JOHN BIDDLE’S TWOFOLD CATECHISM
Before reading the twofold catechism written by
John Biddle it would be enlightening to read his biography:
https://allonmaxwell.com/biddle/biddlbio.htm
I have edited the twofold catechism and I hope I have done so that pays respect to John Biddle's work.
Chapter I: Of the holy Scripture, or Word of God.
Question: What does the Scripture testify concerning its own authority?
Answer: All Scripture is given
by inspiration of God. 2 Timothy
3:16.
Question: What, concerning its own usefulness and excellency?
Answer: All Scripture is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God
may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16,
17.
The Law of Yehovah is perfect, converting the soul.
The statutes of Yehovah are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of Yehovah is
pure, enlightening the eyes.
The judgements of Yehovah are true and righteous
altogether. More to be desired are they then gold, yea then much fine gold:
sweeter also then honey, and the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great
reward. Psalm 19:7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
The words of Yehovah are pure words: as silver
tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Psalm 12:6.
Thy testimonies are wonderful, therefore does my soul keep them. Psalm 119:129.
Question: What do the Scripture testify concerning its own insufficiency?
A. The holy Scriptures can make wise unto salvation, through faith
which is in the Messiah Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15.
These are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,
and that believing you might have life through his name. John 20:31.
Question: How would you answer those, who (notwithstanding the
testimony of the Scripture touching its own sufficiency)
should tell you, that certain traditions and commandments of men are necessary to salvation?
Answer: You have made the commandment of God of none effect by your
tradition. In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments
of men. Matthew 15:6, 9.
Question: What would you say to a man introducing a new form of words not found in the
Scriptures, and such doctrines that tend not to godliness?
Answer: Hold fast the form of sound words which you have heard, in faith
and love which is in the Messiah Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:13.
If any man teaches otherwise, and consents not
to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus the Messiah, and to the
doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but
doting about questions and strafes of words. 1 Timoty 6:3, 4.
Let that abide in you, which you have heard
from the beginning. 1 John 2:24.
Question: What benefit shall redound unto us thereby?
Answer: If that which you have heard from the beginning, shall remain in
you, you shall continue in the son, and in the Father. 1 John 2:24.
Question: What would you say to such as should require you to follow
the judgement of Fathers, Councils, and learned
divines, when you find it not agreeable to the Scriptures?
Answer: To the law, and to
the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is
no light in them. Isaiah 8:20.
Question: Is the Scripture plain enough to be understood, even by the
simple?
Answer: The testimony of Yehovah is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm
19:7.
The entrance of your words give light, it gives
understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130.
Question: Is the Word of God a dead letter of itself?
Answer: The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than
any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews
4:12.
The words that I speak unto you, they are
spirit, and they are life. John 6:63.
Question: But do the things recorded in the Word of God concern us?
Answer: Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have
hope. Romans 15:4.
Whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a
wise man which built his house upon a rock. Matthew 7:24.
Question: What are the most affectionate passages in all the Scripture, flowing from the
mouth of one who loves the Word of God?
Answer: I have rejoiced in the
way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
My soul breakout for the longing that it always
has unto your judgements.
O how I love your law! it is my meditation all day.
How sweet are your words unto my taste! yea,
sweeter than honey to my mouth.
I love thy commandments above gold, yea above
fine gold.
I rejoice at you word, as one that finds great
spoil. Psalm 119:14, 20, 97, 103, 127, 162.
CHAPTER 2: Of God.
Question: How many Gods of Christians are there?
Answer: The is one God. Ephesians 4:6, John 17:3.
Question: Who is this one God?
Answer: The Father, of whom are all things. 1 Corinthians 8:6.
Question: What is this one God?
Answer: A spirit. John 4:24.
Question: Have you more ample descriptions of God in the Scripture?
Answer: He is the blessed and only sovereign, the King of kings, and Lord of lords: Who only
has immortality, dwelling in the light which
no man can approach unto; whom no man
has seen, nor can see. 1 Timothy 6:15, 16.
Yehovah is gracious, and full of compassion: slow to anger, and of great mercy.
Yehovah is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works. Psalm
145:8, 9.
Question: Is not God, according to the current of the Scripture, in a
certain place, namely heaven?
Answer: Our God is in the heavens. Psalm 115:3.
Yehovah looks from heaven: he beholds all the sons of men.
From the place of His habitation, he looks upon all the inhabitants of the earth. Psalm
33:13, 14.
Be not rash with your mouth and let not your
heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and you
upon earth. Ecclesiastes 5:2.
Look down from your habitation, from heaven,
and bless your people, Israel. Deuteronomy 26:15.
Look down from heaven, and behold from
the habitation of your holiness, and of your glory. Isaiah 63:15.
Hear you from you dwelling place, from
heaven.
Hear you from heaven.
Hear you from the heavens.
Hear you from heaven.
Hear you from heaven your dwelling place.
Hear you from the heavens, even from your
dwelling place.
Hear you from the heavens.
Hear you from the heavens, even from your
dwelling place. 2 Chronicles 6:21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 33, 35, 39.
Your Father who is in heaven.
Your Father who is in heaven.
Your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16,
45, 48.
Your Father who is in heaven.
Our Father who is in heaven. Matthew 6:2,
9.
Your Father who is in heaven.
My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:11,
21.
In heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 18:10.
These words spoke Jesus, and lifted his eyes to heaven,
and said, Father, the hour is come, glorify your son, that your son also may glorify
you.
I have glorified you on the earth.
And now, O Father, glorify me with your own
self. John 17:1, 4, 5.
I came forth from the Father, and am come into
the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. John 16:28.
Jesus knew that his hour was come, that he
should depart out of this world to the Father. John 13:1.
And he being full of the holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly
into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand
of God.
And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened,
and the son of man standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7:55, 56.
Question: Is God in the Scripture said to have any likeness, image,
similitude, person, and shape?
Answer: God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness.
So, God created man in his own image, in the
image of God created he him. Genesis 1:26, 27.
In the day that God created man, in the
likeness of God made he him. Genesis 5:1.
Whoso sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood
be shed: for in the image of God He made man. Genesis 9:6.
My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in
all my house.
With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even
apparently, and not in dark speeches: and the similitude of Yehovah
shall he behold. Numbers 12:7,
8.
Therewith we bless God, even the Father: and
therewith we curse men, which are made after the similitude of God. James
3:9.
Will you speak wickedly for God, and talk
deceitfully for him?
Will you accept his person? Job 13:7, 8.
The Father himself, who has sent me, has born
witness of me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His
shape. John 5:37.
Question: What passage of the Scripture intimates, not only that the Saints, in the prefect state of the world to come, shall see God
face to face, but also comprehend, or fully know Him?
Answer: When that which is perfect, is come, then that which is in part,
shall be done away.
For now, we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in
part, but then I shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians
13:10, 12.
Question: Are there not, according to the perpetual tenure of the Scripture, affections, or
passions in God, as anger, fury, zeal, wrath, love, hatred, mercy, grace, jealousy,
repentance, grief, joy, fear?
Answer: Israel joined himself to Baal-Peor: and the anger of Yehovah
was kindled against Israel.
And Yehovah said unto Moses, take all the heads
of the people, and hang them up before Yehovah against the sun, that the
fierce anger of Yehovah may be turned away. Numbers 25:3, 4.
Thus, shall my anger be accomplished, and
I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and
they shall know that I Yehovah have spoken it in my zeal, when I have
accomplished my fury in them. Ezekiel 5:13.
Moses besought Yehovah his God, and said, Yehovah,
why does your wrath wax hot against your people?
Turn from your fierce wrath. Exodus 32:11,
12.
The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness, and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in
unrighteousness. Romans 1:18.
The God of love and peace shall be with you. 2 Corinthians
13:11.
He that loves not, knows not God, for God is
love.
God is love, and he that dwells in love, dwells in God, and God in him. 1 John
4:8, 16.
You are not a God that has pleasure in
wickedness.
You hate all workers of iniquity. Psalm 5:4, 5.
Blessed be God even the Father of our Lord Jesus
the Messiah; the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians
1:3.
God who is rich in mercy. Ephesians 2:4.
The God of all grace. 1 Peter 5:10.
Yehovah God, merciful and gracious. Exodus
34:6.
I Yehovah your God, am a jealous God. Exodus
20:5.
They have moved me to jealousy with that
which is not God. Deuteronomy 32:21.
Yehovah repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his
people. Exodus 32:14.
And it repented Yehovah that he had made
man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart.
And Yehovah said, I will destroy man whom I have
created, from the face of the earth, both man and beast, and the creeping
thing, and the fowls of the air: for it repens me that I have made them.
Genesis 6:6, 7.
And they put away the strange gods from among
them, and served Yehovah, and His soul was grieved for the misery of
Israel. Judges 10:16.
Yehovah will again rejoice over you for
good, as He rejoiced over thy fathers. Deuteronomy 30:9.
I said, I would scatter them into corners, I
would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men:
Was it not that I feared the wrath of the
enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they
should say, our hand is high, and Yehovah has not done all this? Deuteronomy
32:26, 27.
Question: Doth not God know all our thoughts, words and actions?
Answer: You know my down-sitting, and mine up-rising; you understand my
thought afar off.
You compass my path, and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, O
Yehovah, you know it all together.
Psalm 139:2, 3, 4.
Question: As for our free actions, which are neither past, nor present, but
may afterwards either be or not be, what are the chief passages of the
Scripture, from whence it is wont to be gathered, that God knows not such actions, till they come to pass? yea, that there are
such actions?
Answer: Out of the ground Elohim - God formed every beast of the field,
and every fowl of the air, and
brought them unto Adam, to see what
he would call them. Genesis 2:19.
Note: Can we begin to imagine the genius of the man Adam who was able
to name all the animals and birds that God had created.
Adonai – the Lord God said, Behold, the man is
become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now lest he put forth his
hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.
Therefore, Adonai - the Lord God sent him forth
from the garden of Eden. Genesis 3:22, 23.
And God saw that the wickedness of man was great
in the earth, and that every
imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
And it repented Adonai - the Lord that He
had made man, and it grieved Him at His heart.
Note: Is not the heart of our God and Father Yehovah not grieved
greatly by what men and women are doing in their rebellion against Him today?
And Adonai - the Lord said, I will destroy man,
whom I have created, from the face of the earth, both man and beast, and the
creeping thing, and the fowls of the air: for it repents me that I have made
them. Genesis 6:5, 6, 7.
And it came to pass that God tempted Abraham,
and said unto him,
Take now your son, thine only – uniquely
begotten son Isaac, and offer him for a burnt-offering.
And Abraham stretched forth his hand and took
the knife to slay his son.
