sin and
we are born of God." I can see the shattered nerves of today's conservative with that
one; however, John said far more than this. He spoke of the testimony of Jesus. He
describes what that was. "Whoever believes in the Son of God possesses that
testimony within his heart. Whoever does not believe God has made God a liar by
refusing to believe in the testimony He has given on His own Son's behalf. The
testimony is this: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever
possesses the Son possesses life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not
possess life. I have written this to you to make you realize that you possess eternal life--
you who believe in the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:10-13 NAB.) This is what the
testimony of Jesus is. Did you grasp the significance of that? God gave us eternal life.
All those who believe in the Son have eternal life and those who are born of God do not
sin. And these believers will have this testimony. I can imagine that John would be
boiled in oil by the modern church if he would bear the same testimony now as he bore
in his own lifetime.

Remember, the Christian does nothing of himself, neither does he bear witness of
himself, but he does have the testimony of Jesus. It is not hard to understand the wrath
of modern-day religion, for the Scriptures bear witness of this wrath. "And the dragon
was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which
keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Rev. 12:17)
We have seen what this testimony is. When one possesses the Son he possesses life.
Notice the first words of the testimony: "God gave us eternal life and this life is in His
Son." Let us make it still more pointed. "I have eternal life because I have the Son.
Those who have the Son don't sin." Immediately the hairs on the neck of the
conservative class begin to raise. Their eyes begin to narrow, their head turns slightly,
then with an upturned voice they say, "Oh, are you saying you are sinless?" It will
always be that Christians must go on as those who hear not. There will always be those
who dwell in the company of unbelief.
 THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY
The Scriptures again give the definition of this testimony of Jesus. "And I fell at his
feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow-servant,
and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of
Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Rev. 19:10.) The spirit of prophecy is that testimony
within one's heart that Jesus is the Son of God and that He has given us eternal life. We
are empowered to work the works of His own life. Even in this flesh. Such a magnificent
reality. Let them say, "You make yourself sinless." We will say, "I have eternal life and
this life is in His Son." "We know we are of God and those born of God do not sin." "He
has never failed me, I have tested Him and He is true and He bears witness to me that I
am a son of God."

This message can be quite discouraging to the natural man. He realizes there is no
hope for him. When the natural man hears these words he recoils in horror, for he
knows if one accepts this testimony he is doomed to death. But for those who desire
this life, there is only rejoicing at the testimony, for it means that the dominion of sin is
over forever for him. If anyone dwells in this life, he is secure. The Scriptures again bear
witness to that experience. "Here we have also the testimony of the Holy Spirit: He first
says, 'This is the covenant which I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I
will set my laws in their hearts and write them on their understanding'; then He adds,
'and their sins and wicked deeds I will remember no more at all.' And where these have
been forgiven, there are offerings for sin no longer." (Heb. 10:15-18.) Imagine, the
testimony of Jesus through the spirit of prophecy saying He wrote His laws on our own
hearts, then forgets our sins forever, then removes the sin offering since sin no longer
reigns. Now that is a testimony. I am of God for He has written His law on my heart.
Notice that is not bearing testimony of one's self. That is having the testimony of Jesus
which is the spirit of prophecy. It is God who bears the testimony of Jesus in our hearts.
We claim His promise. We accept His work in us by faith thus making it a reality in our
lives. This is the testimony He has given us and by it we are believing unto eternal life.

THE LAW OF FAITH

There is a law that enters every facet of our lives. This law is that all things work
according to our faith. Even the body reacts to our mental ideas and so it is in the
spiritual. Our spiritual health is related directly to our attitude about it. If our testimony is
one that includes falling on occasion, then for certain we will. If our testimony is that we
will stand in faith, then we gain strength to stand in faith. This is not a new principle.
Some of the first writings of Scripture included this idea. "For this command which I
enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you. It is not up in the sky, that
you should say, 'Who will go up in the sky to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may
carry it out?' Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, 'Who will cross the sea to get
it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?' No, it is something very near to you,
already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out." (Deut. 30:11-14
NAB.) All one has to do is believe it, since God has already placed the truth of it in the
heart. Who is it that does not believe "someday" we will get better or "someday" we will
achieve? You see? The idea of it is already there. The deception is that it is someday.
The truth of it is that it is now. It all depends upon the one who decides he is ready to
carry it out.
 The sad reality for most is that these remain waiting for someone to do this for them.
Humanity hopes for a Messiah to come and do something for them. That day will never
come. All that has been done for us is all that will be done for us. We either believe it or
disbelieve it. Jesus said, "...According to your faith be it unto you." (Matt. 9:29.) If we wait,
then our faith is in waiting. If we include in our testimony that someday we will make it--
but not now, then our victory ever remains off in the someday. But if our testimony is
that we accept the Word of God as true and we claim this gift for ourselves now, and we
testify to this fact believing with our whole heart, it will be a reality for us at that instant.
God does not lie, so, "Every failure on the part of the children of God is due to their lack
of faith." (PP 657.)

The mystery in my mind remains why men would like to extend their agony. The
provision of all God's righteousness is now ready for the taking. This is His will. Yes, it is
His will that we take this gift now. It is also His will that we bear the testimony of Jesus
now. This is the gift of God. This is the spirit of prophecy. Even so, as strange as it
seems, there are those who love their faults and failings. They cling to the opportunity
for failure, but it shall not be named among the people of God.

At this point we may want to go back into Biblical history and see the testimony as
others have given it. Jesus and John were not the only ones who spoke in this way.
Others in Scripture also had confidence that God meant what He said. "Though you test
my heart, searching it in the night, though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice
in me. My mouth has not transgressed after the manner of man; according to the words
of your lips I have kept the ways of the law. My steps have been steadfast in your paths,
my feet have not faltered." (Ps. 17:3-5.) The apostle Paul also added his voice to the glory
of God. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that
love His appearing." (2 Tim. 4:7-8.) Notice how the testimony is for all who believe. So it is
with all the other testimonies we have looked at. This is the testimony of Jesus and this
is the testimony of all who love His appearing.

NOT ONE DAY BUT TODAY

In this age you may know by now all things have counterfeits. So does the testimony.
Some may say these things, but their lives bear another testimony. But this is not the
counterfeit I refer to, since it is so rare these days to hear the testimony at all. The one I
refer to is the message that we should do all these things and one day we may achieve
and do all these things. That "one day" is the mark of a false testimony. The testimony
of Jesus is His own testimony from a life that lives this testimony. When we have
received the gift of the Son, and with Him the gift of His righteousness, then we will
have the gift of His testimony. Any shortcut to this and any pretense will only lead to
confusion and guilt. We will believe that those who have this testimony are
presumptuous if we have not received it ourselves. Yet, those who have this life of
Jesus know that their testimony is true. When one knows, there is no presumption.

It would be well to notice that the dragon, "who was wroth with the woman, and went
to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and
have the testimony of Jesus Christ", was not wroth with those who thought you should
be good. His wrath is not aimed at those who go to church and sing and pray alot. He
did not aim his darts at those who thought they would achieve someday. His wrath was
aimed at those who have the testimony of Jesus. There is something the dragon cannot
stand about those who bear this testimony. One might think, "Why should he care?" But
care he does. He cares because this is the only thing that will give Jesus Christ glory. It
does not give glory to say you will get better one day. That gives glory to self. It does
not give Him glory to say you ought to get better and be good. It gives Him glory to live
His life and bear witness to the fact that the words of Jesus are true and that He has
given you power over the enemy. This is the reason the dragon is wroth. Some believe
they give God glory by saying "Yes, Christians should live righteous lives and many do
most of the time, but you know that one just might fall one day." This is a slap in the
face of the Son of God. The Christian, on the other hand, believes the word of Christ
and he says, "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Ps. 23:6.) "I have set the Lord
always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." (Ps. 16:8.)

Some who read these pages may not have this testimony. Would you like to have it?
Would you like to be able to say, "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the
law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the
whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways." (Ps. 119:1-3.) "...If you
practice these things you will never stumble." (2 Peter. 1:10.) I would like to say to the
reader, you may walk the path that many have walked before you. Yes, there are those
who have chosen this life and have this testimony. It is true! Walking the earth right now
are those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These put forth their efforts to always
please the Lord and the peace of God is in their hearts. These walk in the law of their
God and their conscience is pure and clean. Would you like to be one of these if you are
not now? This is God's offering to you. This is His gift to you. This is His testimony. It is
offered now.

Accepting this gift does not mean there will be no more battles. Sanctification is not
the work of a moment but of a lifetime. What the gift will do for you is give you the Spirit
of God and with that gift you will always have victory. Sin shall have no more dominion
over you. The gift does not give you holy flesh but it does give you holiness. Would you
like to have this?

HIS ONLY GIFT

THE GIFT OF HIS JUDGMENT
Chapter Four

We have looked at the character of God in the subject of His righteousness. The gift
of His judgment is also the character of God and it is also from His righteousness as we
shall discover. The Scriptures share these elements of the character of God in Exodus
34:5-7. "And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed
the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord,
The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and
truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and
that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children,
and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation." It may be
well to notice here, that this is the name of God. Have you considered that when you
have prayed a prayer and closed it "In Jesus' name," you were actually closing the
prayer with the attributes of God, including that transgression and sins are visited to the
third and fourth generation?

This subject is often referred to as cause and effect. God has put His righteous laws
in motion and He sustains them to give every man according as his works shall be.
Jesus taught these principles in His ministry. "...Take heed what ye hear: with what
measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you...." (Mark 4:24.) The apostle Paul also
clearly expresses this truth. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man
soweth, that shall he also reap." (Gal. 6:7.) God's judgments are the foundation of His
character. This is inseparable from the knowledge of His love. It must be considered
impossible to have a loving God if you have a God unrighteous in His judgments. If God
is ever unfair or a respecter of persons, you would have unrighteousness.

We all expect to receive what we do when we do some good thing. If we make an

apple pie and put it in the oven, after a time we expect to get an apple pie out of the
oven. Is that not so? If we put earnest efforts into building a house we expect that a
house would be built. This being true, there are multitudes who expect to do evil and not
get the results of that. These expect to get away with their evil deeds. No one has ever
received other than the effects of his creations and it is for good reason. By this we
might get to know the Lord of the universe. He has said in His Word, "The Lord is known
by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own
hands." (Ps. 9:16.) There is nothing that can work faster in convincing us that someone is
watching and sustaining law than to do something in secret and get our reward openly.
The Lord says that this is how we may come to know Him. Whoever believes this truth
and lives with the idea in mind that whatever he is doing will come back to him, will find
his life fully rewarding.

AFTER THEIR WAY

"...I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them;
and they shall know that I am the Lord." (Eze. 7:27.) Some might rebel at the thought that
all that has happened to them in life was fair, but the Word of God plainly states that this
is how it is created to work. In all this we can understand the love of God. Through all
the trials of life we can be brought to understand and know that there is a God in
heaven that rules. If things were allowed to "just happen," then how would this
knowledge ever be attained? Even so, some things have a bitter taste when the results
of our actions come home to us. It is also good to realize that this is not one-sided.
When we sow righteousness, then that is what will grow in our garden of life. "The fear
of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited
with evil." (Pr. 19:23.) So this principle works both ways. We are all judged according to
our ways. This is always true and we can always depend on the outcome of any
happening as the perfect judgment of God for us. Men may make mistakes, but God
never has made mistakes. "Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth
evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honour, and peace, to every man
that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: for there is no respect of
persons with God." (Rom. 2:9-10.)

We have heard that the Old Testament scriptures are fables and stories written by
superstitious people. But if one will take a moment to carefully study these accounts, as
strange as some of them sound to certain folks today, one will see that they are all
cause and effect stories. The trials of Israel in the desert were always associated with
their murmurings or disbelief. We cannot find an example in Scripture where those who
were full of faith failed or fell. While often martyrs and others are pointed out as
examples of how bad things happen to the faithful, it is worthwhile looking at those who
were untouched by adversity because of their faith, such as Daniel and his three friends.
If one would only think it through he would have to ask himself, "Do God's laws only
work sometimes?" "Is God a respecter of persons?" It is true that with men there is often
inconsistency, but this is never the case with God. "I the Lord search the heart, I try the
reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his
doings." (Jer. 17:10.)

Do questions come to your mind? "What about Aunt Sue; she was a good person and
something bad happened to her?" Before we handle questions like these isn't it best to
discover, first of all, if God spoke the truth or not? Will one only believe if he can figure
out all the problems in his mind? If one needs to figure it all out before he believes, he
will remain an unbeliever. Will an ant ever come to understand the workings of the
universe? So it is with man. There are many things we will never come to understand.
But one thing we can do and that is, decide for ourselves whether or not God is telling
the truth in His Word. Do you question, "I believe God tells the truth; I just don't think the
Bible means what it says." If the Word of God doesn't mean what it says, then we are in
quite a fix. If the Bible cannot be trusted always, then who is to say if it can be trusted at
all? Without the Word of God we are left to be saved according to our ideas. It would be
certain that all things would then be vanity. I do believe that the God who created the
universe and put all things in perfect order can also protect His Word through the ages.
As I read His Word I can see the wonderful order of cause and effect. I have found that
God's Word is true in my life.

If the Bible does not mean what it says, then what does it mean? When the Lord tells
us not to be fooled God isn't mocked; whatsoever a man sows he reaps; do you
suppose we can change that plain statement to mean anything else? This is especially
true when the statement begins, "Don't be fooled." We might notice it also says
"whatsoever." Is God taking this to extremes or is He, rather, letting us understand
exactly how it really is? Wouldn't you see this as a rather loving act, to warn us how life
really works? Yes, He tries the reins, He reads the hearts and discovers what is
generated there and then He gives us precisely what our works suggest. This is not only
true for this earth, but also the Kingdom of glory to come. "And, behold, I come quickly;
and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." (Rev. 22:12.)
The fairness and justice of God should be a matter of rejoicing, but too often it is the
subject of scorn. This truth only increases the love of God's children.

THE TERRIBLE TRUTH

"Terrible is this truth, and deeply should it be impressed. Every deed reacts upon the
doer. Never a human being but may recognize, in the evils that curse his life, fruitage of
his own sowing." (Ed. 146.) Initially, one may be inclined to accept the shear weight of
testimony on the subject that, indeed, we do receive what we sow, but when this truth is
brought into the details of life where we have thought ourselves misused and mistreated,
we may balk. We all have had experiences in life where we felt someone did something
to us and it was unfair. We look at our accidents and diseases and imagine they "just
happened." We think things just happen because we cannot trace a clear cause and
effect relationship in all circumstances. "When parents or rulers neglect the duty of
punishing iniquity, God Himself will take the case in hand. His restraining power will be
in a measure removed from the agencies of evil, so that a train of circumstances will
arise which will punish sin with sin." (PP 728.)

Even though we cannot see the beginning and end of our circumstances, we can be
sure they are not accidental. As with the apple pie they are created. In Mark, chapter 4,
Jesus is using plant growth to describe how our circumstances are made. "So is the
kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and
rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For
the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn
in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle,
because the harvest is come." We know not how these circumstances grow, but when
the fruit is ripe it will all come to its fruition. So it is in all of life. We plant a seed
somewhere in our pathway. We may not even know that is what we are planting. It may
be an attitude or remark. It may be an idea or feeling that we nurture. It may be an overt
act, but whatever it is, that is what we will reap by and by, whether good or bad. Even
though this truth has terrible implications and, indeed, this world is full of the woe that
we have made, nevertheless, there is something comforting about the knowledge that
God can always be trusted and that all of our best efforts will not go unnoticed. Jesus
said, "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water
only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."
(Matt. 10:42.) Conversely, it could be said that even so slight an evil will not go without its
reward.

GOD CAN BE TRUSTED

It would be well for us to look again and decide whether or not God's word can be
trusted. Indeed, can God be trusted? What advantage could there ever be for God to be
inconsistent? With a word or a look He could change the face of the earth in an instant.
It is a wonderful thing to behold His perfect integrity in His own creation. If you or I were
at the beach forming a castle of sand we could at any time destroy it and start over with
no feelings about it whatever. The Father in heaven is not fickle as we might be. All His
works come from His own righteousness and nothing is done in vain. In like manner,
God accepts every choice on our part seriously and nothing is taken lightly that we have
chosen. His own character is at stake. If God would do a single unrighteous act or
pronounce a single unrighteous judgement, the entire universe would immediately begin
to destroy itself, for the whole system is supported by the perfect judgment of God.

You have heard that "accidents just happen." If that were so, then why is it that
accidents don't happen? To clarify that statement we need only to look at the missionary
stories of how miracles were seen that saved a missionary from accident, hunger or
disaster. Does God only save missionaries? Other than those missionary stories, we
also hear of some who acknowledged God saved them from something. When God
didn't get around to saving some other soul from an equally devastating disaster, was it
that the angel didn't get there in time, or was it rather that the creations of the individual
involved insisted that he not be saved from this experience? Some cannot be saved
from their creations or it would violate perfect law. It would also be seen that God would
have to violate the person's own will to save them. This, God does not do. It would be
well for us to understand that God is loving and kind. His loving kindness as a heavenly
Father gives us perfection. As a little child we do not always reason from cause to effect,
but if we could see all things we would be in agreement with God.

WE NEED NOT EXPLAIN EVERYTHING

It is true we cannot explain every circumstance and always say why things have or
have not happened, but we can say that God is fair and that His judgments are perfect
in every way. Not because we can understand it all, but because this is how He said it
was set up to work and if the created cannot take the word of the Creator, then we are
truly in a meaningless situation. "Yet you are saying the Lord isn't fair. But I will judge
each of you in accordance with his deeds." (Eze. 33:20 ML.) The only way in which this life
would have any real purpose is in the fact that all of our choices and intentions are
brought to a realization. We must be made to see what we do so that what we do can
have a purpose. Spending time on this celestial ball for the purpose of wasting it is only
a fantasy of the simple. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. "Yet you say, 'The way of
the Lord is not just.' Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways
that are not just?" (Eze. 18:25.)

I would like to present you again with the proposition that we must first decide
whether or not God spoke the truth in His Word before we get into the details and
possibilities of cause and effect, or any discussion at all would be in vain. If one can
accept the proposal that God is just and brings to us that which we have done, whether
great or small, then we will be standing in a place that can see the justice in our own
lives and God will receive our acknowledgment. "...Just and true are thy ways, thou King
of saints...." (Rev. 15:3.) The record states, "...As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall
bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Rom. 14:11.) If one's knees will
ultimately bow to the fact that God is just and true and all of His ways are and were just
and true, it would seem the best possible plan to accept that fact now, rather than later,
when it would do us no real good.