And the angel of Yehovah called unto him, and
said, lay not your hand upon the lad, neither do your anything unto him: for now,
I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your uniquely
begotten son, from me. Genesis 22:1, 2, 10, 11, 12.
And God said unto Moses, Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto
them, Yehovah the God of your fathers appeared unto me.
And they shall hearken to your voice.
And Moses answered, and said, but behold, they
will not believe me; nor hearken to my voice.
And Yehovah said unto him, what is that in your
hand? And he said, a rod.
And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast
it on the ground, and it became a
serpent.
And Yehovah said to Moses, put forth your hand,
and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it
became a rod in his hand.
That they may believe that Yehovah the God of
their fathers has appeared to you.
And Yehovah said furthermore unto him, put now your
hand into your bosom. And he put his hand
into his bosom: and when he took it
out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
And he said, put your hand into your bosom
again. And he put his hand into his bosom again, and plucked it out of his bosom,
and behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.
And it shall come to pass, if they will not
believe thee, nor hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will
believe the voice of the latter sign.
And it shall come to pass, if they will not
believe also these two signs, neither hearken to your voice, that you shalt take of the water of the river
and pour it upon the dry land: and the water, which you take out of the river,
shall become blood upon the dry land. Exodus 3:15, 16, 18. Exodus
4:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the
people go, God led them not thorough the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near: for God said, lest
peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.
Exodus 13:17.
Then said Yehovah unto Moses, behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and
the people shall go out, and gather a certain rate every day, that I may
prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. Exodus 16:4.
And Yehovah repented of the evil which he
thought to do unto his people. Exodus 32:14.
I have heard the murmurings of the children of
Israel, which they murmur against me.
Doubtless you shall not come into the land
concerning which I swore to make you dwell therein. Numbers 14:27, 30.
You shall remember all the way which Yehovah your
God led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you, and to prove
you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments,
or no. Deuteronomy 8:2.
Yehovah your God proves you, to know whether you
love Yehovah your God with all your heart, and with all your being. Deuteronomy
13:3.
I said, I would scatter them into corners [of the earth], I would make the remembrance
of them to cease from among men:
Was it not that I feared the wrath of the
enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely; lest they should say, our hand is high, and Yehovah has not done all this?
Deuteronomy 32:26, 27.
Now these are the nations which Yehovah left, to
prove Israel by them; and they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of Yehovah. Judges 3:1, 4.
Yehovah God of Israel saith, I said indeed, that your house, and the house of your
father, should walk before me forever: but now Yehovah says, be it far from me: for them that honor me, I will honor; and they
that despise me, shall be lightly esteemed. 1 Samuel 2:30.
Then came the word of Yehovah unto Samuel, saying, it repents me that I have
set up Saul to be king, for he is turned back from following me, and has not performed my commandments. 1 Samuel 15:10, 11.
Hezekiah prospered in all he did. Howbeit in the
business of the ambassadors of the princes of
Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land,
God left him, to try him, that he might know what was in his heart. 2 Chronicles
32:31.
What could have been done more to my vineyard,
that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring
forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? Isaiah 5:4.
Thus, says Yehovah, stand in the court of Yehovah’s
house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah.
If so, be they will hearken, and turn every man
from his evil way, that I may repent of the evil which I purpose to do unto
them. Jeremiah 26:2, 3.
This word came unto Jeremiah from Yehovah,
saying,
Take you a roll of a book, and write therein all
the words, that I have spoken unto you against Israel, and against Judah.
It may be that the house of Judah will hear all
the evil which I purpose to do unto them, that they may return every man from
his evil way, that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin. Jeremiah 36:1, 2, 3.
The word of Yehovah came to me, saying,
Prepare you stuff for removing and remove by day
in their sight; it might be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house. Ezekiel 12:1, 3.
In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be
made known unto God. Philippians 4:6.
As we were allowed of God to be put in trust
with the Gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, which tries our
hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4.
Question: How must we worship God?
Answer: They that worship him, must worship him in spirit and truth. John 4:24.
Question: How must one love him?
Answer: You shalt love Yehovah your God with all your heart, and with
all your being, and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5.
Question: Could we love him with all the heart, if he
were three? or is his oneness the cause
hinted by Moses why we should love him thus? How sound the words according to the truth of
the Hebrew text?
Answer: Hear, O Israel, Yehovah our God, Yehovah is one. Deuteronomy
6:4.
Question: Wherein consists of the love of God?
Answer: This is the love of God that we keep his commandments.
1 John 5:3.
Whoso keeps His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected. 1 John
2:5.
Question: What if a man says he loves God, and in the meantime hates his
brother?
Answer: If a man says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar:
for he that loves not his brother, whom he has seen, how can he love God, whom
he has not seen? 1 John 4:20.
Question: What advantage will it be to you, to know the Father the only true
God? How speaks the Messiah in his prayer to the Father, concerning this thing?
Answer: This is life eternal, that they may know you the only true
God. John 17:3.
CHAPTER 3: Of the Creation.
Question: Were the heaven and earth from all eternity, or created at a certain time? and by whom?
A. In the beginning God created heaven and earth. Genesis 1:1.
Qu. How long was God a making them?
A. In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that
in them is. Exod. 20. 11.
Qu. How did God create man?
A. The Lord – Adonai - God formed man of the dust of the ground and
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis
2:7.
Question: How did Gpd create a woman?
Answer: Adonai - God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept;
and he took one of his ribs and closed the flesh thereof.
And the rib, which Adonai - God had taken from
man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. Genesis 2:21, 22.
Question: Why was she called woman?
Answer: Because she was taken out of man. Genesis 2:23.
Question: What does Moses mean by her being made a woman, and brought unto the man?
Answer: Therefore, shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his
wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:24.
Question: Where did God put man, after he was created?
Answer: Adonai - God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there
he put the man whom he had formed. Genesis 2:8.
Question: What commandment gave he to the man, when he put him into the
garden?
Answer: Adonai - God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden you may freely eat:
but of the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil, you shall not eat of it; for in the day you eat thereof you shalt surely
die. Genesis 2:16, 17.
Question: Was the man deceived to eat of the forbidden fruit?
Answer: Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived. 1 Timothy
2:14.
Question: By whom was the woman deceived?
Answer: The serpent [Satan] beguiled Eve through his subtilty. 2 Corinthians
11:3.
Questing: How was the woman induced to eat of the forbidden fruit? and how,
the man?
Answer: When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it
was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit
thereof, and did eat, and gave it to her husband with her, and he did eat. Genesis
3:6.
Question: What effect followed upon them eating?
Answer: The eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked: and they sewed fig-leaves together and made
themselves aprons. Genesis 3:7.
Question: Did the sin of our first parents in eating of the forbidden fruit
bring both upon them and their posterity a sinful nature in the flesh.
Answer: Unto the woman God said, I will greatly multiply your sorrow, and
your conception: in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and your desire
shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you.
Unto Adam God said, because you have hearkened
unto the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you,
saying, you shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for your sake; in sorrow
shalt you eat of it all the days of your life.
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to
you: and you shalt eat the herb of the field.
In the sweat of you face shalt you eat bread,
till you return unto the ground: for out of it west you taken; for dust you are,
and unto dust shalt thou return. Genesis 3:16, 17, 18, 19.
CHAPTER 4: Of
Christ Jesus.
Question: How many Lords of Christians are there, by way of distinction from
that one God?
Answer: One Lord. Ephesians 45.
Question: Who is that one Lord?
Answer: Jesus the Messiah, because of whom are all things. 1 Corinthians
8:6.
Question: How was Jesus the Messiah born?
Answer: The birth of Jesus the Messiah was on this wise: when as his
mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the holy Spirit.
Matthew 118.
The angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary; behold, you shalt conceive in your womb, and
bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall
be called the son of the Highest. Then said Mary to the angel, how shall this
be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, the holy
Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you. Luke
1:30, 31, 32, 34, 35.
Question: How came Jesus the Messiah to be Lord, according to the
opinion of the apostle Paul?
Answer: To this end the Messiah both died, and rose, and revived, that
he might be Lord of the dead and living. Romans 14:9.
Question: What did the apostle Peter say concerning the time and manner of
his [Jesus] being made Lord?
Answer: This Jesus has God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses. Therefore,
being exalted at the right hand of God, and having received of the Father the
promise of the holy Spirit, he has shed forth this, which you now see and hear.
Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made
that same Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord [over all] and Messiah. Acts
2:32, 33, 36.
Question: Did not Jesus approve himself to be God by his miracles? and did
he not do those miracles by his own divine nature, because he was God
himself? What is the determination of the Apostle Peter in this regard?
Answer: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God by
miracles, wonders and signs, which God did through him. Acts 2:22.
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Spirit,
and with power, who went about doing
good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil: for God was with him
[indwelling him]. Acts 10:38.
Question: Could not the Messiah do all the things his did of himself? was it as an eternal Son of God that took
flesh upon him, and to whom the human nature of the Messiah was personally united,
that wrought all his works? Answer me to these things in the words of the Son himself.
Answer: Truly, truly, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of
himself, but what he sees the Father do: for whatsoever things he does,
these also does the son likewise.
For the Father loveth the son and shows him all
things that He does; and he will show him greater works then these, that you
may marvel.
I can do nothing of myself. John 5:19, 20, 30.
The Father who dwells in me, He does the works.
John 14:10.
Question: What reason does the son render, why the Father did not forsake him, and cast
him out of favor? was it not because he was of the same essence with him, so
that it was impossible for the Father to forsake him; or cease to love him?
Answer: He that has sent me, is with me; the Father has not left me alone, for I do
always those things that please him. John 8:28, 29.
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you:
continue in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in
my love; even as I have kept my Fathers commandments and abide in His love.
John. 15:9, 10.
Question: Doth the Scripture say the Messiah to be the son of God because he
was eternally begotten out of the divine essence, or for other reasons agreeing
to him only as a man? Rehearse the passages to this purpose.
Answer: The angel said unto her, Fear not Mary: for you have found favor
with God. And behold, you shalt conceive in your womb, and bring forth a
son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son
of the Highest, and the Lord - Yehovah God shall give to him the throne of
his father David. Then said Mary unto the angel, how shall this be, seeing I
know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, the holy Spirit shall
come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore,
that holy thing which shall be born of you, shall be called the son of God. Luke 1:30, 31, 32, 34, 35.
Say you of him, whom the Father hath
sanctified, and sent into the world, you blaspheme, because I said, I am
the son of God? John 10:36.
We declare unto you, glad tidings, how that the promise,
which was made unto the fathers, God has fulfilled the same unto us their
children, in that he hath raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second
Psalm, you are my son, this day have I begotten you. Acts 13:32, 33.
And from Jesus the Messiah, who is the faithful
witness, and the first-begotten from the dead. Revelation 1:5.
He is the head of the body, the called-out
Assembly: who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead. Colossians
1:18.
Being made so much better than the angels, as
he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name then them. For unto which
of the angels did He say at any time, you are my son, this day have I begotten you?
And again, I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. Hebrews
1:4, 5.
So also, the Messiah glorified not himself, to
be made a high priest: but He that said unto him, you are my son, today have
I begotten you. Hebrew 5:5.
Whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate
[mark out beforehand] to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be
the first-born among many brethren. Romans 8:29.
Question: What says the Son about himself concerning the prerogative of God the Father above him?
Answer: If you loved me, you would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the
Father: for my Father is greater then I. John 14:28.
But of that day and that hour knows none, no not
the angels which are in heaven, nor
the son, but the Father. Mark 13:32.
Of that day and hour knows none, no not the
angels of heaven, but my Father only. Matthew 24:36.
Question: What saith the Apostle Paul?
Answer: Then comes the end, when he shall have delivered up the
kingdom to God even the Father.
And when all things shall be subdued unto him,
then shall the son also himself be subject unto Him that put all things
under him, that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:24, 28.
I would have you know that the head of every man
is the Messiah: and the head of the woman is the man: and the head of Messiah
is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3.
All are yours, and you are the Messiah’s, and the
Messiah is Gods. 1 Corinthians 3:22, 23.
Question: Howbeit is not the Messiah dignified, as with the title of Lord, so
also with that of God, in the Scripture?
Answer: Thomas answered and said unto him, my Lord, and my God -
Elohim. John 20:28.
Question: Was he the God of Thomas, as that he himself in the meantime did
not acknowledge another to be
his God?
Answer: Jesus said unto her, go to my brethren, and say unto them, I
ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. John
20:17.
Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the
temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him
the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is
new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God. Revelation 3:12.
Question: Have you any passage of the Scriptures, where the Messiah, where he has the
appellation of God given to him, is said to have a God?
Answer: But unto the son He said, your throne, O God - Elohim, is
for ever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom: you
have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity, wherefore God - Yehovah your
God has anointed you with the oil of gladness above you fellows. Hebrews 1:8, 9.
CHAPTER 5: Of the
Holy Spirit.
Question: How many Holy Spirits of Christians are there?
Answer: One Spirit. Ephesians 4:4.
Question: What marks out the prerogative of the Holy Spirit above other
spirits?
Answer: But God has revealed them to us through the
spirit, for the spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For whom among
people knows the things of a person,
except the spirit of the person that is in him? Even so the things of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God. Corinthians 2:10, 11.
Question: From where is the Holy Spirit sent?
Answer: Down from heaven. 1 Peter 1:12: It was revealed to them that they were not
serving themselves; but you; in the things that have now been announced to you
by those who proclaimed the good news to you by the holy spirit sent from
heaven, things into which angels long to look.
Question: By whom?
Answer: And because you are sons, God sent the spirit of
His son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba” (Father). Galatians 4:6.
Question: Doth not the Messiah affirm that he also sends it? how speaks he?
Question: Had Jesus the Messiah always the power to send the Holy Spirit, or
did he obtain it at a certain time?
Answer: God has raised this Jesus; we all are witnesses
of this. Then, being exalted to the right hand of God, and
having received from the Father the promised holy spirit, he has poured out
this that you see and hear.. Acts 2:32, 33.
As the Scripture has said, out of his belly will
flow rivers of living water.” Now he said this about the spirit, which those
who believed in him were going to receive, for as yet there was no spirit,
because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:28, 39.
Question: What were the general benefits accruing to Christians by the Holy Spirit?
Answer: For we were all
baptized in one spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slave or
free, and were all made to drink of one spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13.
6The Spirit himself bears witness together with
our spirit, that we are children of God,.
Moreover, in the same way the Spirit joins in to
help with our infirmity, for we do not know what we need to pray for, but the
Spirit himself intercedes for us along with
groans too deep for words. And He who searches the hearts knows what is the
mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession for the holy ones according
to the will
of God.. Romans 8:16, 26, 27.
You learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful
minister of the Messiah on your behalf, who also told us
about your love in the spirit.. Colossians 1:7-8.
That the God of our Lord Jesus the Messiah, the
Father of glory, may give unto you
the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. Ephesians 1:17.
The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but
righteousness and peace, and joy in the holy Spirit. Romans 14:17.
The He would grant you according to the riches
of His glory, to be strengthened with might, by His Spirit, in the inner
man. Ephesians 3:16.
Question: What are the special benefits that the apostles received by the
holy spirit? What did the Messiah say about this?
Answer: But when the helper comes that I will send to you
from the Father, the spirit of truth that comes from the Father, it will
testify about me. John 15:26.
Question: Should the holy spirit lead them into all truth, as speaking of himself, and imparting of his own fulness? What did the Messiah
say concerning him?
Answer: But when it, the spirit of truth, comes, it will
guide you in all truth, for it will not speak on its own, but whatever it
hears, it will speak, and it will declare to you the things that are to come. It will glorify me, for it will take from what is
mine, and will declare it to you. John 16:13, 14.
Question: Do men receive the holy spirit while they are of the world, and in their
natural condition, to the end that they may become the
children of God, may receive the word, may believe, may repent, may obey the
Messiah? or, after they are become the children of God, have
received the word, do believe, do repent, do obey the Messiah?
Answer: and I will ask the Father, and He will give you
another helper, which will be with you forever. This helper is the spirit
of truth, which the world is not able to receive, because it does not see it or
know it. You know it, for it is present with you, and will be in you. John 14:16, 17.
The natural man receives not the things of the
Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because
they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14.
Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His son into
your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Galatians 4:6.
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard
that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who, when they had come down, prayed for them to
receive holy spirit into manifestation, for as yet it had not rushed onto any of them,
they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 8:14, 15, 16.
He that believes on me, as the Scriptures has said, out of his belly shall flow
rivers of living water. But this he said of the Spirit, which those who believe
on him were going to receive for as, yet the holy spirit was not yet given,
because that Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:38, 39.
And it came to pass that while Apollos was at
Corinth, Paul, having passed through the higher districts, came to Ephesus and
found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive holy spirit
when you believed?” And they said to him, “No,
we have not even heard that there is holy spirit.”, Acts 19:1, 2.
In whom also, after that you believed, you
were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise. Ephesians 1:13.
That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through
faith. Galatians 3:14.
Men and brothers,
you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you, that by my mouth
the Gentiles should hear the word of the good news and believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified on their
behalf by giving them the holy spirit just as he did to us, Acts 15:7, 8.
Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus the Messiah,
for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the holy spirit.
Acts 2:38.
And we are his witnesses of these things, and so
is also the holy spirit, that God has given to them that obey him. Acts
5:32.
CHAPTER 6: Of Salvation through the Messiah.
Question: IS not the Messiah in Scripture called a savior?
Answer: Our Lord and savior Jesus, the Messiah. 2 Peter 3:18.
Question: Is the Messiah our savior originally and of himself, or because he
was given, exalted, and raised up by another to be a savior?
Answer: There is no other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12.
Him has God exalted to be a Prince and Savior.
Acts 5:31.
Of this mans seed has God, according to His
promise, raised unto Israel a savior, Jesus. Acts 13:23.
Question: How do the Saints expect to be saved by the Messiah?
Answer: We shall be saved by his life. Romans 5:10.
We look for a savior, the Lord Jesus the
Messiah, who shall change our vile bodies, that they may be fashioned like
unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to
subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:20, 21.
CHAPTER 7: Of the Messiah’s Mediation.
Q. IS not Christ called the Mediator between God and men?
Answer: There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man the Messiah
Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5.
Question: Is not the Messiah also called the mediator of the New Covenant? or of a better Covenant?
Answer: Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant. Hebrews 12:24.
He is the Mediator of a better covenant. Hebrews
8:6.
CHAPTER 8: Of Christs Prophetic Office.
Q. IS not Christ dignified as with the title of Mediator, so
also with that of Prophet?
Answer: He shall send Jesus the Messiah, who before was preached unto
you.
For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A
prophet shall Yehovah your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like
unto me. Acts 3:20, 22.
Question: Forasmuch as the Messiah was to be a prophet like unto Moses, and Moses
had this privilege above other prophets, that God made not himself known to him
in a vision, nor spoke to him in a dream, but face to face, as a man speaks to
a friend, and showed to him the similitude of Yehovah, Exodus 33:11. Numbers 12:6,
7, 8.
Can you cite any passage of the Scripture, which
indicates that the Messiah did see God, before the discharge of his prophetic Office?
Answer: It is written in the prophets, And they will all be taught by
God Everyone who has heard from the Father and
has learned, comes to me, not that anyone has seen the Father except he who
is from God, he has seen the Father. John 6:45, 46.
Question: From whence does it appear that the Messiah, like to Moses, heard
from God the things that he spoke?
Answer: You seek to kill me, a
man that has told you the truth, which I have heard from God. John 8:40.
He that has sent me is true, and I speak to the
world those things which I have heard from Him. As my Father has taught me,
I speak these things. John 8:26, 28.
All things that I have heard from my Father, I have made known unto you. John 15:15.
I have given unto them the words which you
gave me, and they have received them. John 17:8.
Question: Can you further cite any passages to prove that the Messiah as a
man ascended into heaven, and was there, and came from God out of heaven,
before he showed himself to the world, and discharged his prophetic office; so that the talking of Moses with God in
the person of an angel bearing the name of God, was but a shadow of the
Messiah’s talking with God?
Answer: And no one has gone up to heaven, but he who came
down from heaven, the son of Man, who is in heaven. John 3:13.
Then what if you were
to see the son of Man coming up to where he was before? John 6:62.
I came down from heaven not to do mine own will, but the will of him
that sent me. John 6:37-38.
I am the living bread which came down from
heaven. John 6:51.
Moses gave you not that bread from heaven, but
my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he
which comes down from heaven and give life to the world. The Jews then
murmured at him, because he said, I am the
bread which came down from heaven. And they said, is not this Jesus the
son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he says, I
came down from heaven? John 6:32, 33, 41, 42.
As the living Father has sent me, and I live by
the Father: so, he that eats me, shall live by me. This is that bread which
came down from heaven. John 6:57, 58.
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things
into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from
supper and laid aside his outer garments, and he took a towel and tied it
around himself. Then he poured water into the basin and began to
wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around
him. John 13:3-5.