Ancient Israel learned very slowly that their sufferings were in proportion to their
unbelief. Whether or not they really learned that fact is debatable. Even so, all these
historical accounts were given so that we might take a lesson from them. It is God's will
that we live happy fulfilled lives full of joy, peace and appreciation. This is what we will
have if we are yielded to the name of God. "If you will seek the Lord and be converted
every day; if you will of your own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if with
gladsome consent of heart to His gracious call you come wearing the yoke of Christ,
"the yoke of obedience and service, "all your murmurings will be stilled, all your
difficulties will be removed, all your perplexing problems that now confront you will be
solved." (MB 101.) "Let me assure you that the struggles and conflicts which must be
endured in the discharge of duty, the self-denials and sacrifices which must be made if
we are faithful to Christ, are not created by Him. They are not imposed by arbitrary or
unnecessary command; they do not come from the severity of the life which He requires
us to lead in His service. ...The path in which He invites us to walk would never have
cost us a pang had we always walked in it. It is when we stray from the path of duty that
the way becomes difficult and thorny. The sacrifices which we must make in following
Christ are only so many steps to return to the path of light, of peace and happiness." (4T.
558.)

YIELDING IS THE SECRET

I think most people would like to have light and peace and happiness. At least this is
what they will say when you ask them. There is only one way for this to occur and that is
to yield to the gift of the Son of God. In so doing, we yield to His righteousness and, by
this, we yield to the perfect justice of God. The fruit of that yielding is the quality of life
mentioned. I have spoken with many individuals over the years and they spoke of their
fears of yielding. They believed that by yielding God would let some bad thing happen to
them or He might ask them to give up something. It is true, something terrible does
happen. The "old man" dies. Of course that is only terrible to the old man. It is true, God
does ask you to give up much all the things that would cause you to suffer destruction.
He asks of us all our other gods, including our lying, cheating and hatred. He asks of us
our selfishness and trades with us His righteousness. We receive His light and peace
and happiness. We receive security, provision and joy. Is that so bad?

HE WILL NOT HURT YOU

Some believe God wants to hurt them. This is so foolish. If God had any thought of
hurting us He would just hurt us. What would stop Him? Do you think your meager
efforts would stop God from hurting you? On the contrary, in spite of yourself and your
efforts to hurt you, God has done and is doing everything He can to bless you and bring
you joy. God allows your suffering to come when you insist on it. By this He designs that
you will give up the suffering you enjoy so much. One may resist the notion that he
enjoys suffering, but this is the conclusion one may draw from the fact that men love
those things that bring it. In looking at my own life I have seen much of this suffering.
Much of my life has been in deep pain. I discovered, by releasing myself to God, the
pain was healed. I have found no greater protector than our loving heavenly Father. I
have nothing more to fear. I want not anything.

One of the great blessings for us and the great gifts of God is the knowledge that God
is fair with us and that His judgments are righteous judgments. This not only will give us
peace about the past, but it will give us close attention to our choices in the future. We
can know we can trust Him to bring to pass those desires He has placed in our hearts.
We can know that God does not tantalize us with impossible notions. I invite the reader
to accept this statement of God. The statement we should accept is that we reap what
we sow. We should accept that those circumstances of life that come to us are God's
perfect judgments. When we do this we can know that we trust Him.

HIS ONLY GIFT

THE GIFT OF HIS HEALTH
Chapter Five
 If one is in the health profession and honest in his observation, he cannot help but
see that the body has a keen propensity for health. With disease comes the attack of
body forces to bring healing and well-being. In God's creation everything always works
to right itself. The great mystery of righteousness is how God can give us such perfect
freedom to choose and, at the same time, bring us into alignment with His own will.
Some believe that the idea of following God brings one to a place of slavery, but, in
reality, any other course than perfect conformity to the will of God will bring the slavery.

HOW DISEASE COMES

The Scriptures give us examples of how disease comes about. "Fools because of
their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted." (Ps 107:17.) All disease
comes from broken law. When dealing with our automobile we understand when
something goes wrong. The automobile companies print manuals on how to care for
your car. They say to change the oil and get your car serviced regularly. There are
things you do to keep your vehicle in shape. One thing we have that automobiles do not
have is the self-healing propensity. Because of this, many assume that it will all work
out if they lay off for a time whatever it is that does not agree with them. When these are
well they are off and running again to the foods and beverages that the body does not
like to assimilate.

Another cause of disease is the way one thinks. In the Old Testament there are
numerous examples of how a bad attitude contributed to a plague. In Numbers, chapter
14, there is an interesting cause and effect relationship between attitude, prayers and
the words of the people. First of all, the people were discouraged because there was a
barrier to the desire of entering Canaan. "And all the children of Israel murmured
against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would
God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this
wilderness!" These believed God brought them to a place where there was no way out.
Their belief brought about the very thing they expected. Their desire was to die in the
wilderness rather than face the apparent difficulty. God honored their words. "Say unto
them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to
you...." Regarding those that had the most resistant attitude in bringing a very
exaggerated report to the people and insisting on an evil report, the Bible reports they
got sick. "Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the
plague before the Lord." Today, many see themselves as wise men. Reasons for
disease abound. But diseases will ever remain upon the race while men treat symptoms
rather than the cause.

There is only one way to treat a man's actions and that is for him to have a new heart.
An evil spirit still brings disease in spite of the tranquilizers many take. A rebellious heart
brings terrible stresses upon the human frame. Diseases are the result. The disease is
an effort the body makes to correct the abuse. One may notice when one gets the flu,
the body encourages a fast. The fast is an effort the body is making to cleanse itself.
The fever is an effort to burn up the organism which is attacking it. The disease
symptoms are from the body trying to save itself.
 THE CURE
It is a fact that we inherit weaknesses from our parents which predispose us to
certain ailments. Even so, we might take the advantage and learn of these weaknesses
and their causes. By not following the habits of those who have gone before, we can
strengthen those weak points of our anatomy. In all this we can be sure that health or
disease is the result of cause and effect influences. "...If you will diligently listen to the
voice of the Lord your God, and will do that which is right in his sight, and will listen to
his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon
you, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that heals you." (Ex.
15:26. Paraphrased) It is no mystery that these Egyptian diseases were the same diseases
we have today.

In the world today there exists many of the same causes that existed centuries ago in
varying degrees. Today, men use an abundance of drugs which ruin the smooth order
of the system. These drugs include coffee, tea, cigarettes, and alcohol. Added to these
are a never-ending source of what is termed prescription drugs. On top of these are
varying amounts of illegal drugs. Even so, drugs are not the only terror to the body. Our
food is another source of one's destruction. We all know what happens to a car when it
is flooded. It ceases to function. We cannot start a flooded car. Precise amounts of fuel
must be measured into the intake system for the car to run. With many human beings
this care is not taken with their own body. If you can get it into your stomach, "get it
there" is one's motto. If it won't go in at mealtime then put it in between meals. What
won't go in between meals put in before bed. And so it goes. By and by, our body rebels
and the result is disease and sometimes death described under the myriad of terms
used to explain that germs caused it all. When the death of a loved one is shared with
others these say, "My mother died of Hypervoluticuticus Syndrome." If the truth were
known they might have said, "Mom stuffed herself." By using long and mysterious
names men lead others to believe we didn't do it. "There is a divinely appointed
connection between sin and disease. No physician can practice for a month without
seeing this illustrated. He may ignore the fact; his mind may be so occupied with other
matters that his attention will not be called to it; but if he will be observing and honest he
cannot help acknowledging that sin and disease bear to each other the relationship of
cause and effect." (5T 444.) Modern man would like to relegate the cause to the germs
and other such things, but these only act as our servants. They cannot harm us without
gaining our consent in some form or another.

MAN MAKES A MYSTERY

Disease hurts. We don't feel well or we don't look well. It gets our attention. This
attention is designed to bring our mind into play so that healing can take place. When
something hurts we do something about it. We have the world's way of doing something
about it and we have God's way. The world, whether African witch doctor or the more
modern form, all work to treat disease as a mystery or from the devil. "This disease is
caused by the vitroticulitus nervosa virus." The meaning of that statement is something
out there did something to you. The witch doctor then mixes a few poisonous herbs and
makes a few incantations and sometimes the patient gets better. In modern medicine
the practitioner (one who is practicing) has someone who is an expert in drugs put
together a potion to kill the bug that has gotten to you. The practice is the same around
the world, only the names, faces and costumes change.
 GOD MAKES IT PLAIN
If one will but take a moment to look at the principle that God's methods are quite
simple and purposeful, God will have our attention and we can gain from this a
knowledge of our disease. We can understand the nature of it since we understand that
we are the creators of it some way or other. After we are able to gain an intelligent
knowledge of the disease we can take responsibility for it; I am not saying we take guilt
for it when I say responsibility. We may or may not be guilty. If we are born with it there
is no practical use for guilt, but we can take responsibility, guilty or not. This also lets the
germ off the hook. After we have taken responsibility for it we can then repent of our
sowing. If we repent of our sowing, which is to change our causes and turn from those
practices that cause disease, we will have courage to trust in divine power. The body
always uses divine power to heal itself and when we make a path for a full provision of
divine power, our healing is all the more certain.

The ways that may be used to increase our faith and participate with God are
described as natural healing remedies. These remedies are not drugs but practices that
aid the body in healing itself. Sunshine and fresh air are some of the most powerful
healing agents there are. Others include the intelligent use of water. One may go to a
hospital and receive a water treatment for several hundred dollars or he can do it in his
home for free. When hot water is used in conjunction with cold water, blood is forced in
and out of the tissues which brings healing oxygen to the area infected. Charcoal is
another healer. It is used to draw unfriendly toxins and poisons out of the body.
Charcoal may be used externally or internally. If charcoal were white, and very
expensive, medical science might discover it. It is one of the most useful tools for
cleansing the body and assisting the body in its restoration. There are many forms
water treatments take but they are all very effective if used intelligently. These methods
assist the body in healing itself. These also assist the patient in gaining a knowledge of
his anatomy and yielding up the practice of self-abuse that so many take for granted.

God works to bring man to a knowledge of His laws and obedience to them. The
worldly mind seeks to bring healing while man remains in transgression. There are
diseases rampant in our world today that are caused by sexual perversity. Hardly a
word is heard that these sufferers take responsibility for their disease and repent.
Instead, there are voices everywhere asking medical science to come up with a cure so
that one might remain in sin and not suffer the consequence. It is true that one day
certain drugs may be found to mask the diseases that they claim to cure, but one thing
is certain in the creation of God causes always have effects. One cannot be in rebellion
and escape the effects of rebellion. It will always come in one form or another. There is
never an exception to this law of life. We have been given this promise.

NO SIDE EFFECTS
There are drugs used for healing that some say have "side effects." It is well for us to
notice that no drugs have side effects. These are effects. Drugs have effects of varying
degrees with all people. These effects also reveal themselves in different ways
depending on the make-up of the individual receiving them. When one takes a drug to
"heal" a disease that he is unwilling to repent of, then the drug itself may act as the
effect of the disease.
 Another form of deception is the diet. Diets do not work. Diets are ideas one tries for
awhile and some seem to work sometimes, but the only thing that works is repentance
from the old way and acceptance of a new way. When one changes his causes the
effects will naturally change. The best way for food to be handled by the body is in the
way the body handles it. I spoke with a lady recently who accepted Christ and lost 47
lbs. I asked her how she did it and she said, "I started eating right." The body loves to
find its natural place if it is not forced. If one decides to treat the body right, the body will
treat that person right.

REGULATING THE SYSTEM

The body does best on two meals a day, especially with those who do not do hard
physical work in their employment. This means the body does not have to handle food
continually. Five hours should be allowed between meals. No food whatever should be
eaten until the next mealtime. Food that would normally take three hours to digest may
take many more hours if new food is placed in the stomach before it is finished with the
old. All this has its certain effect.

The last time one eats should be at least five hours before bedtime. If food is eaten
between meals the stomach never has a chance to stop and rest. If food is taken too
close to bedtime, it remains in the stomach through the night, for digestion slows during
sleeping hours. In this case, the stomach cannot sleep with the rest of the body. Some
individuals keep food flowing through their bodies continually and when disease comes
because of it, they rush to a doctor so that he might give them something for it. Now the
body has to deal with the disease and the medication also. Sometimes doctors are
asked to do surgery to take something out that has been damaged by constant abuse.

It is true that a man may live many years without a great deal of serious disease while
abusing his organism. Even so, it cannot be considered that simply being conscious for
a long time is life. If the system is abused it will affect the system's health and diminish
the mind's capacity to understand deep spiritual or abstract concepts. An abuser of
himself will not be able to bring himself above a very shallow, emotional and sentimental
response to life. Speak to the individual about the gift of God and one might as well
speak to the air.

TRUST IN DIVINE POWER

These are some of the principles that govern the well-being of the body and soul. The
gift of God can be received by those who are in harmony with principles that promote
the awareness of God's spirit. When one finds himself in a state of dis-ease he can
follow these principles to bring his body back to ease. The greatest of these principles is
the life of God. His virtue will bring healing to one who is sick. "Is any sick among you?
let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with
oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, ...and if he have
committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." (James 5:14-15.) "...Christ is the same
compassionate physician now that He was during His earthly ministry. In Him there is
healing balm for every disease, restoring power for every infirmity. His disciples in this
time are to pray for the sick as verily as the disciples of old prayed. And recoveries will
follow; for 'the prayer of faith shall save the sick.' We have the Holy Spirit's power, the
calm assurance of faith, that can claim God's promises. The Lord's promise, 'They shall
lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover,' is just as trustworthy now as in the days
of the apostles. It presents the privilege of God's children, and our faith should lay hold
of all that it embraces." (MH 226-227.) God's only gift is health and happiness. Whatever
the Son has, you have available to you. The Son of God gave His life to guarantee it
and, indeed, He continues to give His life to all who will take it.

If you will receive the gift of God as found in Gal. 5:22-23, you will not only have
temperance, but you will have a merry heart which does good like a medicine. (See
Proverbs 17:22). God's gift to you is His healing and restoration. I have seen blind eyes
see. I have seen cancer healed. I have been witness to a host of miracles that attest to
the power of God. I have not seen many who believe. If one were to fall unconscious in
a church it is most likely that the first thought would be to call an ambulance. I would
hope that one would not trust in the wrong things as did King Asa. "And Asa in the thirty
and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding
great: yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians." (II Chron 16:12.)
In all the Scriptures there is no clearer presentation to the virtue of Christ and His
natural healing gift as in Mark 5:25-29. "And a certain woman, which had an issue of
blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all
that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse. When she had heard of
Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch
but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up;
and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague."

This is God's gift if we will but believe. The alternative is too often to spend all that
one has and then die of the plague. When one is ill he may gain a knowledge of the
disease. He may then take responsibility for it and repent of any of his causes. He will
then trust in divine power and cooperate in the healing of God. This is His gift.

HIS ONLY GIFT

THE GIFT OF HIS SECURITY
Chapter Six
 "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the
power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19.) It would be
well to notice, first of all, that Jesus said these things. The temptation is to spiritualize
away the plain meaning, thus becoming something of a spiritualist. A good question to
bring up is, "Did Jesus tell the truth?" If He taught the same things today would you
argue with Him or try to correct Him? "The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that
hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil." (Pr. 19:23.) Solomon wrote
these words of wisdom. Was he not so wise on this point? Can the Bible be trusted only
when it agrees with some of our own notions, or can it be trusted at all times? I take the
latter position.

THE CAUSE
Causes for our disasters are numerous. The love of this world, lust of the flesh, anger,
hatred, strife, doubt, unbelief, anxiety, depression, gluttony, impatience, and a host of
other unpleasant causes, can all bring disaster. These are not the gift of God. Some
who see themselves as believers, yet cherish these traits of character, find that, by and
by, the laws of cause and effect make an adjustment. When one reaps what he sows he
is often tempted to blame the devil or an accident for it, rather than come to an
understanding in his own life how such a thing could have transpired. We can be certain
according to Scripture that God gives us according to our ways. "Hear, O earth: behold,
I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts...." (Jer. 6:19.)

The question is sometimes asked, "What about when we receive what others sow?"
This, too, we have sown. When we sow friendships with those who sow disaster and we
make alliances with evil, we, in effect, are in agreement with the effect. We are held
responsible in this world even for the relationships we form. "For the work of a man shall
he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways. Yea, surely
God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment." (Job 34:11-12.) If
from time to time we received an accident we did not play a part in receiving, then the
judgment of God could not stand. How would these plain statements of Scripture be true
if they were not true? "While we should be keenly alive to our exposure to the assaults
of unseen and invisible foes, we are to be sure that they cannot harm us without gaining
our consent." (AH 405.)

While we have been dwelling somewhat on the negative, this law works also in the
positive. If a man or woman will consent to the laws of God and bring themselves into
harmony with them they will receive the gift of security. The promises that guarantee
harm when the laws of life are transgressed, also guarantee safety when they are
obeyed.

THE DANIEL EFFECT

We have heard, "What about all those who were good Christians and they died?" Let
us look at Daniel or his three friends. Daniel was cast into a den of lions. The king's
question to Daniel the next morning was, "...O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy
God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" (Dan. 6:20.)
Notice that this Daniel served God continually. There is no record of this man falling on
occasion. What was the answer of this man who served God continually? "Then said
Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut
the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was
found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt." (Dan. 6:21-22.) Notice
that this man gives a reason that he was not hurt. His reason was that he did not hurt
anyone: "Innocency was found in me." This example is perfect.

THREE WHO WOULD NOT BURN

We can find another example of those who served God continually. Their names
were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Here were three friends of Daniel who would
not bow down to the image the king had set up. They would not bow down to the
customs and traditions of men. They firmly refused to accept the command of an earthly
king but, instead, obeyed the command of a heavenly God that they should "have no
other gods before me." (Ex. 20:3.) The king made his decree and challenged these men.
"...If ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery
furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands"?(Dan. 3:15.)