I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now in turn,
I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” His
disciples said, “Ah! now you are speaking plainly, and are not speaking in
veiled language. Now we know that you know all things, and do not need anyone to
question you. Therefore, we believe that you came from God.” John 16:28-,
30.
I revealed your name to the people whom you gave
me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have
kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is
from you, for the words that you gave me I have given to
them, and they received them and truly
knew that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. John 17:6-8.
Question: Of what consequence was it, in the judgement of Messiah, that his
disciples had believed that he came from God? what did he say?
Answer: for the Father himself treats you as friends
because you have befriended me, and have believed that I came from the Father. John 16:27.
Question: Does not John the Baptist affirm that the Messiah surpassed all
others, because he came down from heaven above? what saith he?
Answer: “He who comes from above is above all. The one
who is of the earth is of the earth, and of the earth he speaks. He who comes
from heaven is above all. He testifies about what he has seen and heard,
and yet no one receives his testimony. The one who has received his
testimony has set his seal to this,
that God is true. For he whom God sent continues to speak the words
of God, for He continues to give to him the spirit without measure.. John 3:31-34.
Question: You have already showed that the Messiah was like unto Moses in
seeing God, and hearing from Him the things
which he spoke. But Moses exceeded all other prophets likewise in that he was the
lawgiver. Was the Messiah therefore like unto Moses in giving a law also? and
is there any mention of his law?
Answer: Bear ye one another’s burthens, and so fulfil the law of the
Messiah. Galatians 6:2.
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what
law? Of works? No: but by the law of faith. Romans 3:27.
The law of liberty. John 2:12.
The perfect law of liberty. John 1:25.
Question: Did the Messiah perfect, and correct the law of Moses? What is the
determination of the Messiah concerning this matter?
Answer: “Do not assume
that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy them, but to fulfill them. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the
smallest letter or mark will ever pass away from the law until all things
are accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of
these commandments, and teaches others to
do the same, will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven,
but whoever does them and
teaches them will
be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the experts in the
law and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Murder, Anger, and Reconciliation
You have heard that it was
said to those of old time, Do
not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to the
judgment. But I say to you that everyone who is enraged with his brother
will be subject to the judgment, and whoever says to his brother,
‘Raca!’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You no-good!’
will be subject to the fire of Gehenna. Therefore,
if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your
brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of
the altar and go your way. Be reconciled to your brother first, and then come
and offer your gift. Agree with your opponent quickly,
while you are with him on the road to court, lest your opponent deliver you to the judge, and the judge
deliver you to the guard, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will absolutely not get out of there until
you have paid the last dollar.
Adultery and Divorce
“You have heard that it was
said, Do not commit
adultery, but I say to you, that everyone who looks on a woman
to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if your right eye causes you to
fall, pluck it out and throw it from you, for it is better for you that one of
your members perish than your whole body be thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to fall, cut it off and throw it
away from you, for it is better for you that one of your members perish than
your whole body go into Gehenna. It was also said, Whoever puts away his wife, let him give
her a certificate of divorce. But I say to you, that anyone who puts away his wife, except
because of sexual immorality, makes her look as if she had committed adultery,
and whoever marries her after she is put away looks as if he is an adulterer.
Oaths
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the People long
ago, Do not make false vows,
but fulfill your oaths to Yahweh. But I say
to you, do not swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God, nor
by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet, nor by Jerusalem, for it is
the city of the great king. And do not swear by your head, for you are not able
to make one hair white or black. But let your speech be, ‘Yes,
yes,’ or ‘No,
no,’ and whatever is more than this is of the Wicked One.
Turn the Other Cheek
“You have heard that it was
said, An eye for an
eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, do not resist the evil person, but whoever strikes you on your
right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if
anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
And whoever will compel you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one
who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love Your Enemies
“You have heard that it was
said, ‘Love your neighbor and
hate your enemy,’ but I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you so that you can be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he
makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous
and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you
have? Do not even the tax collectors do that? And if you greet only your
brothers, what are you doing more than
others? Do not even the Gentiles do that? Therefore, you are
to be mature, as your heavenly Father is mature. Matthhew 5. 17-48.
Question: You have made it plainly to appear that the law of faith, or the
new covenant, whereof the Messiah was the Mediator, is better than the law of
works, or the old covenant, whereof Moses was the mediator, in respect of
precept is it also better in respect of promises?
Answer: He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Hebrews 8:6.
The law made nothing perfect, but the
bringing in of a better hope did. Hebrews 7:19.
Question: Were those better promises of God touching eternal life and
immortality hidden in the dark, and not brought to light under the law?
Answer: The Messiah Jesus has brought life and immortality to
light through the Gospel. 2 Timothy 1:10.
Question: Though the promises of the Gospel be better than those of the law,
yet are they not (as well as those of the law) proposed under conditions of
faith and perseverance therein, of holiness and obedience, of repentance, of suffering for the Messiah and his
truth, &c? What says the Scripture?
Answer: As Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness; even so must the son
of man be lifted up: that whosoever believes in him, should not perish,
but have eternal life. For God so loved the World, that he gave his unequally
begotten son, that whosoever believes in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.
He that believeth on him, is not condemned: but he that believes not, is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the unequally begotten son of
God.
He that believeth on the son, has everlasting life: and he that believes not the son,
shall not see life: but the wrath of God abides on him. John 3:14, 15,
16, 18, 36.
Then said Jesus to the Jews that believed on him, If you continue in my word,
then you are my disciples indeed. John 8:31.
We are made partakers of the Messiah, if we
hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end. Hebrews 2:14.
But the Messiah as a son over his own house;
whose house we are, If we hold fast the confidence, and the rejoicing of the
hope firm unto the end. Hebrews 3:6.
.. the firm foundation of God stands,
having this seal: “The
Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls
upon the name of the Lord – Yehovah must turn away from unrighteousness.” Now in a large house there are not
only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay, and some are
for honorable use, and some
are for dishonorable use. Therefore, if anyone cleanses
himself from things that
defile, he will be a vessel for honorable use, made holy, useful to the Master,
prepared for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:19-21.
For if you continue to live according to the
flesh, you are about to die, but if by the spirit you continue to put to death
the practices of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the
spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:13-14.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts
3:19.
Remember from whence you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or
else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of its
place, except you repent. Revelation 2:5.
Repent, or else I will come unto you quickly,
and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Revelation 2:16.
“… why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things that I
say? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show
you whom he is like. He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a
foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the river beat against that
house and was not strong enough to shake it, because it had been well built. But
whoever hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground
without any foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it falls
in, and the ruin of that house was great”. Luke 6:46-49.
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he will also
deny us. 2 Timothy 2:12.
For as many as are led by the spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to
fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of sonship, in connection with which we cry out, “Abba” (Father). The Spirit himself bears witness together with
our spirit, that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, on the one hand,
heirs of God, and on the other hand, co-heirs with the Messiah, since indeed we
share in his sufferings, we will also share in his glory. Romans 8:14-17.
CHAPTER 9: Of
Remission of sins though the Messiah.
Question: Who shall have remission of sins by the Messiah? What says the apostles, Peter?
Answer: To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believes
in him, shall receive remission of sins. Acts 10:43.
Question: Doth the Messiah himself forgive sins? What says the apostle,
Paul?
Answer: As the Messiah forgave you, so also do you. Colossians
3:13.
Question: When the Messiah forgave sins on the earth, did he forgive them as
being God, or as being a man impowered by God? Likewise, when he now forgives sins in heaven, does
he forgive them as God, or as one exalted by God to that end? Cite the Scriptures that
answer this question.
Answer: behold, they brought to him a paralyzed man lying
on a bed. And when he saw their trust, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Take
courage, child, your sins are forgiven. And Look! Some of the experts in the law said
within themselves, “This man speaks defaming words.” And Jesus, knowing their thoughts
said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? For which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are
forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But so that you know the Son of Man has authority
on earth to forgive sins”’ then he said to the paralyzed man; “Get up, pick up
your pallet, and go to your house.” And he got up and went to his house. But when the crowds saw it, they were filled with
awe, and glorified God, who had given such authority to humans. Matthew 9:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Him has God exalted to be a Prince and Savior, for
to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel. Acts 5:31.
CHAPTER 10: Of the
Messiah’s Kingly Office.
Question: WAs not the Messiah Jesus to be a King? what says the angel
Gabriel to the virgin Mary concerning this?
Answer: Behold, you shalt conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son,
and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son
of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his
father. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no
end. Luke 1:31, 32, 33.
Question: Is the Messiah Jesus already invested in his kingdom, and did he
after his ascension into heaven, and sitting at the right hand of God, exercise
dominion and sovereignty over men and angels? Rehearse some clear passages of the Scripture to this purpose.
Answer: the God of our
Lord Jesus the Messiah, the Father of glory, will give you a spirit of wisdom
and revelation in the knowledge of Him; since the eyes of
your heart have been enlightened; so that you will know what is the hope to
which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance among
the holy ones, and what is the
immeasurable greatness of His power for us who believe, which is according to the working of His mighty strength that He worked in the
Messiah when He raised him out from among the dead and seated him at His right
hand in the heavenly places, far above every
ruler, and authority, and power, and those having dominion,
and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come; and He put all
things in subjection under his feet and appointed him as the head over all things for the called-out Assembly of God, which is his body,
the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way. Ephesians 1:17-23.
By the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah: who is
gone into Heaven, and is on the right hand of God, angels, and authorities,
and powers, being made subject to him. 1 Peter 3:21, 22.
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful
witness, and the first-begotten of the dead, and Prince of the kings of the
earth: Unto him that hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own
blood,
And has made us kings and priests unto God even his Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation
1:5, 6.
The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you
slew by hanging him on a tree. He is the one whom God exalted to His right
hand as Lord [over all] and Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and
forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:30, 31.
Whoever overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne,
as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:21.
I Jesus have sent mine angel, to testify unto you these things in the called-out
Assemblies. Revelation 22:16.
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb
shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. Revelation
17:14.
He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood,
and his name is called, The word of God. And he has on his vesture, and on his
thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:13,
16.
All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world.
Matthew 28:18, 19, 20.
So then after the Lord had spoken to them, he
was received up into heaven, and sate on the right hand of God. And they went
forth and preached everywhere, the Lord [Jesus] working with them, and
confirming the word with signs following. Mark 16:19, 20.
Question: For what cause, and to what ends was the Messiah Jesus exalted to
his kingdom?
Answer: He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the
death of the cross. Wherefore God also has highly exalted him and given
him a name which is above every name, that
at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the
earth: and that every tongue should confess that Jesus the Messiah is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:8, 9, 10, 11.
Him has God exalted with His right hand to be a
Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 5:31.
Question: How ought men to honor the son of God the Messiah Jesus?
Answer: Even as they honor the Father. John 5:23.
Question: What danger is there in not honoring the son?
Answer: He that honored not the son, honors not the Father that sent him.
John 5:23.
Question: Ought men to honor the son as they honor the Father, because he has the
same essence with the Father, or because he has the same
judiciary power? What is the decision of the son himself concerning
this point?
Answer: The Father judges no man, but has committed all judgement unto
the son: that all men should honor the son, even as they honor the Father. Joh
5:22, 23.
Question: Did the Father give judiciary power to the son, because he had in
him the divine nature personally
united to the human, or because he was the son of man? What
is the decision of the Son himself concerning this point also?
Answer: He has given him authority to execute judgement, because he is the
son of man. John 5:27.
Question: Is it the will of God men and angels should pay homage to
the Lord Messiah Jesus?
Answer: And when he again brings the firstborn into the
inhabited world, he says, And let all the angels of God pay him homage. Hebrews 1:6.
God hath highly exalted him, and given him a
name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth. Philippians 2:9, 10.
Question: Did men pay homage to Jesus the Messiah before his death and
resurrection? what examples thereof have you?
Answer: And those who were in the boat paid him homage,
saying, “Truly, you are the son of God.” Matthew 14:33.
Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and
finding him, he said, “Do you believe in the son of Man?” He answered and said, “And who is
he, Lord - sir? Tell me so
that I can believe in him.” Jesus said to him, “You have both seen him, and it
is he who is speaking with you.” And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he bowed down
before him. John 9:35, 36. 37, 38.
Question: Did men worship Christ after his resurrection and ascension? And what example thereof have you?
Answer: And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he
was separated from them and was carried up into heaven. And they, after paying homage to him, returned to
Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple, blessing God. Luke 24:51-53.
Question: When men ascribe glory and dominion to the Messiah Jesus in the Scripture, and
withal intimate the ground thereof, is it because they conceive him to be very God of
very God, and to have been eternally begotten out of the Divine essence, or
because he gave himself to death? Let me hear how they explain
themselves.
Answer: Unto him that has loved us and washed us from our sins in his own
blood [as a sin-offering sacrifice] and has made us Kings and Priests unto God
even his Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Revelation
1:5, 6.
Question: Are the angels of the same opinion with the saints, when they also
ascribe glory and dominion to
him? let me hear how they also explain themselves.
Answer: I beheld, and heard the voice of many angels, saying with a loud
voice, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and
strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. Revelation 5:11, 12.
Question: May men call upon the name of Jesus the Messiah? and have you examples of such as
have prayed to him?
Answer: Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many, of this man,
how much evil he has done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he has authority
from the chief priests, to bind all that call upon your name. Acts 9:13,
13.
With all that in every place call upon the
name of Jesus the Messiah our Lord, both theirs and ours. 1 Corinthians
1:2.
And they stoned Stephen, saying, Lord Jesus,
receive my spirit. Acts 7:59.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20.
Now our Lord Jesus the Messiah himself, and God
our Father, who has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation, and a
good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good
word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17.
Now God himself even our Father, and our Lord
Jesus the Messiah direct our way unto you. 1 Thessalonians 3:11.
CHAPTER 11: Of Christs Priestly Office.
Question: Is the Messiah Jesus a priest?
Answer: We have a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God. Hebrews 4:14.
Question: Did the Messiah take this honor to himself?
Answer: .. no one takes this
honor upon himself, but receives
it when he is called by God, just as Aaron was. 5So too, the Messiah did not exalt himself in
becoming high priest, but was appointed by the One
who said to him, You are my son; today I have given birth to you, as He
says also in another place, you are a priest forever after the order
of Melchizedek Hebrews 5:4-5.
Question: What manner of high priest is the Messiah?
Answer: Now in the things that we are saying, the main
point is this:
We have this kind of high priest, one who sat down on the right hand of the
throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister of the
holy places and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord - Yehovah pitched, not
man. Hebrews 8:1, 2.
Question: Was the Messiah a priest while he was on earth, namely when he
died on the cross?
Answer: If he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there
are priests who offer gifts according to the Law. Hebrews 8:4.
And it is yet far more evident: for that after
the similitude of Melchizedek there arises another priest,
who is made, not after the law of a carnal
commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:15, 16.
Question: What benefit happens by the Messiah’s priesthood?
Answer: He became the author of eternal salvation, called of God a high
priest after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:9, 10.
Question: Unto whom is the Messiah, as a Priest, become the author of
eternal salvation?
Answer: Unto all of them that obey him. Hebrews 5:9.
Question: How can the Messiah save them by his priesthood?
Answer: 5And consequently for all time he is able to save
those who draw near to God through him, because he always is alive to make
intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25.
The Messiah was once offered to bear the sins of
many. Hebrews 9:28.
Question: Is not the sacrifice of the Messiah to be reiterated, as that of
the Levitical Priests? if not, what is the reason thereof?
Answer: And on the one hand, every other priest stands
ministering day after day and offering the same sacrifices over and over, which
are never able to take away sins. But on the other hand, this priest, when he had offered
one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down on the right hand of God, from
then on waiting until his enemies are placed as a footstool for his feet. For
by one offering he has perfected for all time those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:11-14.
Question: How did the Messiah enter into the holy place to offer himself?
Answer: By his own blood. Hebrews 9:12.
Question: Why would God have the Messiah come to his priestly office by
sufferings?
This being the case, he had to be made like his
brothers and
sisters in every respect in order to become a
merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, so that he could
wipe away the sins of the people. For since he himself was tempted in that which he
suffered, he is able to help those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:10, 17-18.
Question: What is the true and genuine use you would have us make of this
doctrine?
Answer: Since we have a great high priest who has passed
through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold on firmly to our
confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to
empathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just
as we are,
yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace
with open and honest speech, in order to
receive mercy and to find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14, 15, 16.
CHAPTER 12: Of the Messiah’s death.
Question: Was it the will and purpose of God that the Messiah should suffer
the death of the cross? What says the apostle Peter to the Jews concerning
this?
Answer: Jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God among you, him being
delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have
taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Acts 2:22, 23.
Question: What say the disciples in general concerning the same?
And when they heard it, they lifted up their
voice to God with one accord, and said, “O Master, you who made the heavens and
the earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who, by the mouth of
our father David, your servant, said through holy spirit, Why did the Gentiles rage, and
the People imagine worthless things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered
together against the Lord and against his anointed one. For truly in this
city, against your holy Servant Jesus whom you anointed were gathered together,
both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of
Israel, to do
whatever your hand and your council decided beforehand would happen. Acts 4:24-28.
Question: Did the Messiah die to reconcile and bring God to us, or on the
contrary, to reconcile and bring us to God?
Answer: When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the
death of his son. Romans 5:10.
He is our peace, who hath made both one. That he
might reconcile both [Jews and Gentiles] unto God in one body by the
cross, having slain the enmity thereby. Ephesians 2:14, 16.
God was in the Messiah reconciling the world
to himself. 2 Corinthians 5:19.
The Messiah has once suffered for sins, the just
for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. 1 Peter 3:18.
Question: For whom did the Messiah die?
Answer: We thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead. And
that he died for all, that they which live, should not henceforth live
unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 2 Corinthians
5:14, 15.
There is one Mediator between God and men, the
man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in
due time. 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than
the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that he
by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Hebrews 2:9.
I am the living bread, which came down from
heaven: if any man eats of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread
that I will give, is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
John 6:51.
Question: What was the procuring cause of the Messiah’s death?
Answer: He was delivered for our offences. Romans 4:25.
He was wounded for our transgressions; he
was bruised for our iniquities. Isaiah 53:5.
The Messiah died for our sins, according
to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3.
Question: What are the ends of the Messiahs suffering and death, intimated by the Scripture?
Answer: He learned obedience by the things which he suffered. Hebrews 5:8.
The Messiah suffered for you, leaving us an
example, that you should follow his steps. 1 Peter 2:21.
The Messiah has once suffered for sins, the just
for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. 1 Peter 3:18.
This is my blood of the New Covenant) that is
shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:28.
That through death he might destroy him that
had the power of death, that is, the devil. And deliver them, who through
fear of death were all their life-time subject unto bondage. Hebrews 2:14,
15.
That he might sanctify the people with his own
blood. Hebrews 13:12.
That whether we wake or sleep, we should live
together with him. 1 Thessalonians 4:10.
That they which live, should not henceforth live to themselves, but to him which died for them, and rose again.
2 Corinthians 5:15.
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might
deliver us from this present evil world. Galatians 1:4.
You who were sometimes far off, are brough
near by the blood of the Messiah.
For he is our peace, who has made both one, and
has broken down the middle wall of partition between us: having abolished in
his flesh the law of commandments in ordinances, for to make in himself of two,
one new man, so making peace. And that he might reconcile both [Jews and
Gentiles] unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.
Ephesians 2:13, 14, 15, 16.
It pleased the Father, that in him all fulness
should dwell, and having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him
to reconcile all things to himself (or rather, for him) by him, I
say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you that were
sometimes alienated, and enemies in your mind
by wicked works, yet now
hath he reconciled, In the body of his
flesh through death. Colossians 1:20, 21, 22.
CHAPTER 13: Of the
Universality of God’s love.
Question: Those Scriptures which you have already alleged, when I enquired for whom the Messiah died, intimate the universality of God’s love to men: yet so as much as
this is a point of the greatest importance, without the knowledge and belief
whereof, we cannot have any true and solid ground of coming unto God, (because
if he from all eternity intended good only to a few, and those few are not set
down in the Scriptures, (which were written that we through comfort of them
might have hope Romans 15:4) no man can certainly, yea probably infer that he is in the number of those
few, the contrary being, ten thousand to one, more likely) what other clear passages
of Scripture have you, which shew, that God, in sending the Messiah, and
proposing the Gospel, aimed not at the salvation
of a certain elect number, but of men in general?
Answer: God so loved the world, that he gave his uniquely begotten
Son, that whosoever believes in him, should not perish, but have
everlasting life. For God sent not His son into the world, to condemn the
world, but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16,
17.
The bread of God is he which comes down from heaven
and gives life to the world. John 6:33.
Now we believe, not because of your saying, for
we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Messiah the savior
of the world. John 4:42.
We have seen and do testify, that the Father
sent the Son to be the savior of the world. 1 John 4:14.
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever
believeth on me, should not abide in darkness. And if any man hears my words,
and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to
save the world. John 12:46, 47.
Go you into all the world and preach the
Gospel to every creature: He that believes and is baptized, shall be
saved: but he that believes not, shall be condemned. Mark 16:15, 16.