Many are willing to let go of their convictions for something far less than the burning
fiery furnace. Many are willing to make an outward conformity so that the fury of others
will not come to them, but these men were willing to be true openly in the face of the
king and the nation looking on. They answered the king respectfully but full of faith. "...O
Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so (that you
cast us into the furnace), our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning
fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king." (Dan. 3:16-17.) These men
had no fears in regards to the Lord's ability and willingness to save them. These men
were likely familiar with the promise, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be
with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest
through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." (Isa.
43:2.) These were perfect examples of the promise. Their plain statement to the king was
that "God will deliver us out of thine hand." Their faith was firm and they did not waver.
These men served God continually.

There are some who see themselves serving God except for times of great
temptation when they slip. These do not see that that idea is not serving God at all. The
three friends of Daniel continued their discussion with the king. "But if not (that you don't
cast us into the furnace), be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods,
nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." (Dan. 3:18.) The men did not serve
other gods. They had full faith in the God of heaven and, whether or not the king made
a decree in front of everyone, they were not going to serve his gods. Further- more,
their God would deliver them.

The king was so enraged that he had the oven heated up seven times hotter than
normal and ordered the guards to cast them into the fire. The order was carried out and
the fire was so hot the guards all burned to death in the process. The king was amazed
as he looked into the furnace. "...Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the
fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Then
Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and
said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth,
and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of
the fire. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counselors, being
gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was
an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had
passed on them." (Dan. 3:25-27.) We might learn much from those powerful, positive,
accounts in Scripture of God's strong power to save.

GOD IS NOT ARBITRARY

The question we can ask is, is God a respecter of persons? Does He favor some and
let others go to the flames arbitrarily? Does He pick and choose? I would rather suggest
that God's promises are sure for all and we must look elsewhere for the cause of
martyrdom than the arbitrariness of God.

Nothing ever "just happens." Every effect has its cause. The protection of God is well
known in Scripture. The facts remain that in Scripture the idea that God occasionally
fails you is unknown. Over and over again the proclamation that God delivers is seen.
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of
the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will
I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome
pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:
his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;
nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor
for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten
thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt
thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which
is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither
shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee,
to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy
foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the
dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore
will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call
upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and
honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." (Ps. 91.)

If one looks at this chapter for a moment, he cannot help but view the tender
protection of his heavenly Father. If one will but look a little further he can see clearly
the cause of that protection. "Because he hath set his love upon me" and "because he
hath known my name." The first verse is especially meaningful. "He that dwelleth in the
secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." What
promises and they are true!

NO FICTION
What are these scriptures quoted for throughout the land if they are fiction? It is as if
there were some strange agreement between religious people that it's fine to quote
these things on the holy day, but in real, practical, down-to-earth living one cannot
believe these things. Who has made this agreement to which all seem to bow the knee?
Yes, these things are true and they are true all the time for those who live continually in
the conditions of these promises. God is not arbitrary, but all things continue perfectly in
the perfect judgments of God.

"I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his
ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." (Jer. 17:10.) We have already spoken of
this basic law of the universe. We may well concede that evil things happen to evil
people, but why do bad things happen to good people?

What of the man who is doing all that he knows and performs good and loving deeds
and finds himself involved in very hard circumstances? Is this sin? When one comes to
know the laws of cause and effect, he oftentimes assumes that if disaster strikes the
person must have sinned. Sometimes this is true, but sin is not necessarily the case. If
a man ignorantly errs, sin is not imputed to him but the effects are nonetheless apparent.
We shall see how it benefits us all to investigate the circumstances of our lives and
discover the path for peace. We would all do this if we were needing the answer to
some mechanical problem. How much more important are the ways of life.

WHEN GOOD PEOPLE HURT

One case in point we might look at is Job. The record states that Job was perfect in
his ways. "And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that
there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God,
and escheweth evil?" (Job 1:8.) Here was a good man who feared God and hated evil.
God called him a perfect man. Yet the record shows that this good man suffered
severely during a serious tragedy that came to his house. Satan charged God with
protecting Job from being touched. God then withheld His protection and Satan
attacked all that Job had. Some would say that God had a bet with the devil and since
Job was so good he was picked by God to win His bet. What kind of a god would that
be? Do you serve a god that would use you to win a bet? I think a little investigation will
prove that there was more here than a bet.

Let us examine this good man's beliefs. Job was like many modern-day Christians
who do the best they know, but still find themselves perplexed and in great difficulty.
One major difference is that modern-day Christians have the Scriptures which would
enlighten them if they would only spend time in these words. One may do well to
examine his own beliefs and see if they are preparing themselves to experience the Job
experience.

The record shows that Job suffered great loss. It also shows that Job was expecting
to suffer great loss even before it came. "For the thing which I greatly feared is come
upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me." (Job 3:25.) Here, Job
experienced what many experience today. He had forebodings for the future. He
wrestled with the thoughts that something was going to happen to him. It is as if he were
saying, "I knew this was going to happen." Fear for the future is expressing faith that
some terrible thing will come to pass. We believe it will happen. By faith one can
virtually guarantee it happening. Although Job was doing all that he knew, thus perfect
in his ways, he nonetheless was creating something to repent of. The process that Job
must now go through was a process which was designed to put Job on the path of
peace.

A PATH TO DISCOVERY
Job was now to discover that man need never fear. He was on a path to learn that
God can always be trusted. When the process began and Job received what he
believed in, he said things that many today say. "...What? Shall we receive good at the
hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10.) Job was not here making a
statement of cause and effect, but rather his idea of God. If good can come of God, then
does it not stand to reason that evil will come too? Doesn't that make sense? He was
not yet ready to look and see the relationship of cause and effect and the perfect law of
God. Indeed, he was still working from the premise that God is in charge of this thing, so
who can figure it out?

Another idea Job had, related to this understanding of the character of God. This idea
is found in chapter 9, verse 17. "For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my
wounds without cause." In Job's mind there was no law of nature that designed all
things to work in perfection. Many today are in the same place Job was. These believe
that things just happen; there is no cause. Some pervert this even further by blaming
others for their experiences. Job spent much time on the ash heap defending himself.
His arguments were met by three of his friends. These fellows continued to tell Job they
knew he must have committed some great sin for God to do this to him. "Bad things do
not happen to good people," they were saying. They had missed that Job was in his
integrity. Job was living up to all the light he had, therefore he did not sin with his lips in
defending himself. His friends believed that every disaster was caused by one's willful
sin. Since Job knew he had no willful sin and he knew he was righteous in his intentions,
the only answer was that God simply did these things on occasion. After all, who can
figure out God? The idea of cause and effect did not seem to enter into the mind of
either Job or his three friends.

ELIHU UNDERSTANDS
There was one friend, however, that did understand and that was Elihu. Elihu was not
of the same mind about God. He understood something of the character of God. "For
the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to
his ways. Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert
judgment." (Job 34:11-12.) He was saying, God is a just God and does not do things from
injustice. Things don't just happen. Immediately after the sermon by this fourth friend
God speaks with Job and Elihu's message goes to the conscience. "Then the Lord
answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by
words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee,
and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare,
if thou hast understanding." (Job 38:1-4.) The Lord challenged Job's complaints that he
did not have anything to do with this trial. He saw himself as an innocent bystander.
God brought Job to a knowledge of the laws in existence from the foundation of the
world. The Lord also revealed to Job the nature of his argument. "Gird up thy loins now
like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my
judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?" (Job 40:7-8.) When
one defends himself and sees his difficult circumstances as the arbitrary hand of God,
rather than the just meeting out of what he has made, he condemns God. We say, "He
is not fair." These arguments are all designed to make us look righteous.

Job now sees what he has been doing. He understands that God set the heavens in
motion and created every just law. Job had not sinned with his lips. His error came from
ignorance. As with many Christians today there is ignorance to the law of God. These
bring suffering on themselves ignorantly. These do not sin with their lips since they truly
believe their false ideas. Even so, this will not release them from the consequences. Job
repented. "I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden
from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered
that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. ...I have heard of
thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee." (Job 42:2,3,5.)

CHRISTIAN REPENTANCE
Job said, "I didn't know what I was talking about; I now see the mysteries. All of these
things were too wonderful for me but now I see them." After Job was enlightened, he
released the old causes of his misfortune and received the effects of new causes which
gave him the effects of twice as much as he had before.

God is bringing all His children to perfection through this very process. A man makes
a profession that he is a child of God. Evil forces see areas in the life that they should
be able to touch. God lets down the hedge and the forces of evil bring the thorn to the
area of our agreement. This area is then cleansed from the Christian life as we see the
relationship between the thorn and our ideas and beliefs. When we repent, and our
ways are cleansed, the cause is changed and Satan has no more access to us.

Job was a righteous man and by no means a second-class Christian because he

suffered. This experience proved that he was faithful. He would not curse God and die.
Even so, there were things he needed to understand that would cause him to appreciate
the character of God. There were things he lacked. This trial brought him into
agreement with God and removed the need of a hedge to protect him from his own
ways. In all this the righteous man, Job, was not hurt. The false ideas were hurt beyond
repair. These ideas were destroyed by the cleansing fire. Job came away victor.

Jesus Himself was perfected by the things which He suffered. So it is with martyrs
and all who suffer for Christ's sake. These do not sin less and less. They understand
more perfectly.

HIS ONLY GIFT

THE GIFT OF HIS CLEANSING
Chapter Seven

All things work continuously to bring cleansing to the soul as well as the universe. If
one would look at his own physical being, he would see that once the foreign thing
enters the body it immediately sets out to cleanse the invader. Suffering comes from the
transgression of the law, but the purpose of suffering is to bring healing to the organism.
So it is with the universe. God has set laws in motion which are designed for our peace
and happiness. These are all after the order of His righteousness. When one steps out
of these perfect laws he finds he is hurting and in pain. In turn, this pain is to lead him
from the path of pain back to the path of peace.

PERSECUTION DOES NOT HURT

Through the centuries there have been periods of persecution designed to eliminate
the testimony of God's people. This has been used as evidence that when a person is
really good then really bad things happen to him. God, being just and faithful, only
allows those things to come which is for our best good. Persecution of the believer is
not a curse. In fact, it brings rejoicing to the heart of the believer, for it brings intensity
and purpose into his testimony. It makes his testimony all the more real. Besides this, a
great resolve is brought to reality in the things of God.

There are some who have trusted in their "true church" to save them. Some have
trusted in their right national origin to justify them. These seeds are not totally
eradicated at conversion. These false ideas are thought by some to be the truth. When
one receives the Spirit of Christ and gives his testimony, he is often persecuted by his
own "true church" as well as his nation. In effect, this causes a cleansing from the ideas
he heretofore held. "He (Satan) may cause the furnace to be heated, but Jesus and
angels will watch the trusting Christian, that nothing may be consumed but the dross.
The fire kindled by Satan can have no power to destroy or hurt the true metal." (IT 309.)
The martyrs of all ages were not there by accident. Neither were they second-class
Christians. They received the perfect experience for the needs they had. It may be well
to notice that during these times of martyrdom there were other trusting, believing
Christians who did not die but lived to share Christ with others. Some have endured
very difficult trials in persecution, but that endurance brought them to an exalted
experience of peace, joy and obedience. This is what they wanted.

NO NEED TO RESIST
"He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. The blow that is aimed at
him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Whatever comes to
him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense. Nothing
can touch him except by our Lord's permission and "all things" that are permitted 'work
together for good to them that love God'." (MB 71.) We will not have experiences that we
do not need. Whatever persecutions come are not accidental. Our best course is to
learn from our circumstances that we have made, rather than resist them. When we
change, our circumstances will change. This is the great gift of God.

The Word of God is plain that God does not pervert judgment. The individuals we
read of in the Bible often have descriptions written as to the cause of their misfortune.
There are others who have had trials with no apparent reason. Because there is no
apparent reason and none is listed, that does not infer that the laws of God did not work
in that case. We can know that the judgment of God was fair and just even though it is
not apparent. God always gives His people enough evidence so that their faith can be
confirmed, but enough is left without explanation so that unbelievers can stumble if they
so desire. When Jesus came, there was ample evidence as to His claim of Messiahship.
Enough doubtful areas existed, however, so that those who wanted to disbelieve could
do so. God has never designed that He would force the will. His design is that we might
have whatever it is our hearts truly seek. If God forced the will, then the justice of God
could not stand.

WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?

One area that seems to give some all the fuel needed to explain how cause and
effect is not always fair, is the disaster that comes to children. This is especially so
when we think of very young children. Children are not born neutral. Children are born
with propensities and emotions. They carry the marks of their parents at birth and even
before birth. "The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they
be born, speaking lies." (Ps. 58:3.) "...For I knew that thou wouldest deal very
treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb." (Isa 48:8.) I know we have
implanted in us the idea that those sweet little babies are just that, but who is it that has
not seen one of those sweet little babies exhibit a temper that would give most adults a
heart attack? Watch innocent children grow up. They begin fighting with each other at a
very early age. They do not need to learn this. It comes quite naturally. "Mine" is one of
the very first words learned. Does one not suppose that these inclinations are creative?
The question may arise, is that the child's fault? Let us look at an example. If I make a
pool of water in the front yard and then put poison in it, is it the pool's fault? Even
though it isn't the pool's fault, isn't the pool still poison? Even though the child may not
be to blame for being born the way he was, he is still doing what he is doing and that
will reap results for him. This truth should give every parent an earnest desire to help
the little one that they have made out of themselves. Each parent gave that child who
they are. Now the parent is responsible to train up that child in the way he should go.

The fairness of all this comes into the picture when we realize that God has given us
an opportunity to repent of our ways. Each of us were once children and, I would
suppose, not always good children. Now that we know better, have we ceased from our
evil or do we yet fight and accuse and grab and make bombs? When all this is over we
will see that all will be without excuse.

A child does not begin his life at birth. A child begins his life in the womb. "Children
are born with the animal propensities largely developed, the parents' own stamp of
character having been given to them." (2T 391.) Each individual can learn something of
his own character from the direction their parents have taken. Parents can also learn
something of themselves by looking at their children. One of the great laws of the
universe is inscribed in the Ten Commandments. "...I the Lord thy God am a jealous
God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth
generation of them that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love
me, and keep my commandments." (Ex. 20:5-6.)

These are not arbitrary laws. God is an infinitely loving and forgiving God. He desires
that none destroy themselves. What this scripture teaches is how the universe is
designed to work. We are given opportunity to work out our ways and to prove our
intentions. As time goes on, we are given opportunity to see the fruits of our creations.
This, in turn, gives us time to decide if that is what we want in life. If we do not, we can
change it, but if we do like what we have, we can add to that which has already been
created. If we choose evil, then the effects increase until finally we either leave it or die
in it. "When parents or rulers neglect the duty of punishing iniquity, God Himself will take
the case in hand. His restraining power will be in a measure removed from the agencies
of evil, so that a train of circumstances will arise which will punish sin with sin." (PP 728.)
 FINDING EACH OTHER
We might use an example to see the cleansing experience in action. Of course,
there are literally millions of causes and effects, so I will make one up as an example of
what might happen. Let us imagine we have two automobile drivers. One is an impatient
young man who has found it hard to accept instructions from his parents. He is
headstrong and somewhat testy. This person cannot be instructed. He needs a shock to
awaken him to his responsibilities of life but mere words have lost their effect. Driver two
is in a similar place; his escape has not been hot-headedness but, rather, large
amounts of alcohol. He has been told repeatedly about his drinking but he is not of a
mind to listen. He also needs a shock to help awaken him to his direction. Both
individuals love death since they do not enjoy life. The first individual is angry with life
and is unhappy trying to control it. The other individual hates life and drinks to cover
most of life's input. In mercy, the God of the universe so allows a chain of circumstances
so that both of these individuals might understand something of the value of life. At an
intersection driver one is hit by drunk driver number two. Both receive exactly the best
thing that can happen, even though their stories about the incident may vary to a great
degree. They may learn from their experience or harden themselves in justification until
death is the result. "He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be
destroyed, and that without remedy." (Prov. 29:1.)

THE END OF ALL THINGS NATURALLY

This is the process by which all evil will be cleansed. This is God's gift of cleansing.
Any honest soul who listens to the news or reads the newspapers can see the world in
turmoil. People are starving and dying all over the world. Diseases are rampant and war
is everywhere. Every time we have an election some hope to vote for someone who
promises to make everything right. Even so, all things continue as before. We recognize
the need and God has given us the answer. We will destroy ourselves as we desire, or
we shall repent and be brought to perfect peace and joy. This is the kingdom Christ
promised if we would live His life.

Men everywhere are hardening their necks. Some years ago a nation took American
hostages. This nation grieved for over a year. It was not seen that we needed that
experience for our meddling in the affairs of other nations. Many around the world
harbor a secret hatred against this nation because we have controlled them with debt
and manipulation of their affairs. In response to that hatred, men took the only course
they knew and that was to capture Americans and hold them up to ridicule. Even so,
their own payment was to come. As a direct result of capturing embassy staff, a chain of
circumstances arose which led that country into a long and protracted war that has
taken hundreds of thousands of lives.

What a price to pay for a little revenge. If men refuse to be cleansed of their hatred
and control of others, death will result. The earth has proven over and over again this is
how it works.

Soon the earth will be cleansed. All sin and those who have loved it will be destroyed
completely and this will be totally voluntary with themselves. Their destruction will be
according to their own desire. "But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all
they that hate me love death." (Prov. 8:36.) Millions love death. If you ask them they may
deny it, but look at those who flock to go to war. Look at those who take glory in dying
for some cause they imagine worthy. Some even believe that dying in war is a martyr's
death. Look at those who are dying of diseases while they refuse to give up the health-
destroying causes. These love death. Man, of himself, finds it impossible to simply live
life. Man, of himself, has no life so the love of destruction comes naturally for him.

A TIME SUCH AS NEVER WAS

Never in the history of the earth has there been such world-wide trouble. Never has
there been such tension. Never has it been possible before to destroy our own world
with the push of a button. We are living in a time of trouble such as never was and such
as this earth shall never see again. We are on the brink of the great cleansing and it will
do its appointed work. "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the
which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with
fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing
then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in
all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day
of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall
melt with fervent heat? 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." (2 Peter. 3:10-14.)

MEN WHO BIND THEIR BROTHERS

Men today are seeking to control more and more the actions of their fellow man.
Laws are being made tighter and tighter. The desire to dominate man is world-wide and
it will soon bring world-wide revolution such as has never been witnessed. Men are
binding themselves in unholy relationships. Men with men and women with women.
These crimes brought the effect of the cleansing fire on Sodom and Gomorrah and it will
do it once again. If the diseases do not bring repentance and cleansing to the evil of
men and women, then without remedy these will be brought to the fires of destruction.