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled
and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel which you have heard, and
which was preached to every creature which is under heaven, whereof I
Paul am made a minister. Colossians 1:22.
We preach, warning every man, and
teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man
perfect in the Messiah Jesus. Colossians 1:28.
I urge therefore, first, that petitions, prayers,
intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in authority,
so that we can lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This
is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants everyone to be
saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4.
God was in the Messiah reconciling the world
to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them. 2 Corinthians 5:19.
We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus the Messiah the righteous: And he is
the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of
the whole world. 1 John 2:1, 2.
Question: These texts which you have now cited, are all taken out of the New Testament; is
there not a like manifestation of the universality of God’s love in the Old? What does the
prophet Ezekiel say?
Answer: Say unto them, As I live, says Yehovah God, I have no pleasure in
the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, and live: turn you, turn
ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezekiel
33:11.
Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby you have transgressed, and make
you a new heart, and a new spirit; for why will you die, O house of Israel? For
I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, says Yehovah God: wherefore
turn yourselves, and live. Ezekiel 18:31, 32.
Question: What says Jeremiah?
Answer: He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. Lamentations
3:33.
Question: What says David?
Answer: Yehovah is gracious, and full of compassion: slow to anger, and
of great mercy. Yehovah is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. Psalm
145:8, 9.
CHAPTER 14: Of the
Messiah’s Resurrection.
Question: Ought the Messiah, as to suffer, so also to rise from the dead the
third day?
Answer: Thus, it is written, and thus it behooved the Messiah to suffer, and to rise from
the dead the third day. Luke 24:46.
He rose again the third day, according to the
Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:4.
Question: Was there so great power and consequence in the Messiah’s resurrection? What does Paul
say?
Answer: I count all things but loss, for the excellence of the knowledge
of the Messiah Jesus my Lord. That I may know him, and the power of his
resurrection. Philippians 3:8, 10.
If the Messiah be not risen, your faith is vain,
you are yet in your sins. Then they also that are fallen asleep in the Messiah,
are perished. 1 Corinthians 15:17, 18.
It is the Messiah that died, yea rather that
is risen again. Romans 8:34.
Question: What does Peter say?
Answer: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which
according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope,
by the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3.
Question: Did the Messiah rise by his own power, yea did he raise himself?
or was he raised by the power of another, and did another raise him? What says the Scriptures?
Answer: Though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the
power of God. 2 Corinthians 13:4.
The Messiah was raised up from the dead by
the glory of the Father. Romans 6:4.
Paul, an apostle (not sent from any group of people, nor
through any person, but through Jesus the Messiah and God the Father, who
raised him out from among the dead), and all the brothers and sisters who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: Galatians 1:1.
If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He
who raised the Messiah Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies
through His Spirit that dwells in you. Romans 8:11.
.. knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us
also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 2 Corinthians 4:14.
You turned to God from idols, to serve the
living and true God, and to wait for His son from heaven, whom He raised
from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians
1:9, 10.
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people
of Israel, that by the name of Jesus the Messiah of Nazareth, whom you
crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man
stand here before you whole. Acts
4:10.
The God of peace that brought again from the
dead our Lord Jesus. Hebrews 13:20.
But God
raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who
had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his
witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God
promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising
Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, "'You are my Son,
today I have begotten you.' And as for the fact that he raised him from the
dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, "'I will
give you the holy and sure blessings of David.' Therefore, he says also in
another psalm, "'You will not let your Holy One see corruption.' For
David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own
generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw
corruption, but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. Acts 13:30-37.
Him God raised up the third day. Acts
10:40.
God has both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by his own
power. 1 Corinthians 6:14.
Who by him believe in God that raised him up
from the dead, and gave him glory. 1 Peter 1:21.
Question: Were the apostles and the Holy Spirit sent to bear witness that the Messiah raised
himself, or that God raised him? What says the Scriptures?
A. This Jesus has God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses.
Acts 2:32.
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob,
the God of our fathers, has glorified His son Jesus, whom you delivered up; and
denied him in the presence of Pilate; and killed the Prince of life, whom God
has raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses. Acts 3:13, 15.
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus. Him has
God exalted to his right hand to be a Prince and Savior, and we are his
witnesses, of these things, and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom God has
given to all them that obey him. Acts 5:30, 31, 32.
We have testified of God, that He raised up the
Messiah. 1 Corinthians 15:15.
Question: Of what consequence is it to believe that the Messiah was thus
raised?
Answer: If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe
in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. Romans
10:9.
Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him
for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed
to him. But for us, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that
raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. Romans 4:3, 23, 24.
Question: What is the prayer of the apostle Paul to this purpose? What does
he say to the Ephesians?
Answer: That the God of our Lord Jesus the Messiah, the Father of glory,
may give unto you the Spirit of
wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of
him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know, what
is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us, who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He
wrought in the Messiah, when He raised him from the dead. Ephesians 1:17,
18, 19, 20.
CHAPTER 15: Of Justification and Faith.
Question: How many sorts of justification or righteousness are there?
Answer: The righteousness, which is of the Law. Romans 10:5.
The righteousness, which is of God by Faith. Philippians
3:9.
Question: How is the righteousness, which is of the Law, described?
Answer: Moses describes the righteousness, which is of the Law, that
the man who dord those things, shall live by them. Romans 10:5.
Question: How speaks the righteousness which is of Faith?
Answer: The righteousness, which is of faith, speaks on this wise, say
not in your heart, who shall ascend into heaven? that is to bring the Messiah
down from above. Or who shall descend into the deep? that is to bring up the
Messiah again from the dead. Romans 10:6, 7.
Question: But what does it say? Romans 10:8.
Answer: That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and
shall believe in your heart, that
God has raised him from the dead, you shalt be saved. Romans 10:9.
Question: In the justification of a believer, is the righteousness of the
Messiah imputed to him? or is his own faith counted for righteousness?
Answer: To him that does not works, but believed on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Romans 4:5.
Question: Was Abraham the father of the faithful, justified in this manner?
Answer: He believed in the Lord - Yehovah, and He counted it to him for
righteousness. Genesis 15:6.
Question: Was this written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Answer: It was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him: but for us
also. Romans 4:23, 24.
Question: On what terms? if we apprehend and apply the Messiah’s
righteousness to ourselves?
Answer: If we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.
Romans 4:24.
Question: Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Is it not sufficient for us if we believe as he did? what does the Messiah say?
Answer: Youi believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1.
Question: What does Peter say?
Answer: He was foreknown before the foundation of the
world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who
through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead
and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:20, 21.
Question: Does not God justify men, because of the sin-offering that the
Messiah made on the cross to reconcile mankind to his God and Father Yehovah. If
not, how are they saved?
Answer: But now the
righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law,
although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it; the righteousness of
God through faith in Jesus the Messiah for all who believe. For there is
no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and
are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is
in the Messiah Jesus, Romans:3:21-24.
Blessed
be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the Messiah, who has blessed us in
the Messiah with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose
us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy
and blameless before Him. In love He predestined [marked out beforehand] us for adoption
as sons through Jesus the Messiah, according to the purpose of His will, to
the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the
Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, Ephesians 1:3-7.
Queston: Did not the Messiah merit eternal life, and purchase the kingdom
of heaven for us?
Answer The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus the Messiah
our Lord. Romans 6:23.
It is your Fathers good pleasure to give you
the Kingdom. Luke 12:32.
CHAPTER 16: Of keeping the commandments and having an eye to
the reward; of perfection in virtue and godliness to be attained;
and of departing from righteousness and faith.
Question: Is it possible to keep the commandments?
Answer: His commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:3.
My yoke is easy, and my burthen light. Matthew
11:30.
Question: But though it be possible to keep the
commandments, yet it is not enough to desire and endeavor to keep them, but then don’t?
Answer: Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of
the commandments of God. 1 Corinthians 7:19.
Not everyone that says unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he
that does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Therefore, whosoever hears
these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man
which built his house upon a rock. And every one that hears these sayings of mine and doth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house
upon the sand. Matthew 7:21, 24, 26.
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and
perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be
blessed in his doing. James 1:25.
Glory, honor, and peace to every man that works
good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. Romans 2:10.
If you know these things, happy are you if you
do them. John 13:17.
Blessed are they that hear the word of God and
keep it. Luke 11:27.
We must all appear before the judgment seat of the Messiah, that every man may
receive the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether it be
good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10.
The son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels, and then he
shall reward every man according to his works. Matthew 16:27.
Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to every man according
as his work shall be. Revelation 22:12.
If you will enter into life, keep the
commandments. Matthew 19:17.
Question: Which? Matthew 19:18.
Answer: And behold, a man came up to him, saying,
"Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?"
And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about
what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep
the commandments." He said to him, "Which ones?"
And Jesus said, "You shall not murder, you
shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false
witness, honor your father and mother, and, you shall love your neighbor
as yourself." Matthew 19:16-19.
Question: Though it be not only possible, but also necessary to keep the
commandments, yet is it lawful so to do, that we may have a right to eternal
life, and the heavenly inheritance? may we seek for honor, end glory, and immortality by well doing? is it the tenor of the
Gospel that we should live uprightly in expectation of the hope hereafter? and finally,
ought we to suffer for the kingdom of God? What say the
scriptures
Answer: Blessed are they who do his commandments, that they may have
right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city. Revelation
22:14.
The revelation of the righteous judgement of
God: who will render to every man according to his deeds. To them, who by patient continuance
in well-doing seek for glory, and honor, and immortality, eternal life. Romans 2:6, 7, 8.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation
for all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly
lusts and to live sensibly and righteously and godly in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope and appearing
of our great God and Savior’s glory; Jesus the Messiah,who gave himself up for us in order to redeem us
from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a special people, zealous for
good works. Titus 2:11-14.
That ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of
God, for which you also suffer. 2 Thessalonians 1:5.
Question: Have you any Scripture that says we must believe that God
is a rewarder of them that seek him, and that if we come not to him
with such a faith, it is impossible to please him?
Answer: Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh
to God, must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.
Question: Have you any example of keeping the commandments under the law?
what did David say?
Answer: The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to
the cleanness of mine hands hath he recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of Yehovah
and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were
before me, and I did not put away His statutes from me. I was also upright
before him: and I kept my self from iniquity. Therefore, has Yehovah recompensed
me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His
eye-sight. Psalm 18:20, 21, 22, 23, 24.
Question: Have you any example under the Gospels?
Answer: Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His
commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John
3:22.
Question: Have you not examples of the saints, who obeyed God in hope of the
reward, both before, under,
and after the Law?