EVERYTHING ALWAYS WORKS PERFECTLY

In all things God will bring peace and a universe once again in perfect harmony. Our
effects are wonderful lessons on how to live in the full joy of life. These laws work
whether one is a martyr, or whether he is persecuted. They work on a child or president.
They work whether you are in Africa, America or Rome. They work whether you are
beggar or thief. Not one escapes the perfect justice of a loving God. For love can only
be just. No one is exempt. There is never an exception. The only experience that will
have joy and peace, fulfillment and security is the experience of Jesus' own life. In His
life we may face our trials with peace and gratitude. By and by, all other experiences will
pass away cleansed forever from the Universe.

I would invite the reader of this book to yield up yourself to the justice and mercy of
God. Choose His life and righteousness. You may have this life never to walk the path
of rebellion again. Yield up the things of this life. Give up the love of earthly things for
they all perish with the using. God will never fail you and never forsake you if you yield
to His loving care. You can trust Him to be loving and you can trust Him to be just.
 HIS ONLY GIFT
THE GIFT OF HIS PROVISION
Chapter Eight

Much of the world's woes come from the ignorance so many have of the fact that the
whole universe is full of provision. This is evident if one will only look at the earth
produce all the growing things. If one would take a moment to notice how many seeds a
plant produces, he would not have much trouble realizing that provision is God's great
gift. This great Savior has given us His own life and everything else we need. Jesus
said, "...Why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow;
they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his
glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the
field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe
you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What
shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the
Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall
be added unto you." (Matt. 6:28-33.)

Jesus is saying that only the pagan folks and unbelievers worry about food and
clothing. They think they will not be taken care of, so they go to court and fight wars and
argue with one another because these believe they are not going to get something. The
principle presented in Scripture is that if you seek the kingdom first you will lack nothing.
"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his
seed begging bread." (Ps. 37:25.) "Revere the Lord, ye His saints, for there is no lack to
those who revere Him." (Ps. 34:9.) I have always seen where God has been faithful to all
who trust in Him. He cares for all His creatures.

THE WORLD LACKS; THE LORD PROVIDES

Again we have to ask the question, "Did God lie?" We can look about the earth and
see people starving to death. Some see in their own lives constant lack. The multitudes
are in debt to the system because they do not have enough. It is important to recognize
the condition for this promise. "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven." "Revere the Lord."
The condition for this provision is that we are Christ-followers. Notice the life of Jesus.
He had no apparent wealth but He never lacked. On one occasion, He needed to pay a
temple tax because one of His disciples had committed Him to it. He wanted to show
that He did not need to pay it and He also showed them with what ease He could. "...Go
thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when
thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto
them for me and thee." (Matt. 17:27.)

On another occasion, Jesus found Himself in circumstances of public need. He had

had a crowd about Him all day and they had not eaten. Jesus knew the law of God and
He proceeded to feed all present. "And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the
grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he
blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the
multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that
remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men,
beside women and children." (Matt. 14:19-21.) This Son of God starts out with five loaves
and two fishes and ends up with twelve baskets-full after feeding five thousand men, not
counting women and children.

WE CAUSE LACK
This is also true of all the other sons of God. Provision is a way of life. The lack of
earth is directly related to our restrictive causes. We find that men continue to discover
ways to take from someone else to enrich their own lives and the end result is that all
get nothing. Some assume that they have gained wealth through selfish and cunning
ways. Even so, the fruits of that will not bring the peace and satisfaction once thought.
Some are raised to believe they need to get a job and make good money. When "good
money" is made the object, there is with it a host of other problems. Men get a little
money then they have to worry about keeping it. When righteousness is the object, then
money takes care of itself. Jesus never had financial concerns. He simply took what He
needed when He needed it and there was always enough for everyone. Such simplicity
evades modern man.

I remember a time back in my school years when I heard horror stories about how
hard it was to get into college without money. Some told me how they were turned away
because of it. When I entered college I went right to the registrar and said, "I don't have
any money." She said, "We'll find some. Let us see if we can get a loan." After two years
of this, I decided I did not want to borrow any more money. After that, the money was
provided as a gift from a church who wanted to support a ministerial student. As I view
my past life, I can see how it has always been the story of provision, even though, at the
time, I did not always see it that way.

I can remember the first time I knew something was amiss, at least as far as my
worldly viewpoint went. My total pay in those days was about $350.00 per month take-
home. A series of circumstances, which included a traffic ticket, created extra expenses
that month of about $350.00. Now this young man lived pretty much hand to mouth.
What I received I had to spend. This extra expense was a real perplexity to me, for it
represented one full month's pay. Even so, at the end of the month I had $350.00 extra
from various sources which handled all the extra financial drain.

That experience was the one that brought me to a realization that someone was out
there somewhere. Before that time God was something preachers talked about and that
was okay with me, but He had no real significance in my life. I did not know Him and I
did not hear Him speak. When I realized that God does provide, I realized that truly God
exists.
 As I entered the ministry some time later, I found myself in need of a trailer to live in
while I was away from home pastoring a small church. As I can remember, this was the
first time I had a felt need that I took directly to God. Previously, I simply had needs that
were filled and I was thankful for them when they were, but now I was seeing something
in advance that I wanted. I shall not go into all the circumstances concerning this
provision, but it was provided and without money. Since that time, I have witnessed a
small store of needs filled as I had need of them.

I WOULD HAVE GIVEN YOU WHATEVER YOU WANTED

One of the most touching scriptures I have ever read concerning provision is found in
2 Samuel, chapter 12. Nathan rebuked King David for his fall in his adulterous affair with
Bathsheba. The Lord speaks to David in a pitiful way. "I anointed thee king over Israel,
and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; and I gave thee thy master's wives into thy
bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I
would moreover have given unto thee such and such things." The Lord was pouring out
His argument before David to bring him to repentance. He was saying, "David, I
anointed you king. I gave you wives and lands. I made you ruler over the nations of
Israel. If that was too little, I would have given you whatever else you wanted. Why did
you do this wicked thing? You lacked nothing." Can you hear his pleading? Can you see
where David had no excuse? "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do
it." (John 14:13-14.) The only condition asked of me is that I seek first the kingdom of
heaven. God provides according to righteousness and not unrighteousness.

WHY SHOULD WE HAVE NO OTHER GODS?

Why is it that God said, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me?" (Ex. 20:3.) Was it
so that man would stay in line? Was it so that God could get control of us? What a
foolish supposition. God would not need to assert His power to make us good. He could
have created us that way if it were forced obedience He wanted. He could have
destroyed everyone and started over anytime He wanted if that were His nature. No,
God gave that commandment so that all might live. The way to starve to death is to
have other gods. The way to suffer want is to have other gods. The way to destroy
oneself is to have other gods. God is not a manipulator. He does not assert arbitrary
control. We have been given absolute freedom to choose whatever it is we want. The
Lord suggests that if we want to live and have provision, choose Him.

Some consider this manipulative. They imagine God saying, "If you don't choose me
I am going to kill you or starve you." This is not the case. God can only support
righteousness. When men choose another way, God does not force them to live. He
does not force the unrighteous to be righteous. If they want to die He allows that, but
only after doing all to save them. The truth is, only the righteous will live. All others will
destroy themselves in one way or another. Besides this, if the unrighteous found
themselves in heaven they would be totally unhappy. Imagine a heaven without "earthly
pleasures" so many think they cannot live without.

WHY CAN'T WE JUST SIN?

 One may suggest, "Then why doesn't God just leave everything like it is, except
have men live forever and enjoy sin if they want?" First of all, that would insure eternal
suffering. I have not met a single man or woman yet who loves the world the way it is
and is completely happy in it, unless they love and obey God. Do you complain? Would
you like a world to complain about for eternity? I wouldn't want it. Look at the earth. Is
that how you want forever to be? One might say, "Well, just take all the suffering out of
it." That's what righteousness is. "No, I mean take all the suffering out and let me have
all the lust I want and all the sin I want. You know? As long as there are consenting
adults." One would then be asking God to continue to support broken laws and to break
laws to do it. If He did that, you would leave your house one morning and go floating off
into space, because the law of gravity was taken away for a moment so someone could
sin.

Christ is even now interceding for us in the heavenly sanctuary. He is pleading for us
and He must suffer for us even now. To have an eternity of sin would be to guarantee
an eternity of suffering for the Son of God. Can you picture the Son of God who knew
no sin in anguish for eternity so you might enjoy an eternity of lust? This is an
impossible question since those trapped in their lusts do not enjoy life. They must
continue to drown their lustful souls in vice to hide themselves from themselves. To ask
God to support sin would be asking Him to be a sinner like all others. This is a most
unthinkable thing, for our God is a God of righteousness.

Considering all this, God has made laws of provision for all who will live within those
laws. There will not be lack for those who are Christ-followers. God has as His only goal
that which will give you peace and prosperity in all that you put your hand to. "...Believe
in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye
prosper." (II Chron. 20:20.) There are those who imagine if they trust in God something will
happen and they will lose something. These have it backwards.

When we trust in God we gain something.

THE COUNTERFEIT
When a thing is a counterfeit it closely resembles something original. You can hear
advertisements abound, "Let us give you that new thing." You are invited to come in and
get all that money. You sign the paper and get all that money. This is debt. Debt is
made to look like provision. Some call it "renting money." When money is returned, it is
returned with interest. In Scripture this procedure was known as usury. One was
instructed not to loan money this way to one's brother. "Thou shalt not lend upon usury
to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon
usury...." (Deut. 23:19.) The Lord goes on to show His benefits to those who do not lend at
usury. "He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the
innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved." (Ps. 15:5.) It was permitted to
exact usury from the world but not from a brother. God also instructed His children to be
kind to the poor.

It is not difficult today to see how the world is under a pressing debt. All nations are
under obligation to the great international lenders. These, in reality, control the world.
The man who controls the money controls the press and the world. Great upheavals are
now in the world because men have been made slaves of other men through debt. If we
shun debt like a plague, we shall find that debt will never be necessary. We will learn
that God's only gift is to supply us with all we need continually.

EVEN THE BIRDS

While watching out my window one morning, I noticed the robins out for breakfast.
They eat every day and the worms never seem to run out. I have always wondered how
they keep finding things to eat, but, at last, I can see that God feeds all His creatures.
Those things that "just happened" to supply our needs did not "just happen." If man
would understand that God is a supplier of those who love Him, then the great evils
associated with provision would be at an end. It is the blindness of the mob that will
soon destroy the earth. Evil forces continue to convince billions that there is not enough.
What a catastrophe!

This will not be so, however, for those who know the gift of God. "He shall dwell on
high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his
waters shall be sure." (Isa. 33:16.) This is the gift of God. All who believe in Him will know
and understand the provision of God. The creatures of the wood all expect to have all
that they need, but somehow that has missed those who are considered a higher order.
Men may say they believe there is enough, but the way these men build bombs and buy
insurance policies, one soon suspects that they live in terror of not having enough. If
one would just believe that God will give him all he needs and care for his every desire,
his practical daily life would look far different.

BELIEVE FIRST
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that
ye receive them, and ye shall have them. " (Mark 11:24.) This is one of the most difficult
things for men to know. The carnal-minded man cannot accept this, for it is foolishness
to him. How can one believe he has something before he has it? Yet, this is the
condition of all faith. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen." (Heb. 11:1.) When we believe in provision first, then provision is given.
Believe that you have it and you shall have it. Could we say that the little animal
believes that there is food in the ground for him? I would say so. If this law is perfect,
and I believe it is, would it not also work the other way around? If one believes he must
borrow, will he not have to borrow? If one believes he will starve to death, will he not
starve to death? If one believes he will not have enough, isn't that what he may expect?
Since the children of God know the promises of God and have received the spirit of God,
they will understand the provision of God. These sons will not fear, for "They shall not
be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied." (Ps. 37:19.)

While the world perishes, the sons of God will have their provision because these
have already believed that they will have it. This is not based on their belief, but on the
promise of God. This provision will come wherever their abode may be. They believe
before their eyes see. Then their eyes will see the glory of God. The mystery is why all
men would not want to have this gift. Alas, it is only for the believer. It is true that all
men could become believers if they wanted, but only a remnant of men desire the riches
that come from God.
 I would like to invite the reader to accept His only gift. God does not place men in
deep despair. He does not burden men with heavy burdens. He said, "For my yoke is
easy, and my burden is light." (Matt. 11:30.) You, too, can have this great experience. You,
too, can believe and be fed. What is your other choice? It is burden and frustration. It is
war and loss. It is economic depression. It is discouragement and sorrow. You may
trade all that for the riches of God's only gift. You may have Him lift off your shoulders
all the filthy rags you have carried as your clothing and He will give you His most
magnificent robe. In this robe you shall not want. You will never fail. You will know that
the Lord is your shepherd. You will know that there is always enough.

HIS ONLY GIFT

THE GIFT OF HIS DOMINION
Chapter Nine

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male
and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be
fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the
fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon
the earth." (Gen. 1:27, 28.) When Jesus came to show us what life was like, He also gave
us a view of human dominion. We have looked at how He fed the multitudes. He walked
on water and, on one occasion recorded, He had dominion over the fish of the sea. In
Luke, chapter 5, the story is told how Peter had toiled all night and caught no fish. Jesus
asked him to go out and let out his net. He did this and caught so many fish his net was
breaking. This is the Christian dominion. The gift of dominion is not given as magic but,
rather, the fulfillment of righteousness. Peter first followed after the kingdom of heaven
by yielding his ship for the Master's use. After that the great provision was granted. In
righteousness, dominion is exercised. The sons of God have been given this only gift.
This is not only a gift, but a position God has designed us to fill. Dominion is our place
on earth. It is intended that we exercise it in righteousness. The mystery is that men are
sometimes willing to take dominion, but these same men are unwilling to take
responsibility for it.

IF YOU ABIDE IN ME
"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall
be done unto you." (John 15:7.) The entire Christian religion is based on the notion that
Jesus is Lord. Millions say they worship Jesus. Millions say they are saved through faith
in Him. Why do they believe this? These say this because the Word of God says it. The
Word of God also says that we will receive whatever we ask for. In fact, these are
Jesus' own words. If a man does not have the faith to believe this promise, he does not
have the faith to believe unto salvation, for the word of God is the word of God.

Scriptures are full of the miracles of God. Israel was fed with manna in the
wilderness. These also walked through the Red Sea. In the ministry of Jesus it was
common to see the symbols of dominion. Disease, storm and suffering could not exist in
His presence. It was said, "...What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the
sea obey him!" (Matt. 8:27.) "Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that
men may not have through faith in Him." (DA 664.) It is not uncommon to read of grand
experiences had by missionaries, but those in ordinary walks of life seldom expect such
revelations.

Why is it today that men have little or no realization of this gift? Why is it there is
such an abundance of the idea that we are victims of our environment? It is because
man has traded the word of God for the desire of his own corrupt nature. When one
makes his object of adoration those things which he can touch and feel, he loses the
sense of the spirit of God and the wealth God gives us through the Spirit.

NOT SATAN'S WORLD

Satan claims this world. His converts also give him dominion. You have heard, "Well,
it's just the Devil's world, so he gets you from time to time." The truth of this was given in
the life of Jesus. Jesus came to show that the Devil had lied. He came to show "The
earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." (Ps.
24:1.) The Devil can only gain dominion by convincing you to give it to him. He was not
given dominion over this world, man was. As with any gift, you may give it to another.
This can be done by outright gift or where you have been convinced it belongs to
another. If you can be convinced of that, then you will give it over.

It is a sad thing to see that in the pulpits of the land today are mostly converts of the
lie. Men everywhere sympathize with poor victimized humanity. That bad old Devil got
them. These have not understood the scriptures that show that bad old Devil can only
get those who consent to that by overt action or mental agreement. "While we should be
keenly alive to our exposure to the assaults of unseen and invisible foes, we are to be
sure that they cannot harm us without gaining our consent." (AH 405.) In yielding consent
to this idea that circumstances control us, we are placed in circumstances that always
control us. It is seen that we have lost our dominion and that loss was according to our
consent.

ONLY A LITTLE FAITH

"...For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say
unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing
shall be impossible unto you." (Matt. 17:20.) All Christians believe this because it is the
word of their Lord. Those who believe in impossibilities believe and consent to the evil
one. Jesus was heard on occasion saying to His disciples, "...0 faithless and perverse
generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you?" (Matt. 17:17.) The
disciples asked how it was that they could not cast out the Devil and they were told,
"Because of your unbelief." As it happened, the disciples could not exercise dominion
because they were fighting amongst themselves. They were wondering who would be
the greatest and they were harboring resentment because it was not they who Jesus
took up on the mountain the night before. Their thoughts were, "I am as good as the
others, why didn't Jesus take me?" "The others always get the best and first." This spirit
needed to be yielded up with fasting and prayer before the power of God could work in
them.

"...As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor
rain these years, but according to my word." (1 Kings. 17:1.) Elijah had prayed and the rain
ceased for a long period. Drought came to the land. Jesus caused the storm to cease.
Joshua stopped the sun. "...Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the
valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed...." (Joshua 10:12-13.) Are
these stories of dominion made up? If they are, then the stories of Jesus are made up. If
the stories of Jesus are made up, then all hope of salvation is made up. Indeed, if these
testimonies are not true, the Christian religion is in vain.

I remember how one winter we had been having an abundance of snow. My wife
was somewhat cast down because we had day after day of snow. I shoveled our 90-foot
walk daily and the snow continued to dump. By the first of January we had over 8 feet of
snow. I desired that my wife have a break from this continued onslaught, so as we were
entering our home I raised my hands to the snowy sky and said, "Snow stop." I felt
within myself it was appropriate and right. I felt the witness that it was God's will. That
night the snow did stop. In fact, the month of January was the driest January in Idaho
history. I have roofer friends in Washington who said it was a good month for roofing
since all of the usual storms did not come through. February came and I felt it was
appropriate to have the storms come again. Once more at my wife's side I raised my
hands and spoke to the storms. "Continue on your path." That night it snowed 6 inches.

Another time when we were busy in construction and we had been having an
abundance of rain, I spoke to the storm and it ceased. This may not have been unusual,
but the town to the north of us and to the south of us continued to have an abundance
of rain while we did not have a cloud. But is this any great thing? No. It is just a law. All
Christians have dominion. In fact, a man can have this faith and not even be a Christian.
"...And though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I
am nothing." (1 Cor. 13:2.) If a man boasts of the great miracles that attend him, he
boasts of nothing. This dominion can only be of use to us if we have the love of God.
When we have this love of God, our dominion will be exercised to man's good and his
uplifting rather than in his amazement.

THE PROMISES ARE FOR EVERYONE

I share this testimony so that the reader can forget that these promises are for Bible
characters only. These promises have been fulfilled in my life and the lives of countless
others. These things do not make us great, but grateful to a God who has given us all
things. Our dominion is a fact of the Word of God. It may be said that all Christians have
miracles attend them, but not all those who have miracles attend them are Christians.
Signs and wonders follow the believers, but not all those who have signs and wonders
follow them are believers. Apples are red but not everything that is red is an apple. God
has given dominion to all His sons and daughters.

Is it arrogance to claim that one has something? It would be arrogance if one were
arrogant. When one knows the source of his power and trusts in that source, then
saying one has something is only a statement of fact and that fact is based on the Word
of God. Peter had no earthly goods, but he did have the power of God. Upon
approaching the temple he noticed a poor lame man. This poor man asked the passers-
by for alms each day. He saw Peter and John going into the temple. He asked for alms,
but Peter desired this man receive more than mere money. "And Peter, fastening his
eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to
receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I
have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." (Acts 3:4-6.)
The man did walk and all looked in wonder at the miracle these men wrought. "Such as
I have I will give you." He had something and he knew he had something. He also told
another he had something. When everyone wondered Peter said to them, "...Men of
Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own
power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob,
the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus...And his name, by faith in his name,
has made this man strong whom you see and know; and the faith which is through
Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all." (Acts 3:12, 13, 16.)

NOT OF OURSELVES
We do not have dominion by our own power. The world only uses its own power, so
it assumes immediately that Christians use their own power. When one says, "I have
received the gift of God," the world assumes they are bragging. "O, you are saying you
are perfect?" Peter was not saying he was perfect. He was only saying he had
something. The world is perplexed at the gift of God. Dominion leaves the world without
reason, for this gift does away with all the play earthlings do in war and want. The only
hope the world has is that "nobody's perfect." When they see the power of God in the
believer they are confused. Is it a trick? The worldly mind would much rather call an
ambulance than tell a man to take up his bed and walk. Dominion has been given to the
believer. When one realizes he has been given the power of dominion, the tempter then
comes to tempt that one. As Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, so is the Christian.
"And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that
these stones be made bread." (Matt. 4:3.) Satan comes to the Christian and says, "If you
are a Christian and believe God's promises then let me see you turn that water into
wine." "Let me see you move that mountain over there." "Let me see you heal that
person over there." Some fall for the trap. Jesus gave us the example of His healing. He
did not raise everyone. He did not heal everyone. When Jesus left this earth there were
still many dead. John the Baptist was not raised by His hand. There is not a record of a
single martyr being raised. There were still some sick when Jesus returned to heaven.
So it is now. It is not appropriate to raise all the dead. It is not appropriate to make the
weather sunny and 80 degrees each day. It is not appropriate to heal every disease.
The Spirit speaks to the believer and gives him the unction to do these great things in
Jesus' name. The Father looks at the causes and the faith of one who asks for healing.
The Christian is then to know what he should do. The sons of God listen to His voice.

NOT CHRISTIAN MAGIC

Dominion is not Christian magic. It is Christian obedience. We don't command God
to do something. He leads us to do something. We do not command Him to raise the
dead; He commands us to raise the dead. We do not command Him to heal the sick; He
commands us to heal the sick. "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast
out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." (Matt. 10:8.) Christ Jesus is our Master
and we listen to His voice. When we listen to His voice, then, "...these signs shall follow
them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new
tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt
them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:17-18.)

My first experience with this came as I first entered the ministry. We had a young boy
in the church who had been throwing sticks at butterflies with one of his friends. In the
excitement of the moment his friend threw a stick into the air and it hit him square in the
eye. I visited him in the hospital and was assured by the doctor that his eye had been
destroyed and they were trying to save the undamaged eye from infection. I called the
elders together and we had an anointing for the young man's eye. I felt the presence of
God and desired greatly to save this young man's eye. My feeling was that I could not
let this boy be blind. I had sympathy for him and my soul pled with the Lord for his
healing. A few days later, the bandage was removed and the mother reported to me that
the injured eye had better sight than the one with no injury.

NOTHING WAVERING
There is a condition for this great gift. "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For
he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not
that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." (James 1:6-7.) One must
believe. If one does not believe in the truth, he can only believe in the lie. The question I
would have is, why not use your dominion for the blessings God intended would come
into the world, rather than give that dominion over to Satan so that he might destroy you
with it? Millions use their faith to believe in things that will destroy them. So many fear
loss and disaster. So many believe someone out there is going to hurt them. O foolish
generation, who hath bewitched you. God has given us such a great gift. But multitudes
see it as a threat.

Dominion is God's only gift. He does not give anything else. The joy of God is found
in the life His children live. The children are like God. Their characters reflect the
brightness of His shining. Would you like to have His very own life? Would you like to
ride upon the high places of the earth? This is His will. This is what He wants for you.
He withholds nothing good from you. The life that Jesus lived is now offered to you as a
gift. You need not work real hard to be perfect. What you need to do is believe His word
and let it be true for you. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus...."

HIS ONLY GIFT

THE GIFT OF HIS FORGIVENESS
Chapter Ten
 To be forgiven is one of the most peaceful experiences of life. Forgiveness also
gives us the knowledge of acceptance. Who is it that does not want to be accepted and
forgiven of past mistakes and sins? Some have no idea what forgiveness is, since while
growing up these individuals always had a string attached by those doing the forgiving.
Sometimes that forgiving was not quite forgiveness but, rather, a kind of, "Well, okay, I'll
forgive you this time, but you better not do it again." That kind of forgiveness is not
forgiveness but a kind of record keeping. It does not resolve the problem and guilt, but
only seems to delay the punishment. This is not the forgiveness of God.

FORGIVENESS IS AN EQUATION
When I first realized the forgiveness of God, it left me with such a feeling of freedom
and joy there was no doubting the experience. There was a certain process I went
through, however, and it is easily definable. The first thing that makes forgiveness
necessary is the knowledge of one's guilt. Who is it that has not felt guilty in their lives?
Some who have committed crimes have felt so guilty that they turned themselves in and
received punishment so that they could be relieved of the torture of their conscience.

I have witnessed the phenomena of forgiveness in the lives of many individuals

through the years. I have noticed forgiveness always comes when certain factors are
present. The first factor is recognizing one's own resistance to authority outside of one's
self. When one is in resistance, he continues to endeavor to make himself right and to
manipulate the power in order to get what he wants. When one yields up this resistance
to authority and submits to this power, he experiences forgiveness. Forgiveness is
something we do when we yield to God's authority. First of all, we recognize our
rebellion and, secondly, we turn from that rebellion yielding to the righteousness of
Christ. Forgiveness will be the effect of that.

"I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will
confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." (Ps
32:5.) To confess our resistance to God's law while not hiding anything, brings the
experience of forgiveness. The only individual who can experience forgiveness will be
the one who yields to the righteousness of God. If one seeks to protect himself and
defend his rebellion, it is virtually impossible for him to have this experience.

Forgiveness is offered freely to all who yield to it, but to none who do not. It is not
that forgiveness is not offered to all; it is that it is only taken by those who yield. The
resistance to receiving forgiveness comes not so much from the knowledge that it is
offered, but from the pride of one who is unwilling to acknowledge his opposition to God.
Many are unwilling to look and see their corrupt heart.

GOD DOES NOT FORGIVE SINS

If one retains his corruptions and is unwilling to receive the spirit of God, then it is
experienced that he is unforgiven. "...Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the
Lord: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions
nor your sins." (Joshua 24:19.) God does not forgive sins. He forgives people who have
turned from sin and yielded to His righteousness. Many are they who pray for
forgiveness who get up from their prayers unforgiven. They do not feel the peace of
God because these have not yielded up their corruptions. God does not forgive these.
This is not to say that forgiveness is not offered. It is that these cannot receive what is
offered. They go away as guilty as they came.

Religion, today, has adopted a plan whereby men remain guilty while believing they
are forgiven. This plan is often called the "Advocate." As we discovered in an earlier
chapter, the Advocate is not our confessor. He is the one who will "cleanse us from all
unrighteousness." When you are cleansed from all unrighteousness you do not "use"
God as a confessor. Many, today, feel that they are forgiven because they are
confessed-up. Whenever they sin they pray and ask forgiveness. Later, after they sin,
they pray again and ask forgiveness. Some religions use a priest to be the facilitator of
this and some say you can go right to God and use Him to have this accomplished. The
word of God is, "He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins." If you are willing
to leave your sins and accept God's righteousness yielding to the righteous law of God,
then God will forgive YOU. He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. "But now
being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness,
and the end everlasting life." (Rom. 6:22.) This is what it means to be forgiven.

FORGIVENESS FOR THE RESPONSIBLE

There is another factor involved in one not being able to receive forgiveness. This
factor is our basic irresponsibility about life. In short, we blame other people or
circumstances for our problems. People who hold others responsible for what happens
to themselves cannot receive the forgiveness of God. Ultimately, these hold God
responsible for what happens. If God is the God of the universe and He sees all things,
then why didn't He stop such and such from happening? Some sweetly say, "It must be
God's will," yet in their hearts fester the seeds of dissatisfaction. For one to receive the
forgiveness of God, he must be a forgiver. And the way he can forgive others is to know
that what comes to him was just and perfect, and, if anything comes, it is better than
one deserves. "He who is imbued with the spirit of Christ abides in Christ. The blow that
is aimed at him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Whatever
comes to him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense.
Nothing can touch him except by our Lord's permission and "all things" that are
permitted 'work together for good to them that love God'." (MB 71.) It stands to reason
that if there is a God who created all things, then that God would be aware of all things.
The Christian God does not go off on a journey. His angels are ever watching and the
mind of God sees all things. This being so, how could some accident "slip up" on Him?
Does He not see? If one sees his young child venturing close to a rattlesnake, would
not that parent quickly move the child away from danger? Is God less than we who are
evil? The fact is, God has continually sought to save us from danger. This being so, all
of our calamities are these things God could not convince us to be saved from. "But the
house of Israel still says that the way of the Lord is not fair. O house of Israel, are not
My ways fair? Is it not rather that your ways are unfair?" (Eze. 18:29 ML.)

One must now consider how he will receive forgiveness. We discovered earlier that
"Whatsoever a man sow, that shall he also reap." If a drunk hits my car, then, in some
way, I have sown that. If a meteorite comes through the roof of my house, that must be
a reaping. If all things are fair and just, then to receive forgiveness I must forgive those
whom I may have considered guilty. "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our
debtors. ...For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive
you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses." (Matt 6:12, 14, 15.) The way to receive our own forgiveness is to forgive
others. And that is not an especially burdensome chore when we realize we have
received from them only that which we have sown.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE I FORGIVE?

At this point one might say, "Well what about all those robbers and rapists? Do we
just forgive them and they go out and do it again? If we reap what we sow, then should
all these evils should just be tolerated?" Jesus said, "Woe unto the world because of
offences! (disasters, crimes, etc.) for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to
that man by whom the offence cometh!" (Matt. 18:7.) Yes, these individuals will also reap
what they have sown. God once declared that He would send Babylon against Israel to
punish them for their sins. Later He said He would punish Babylon for punishing Israel.
(Jer. 21:7, Jer 25:12, 1 Chron 9:1.).

The same principle that works with nations also works with families and individuals.
"When parents or rulers neglect the duty of punishing iniquity, God Himself will take the
case in hand. His restraining power will be in a measure removed from the agencies of
evil, so that a train of circumstances will arise which will punish sin with sin." (PP 728.) As
we are brought to understand our own creations, it is not difficult to forgive those who
trespass against us. Even so, those that trespass against us will also reap the effect of
that. Only the foolish will look at the visible things of life to make his judgments. Anyone
who will but investigate the way the earth and those things in it works, will find that the
truth of one's success or failure is in the heart of man. It is the soul that generates all of
our life's experiences. "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of
life." (Pr. 4:23.)

I can remember that day I was forgiven. I can remember that quiet moment when my
struggle was over. I can remember when all things became easy. It was the moment I
yielded to the law of God. It was not that I tried to do it. It was that I yielded to it. I
yielded up my circumstances, I yielded up my curses, I yielded up my righteousness, I
yielded up my self-protection, I yielded to God all things, and the peace that passes all
understanding filled me to the full. I was forgiven. I did not try to be good. His goodness
filled my soul. It was not that I tried not to fall, it was rather that I believed in Him and
falling was not part of the equation. I forgave. I was forgiven. I yielded and I was no
longer under the law of sin and death. I yielded to His righteousness, therefore the law
had nothing against me. What a joy it is to yield and forgive. All old things pass away
and all things become new.

The great and wonderful truth of forgiveness is that there is only one unforgivable sin.
That is, there is only one sin persons can commit where they will not be forgiven. That
sin is the sin of refusing the pleadings of the holy Spirit. The holy Spirit will bring us to
repentance if we will not resist Him. If we will not resist Him we will yield and, thereby,
we will be forgiven. All the corruptions and sins we may have committed will be
removed from us. All our mistakes will be forgotten. All of our errors cleansed. It will be
as though we had never sinned. Our soul will be free and our heart clean. Every man,
whoever he is, and every woman, whoever she is, can consider themselves included in
God's own righteousness if they but yield to the Spirit of God. "For as many as are led
by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Rom. 8:14.)
 But what is the alternative? It is a dreaded thought to consider an alternative. Look
about you and you will see. When men are unforgiven they naturally blame others.
When one is unforgiven he fears others. "For if we sin wilfully after that we have
received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a
certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the
adversaries." (Heb. 10:26-27.)

NON-FORGIVENESS RESULTS
The guilt of the nations has increased to such a degree that the whole earth is soon
to destroy itself. Great nuclear bombs are not accidents. These are the cure for guilty
consciences. The multitudes yearn for the day their anguish is ended and the day is
close at hand. "...All they that hate me love death." (Prov. 8:36.) Some of those who love
death imagine that they will go to heaven one day and then it will be better. No, heaven
is for the forgiven. The unforgiven would be in greatest torment in full view of one who
reads the soul. The guilty would always be looking for a place to hide and there would
be no place to hide.

Men today are looking for ways to justify their acts. We build bigger and bigger
bombs. There is much talk of disarmament but this is only a worldly facade. This is a
game guilty men play while they build bigger bombs. Men put burglar alarms all through
their homes. They have guard dogs and guard people. Homes are stuffed with guns.
There is only a fearful looking for of judgment. Men accuse and blame and strive to be
the greatest. Millions starve. This is the alternative. Is that attractive? The guilty soul will
do anything to destroy itself and destroy itself it will.

If we will but open our eyes we will see that every nation is playing the same game.
All nations have their press that makes themselves the good guys and those others the
bad guys. And if the truth were known, it would be seen that all are against the other.
The only way forgiveness can come to the nation or the souls is that we take 100%
responsibility and yield to the law of God. When I say law, I mean all that for which God
stands. We must yield to every standard of righteousness, then healing and peace will
be the result. But beware! When the guilty shout peace the end is near. "For when they
shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail
upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." This is the effect of guilt. This is
the alternative to forgiveness. There is something today men call positive thinking. It is
good for one to think positively, but to think positive about evil will not help. We cannot
trick the laws of life.

HE FORGAVE ME
I remember when I understood forgiveness more fully. One morning I was sitting in
my office when I suddenly became aware that I had many sorrows buried deep in my
soul. Some of these were experiences in my childhood that I dared not even discuss for
the pain they held for me. I was a walking mourner on the inside and smiling on the
outside. I knew the time had come to look in and gain a knowledge of myself. I went
over to an open wall and sat on the floor with my back to the wall. I put my hands in my
lap and closed my eyes. After this, I went back in time as far as I could remember.
 That time was when I was about two years of age. I remembered every detail I could,
and carefully felt each feeling and illuminated every dark corner I could find. While in
this position I took 100% responsibility for all that had happened to me. The mistakes I
thought my parents had made against me I claimed as my mistakes. All of the
sadnesses and pain I knew I had created. Soon I was weeping softly as I transported
the years. Year by year I looked and wept. Year after year was uncovered and
inspected through my tears. It was true. I discovered the corruption I had wanted to
believe did not exist. I looked at the filthy rags of my life and hid nothing.

As the morning wore on and I had finally examined everything I could see, I let it be.
There was nothing left to do but forgive. No, I did not forgive others since I had
discovered there was nothing to forgive them for. I was the foe. I forgave myself. I pitied
this poor man who made so much disaster for himself. I saw myself as I never saw
myself before and when I looked, the love of God came into my heart for myself. This
soul was broken and non-resistant. This soul was now prepared to receive the
forgiveness of God. I gained a knowledge of myself and, by this, gained forgiveness for
myself. This began a process that healed all the relationships of my life. This process
completed every incomplete thing. This was forgiveness.

KNOW YOURSELF
Gaining a knowledge of oneself and yielding to the Spirit will not make one look
better. It will not even make one better. What it does is bring forgiveness and prepare a
place for the Spirit of God to reside and, he is not merely better, he is God's own
righteousness. When you are forgiven you no longer resent those gifts God would like
to bring you. You will accept them with open and expectant arms.

There are those who are out there who preach much and teach much. Some talk
and talk and talk about what others should do, but unless one can make all his
righteousness as filthy rags, and, unless he can see how truly unclean he is, all the talk
will only bring more condemnation to the soul. God offers the reader of this book His full
pardon. He offers to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Are you willing to be
responsible for your life's past? Are you willing to yield to all the righteousness of God?
Are you willing to be at peace? Are you willing to be forgiven?

HIS ONLY GIFT

THE GIFT OF HIS CHARACTER
Chapter Eleven
 One's character is essentially who he is. We are also creators of those things which
support the ideas of our character. Man, of himself, can only see what his own character
projects. It is like a computer that can only do what it is programmed to do. So it is with
mere man. From our earliest years our characters are formed. This formation begins in
the womb and ends when we die. Character building is the work of a lifetime, whether
for good or for evil. Our characters can only be one of two kinds. The one character is
formed after the man as its center and the other is formed with God as the center.

WHO IS OUR CENTER?