Answer: By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by
going out to a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance, and he
went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the
Promised Land, as in a foreign land,
living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob who
were co-heirs of the same promise, for he was looking forward
to the city that has the lasting foundations,
whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 11:8, 9, 10.
By faith Moses when he was come to years refused
to be called the son of Pharaoh’s
daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, then to
enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season: esteeming the reproach of the Messiah greater riches then the treasures in Egypt: for he
had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Hebrews 11:24, 25, 26.
Let us run with patience the race that is set
before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was
set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right
hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1, 2.
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus the
Messiah, according to the faith of Gods elect, and the acknowledging of the
truth, which is after godliness: in hope of eternal life. Titus 1:1, 2.
Question: Do not the Scriptures intimate that Christians may attain to
perfection of virtue and godliness? and that it is the intention of God, and the
Messiah, and his ministers, to bring them unto this end result? Rehearse the
texts to this effect.
Answer: According as He has chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world, that we should be holy and unblameable before Him in love. Ephesians
1:4.
The Messiah the called-out Assembly, and gave
himself for it: that he might sanctify [set apart] and cleanse it with the
washing of water by the word. That he might present it to himself a glorious called-out
Assembly, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without
blemish. Ephesians 5:25, 26, 27.
Having therefore these promises, let us cleanse ourselves
from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear [reverence]
of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Be you perfect even as your Father wh is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48.
Finally, brethren, farewell be you perfect. 2 Corinthians 13:11.
Note: We become perfect by becoming more like the Messiah Jesus.
We preach warning every man, and teaching every
man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in the Messiah
Jesus. Colossians 1:28.
He gave some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists! some, pastors and teachers.
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of the Messiah: till we all come in the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto
the measure of the stature of
the fulness of the Messiah. Ephesians 4:11, 12, 13.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant - slave
of the Messiah, salutes you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that
you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Colossians 4:12.
The very God of peace sanctify you wholly: and I
pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus the
Messiah. 1 Thessalonians
5:23.
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable
in holiness before God even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus the
Messiah with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:13.
Now our Lord Jesus the Messiah himself, and God
even our Father, who has loved us, and given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace, comfort your
hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians
2:16, 17.
Question: Have you any example of perfection before the Law?
Answer: Noah was a just man, and perfect in his generations, and
Noah walked with God. Genesis 6:9.
Yehovah said unto Satan, have you considered my
servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an
upright man, one that fear God; and eschewed evil? Job 1:8.
Question: Have you any example of perfection under the Law?
Answer: There was in the days of Herod the king of Judea, a certain
priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abiah; and his wife was of the
daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous
before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord -
Yehovah, blameless. Luke 1:1, 2.
Question: Have you any examples under the Gospel?
Answer: The Messiah suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you
should follow his steps. [If you do you will become perfect] Who did not
sin, neither was guile found in his mouth? 1 Peter 2:21, 22.
I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the mount
Sion, and with him a hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written on their foreheads. These are
they which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins: these are they
which follow the Lamb whosesoever
he goes. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault
before the throne of God. Revelation 14:1, 4, 5.
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which
have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white, for
they are worthy. Revelation 3:4.
You are witnesses, and God also, how holily,
and justly, and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:10.
Question: If works be so necessary to salvation, as you have before shown
from the Scripture, how does it come to pass that Paul says, we are justified
by faith without works? Did he mean we are to exclude all good works, or only
those of the Law? How does he explain himself?
Answer: We are justified [declared not guilty] by faith without the
works of the Law. Romans 3: 28.
Question: Can you make it appear from elsewhere, that Paul intended to exclude from
justification only the perfect works of the Law, which leave no place for
either grace or faith, and not such works as include both? and that by a
justifying faith he meant a working faith, and such a one as is accompanied with righteousness?
Answer: By grace are
you saved, by faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not
of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in
the Messiah Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained, that
we should walk in them. Ephesians 8:9, 10.
Now to him that works, is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of
debt. But to him that works not, but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans
3:4, 5.
So I ask,
"Has God rejected his people Israel?" That's unthinkable! Consider
this. I'm an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham from the tribe of
Benjamin.
2 God has not rejected his people whom he knew long ago. Don't you
know what Elijah says in the Scripture passage when he complains to God about
Israel? He says,
"Lord,
they've killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I'm the only one left,
and they're trying to take my life." But what was God's reply? God said,
"I've kept 7,000 people for myself who have not knelt to worship
Baal." So, as there were then, there are now a few left that God has
chosen by his kindness. If they were chosen by God's kindness, they weren't
chosen because of anything they did. Otherwise, God's kindness wouldn't be
kindness. Romans
11:3-6.
If they which are of the law be heirs, faith is
made void, and the promise made of none effect. Because the law works wrath:
for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore, it is of faith, that it
might be by grace: to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed.
Romans 4:14, 15, 16.
As far as our relationship to the Messiah Jesus is concerned, it doesn't
matter whether we are circumcised or not. But what matters is a faith that
expresses itself through love, Galatians 5:6.
The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from
heaven, against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in
unrighteousness. Romans 1:17, 18.
Question: What answer then would you give to a man, who wresting the
words of Paul in certain places of his Epistles to the Romans and the
Galatians, should bear you in hand, that all good works whatsoever are excluded
from justification and salvation, and that it is enough only to believe?
Answer: Will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was
not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son
upon the altar? See, you how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith
made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God,
and it was imputed to him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of
God. You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Likewise, also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out
another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works
is dead. James 2:20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26.
Question: What is the advice of Paul to Titus concerning the business of
faith, and works, and the Law?
Answer: This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you
affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God, might be careful to
maintain good works: these things are good and profitable unto men. But
avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and vain.
Titus 3:8, 9.
Question: You showed even now out of Paul, that the faith of him that will
be saved, must be accompanied with justice or righteousness; I would therefore
know of you who is a just or righteous man? is it not such a one as apprehends and applies the Messiah’s righteousness to himself, or, at most, desires to do righteously? Is
he not accepted of God?
Answer: Let no man deceive you, he that does righteousness, is
righteous, even as he is righteous. He that commits sin, is of the Devil,
for the Devil sins from the beginning. In this the children of God are
manifest, and the children of the Devil: whosoever does not righteousness, is not of God. 1 John 3:7, 8, 10.
If we know that he is righteous, know you that
every one that does righteousness is born of God. 1 John 2:29
God is no respecter of persons: but in every
nation, he that fears Him, and works righteousness, is accepted of Him. Acts
10:34, 35.
If a man be just, and does that which is
lawful and right, has not eaten upon the mountains, neither has lift up his
eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither ha defiled his neighbor’s
wife, neither has come near to a menstruous woman; and has not oppressed any,
but has restored to the debtor his pledge, has spoiled none by violence, has
given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment; he has
not given forth upon usury, neither has taken any increase; has withdrawn his
hand from iniquity, has executed true judgement between man and man; has walked
in my Statutes, and has kept my judgments to deal truly, HE IS JUST, he shall
not die. Ezekiel 18:5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Question: May not righteous men depart from their righteousness, and
believers from their faith, and so perish? And is it not false, that once
in the Messiah, and ever in the Messiah [once saved, always saved]?
Answer: When the righteous turns away from his righteousness, and commits
iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does,
shall he live? all his righteousness, that he has done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he has trespassed, and
in his sin that he has sinned, in them shall he die. Ezekiel 18:24.
When I shall say unto the righteous, that he
shall surely live: if he trusts to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity,
all his righteousness shall not be remembered, but for his iniquity that he has
committed he shall die for it. Ezekiel 33:13.
Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the
latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits, and doctrines of demons. 1 Timothy 4:1.
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy,
that you wage a good warfare: holding faith, and a good conscience, which
some having put away, concerning faith have made shipwreck. Of whom is
Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan, Certainly, the love of money is the root of all kinds of
evil. Some people who have set their hearts on getting rich have wandered away
from the Christian faith and have caused themselves a lot of grief.will marry having condemnation, because they have
cast off their first faith. 1 Timothy 5:11, 12.
Certainly, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some
people who have set their hearts on getting rich have wandered away from the
Christian faith and have caused themselves a lot of grief. 1 Timothy 6:10.
Their word will eat as doth a canker, of whom is
Hymeneus and Philetus: who concerning the faith have erred, saying that
the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some. 2 Timothy
2:17, 18.
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you
an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort
one another daily, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of
sin. Hebrews 3:12, 13.
Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest
any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Hebrews 4:11.
It is impossible for those who were once enlightened,
and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the holy spirit,
and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come: if
they fall away, to renew them again to repentance. Hebrews 6:4, 5, 6.
Let us consider one another, to provoke unto
love and good works. Not forsaking the assembling of our selves together, as
the manner of some is, but exhorting one another. For if we sin willfully
after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no
more sacrifice for sins. He that despised Moses law, died without mercy, under two or three witnesses. Of how
much sorer punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden
underfoot the son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant,
wherewith he was sanctified [set apart], an unholy thing, and has done despite
to the Spirit of grace? Cast not away therefore your confidence, which has
great recompence of reward. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man
draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them
that draw back unto perdition: but of them that believe to the saving of
the soul. Hebrews 10:24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 35, 38, 39.
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the
grace of God. Hebrews 12:15.
Cursed children, which have forsaken the
right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Boor,
who loved the wages of unrighteousness. When they speak great swelling words of
vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness,
those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. For if, after
they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord
and Savior Jesus the Messiah, they are again entangled therein, and
overcome, the latter end is worse with them then the beginning. For it had
been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, then after
they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But
it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to
his vomit again; and the sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter
2:14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22.
You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these
things before, beware lest you also being led away with the error of the
wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. 2 Peter 3:17.
For this cause, when I could no longer forbear,
I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you,
and our labor be in vain. 1 Thessalonians 3:5.
Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you
stand by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear. For if God spared not the natural
branches, take heed, lest he also spare not you. Behold therefore the
goodness, and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but towards you,
goodness, if you continue in goodness: otherwise, you also shalt be cut off.
Romans 11:20, 21, 22.
But if you brother be grieved with you eating
meat, now walks you not charitably. Destroy not him with you eating meat,
for whom the Messiah died. Romans 14:25.
Through your knowledge shall the weak brother
perish, for whom the Messiah died? 1 Corinthians 8:11.
I keep under my body, and bring it into
subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should be a
cast-away. 1 Corinthians 9:27.
If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered. John
15:6.
Every branch in me that bears not fruit, He takes away. John 15:2.
CHAPTER 17: Of the duty of Subjects and Magistrates, Wives
and Husbands, Children and Parents, Servants and Masters.
Question: What is the duty of all who are under authority?