The man-centered character has a context of many facets. One, and perhaps the
most basic of all, is fear. When fear is the basis of one's character, he will bring all
things to reality from fear. "The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him...." (Pr. 10:24.)
It is also written another way. "The fear of man bringeth a snare...." (Pr. 29:25.) Jesus
often stated that all things come to us according to our faith. This is precisely true of fear,
since fear is faith in that evil we imagine will come to us. One believes that those things
which he fears will come and so it is with his fear. Job said, "For the thing which I greatly
feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me." (Job 3:25.) In
my own life when I realized this I ceased fearing, for I knew I didn't want that thing which
I feared. Even so, there are those who do want what they fear.

This obsession is a mystery. Some who fear nuclear war set out to build atom bombs.
Some who fear monsters spend untold hours at the movies or transfixed before their
television sets watching monsters. Others who fear relationship problems cannot be
pulled away from their afternoon soap opera. What is it that brings a man to destroy
himself? Why do men insist on guaranteeing their own failure?

FEAR IS FORMED
Fear is formed early. When parents train their little ones it is often with no more sense
than an animal. Sometimes it is with less sense. A little child innocently walks about the
living room of his home and accidently bumps a potted plant. To the child nothing
happened. He had no understanding of what a pot falling on the floor means anymore
than wind blowing. But often the parent will fly into a rage over this plant of little value
and destroy the confidence of the child who now fears, not so much that he will bump a
plant, as the monster that attacks for no reason. If the parents continue to act in these
circumstances as if they had no mental power at all, the child will only do that in which
he has been trained. He will be afraid and often without reason. As fears are created by
the things which he sees and hears, he will finally fear for nothing. By and by, according
to the laws of the universe, he will bring his fears to pass. Without the gift of God, man
is doomed to receive those curses in life related to his fears, since he has no ability to
see that life is any different. The earthly mind can only believe that there is something to
be afraid of.

There is another trait of character that is closely related to fear and that is the idea of
"victim." One imagines that some force out there has done something to him. The victim
expresses the idea that "a burglar robbed me." He might say, "A drunk hit me at the
intersection." He sees others or circumstances doing something to him. By this, he will
continually feel oppressed by others and, in so doing, oppress others. If he is a
cowardly type, he will work that out by being oppressive to his child. We have read
where one is a victim of a shooting or a victim of an accident. The context of life that
designs this idea is the context that will also continue the idea.

MAN OF HIMSELF IS ALWAYS SELF-CENTERED

Again, it should be noted that the mind of man can do nothing else. He can only see
others doing something to him. In this state of mind he is virtually under the control of
those who feed him his information. I have a friend who was in Germany at the time of
the second World War. It interested me to know how the German people were made to
invade the countries around them. He shared with me it was the media. When one
listens to the news and he is simply working from his carnal mind, he is virtually captive
of that news. He can be made to believe anything. This is easily done when one has a
character formed around the proposition of victim. It is more easily accomplished when
he has a good portion of fear that lubricates the victim. In this way wars are virtually
guaranteed.

Satan cannot make people have wars, but he can give people information that if
acted upon will bring war. The only way we can be destroyed is if we destroy ourselves.
Our context of life which flows from our character will decide our future. The interesting
thing about life is, since circumstances flow from our own ideas, circumstances will
ultimately provide evidence for the way we think things are. In other words, the lie will
always seem true since there is sufficient evidence flowing from us to support it. The
only way one can break this pattern is to accept that God may have told the truth. In
accepting this idea our circumstances change because we adopt new ideas as to how
life works.

YOUR CHARACTER CREATES YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Pr. 4:23.) It could
as easily be said, "Keep your character with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of
life." Life's issues come out of who you are. "No truth does the Bible more clearly teach
than that what we do is the result of what we are. To a great degree the experiences of
life are the fruition of our own thoughts and deeds. 'The curse causeless shall not
come'." (Ed. 146.)

Others have adopted the context of failure. These fail and encourage others to fail
also. They have been trained and these train others that life is the "pits" and after that
you die. These are certain that no one truly succeeds without some dishonest action.
They think those that have, got there by taking from those who have not. If they enter a
home where people have more, they consider them evil. If they enter a home where
people have less, they see themselves as blessed. Their own failure is only their own
creation. How many young children have heard that "you just can't make it in this world"
or "you can't fight city hall." As with other human-minded men they can only live after
the maxims of the world. These maxims are spoken often and believed completely. The
character is made to develop in this way.

Condemnation is another context of the natural man. A young child soon learns what
it is to be condemned, usually from parents and peers. He learns that whatever he does
is not right. He learns that whatever he does is stupid. Over and over he is reminded of
his failings and, so, for his defense he develops the very things he has hated in order to
defend himself from them. As time goes on, he continues to be condemned and
condemn. When one, such as this, joins religious circles he is often seen as one who is
especially righteous, since his major emphasis is on the wrong of everyone and
everything. In reality, he is simply condemned and his reactions to that condemnation
are predictable.

It can be seen that men everywhere view their particular position as correct. Of all the
billions on the earth there are that many points of view and none are the same. Yet,
each one of these humans all see themselves as having the true view of life. Everyone's
life is the result of their characters, yet, no two lives are the same. This should give one
incentive to search out the creations of his own life. It should bring a man to say, "I will
make my life as I want it to be." "I will give up these creations of mine that continually
bring me suffering." This can be done in any heart. We need not be as the next man,
but there is no sense in designing life to cause us harm and death.

DEVELOPING A PERFECT CHARACTER

The Savior of the world developed a perfect character. His thoughts and feelings
were righteousness and justice. This character He has offered us. When one accepts
the gift of God he accepts God's own character. He now accepts the view of life that
God gives through His Son. "But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all
things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know
it, and that no lie is of the truth." (1 John 2:20-21.) Since the mind of God has become our
mind, we are given a new context of life. It is not the old context which operates off of
the notion that we are the center of all things, but it is a new view that comes from the
mind of God. This is why true Christians have perfect harmony. They are able to see the
picture as if from God's eye. The Word of God becomes true for them.

"He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God."
(COL 38.) If one has been trained in condemnation, he now accepts by faith the word that
says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who
walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Rom. 8:1.) When one walks after the flesh he
is walking after those things which he can see and feel. He walks by sight and not by
faith. This man can only operate from his traditions and family superstitions, thereby,
receiving unto himself condemnation. But with the man who walks after the Spirit, all
things are new. He sees as he has never seen before. He sees things from a spiritual
perspective and not a fleshly one.

When one has been taught that he is a failure, he now understands that, "I can do all
things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13.) "The obstacles that are piled
by Satan across your path, though apparently as insurmountable as the eternal hills,
shall disappear before the demand of faith. 'Nothing shall be impossible unto you.'" (DA
31.) Since God knows there is nothing impossible, all who are in Him also know that.
Even though Mother and Father spent many years telling them how some things were
impossible, the Christian now knows those things are not true. Jesus was victorious in
every area because He accepted the word of God as true, rather than the word of His
parents or the word of His church teachers.

When one is raised with fear as his object of life, the gift of God gives him freedom
from that. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath
torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18.) "But whoso
hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil." (Prov. 1:33.)
This is the gift of God. Our fear is removed and we are at rest. This is the true meaning
of the Sabbath day. No man can keep the Sabbath day while fear rules him. The rest of
Christ is the release of the fear of all evil. The character of God is fearless and so it is
with all who partake of Him.

Most of life's problems would disappear if men could only see that they are not a
victim. If they could see themselves as creators of their circumstances, they would be
much more creative of the good. But the natural man cannot see the things over which
he stumbles. "The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they
stumble." (Prov. 4:19.) Since the wicked only have the mind of man it is not possible for
them to see. It is not possible for man to be in unity and peace. He always sees some
other force getting at him. Not so with the one who has Christ. These know the cause
and effect truth of God's own character. These know that what they sow they reap. The
mind of God shows them the errors of the path. They can see what it is that causes man
to stumble. This is the development of character. This is victory.

As with Job, God can lead all believers to see the nature of God. "The Lord is known
by the judgment which he executeth...." (Ps 9:16.) These learn His ways. As the people of
God resist the temptation to evil and resist the temptation to retaliate for the evil that
appears to overtake them, they find that this character of Christ that they have is
developed. Righteousness and judgment increase by this process. One does not attain
perfection of character by sinning less and less. Sin develops a sinful character. A
righteous character is developed by a constant resistance of evil. It is developed by
never yielding to the tempter. "God calls us to reach the standard of perfection and
places before us the example of Christ's character. In His humanity, perfected by a life
of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through co-operation with divinity
human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character." (AA 531.)

TEMPTATION IS NOT THE PROBLEM

Temptation is not the culprit. Yielding to temptation in thought or action is the only
thing that will bring man down. Christ shows us that the temptation resisted is the key to
development. "Temptation is resisted when man is powerfully influenced to do a wrong
action and, knowing that he can do it, resists, by faith, with a firm hold upon divine
power. This was the ordeal through which Christ passed." (YI July 20th 1899) As the
character is developed and strengthened by constant resistance to evil, the time goes
by when the temptation that once put pressure on us no longer does.

This process does not make you better. It makes you more developed. This process
can only begin when all sin is removed from the life. Jesus did not begin a life of
character development by sinning less and less. He began a life of character
development free from sin. When we are freed from sin at the beginning of our walk, we
now have the place to stand to develop character. One does not make a tree by having
that tree become less and less a cabbage. A tree is always a tree and it develops more
perfectly. When a soul receives the new heart he is perfectly new. Now that heart
develops more perfectly.

LOVE THE GOOD, REFUSE THE EVIL

 Character is developed perfectly as the thoughts and feelings suggested by Satan
are repulsed as hateful. "There are thoughts and feelings suggested and aroused by
Satan that annoy even the best of men; but if they are not cherished, if they are
repulsed as hateful, the soul is not contaminated with guilt, and no other is defiled by
their influence." (RH March 27th 1888) This is true not only with those thoughts which are
associated with the passions of the flesh, but with those thoughts that suggest failure,
victimization, and condemnation. The character of God resists any thought as repulsive
that is against the plain statements of God. When one sees danger and loss ahead he
remembers, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and
over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19.)
When any thought is repulsed that does not harmonize with the Word of God, the
perfect character of Christ is developed.

This is God's only gift. He does not give one anything less than this. Our future is
perfectly described in the Word of God. We have nothing to fear, for His Word gives us
all things. When the character of God has finished its process and the work on this earth
is finished, all who have received this gift will leave this earth in a blaze of light. This
translation will be the perfect workings of the nature of God. With those who live after
the order of the mind of man, there will only be destroying fire. Men reach for their
weapons of war and nature responds to the assault. Men will destroy themselves since
that is the fruit of the character they have developed.

My encouragement to the reader of this book is to receive this character of God. Yield
up to His loving care. He will not fail you. If you will yield up all things and let the sins
which so easily come upon you go, you will find that perfect victory which Christ Himself
developed. You will grow in perfection with a life that experiences uninterrupted victory.

HIS ONLY GIFT

THE GIFT OF HIS CHURCH
Chapter Twelve

No one likes to be alone and the Lord guarantees that His people will not be alone.
He has given His church which is made up of all His faithful children. His church is led of
Him for He is the Shepherd. These believing ones are united together as one and move
in a single front to bring the life of the Savior to all who will receive it.

There are things we say from time to time that do not sound like God's church
always moves with Him. We have said, "The church has apostatized." In a physical way
it may appear that that has happened but, in reality, that cannot happen. The church of
the Lord cannot apostatize. "There is no other church than the assembly of those who
have the word of God, and who are purified by it." (4 SOP 237) It is true that we speak of
the many denominations out there as churches. In the physical world this is
understandable to our minds, but there are not "churches" of the Lord out there. The
only thing out there is the church. One church belongs to Christ and the other to His
enemy Satan. "God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national
establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and
keep His commandments." (UL 315.) The church of the Lord is always pure, but those
who profess to be the church are most often not.

WHO ARE THE SAINTS?

In Scripture the church is also described as "Saints". In some religions the "saints"
are special people who have done some great things. The Bible describes all God's
people as saints and it also describes what they do. "Here is the patience of the saints:
here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." (Rev. 14:12.)
God's saints "His Church" keep His commandments and they have His faith. It would be
well to notice that these are not merely saying one should keep the commandments or
believing that one should keep the commandments, but these saints are keeping the
commandments and they are doing this continually. These also have the faith that
Jesus had. This is God's church and there is no other church of the Lord than this one.

The other church out there is not the church of the Lord, but is Satan's church. The
Scriptures also describe this movement. "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna
write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy
works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them
which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan." (Rev. 2:8-9.) Who
is this synagogue of Satan? It is the one who claims to be a Christian but is not. He is
not because he does not obey and he does not have Jesus' faith. "Satan has a large
confederacy, his church. Christ calls them the synagogue of Satan because the
members are the children of sin. The members of Satan's church have been constantly
working to cast off the divine law, and confuse the distinction between good and evil.
Satan is working with great power in and through the children of disobedience to exalt
treason and apostasy as truth and loyalty." (TM 16.)

The synagogue of Satan or Satan's church boasts that it is the church of Christ. They
name themselves after many things, but all profess to be followers of Jesus. Even so,
God has not left us without ways to detect the church of Satan. He has given us clues to
trace. For His people who are deceived in this church, God gives a message.
"...Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the
hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations
have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have
committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through
the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come
out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her
plagues." (Rev. 18:2-4.)

A WARNING TO ESCAPE
God is giving His people warning to escape her. But how are these to escape if they
do not know what they are to escape from? The key is found in the statement that "the
kings of the earth have committed fornication with her." That is, there is an unlawful
union between those who claim the name of Jesus, yet live after the world. "The world
must not be introduced into the church, and married to the church, forming a bond of
unity. Through this means the church will become indeed corrupt, and as stated in
Revelation, 'a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.'" (TM 265)

There is our key. But what is it that the world does that Satan's church also does? All
one need do is look at the world and see. The world is clear to define. It is the simple life
of the carnal or fleshly man. The world judges only by what it can feel, see or taste. The
world makes no claim to be able to live as God lives. The world knows no such doctrine.
The world cannot be faithful. Of course, the carnal ones profess loyalty and honesty. In
government the politicians say all the right things and believe all the right beliefs, but in
the end they cannot live up to them. When the church of Satan presents its religious
dogma, if one will look honestly, he must confess it looks just like the world. One of the
great foundations of the synagogue of Satan is that the law cannot truly be kept. Satan
and his children will say that you should keep it and that you will keep it, but he always
interjects that you cannot really keep it and if anyone says they are keeping it, he heaps
upon them contempt and hatred. His is the doctrine of "getting better." This is the basis
of spiritualism. In many spiritualistic religions one is even given many lifetimes to get
better. Other religions, who don't believe you have many lifetimes to get better, still hold
you have this lifetime to get better. The whole basis of thought is that when you become
a Christian, you sin less and less until one day you are perfected and you don't sin
anymore. Of course, that day will be when Jesus comes. Spiritualism states that
"sanctification is the work of a lifetime." While that statement is true, the devil means by
that statement that it takes a lifetime to stop sinning. His ministers openly say that they
sin and everyone does. This is the message of the world.

WORLDLY MAXIMS
You have heard the maxim of the world, "Nobody's perfect" have you not? When
those who claim they are the church and commit fornication with the kings of the earth,
they are heard using the maxims of those kings. This makes them Babylon. This brings
confusion into the ranks of the people.

In the church of the Lord there is His own life so there is His own perfection. These
are in unity and peace with one another. These are brethren. This is not so in Satan's
synagogue. Since unity is not possible there, these must devise other means to stay in
control. One of these means is to create hierarchy of authority. Those at the top of this
hierarchy have gone through the greatest initiation. The leader of this hierarchy may
have the greatest number of degrees or the greatest achievements. The world honors
men with an educational system that gives men and women a title. They have gotten
better through much study and hard work. The Lord says of these, "How can ye believe,
which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God
only?" (John 5:44.) This honor of men and praising man is the way in which these hold
their kingdom. "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by
flatteries...." (Dan 11:32.)

WORLDLY MEN ATTAIN

 Look at the world. Worldly men go through a period of attainment. After they attain,
they are given a "degree" which testifies to their status in society. They are praised and
honored for their attainments. This is the world. When those who claim to be the church
of Christ fornicate with the world they use the same means. They, too, use the process
of the world. These honor and flatter and give degrees, but they little know that using
the world's methods of government is only to adopt the methods of the synagogue of
Satan.

The Bible calls the ministers of these religions merchants: "...and the merchants of
the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies." (Rev. 18:3.) What do
these merchants merchandise in? Among other things, verse 13 of Revelation 18 states
that the merchandise is the souls of men. Today's ministers of the church of Satan deal
in souls. But these ministers use the world's methods. They have committed fornication
with the world. Their titles are, "Holy Father" or "Reverend". These pastors are spoken
of by the Lord. "But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their
phylacteries (increase their degrees), and enlarge the borders of their garments (work to
be seen in greater religious endeavor), and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the
chief seats in the synagogues (the foremost noticeable church seat), and greeting in the
markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi (enjoy being noticed and called pastor
or reverend). But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye
are brethren." (Matt. 23:5-8.)

THE ATTITUDE
Notice that Jesus is dealing with attitudes. The attitude of these who belong to this
synagogue is the attitude of being noticed and being in authority. These have the last
word in board meeting or in religious discussions. These ministers rule over the church.
These are the "great men of the earth."

The church of the Lord sees itself as brethren. The minister is the humble servant of
all. His work is to bring souls to obedience to the master and not aggrandize himself.
These strive that their congregations receive the new heart which Christ offers. The
false shepherd is characterized by his rule over the church. He administrates and
controls. He is not concerned so much with the salvation of souls but, rather, with
numbers and money. He wants an impressive record for those looking on. This hireling
who poses as a shepherd will be found comparing his church growth with someone else
or comparing the offerings with some other church. These will boast of the church and
its exploits and make great flattering statements of the work of God's church on earth.
Another way to detect the counterfeit is to notice how this church gets her way. The
false church will go to the world to get its will fulfilled. "In order for the United States to
form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government
that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own
ends." (GC 443.) You can tell when an image to the beast has been formed. It is when a
church uses secular power to get what she wants. This can be seen if a church takes
another to court to get what she wants. Other ways this image is formed is if she uses
her power to get laws passed in her favor, then uses the secular police authorities to
enforce this law in her favor. She may force dissenters by having their church locked up
and the congregation removed by secular authorities. This is forming an image to the
great apostate of all time Rome. The great Roman church has for centuries held that the
law of God is subject to the will of the church. She has punished dissenters with secular
authority. She has boasted of her greatness. So it is with all the daughters of the
synagogue of Satan. Babylon is fallen is fallen. The churches of the land are full of the
wine of Babylon: "How much she hath glorified herself...." (Rev 18:7.) It is a popular thing
to be a "Christian" today because men know little of what it means to be one.

SPIRITUAL FORNICATION
It can be seen how one fornicates with the world. It is when one claims to be a child
of God but uses worldly methods to attain his ends. The world simply does what the
world does. God is not making accusation against them here. It is when men are in the
world, yet claim to be His children, that they bring Babylon (confusion) into the church.
No man is deceived that the world is Christian. Even the world does not claim to be
Christian. It is when the world dresses up in the clothing of religion, it is when wolves
put on sheep's clothing that the term Babylon applies. Indeed, in these last days the
churches of Satan everywhere are full of the corruption of man. The law of God has
been set aside except in lip service. The honor of the world in the use of degrees and
status has well nigh taken over every element of religious experience. The pride of man
and the pride of life is forever extolled. "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen and has
become the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.".

All throughout the land God's people are found. They may be found in a desolate
wilderness. They may be found in a humble setting. These may also be found in kings'
courts but they know and understand the basis of God's kingdom. These are born again.
They have the life of Jesus and they do not have respect for persons. That is, all men
are regarded the same to them. These do not attach to themselves titles and degrees to
be seen of all men. They do not extend their names with letters or other honor
descriptions. These do not take pleasure in being called "doctor" or "reverend." They
simply do their job faithfully and regard all men as beloved of the Father.

These men cannot be brought under the authority of any man, for they are under the
authority of God, but where man's laws do not conflict with God's laws, these will obey
them. These souls do not lose their temper or quarrel because they do not get their way.
This is God's church. This is the only church there is. The greatest goal of the church of
the Lord is not the goal of causing the institution to survive. That is Babylon. The
greatest goal of the church is to find those who are God's people anywhere on earth
and showing them that God has redeemed them and given them His life. The church
may be seen going door to door with their faces lighted up in perfect obedience to the
law of God. These are obedient subjects. These are not in competition for prizes and
honors. These seek no glory but the glory of Him who sent them. This is God's only
church.

COME OUT OF HER

The Lord says, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins,
and that ye receive not of her plagues." Notice the cause and effect relationship. If one
does not come out of the synagogue of Satan these will receive the same plagues that
the synagogue receives. When one supports apostasy, then they receive the judgments
that apostasy receives. The Lord is not here calling men out of the church. He is here
calling men into the church. "Come out of her my people" is saying, "come into my
church, my people." He says, "No longer follow the traditions of men but, rather, follow
after the commandments of God."
 HIS ONLY GIFT
THE GIFT OF HIS NAME
Chapter Thirteen

A great gift of God is His name. This is His only gift. He does not give us something
less than His name. When a child is adopted into a family he receives the family name.
We who have accepted the life of Jesus are accepted into God's own family and receive
the name of that family. "And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their
foreheads." (Rev. 22:4.)

The Scriptures tell of a last-day people who give a message of God's righteousness.
These are of the church of the Lord and bear their message just before the seven last
plagues are poured out. It is written of them, "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the
mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name
written in their foreheads." (Rev. 14:1.) In the Bible, one's name was always
representative of a characteristic of the individual. When Jacob had power with God he
was re-named Israel. This was to show a certain quality of Jacob. We also receive a
new name when we are born again and live the life of Jesus. We are not our old selves,
but a new man or woman in Christ. Because of this, our new name must reflect the
character of God. This new name will be proclaimed in the life and testimony of those
who bear it.

THE LORD PROCLAIMS HIS NAME

In Exodus 33:19 the Lord said to Moses, "I will proclaim the name of the Lord before
thee." In the 34th chapter, verse six, the Lord proclaims His own name. "And the Lord
passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious,
longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands,
forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty;
visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children,
unto the third and to the fourth generation."

In this we can see that God's name is love and justice. Love includes forgiveness
and mercy for thousands, and justice includes the characteristics of giving every man
what he sows to the third and fourth generation. We see the perfect righteousness of
God and the total righteousness of God in this name. God is perfect love and perfect
justice combined.

HE GIVES HIS JUDGMENT

 When we take Christ, we take perfect love and justice. Jesus said, "I can of mine
own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not
mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (John 5:30.) Christians have
just judgment because, as Christ, they are sons of God. The name of the Father is
written on their foreheads as it was on the forehead of Jesus. Our judgment is just, yet
not our judgment, but the judgment of the Father who lives in us.

Besides this, we have the spirit of Christ. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance...." (Gal. 5:22-23.)
These are the name of God and these are the name written on our foreheads if we have
the life of Christ.

OUR NEW NAME GIVEN

In Jeremiah 23 we find a modern-day description of the worldly church described
earlier and God's solution which is now taking place. He said, "Woe be unto the pastors
that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. Therefore thus saith
the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people (false ideas and
unrighteous doctrines); Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have
not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord. And I
will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and
will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. And I will set
up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be
dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord. Behold, the days come, saith the
Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper,
and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. (Notice the judgment and justice).
In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name
whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." The Christian has a
new name. His name is now called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. That is, the
Christian now has the character of God written on his forehead.

This name can only be taken by those who have the righteousness of the Lord as
their own righteousness. This name signifies their new character. These continue to
drink more deeply each day of the richness of God. Each day their repentance deepens
and they "follow the lamb withersoever He goeth." These have no guile in their mouth
and they are without fault before the throne of God. (See Rev. 14:4-5). These have the
name of the Father written on their foreheads. These are the church of the Lord. This is
the only church there is. There is none other.

THE SIGN
One might see the character of God in an individual by his life, but God has given
another visible sign of His character. This is a sign that God is the God who sanctifies
(makes holy) His people. "Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign
between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them." (Eze.
20:12.) This is a visible sign of the name of God in the believer. Through the years the
church of Satan has worked to make the Sabbath of no account. By this, he would take
the eye of man off of what it symbolized. Satan replaced the Sabbath of the Lord with
Sunday and, now, almost the whole earth wonders after the beast. Sunday symbolizes
the authority of man. There is no scriptural authority for this symbol, yet men cling to it
as though their lives depended on it. Even so, God's people have the Sabbath
experience engraven on their foreheads.

In Hebrews, chapters three and four, we have the foundation of the Sabbath. The
Lord said to the people, "And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest
(Sabbath), but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in
because of unbelief." (Heb. 3:18-19.) It is interesting to notice that these unbelievers who
would not enter into the rest (righteousness) of Christ did not enter because of unbelief.
It is also worth noting that these were observing the seventh-day Sabbath known as
Saturday to folks today. One can be a Saturday-keeper and not be keeping Sabbath, for
a Sabbath-keeper enters into rest.

The apostle Paul goes on with a warning. "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. For
unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not
profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed
do enter into rest...." (Heb. 4:1-3.) The Lord said, "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it
holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath
of the Lord thy God...." (Ex. 20:8-10.) The Sabbath can only be kept by the faithful.

There are many Saturday-keepers today who claim to be Sabbath-keepers. If any

sin remains in the life through unbelief, these are only Sunday-keepers on Saturday.
Almost all Israel did not enter into God's Sabbath rest, even though they went to church
on the right day, and, once again, many go to church on the right day, but in their
experience they do not keep Sabbath because they do not bear the name of the Father.
One must believe that the righteousness of God is his own righteousness, and live that
righteousness out continually before he can ever be a Sabbath-keeper. "Then the
Sabbath is a sign of Christ's power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ
makes holy." (DA. 288.)

The true Christian is called, "CHRIST OUR RIGHTEOUS NESS" and this name of
the Father is written on the foreheads of all who believe on Him. And those who believe
on Him enter into His rest which is symbolized by the seventh-day Sabbath. Keeping
the Sabbath holy is not merely keeping the right day. It is keeping the right life, even
Jesus' own life.

THE SIGN OF REBELLION

The Bible speaks of another sign. It is the mark of the beast. "And he causeth all,
both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand,
or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or
the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath
understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his
number is Six hundred threescore and six." (Rev. 13:16-18.) You may have heard that the
mark of the beast is a number placed on you. This is not the case. The mark of the
beast is received as the mark of God is received. Notice that the mark of God is placed
on the forehead as well as the mark of the beast. "To receive this mark means to come
to the same decision as the beast has done, and to advocate the same ideas, in direct
opposition to the Word of God." (BC 7A 979.)
 To have the mark of the beast in the forehead is to advocate the same ideas as the
beast advocates. When the Babylonian beast advocates that those who have Christ's
life sin on occasion, and they do not really live the life of Christ continually, those with
the mark of the beast on the forehead agree with him. These "church members" agree
with the beast that one is not free from sin but gets better instead. This is the
experience for which Sunday is a symbol, even though some may do that on Saturday.
To have the mark of the beast is also to agree that secular courts should be used to
punish dissenters. For instance, if these dissenters use the name of your church and
you do not want them to, you go to court to make them stop. This is forming an image to
the beast.

The mark of the beast on the hand mentioned here, is the active support of corrupted
men with one's tithes and offerings. When a minister of the synagogue of Satan
advocates that Christians sin, a member of his congregation may not agree, but if that
member supports that man with his tithes or offerings, he receives the mark of the beast
on his hand. This is done when one knowingly believes or supports one who believes in
the doctrines of the beast.

Babylon can keep Saturday, but Babylon cannot keep Sabbath. Babylon can claim to
be Christian, but Babylon cannot have the name of the Father written on the forehead.
The prophet again speaks, "And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and
them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark,
and over the number of his name...." (Rev. 15:2.) Here is mentioned those who have the
victory over the beast, and his image and mark. The believers believe the word of God
rather than the word of man. These have victory over the traditions of the world. One
might say, the Christians also have victory over all the holidays of the world.

Take a look and see what holidays the world observes. One major holiday is
Christmas. Although many nice things are said of this holiday, it would be well to see
what actually happens. Men exchange gifts, most of which are unneeded and some
unwanted. Children are trained not to observe Christ but, rather, what they will get. The
poor go without, feeling separated and even guilty because they cannot do for their
children what the rich can do for theirs. On top of this, large debt is entered into causing
many to suffer bondage the rest of their years. Is this the spirit of the Savior? Notice, the
celebrations of the world are not the Christian celebrations mentioned in the Bible.
When the world honors its gods with celebrations, it does it with speeches about their
gods. When Christians celebrate Biblical symbols, they are representing their own
experience. You may be surprised to notice that most all holidays the world promotes
have at its base personal selfishness or personal honor. Of course, the holidays of
selfishness are all dressed up in nice sayings and pretty speeches but, in reality, they
are for "me" and "myself." All such belief Christians shun. Christians have the name of
the Father and not the name of the beast on their forehead.

THE NUMBER OF MAN

This brings us to the last thing we have victory over. It is the number of the beast and
his number is 666. This is the number of mystery religions from antiquity. In fact, in
ancient religions the number 666 has as its meaning, "mystery." "And upon her
forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and
Abominations of the Earth." (Rev. 17:5.) Notice where the name is written. Notice mystery
Babylon. Babylon mixes the number of man into her religious experiments. She is
human-oriented rather than God-oriented. Her rites and symbols are couched in
mystery. One of the great mysteries of all time is how a man can have Christ in his life
and still choose sin. When things are not true they must be couched in mystery and
theological jargon. Man's educational system must complicate the salvation process
with ceremonies, mysteries and traditions. The number of man is mystery. The name of
God is simplicity. Whenever you do not want someone to see the plain truth, you couch
it in mystery and so has Babylon and so has her daughters.

The final and greatest mystery of all is the expected coming of Satan himself as the
long-expected messiah. In worldly religions today, there is hope in a messiah who will
come to make everything right. This messiah is coming, but the result will not be as
hoped. "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come (the coming
of Christ), except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the
son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that
is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is
God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now
ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of
iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the
way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the
spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him, whose
coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and
with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received
not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send
them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who
believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thess. 2:3-12.)

We have seen mystery Babylon and mystery of iniquity which is true wherever the
righteousness of Christ is not experienced. It has its basis in spiritualistic theories that
one betters himself with religious activity and tradition. Man has created mysterious
forms to make himself acceptable with God and he remains ignorant that there is only
one acceptable thing to God, and that is His perfect righteousness continually. This is
the only thing He offers, so it is the only thing He accepts. All others, knowing this, will
receive the mark of the beast. All of these will love unrighteousness, so God gives them
the deceptions they love. These will receive the messiah of their hope.

WHAT WE EAT IS WHO WE ARE

There are those who understand that their churches are in a fallen condition. They
remain in them in hopes of saving them. Each week as they hear the minister speak, a
deadly spiritual miasma fills the room. They leave with no spiritual power and wonder
why. A man cannot fill his mind with doubt, failure and unbelief, even if it does come
from a minister, and not be affected.

God has given us His name. It is "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." We have
been given His sign which is perfect obedience to all His commandments. This is
symbolized by His Sabbath day. His mark is on our hands, for we support His work with
our energies, tithes and offerings. We have been given the number of the kingdom. This
number is the number of Jerusalem. It is 144,000. We form His image which is His
character perfectly reproduced in us. So we have victory by partaking of His mark, His
name, His image and His number.
 For those who are lost is also a name given. It is "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE
GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." The
sign of this people is that they sin. These have refused the perfect righteousness of
Jesus. These wilfully transgress, even if on occasion. The mark or sign of this in
symbols is Sunday sacredness. One can tell by his life if this symbol is appropriate. It
represents the word of ecclesiastical authorities rather than the word of God. Those who
accept the word of these authorities as opposed to the word of God receive the mark of
the beast in their foreheads. They receive the mark in their hand when they support
unrighteousness by their energies or their tithes and offerings. They form an image to
the beast by using force and the law of man to get their wishes. These receive the
number of man which is 666.

There are only two movements at work. No one is standing on the sidelines watching.
All are either brandishing their sword for the enemy of man, or brandishing the sword of
the Lord. Not one is excluded. This even includes small children and babies. All are
involved in the conflict.

The question to ask is, whose name do I bear? Do I bear the name of God or the
name of Babylon? Do I choose sin on occasion? Do I reflect the image of Jesus? Do I
carry His number? Who does my hand support? God has given each one his own work
that he must do for himself. Our religions will not save us. Our ministers will not write the
name of God on our foreheads for us. No! It is something God gives each one to do for
himself. Come out of the ways of false religion and choose the name of God.

HIS ONLY GIFT

THE GIFT OF HIS RESTORATION
Chapter Fourteen

It is a wonderful thing to see that God is never without a remedy. Truly, nothing is too
hard for Him. When King Nebuchadnezzar went insane and ate grass in a field for
seven years, his kingdom was kept safe and sound for him and given back to him upon
his return (See Daniel 4). Can you imagine that happening today? When Israel was
taken captive from their land and all things at home left in ruins, they were given the
promise that it would be restored to them after seventy years. After that time it was
restored. God is truly in control of all the affairs of life. What man imagines it is ever any
different than that?

Now we are in a time of deep apostasy. All of religion is turning from God. There are
now hundreds of denominations and each has set up a peculiar kingdom of its own.
Each denomination has set up its standard and its expectation and the members
dutifully follow the ecclesiastical authorities. The blind lead the blind and they all fall into
a pit. Winds of doctrine blow and no one knows for sure where they blow, and each man
does what is right in his own eyes.

Who can bring anything clean out of that? Certainly God has given up, things are in
such a mess. But no! We are seeing again the foolishness of man and the wisdom of
God. Even in today's world God is making all things new. He is raising up His church to
reap once again. We have seen the 144,000. We have seen these who have God's
character written on their foreheads. We have seen the name that they are called. Now
we will look at the prophecy that is being fulfilled by these thousands. We will see that
God is not unfaithful concerning His promises, even though these promises do not look
exactly as one might have supposed.

THE RESTORATION OF MICAH 4

The prophecy is found in Micah, chapter 4. Satan has devised a plan whereby many
will miss the import of this prophecy. He uses what is called futurism. It means the
prophecy is in the future sometime. But, as we shall see, this prophecy is now taking
place. It is now, in the last days, that God is once again fulfilling His word. The prophecy
starts by saying, "It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house
of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains and shall be raised up
above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it...." Here is pictured God's people, Zion. This
mountain is above every other mountain. It is above everything that is set on high. Here,
also, is pictured that people are coming to God's church. This is not a denomination, but
a people who love God and obey Him continually. And it is pictured here that people are
flowing to it. Everywhere these people desire the message of those who have the
Father's name written on their foreheads.

"And many nations shall come, and say: 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the
Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us his ways and we may
walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from
Jerusalem.' " (Micah 4:2.) Here is pictured people of all races coming to God's people to
hear the word of God. There are things mentioned in this portion of Scripture worth
taking special note of. The people are expecting to be taught the ways of God. In
Psalms 95, verses 10-11, the Lord says, "Forty years long was I grieved with this
generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known
my ways: unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest." This
is not the case in Micah. These people have entered into the rest of Christ, for they are
being taught the ways of God. Israel did not accept the laws of cause and effect. They
were always blaming Moses or the Lord for some problem that had come upon them.
So it is with the fleshly mind. These cannot see that they are the creators of all their woe.
But with these who are finding the ways of God, there is no such reproach upon the
Savior. "We will learn of His ways and we will walk in His paths." They are saying, "We
will walk in His laws." How different that sounds than that which comes from the pulpits
of Babylon. The message goes out, "You can't really obey God's laws continually."
Others say, "You can obey, but you had better not say it if you are." These apostates
want to be sure the witness is not heard in the earth. This does not affect God's people.
They say, "We will keep His commandments. We will walk where He walks." This brings
to mind again the description of the 144,000. "...These are they which follow the Lamb
whithersoever he goeth...." (Rev. 14:4.) These follow in the footprints of Jesus continually.
 PERFECT OBEDIENCE PROCLAIMED
The last thing mentioned in this portion is, "For out of Zion shall go forth the law."
The law of God which is not taken seriously by the multitudes is here expressed. Out of
Zion goes the law. This is not a mere belief. This is the life of the people of God. These
perfectly obey the law continually. This is not a legalism or a perfectionism, but the very
life of Jesus. The people of God delight that the law flows from them. This is the
greatest joy there is.

"He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations afar off;
and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more...."
(Micah 4:3.) He shall judge. This judgment is mentioned in the last chapter of the Bible.
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to
preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue,
and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his
judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the
fountains of waters." (Rev. 14:6-7.) When God judges in the midst of peoples they learn to
worship Him. He shows them righteous judgment. He shows all things. Jesus said, "For
nothing is hid except to be shown and nothing kept secret except to be revealed." (Mark
4:22.) When a man has his very thoughts revealed to him and he is honest in heart, he
comes to the Lord breaking his weapons of war and making tools of peace. These do
not fight or argue anymore. They do not take up sides and try to force the other into
submission. These do not frustrate their children with ill treatment, but always work to
bring peace to the home and to the world. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers."
These are they who learn war no more.

THEY HAVE NO FEAR

"But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and none shall
make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken." (Micah 4:4.) The picture
given here is that each man is happy to be with his own things and he is fearless that
any will take them from him. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out
fear...." (1 John 4:18.) It is written again of God's children, "But whoso hearkeneth unto me
shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil." (Pr. 1:33.) The ones who Micah
describes are God's children. Having His love they fear no evil but quietly abide at their
place of rest.

"For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of
the Lord our God for ever and ever." (Micah 4:5.) Some would suggest this was a boast. If
it is, it is a boast in the Lord. We read here that all the people walk after their own god.
They have named their god some name. They worship the names of their churches or
they worship the names of their countries. These say, "You should belong to the true
name or say the true name like us." Even so, the people of God do not go in for such
things. These say, "We walk in the name of the Lord." Not only this, but they say we will
do this forever and without ceasing. They say they shall not fall away from Him. These
continue to walk in the "LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." And they do this continually.

THE SICK ARE HEALED

 "In that day, says the Lord, I will assemble the lame and gather those who have been
driven away, and those whom I have afflicted; and the lame I will make the remnant."
(Micah 4:6-7.) Jesus said, "And these signs shall follow them that believe...they shall lay
hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:17-18.) These will pray for the sick
and lay hands on them and they shall be healed. Notice there is not a mention of drug
use here. It does not say, "They shall call an ambulance and they shall go to the
hospital and they shall recover." The worldly view of healing is totally left out. Their faith
is simple and their methods are unpolluted. The lame will be made a remnant. God's
people will be made to recover.

"And you, O tower of the flock, hill of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, the
former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem." (Micah 4:8.)
Here mentioned is the dominion restored. This is the kingdom returned. This is Jesus'
own life. Both the message of John the Baptist and Jesus was, "...Repent ye: for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt. 3:2.) Jesus came to show this dominion. He had
power over the storm and every other thing. He came to restore this dominion to us and
these last-day Christians have this dominion restored. "For verily I say unto you, That
whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the
sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith
shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." (Mark 11:23.) "Here are they that
have the faith of Jesus." (See Rev 14:12). These believers walk in the light of the name
of God which is the LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. These walk in His attributes and
possess His kingdom. This is the restoration. This is now taking place.

"Now why do you cry aloud? Is there no king in you? Has your counselor perished,
that pangs have seized you like a woman in travail? Writhe and groan, O daughter of
Zion, like a woman in travail; for now you shall go forth from the city and dwell in the
open country; you shall go to Babylon. There you shall be rescued, there the Lord will
redeem you from the hand of your enemies." (Micah 4:9-10.) Here, mentioned, is the
agony God's people suffer as they are citizens of Babylon. These agonize throughout
the land. The people of God are like a woman in childbirth waiting to be delivered. They
wait for the call and now it comes. "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,
Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not
of her plagues." (Rev. 18:4.) When they hear this call they come; out of the cities, out of
apostasy, and, they carry the banner of Christ. They walk pure, holy and undefiled.
They come to the mountain of the Lord. The Lord redeems us from the hand of our
enemies. "Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes
for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments,
leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers will
be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions.
Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the
words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results
of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism,
the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power--all will be unmasked. By these
solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who
have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon
is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth
sent to her from heaven. As the people go to their former teachers with the eager
inquiry, Are these things so? the ministers present fables, prophesy smooth things, to
soothe their fears, and quiet the awakened conscience. But, since many refuse to be
satisfied with the mere authority of men, and demand a plain "Thus saith the Lord," the
popular ministry, like the Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is
questioned, will denounce the message as of Satan and stir up the sin-loving multitudes
to revile and persecute those who proclaim it." (GC 606-607.)

ENEMIES PERSECUTE THEM IN VAIN

Now many nations are assembled against you, saying, "Let her be profaned, and let
our eyes gaze upon Zion." But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord, they do not
understand His plan, that He has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing floor.
These citizens of heaven are looked upon as offshoots and separatists. While the
religions of Babylon separate themselves from God, they accuse God's people of
causing troubles because they will not follow in the path of the denominations. They
refuse to take the path of Rome. They refuse to sin on occasion. They refuse the hellish
theories that allow the carnal man to live while claiming to be God's children. Because
of this, the nations assemble against the Christian. When they bear their testimony that
God has worked in their lives and the victory has been given to them, Babylon responds,
"Let her be profaned." These cry "blasphemy!" They respond, "He maketh himself
sinless." Babylon heaps contempt upon the children of the King but these shall not
prevail.

"Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion, for I will make your horn iron and your hoofs
bronze; you shall beat in pieces many peoples, and shall devote their gain to the Lord,
their wealth to the Lord of the whole earth." (Micah 4:13.) The Lord describes this
message as the message that destroys falsehood. "And another angel came out of the
temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and
reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe." (Rev.
14:15.) God's people are described as the angel that puts in a sickle and reaps. They
bring the message of righteousness to the earth and "beat in pieces many people." This
does not signify that one is cruel. Instead, it presents the action of the Lord and what
truth does to the multitudes. "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight
against them with the sword of my mouth." (Rev. 2:16.) "Think not that I am come to send
peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at
variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-
law against her mother-in-law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."
(Matt. 10:34-36.) Notice what the weapon is. It is the sword of the Word. The world thinks it
cruel that God's people should rebuke sin. They see it as a divisive sword. They call
God's people controversial and even critical. But the Lord says of His people, "I will
make your horn iron and your hoofs bronze."

We have described in this book of Micah the restoring of God's people "not to worldly
glory and honor" but to righteousness and power. These are those who are called the
144,000. This is the kingdom number for those who live the life of Christ continually and
who put in the sickle and reap. All will be reaped for heaven or for destruction by this
people who are now taking the field. The rain of the Spirit of God is coming upon them,
and they cannot but do the will of Him who calls them out of Babylon into His own
glorious city, Jerusalem.

NO SIDE ISSUES
 The people of God, here pictured, are not concerning themselves with the political
arguments of the day. They do not concern themselves with some future earthquake or
if the stock market is going to crash. They do not concern themselves with bank failures.
There is only one thought in their foreheads and that is to reflect the image of Christ.
The news of the world that excites the mind to an unnatural pitch is not their focus.
These only have one thing in mind, "We will learn of His ways and walk in His paths."
These are the children of God. These are the restored and, even now, they have taken
to the field with their swords in the name of the Lord their God.

HIS ONLY GIFT

THE GIFT OF HIS PROPHESY
Chapter Fifteen

The last thing Jesus said before He died on the cross was, "It is finished." God's
people also have a work to do and it, too, will be finished. This is accomplished through
the spirit of prophecy. Two things are going on simultaneously. One is that the earth is
being judged, and, the other is that the people of God are being judged. There is a
specific prophecy in the Bible that deals with this wonderful event.

In Daniel, chapter 2, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. In this dream there was a
great image representing the kingdoms that would rule over the earth. Daniel was asked
to explain this dream to the king for it greatly perplexed him. Daniel began to explain
this strange dream. The head of this great image was gold and that represented King
Nebuchadnezzar. The breast and arms were silver and that represented the kingdom of
the Medes and Persians who would rule the world after Babylon fell. The belly and
thighs were of brass and they represented the kingdom of Greece which would rule the
world after the Medes and Persians. The fourth kingdom to rise was Rome and that was
represented by the legs of iron and, finally, the feet were part of iron and part of clay
which represented many nations "some strong and some weak" who would exist at the
very end of time.

THE KINGDOM COMES

Then something very significant happens. The kingdom we discussed in the previous
chapter comes to the scene. "As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand,
and it smote the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces; then the
iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces,
and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them
away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image
became a great mountain and filled the whole earth." (Dan. 2:34-35.)
 It is interesting to notice that the kingdoms mentioned in the image were all pagan.
They all were filled with human theories and traditions. These were all of the world. But
this could not be said of the last kingdom. The image could be seen as the kingdoms of
men, but this last kingdom mentioned was the kingdom of God. In the time of these last-
day nations, represented by the feet of the great image, something new and wonderful
would take place. "And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a
kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another
people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall
stand for ever; just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand,
and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great
God has made known to the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain, and its
interpretation sure." (Dan. 2:44-45.)

In this small section of Scripture rests the secret of the ages. Some have desired to
make this scripture future or save it for the coming of Jesus, but far more than most
imagine is happening here. A stone, cut out of the mountain of God, breaks in pieces
and consumes the nations of the earth. Does that bring to mind Micah 4:13? "And thou
shalt beat in pieces many people." God's people, who have the name of the Father
written on their foreheads, are that stone that comes from Mount Zion and crushes the
image. It breaks in pieces many kingdoms. No man has had a hand in bringing forth this
kingdom, for the Lord is taking the work into His own hands and this is the kingdom He
is setting up. This is the kingdom within. This is the life of Christ in the believer.

THE BATTLE IS SET

How is this kingdom going to destroy the kingdoms of the earth? How is this stone
going to break in pieces the great image? The answer is found in Revelation 19:11-13.
"And I saw 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; and he had a name written,
that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:
and his name is called The Word of God." Jesus (the Word of God) is here seen riding
upon a white horse and He comes in righteous judgment. This is an accurate picture of
the work of the Word of God. He comes to reveal His judgment to all. "For there is
nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it
should come abroad." (Mark 4:22.) The Word of God is the testimony of Jesus. As Jesus
gives His testimony the kingdoms of the earth are judged. In Revelation 19:10 we are
told "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

NO ONE BUYS THEIR MERCHANDISE ANYMORE

When one beholds the true nature of Babylon, and the Word of God through the
spirit of prophecy reveals Babylon's deceptive and evil qualities, something very
interesting happens. The followers of Babylon lose their loyalty to her. The Word says,
"And the merchants of the earth (ministers in Babylon) shall weep and mourn over her;
for no man buyeth their merchandise any more." (Rev. 18:11.) Have you ever heard
anyone say, "I don't buy his story?" This is what will happen in this case. Ministers of
Babylon who show themselves as righteous men creating ceremonies to influence and
impress the multitudes, will be exposed as impostors. They will be exposed as agents of
unrighteousness and, when this is done, no man will buy their merchandise anymore.
 The Lord decrees, "And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and
the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy
merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations
deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were
slain upon the earth." (Rev. 18:23-24.) Babylon has created "the great man of the earth"
with her educational system. She makes men doctors of the law and these "great men"
form the policies and theologies that have manipulated the masses for hundreds of
years. Even so, the day soon comes when no man buyeth their merchandise anymore.

As the multitudes see the deception and fraud of the false theories of the religion of
the merchants, the honest in heart leave this system of things and unify with the
righteousness of God. A short time later the other class, who have been kept in
subjection by fear and superstition, will throw off the restraints of conscience and bring
down this apostate woman with fire and violence. The population will turn on the pastors
that previously they held in honor. "And the kings of the earth, who have committed
fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they
shall see the smoke of her burning, standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying,
Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment
come. ...And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the
sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall
be found no more at all." (Rev. 18:9, 10, 21.)

THEY DESTROY THEMSELVES

The great supporters of all apostate religion will destroy the false woman themselves,
because the sword of God's word given in the spirit of prophecy will have laid bare her
impurity. This will be the great revolution that finally destroys the whole earth. Too late
these people see the end of it all, for even though they see the woman in her
nakedness and even though they reject the ways of her profession, they cannot repent.
They have too long rejected the invitation of mercy. They have too long stifled the
admonitions of conscience and all that is left for them is blood to drink.

The Word of God continues to look at the battle now in progress and soon to
culminate. "And the armies which were in heaven (believers with the life of Jesus)
followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his
mouth goeth a sharp sword (the Word), 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." (Rev. 19:14-16.) Here, again, is pictured the process of
"breaking in pieces many people." Jesus spoke of this process when He said, "And
whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will
grind him to powder." (Matt. 21:44.) This is the stone that breaks in pieces the image of
Nebuchadnezzar's dream. This is the breaking in pieces described in Micah, chapter
four. This is the final act that is now taking place.

Some would relegate the prophecy of the horse and rider to some heavenly
experience after the earth is destroyed, but the facts of this chapter of Scripture will not
warrant that assumption. As we read on we can see the significance of the battle we are
now entering. "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies,
gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army."
(Rev. 19:19.) The world will persecute the saints of God as they have in history. The great
whore of Revelation will not go down without a fight. The "great men of earth" will do
everything possible to destroy this people of God. They will seek to spread rumors and
lies to bring reproach upon this people. Even so, it will be to no avail. "And the beast
was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which
he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his
image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the
remnant were slain with the sword (Word) of him that sat upon the horse, which sword
proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh." (Rev. 19:19-21.)

As God's Word is spread abroad with a great light, the beast and the woman
(churches) that ride on the beast all work to stop this message. God's people give their
testimony that the life of Jesus is in them and that they will follow Him forever. The
whore (Babylon) hates this message, for it reveals to all that she does not possess this
life. She says, "You can't say you won't fall. You might fall." She also says, "These
people make themselves sinless." The lives of God's people bring condemnation to
them. These hate the message of victory because they recognize the message will
destroy their many and various denominations. These merchants who have fornicated
with the kings of the earth fear that they might lose their merchandise which the Bible
says is the "souls of men ." (Rev. 18:13.) No more will they be able to enslave men in sin,
for God's sword goes out to reveal that His people do not sin, but live His own life.
These also bear the testimony of Jesus which is the spirit of prophecy.

THE WROTH ONES ARE THE DRAGON

The hatred of the false woman is revealed against the bearers of God's Word. "And
the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her
seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
(Rev. 12:17.) There are many who give lip service to the commandments of God. These
will say, "Yes, one ought to keep the commandments." When one suggests that Christ
has come into his heart and enabled him to keep the commandments, the wrath of
these false professors is evident. One will have no difficulty realizing who the dragon is.
It is the one who hates the testimony Christians bear. The testimony is that they have
received Christ's life as a gift and now Jesus lives within them. The dragon is wroth with
those who actually do keep the commandments of God. He is not wroth with those who
say you should.

The dragon is also wroth with those who have the testimony of Jesus. He fears this
testimony since it is spelling doom to his subjects. He will finally lose the agreement of
all men and those who sided with him will be destroyed with him in the fiery
conflagration. The dragon's wrath and the persecution from apostate religion will avail
nothing. When the great apostate power, Rome, ruled in the Middle Ages the Word
reveals, "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them:
and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." (Rev. 13:7.) Rome
held power persecuting millions for their faith. Rome once again dispatches her vicar to
gather the earth into her power and all her daughters follow after her, but the fortunes of
war this time will be far different, for the word of the Lord has spoken it. "These shall
make war with (persecute) the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord
of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and
faithful." (Rev. 17:14.) We are now in a time that has never been before. It is a time when
the people of God overcome all the deceptions of these days. The lie has no power over
them.
 THEY OVERCOME IN THREE WAYS
Why do these people of God overcome? How is it that they are invincible? "And they
overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they
loved not their lives unto the death." (Rev. 12:11.) The Scriptures mention three things in
the verse that gave God's people their victory. First of all, they overcame by the blood of
the Lamb. That is, they overcame by the very life of Jesus in them for "the life is in the
blood." These servants of God live the life of Jesus continually. These never relinquish
their hold on Him. Secondly, they overcame by the word of their testimony. They have
the spirit of prophecy. They have the testimony Jesus has. They bear witness against
the corruptions of the day rather than pacifying them. They do not whitewash evil and
call it a mistake. These sigh and cry for the abominations done in the church. These do
not sit quietly by, smiling in hopes that one day the church will get better. No, they
clearly sound the warning and, more than that, they do not worship with those who hate
righteousness. They separate themselves from these daughters of Babylon. Thirdly,
they love not their life unto death. These would rather die than commit a single wrong
act. These would rather die than bring down the honor of their Master. These have
counted the cost. They have given up their lives to the righteousness of Christ and now
they live His life rather than their own. This is how they overcome the great whore of
Rome and all her children. This is how they overcome all the various denominations that
yield to the forces of sin. This is how they are victors in Jesus.

Reader, how are things in your own life? Are you a dead man who follows the
dictates of your ecclesiastical authority, or have you heard the voice of God? Have you
come out of apostasy? Do you cling to your religious denomination, hoping that by
going along with the multitudes you will surely find salvation? Or do you hear the voice
of God? Do you know in whom you have believed? Do you know the power of God
dwells in you? Do you have the spirit of prophecy that gives life to the word that you
speak? Do you know yourself?

Very soon now, the nations of the earth will be finished. Very soon, the religions of
the earth will be erased. Soon, the fires of destruction will burn, indeed, they already
burn. If you have not done so, would you accept this only gift of God? Would you take
Him to be your Savior? When you take Him you will live His very own life. Would you
like to have this life? This is how you will be counted worthy to escape these things
coming upon the earth. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be
accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand
before the Son of man." (Luke 21:36.) The Lord says, "A thousand shall fall at thy side,
and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee." (Ps. 91:7.) As the final
destruction comes upon the earth and the waves of despair and war rage among the
nations, you will be preserved.

The hour of probation is soon to end. And what is it that you put your trust in? What
is it that you hope in? Are you prepared for the times in which we live? The spirit of
prophecy is going out even now in the voice of those who know Him. These are even
now saying, "...Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is
come...Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of
the wine of the wrath of her fornication...If any man worship the beast and his image,
and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of
the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation;
and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels,
and in the presence of the Lamb. ...Come out of her, my people, that ye be not
partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." (Rev. 14:7-10; 18:4.)

The mercy of God is extended. Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28.) Jesus asks you to be in His
church. He asks you to be in Him, who continually obeys and follows the Lamb
wherever He goes. The church is not a building, but an experience. "Come unto me."
The spirit of prophecy is speaking to each heart. Take Him. He will never fail you. He
gives you all that He has. This is His only gift.