Answer: Every person is to submit to the governing
authorities, for there is no authority except of God, and the ones that exist have
been instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the
authority, sets himself against what God has instituted, and those who set
themselves against it will
bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2.
Question: Why must every person be subject to them?
Answer: For there is no power but of God: the powers that be, are
ordained of God. Romans 13:1.
Question: What does he that resists the power; and what shall they
receive to themselves?
Answer: Whosoever resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and
they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation. Romans 13:2.
Qu. Why shall they that resist, receive damnation?
Answer: For rulers are not a terror of good works, but to evil. Romans
13:3.
Question: How shall a man behave himself that he need not fear the
power; and whence comes so to pass?
Answer: Will you then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good,
and you shall have praise of the same. For he is the minister of God to you for
good: but if thou do that which is evil, be afraid: for he bears not the sword
in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him
that doth evil. Rom. 13. 3, 4.
Question: Is the fear of wrath or punishment the only motive to
subjection?
Answer: You must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience’s sake. Romans
13:5.
Question: Must we not also pay to the higher powers tribute and custom?
Answer: Render to all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due, custom
to whom custom. Romans 13:7.
Question: Why should we pay tribute to them?
Answer: For this cause pay you tribute also: for they are Gods ministers,
attending continually upon this very thing. Romans 13:6.
Question: Though what you have cited out of the apostle Paul he does
intimate the duty of the magistrate, yet have you not some passage of scripture
that does expressly set it down?
Answer: He those rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
2 Samuel 23:3.
Question: What benefit shall accrue to him that rules so?
Answer: He shall be as the light of the morning,
where the sun rises, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass
springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. 2 Sam. 23. 4.
Question: What is the duty of wives and husbands, according to the teaching
of the two great apostles, Paul and Peter? Rehearse their words.
Answer: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the
Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as the Messiah is the head
of the called-out Assembly: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore, as the
called-out Assembly is subject unto the Messiah, so let wives be to their own
husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as the Messiah also
loved the called-out Assembly, and gave himself for it: That he might sanctify
and cleanse it with the washing of water, by the word. That he might present it
to himself a glorious called-out Assembly, not having spot or wrinkle, or any
such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish. So, ought men to
love their wives, as their own bodies: he that loves his wife, loveth himself. For
no man ever yet hated his own flesh: but nourishes and cherishes it, even as
the Lord doth the called-out Assembly. For we are members of his body, of his
flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and
mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This
is a great mystery: but I speak concerning the Messiah and the called-out
Assembly. Nevertheless, let every one of
you in particular, so love his wife even as himself, and the wife see that she
reverence her husband. Ephesians 5:22, 23, &c.
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands,
as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against
them. Colossians 3:18, 19.
Likewise, you wives be in subjection to your own
husbands, that if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won
by the conversation of the wives: While they behold your chaste conduct coupled
with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning, of plaiting the
hair, and of wearing gold, or of putting on of apparel: But let it be the
hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of
a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after
this manner in the old time, the holy women also who trusted in God adorned
themselves, being in subjection unto
their own husbands. Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord, whose
daughters you are if ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise,
you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife
as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life,
that your prayers be not hindered. 1 Peter 3:1, 2, &c.
Question: What is the duty of children and parents, according to Paul?
Answer: Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor
your father and your mother (which is the first commandment with promise) that
it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth. And you fathers,
provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1, 2, 3, 4.
Children, obey your parents in all things, for
this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children, lest they
be discouraged. Colossians 3:20, 21.
Question: What is the duty of servants and masters, according to the teaching
of Paul and Peter?
Answer: Servants, be obedient to
them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in
singleness of your heart, as unto the Messiah: Not with eye-service, as
men-pleasers, but as the servants of the Messiah, doing the will of God from the
heart; with good will doing service as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing
that whatsoever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord,
whether he be bond or free. And you masters, do the same things unto them,
forbearing threatening: knowing that your master also is in heaven, neither is
there respect of persons with him. Ephesians 6:5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke,
count their own masters worthy of all honor; that the Name of God, and his commandments
be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise
them, because they are brethren: but rather do them service, because they are
faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. 1 Timothy 6:1, 2.
Slaves are to submit to their own masters in all things,
doing what is wanted without being argumentative, not pilfering, but showing complete faithfulness in that which is good, so that in all
things they make the teaching of God our Savior
attractive. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for
all people, Titus 2:9-11.
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh: not with
eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever you
do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men: Knowing, that of the Lord
you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Messiah.
But he that doth wrong, shall receive for the wrong which he hath done and
there is no respect of persons. Masters, give to your servants that which is
just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Colossians
3:22, 23, 24, 25; Colossians 4:1.
Servants, be subject to your masters with all
fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is
thank-worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering
wrongfully. For what glory is it, if when you be buffeted for your faults, you
shall take it patiently? but if when you do well, and suffer for it, you take
it patiently; this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto are you called; because
the Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow
his steps. 1 Peter 2:18, 19, 20, 21.
CHAPTER 18: Of the behavior of men and women in general; and in
special of aged men, aged women, young women, and young men.
Question: What would the apostle Paul have men in general do?
Answer: ... in the same way,
having a great affection for you, we were pleased to share with you not only
the good news of God but also our own souls, because you had become beloved to
us. For you remember,
brothers and sisters,
our labor and struggles; working night and day so that we would not be a burden
to any of you, we preached to you the good news of God. You are witnesses,
and God also,
how purely and righteously and blamelessly we were among you who believe.
As you know, we treated each one of you as a
father treats his
own children, encouraging you and
comforting you and
urging you so that you walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his
own kingdom and glory.1 Timothy 2:8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
But speak thou the things which become sound teaching.
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in
patience. The aged women likewise that they be in behavior as becometh
holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. That
they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love
their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to
their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise
exhort to be sober-minded. Titus 2:1, 2, &c.
CHAPTER 19: Of Prayer.
Question: IS Prayer a Christian duty?
Answer: Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians dd5:7.
And he spoke a parable unto them, to this end,
that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Luke 18:1.
Question: How should men to pray?
Answer: Lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 1 Timothy
2:8.
Question: What if a man doubt or waver as he prays?
Answer: Let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the
Lord. James 1:7.
Question: What if we pray in anger, and do not forgive, if we have anything
against anyone?
Answer: If you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven
forgive your trespasses. Mark 11:26.
Question: What then is the confidence that we have toward God in
praying?
Answer: That if we ask any thing
according to His will, He hears
us. 1 John 5:14.
Question: If a man sees his brother sin a sin which is not unto death,
what is his duty in relation to prayer?
Answer: He shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not
unto death. 1 John 5:16.
Question: What if he sins a sin which is unto death?
Answer: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 1 John 5:16.
Question: How are the persons that have sinned unpardonably, and so
unto death, described in the Scripture?
Answer: He that shall blaspheme against the holy spirit, has never
forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. Because they said, he
[Jesus] has an unclean spirit. Mark 3:29, 30.
If we sin willfully after that we have received
the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, but a
certain fearful looking for of judgement, and fiery indignation, which shall
devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses law, died without mercy, under
two or three witnesses. Of how much sorer
punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden underfoot
the son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was
sanctified [set apart], an unholy thing, and has done despite unto the
Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:26, 27, 28, 29.
Question: How stands the Lord - Yehovah to them that call upon Him?
Answer: Yehovah is near to all those who call on him, to
all who call on Him in truth. He will fulfill the longing of those who
fear Him; He also will hear their cry and will deliver them. Psalm 145:18.
For there is no
distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all,
enriching all who call on him; for everyone who calls on the name of the
Lord - Yehovah will be saved. Romans 10: -13.
Question: Is He near unto all them that call upon Him
in whatsoever manner?
Answer: Yahweh is near to all those who call on Him, to
all who call on Him in truth. Psalm
145:18.
The Lord is far from the wicked: but He heara
the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29.
We know that God hears not sinners: but if any
man be a worshipper of God, and does His will, him He heareth. John 9:31.
Question: Did not the Messiah Christ prescribe an ouitline of prayer
to his disciples.
Answer: And it
came to pass as he was praying in a certain place, that when he finished, one
of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught
his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray,
say, ‘Father, may your name [Yehovah] be treated as
holy! May your kingdom come! Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive
everyone who is indebted to us. And do not bring us into temptation.
Luke 11:1, 2, 3, 4.
Question: How must we make our addresses to the Father that we may
receive whatsoever we pray for? what did
the Messiah say to his disciples?
Answer: Truly, truly, I say unto you, whatsoever youi shall ask the Father in my name, He
will give it you. John 16:23.
Question: Was it the custom, during the time that the Messiah was in
the world, to pray unto God in the name of the Messiah, or through the Messiah?
or did it begin to be used after the resurrection and exaltation of the Messiah?
what did the Messiah say concerning this?
Answer: Hitherto have you asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall
receive, that your joy may be full. The time comes when I shall no more speak
unto you in parables, but I shall show you plainly of the Father. At that day you
shall ask in my name. John 16:24, 25, 26.
Question: Have ye any example of praying to God through the Messiah
after his resurrection, and exaltation?
Answer: Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord
Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do
His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through
Jesus the Messiah, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews
13:20, 21.
CHAPTER 20: Of the
Church.
Question: What is the Messiah in relation to the called-out Assembly,
and the called-out Assembly in relation to him?
Answer: He is the head of the body, the called-out Assembly. Colossians
1:18.
Question: How many such bodies has the Messiah
Answer: One body. Ephesians 4:4.
Question: What kind of head is the Messiah?
Answer: Let no one
disqualify you from the prize by delighting in false humility and the worshiping of
angels, taking his stand on visions he
has seen, puffed up without cause by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast
to the head, from whom the whole body, being supported and held together by the
ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God. Colossians 2:18-19.
Question: Who are the called-out Assembly?
Answer: They that are sanctified [set apart] in the Messiah Jesus, called
to be saints [holy ones] 1 Corinthians 1:2.
Question: Upon what foundation is the called-out Assembly built?
Answer: Upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus the
Messiah himself being the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:20.
Question: What other honorable titles does the
Scripture give unto the called-out Assembly, besides that of the body of the
Messiah?
Answer: The bride the Lambs wife. Revelation 22:17; Revelation
19:7, 8: Revelation 21:9.
The temple of God. 1 Corinthians 3:16.
The house of God, the pillar and ground of the
truth. 1 Timothy 3:15.
Question: What special promise has the Messiah made to the called-out
Assembly?
Answer: the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18.
Question: What does the Messiah elsewhere say of himself, that may
give assurance to the called-out Assembly that this promise shall be made good?
Answer: Behold, I live for ever and ever, amen; and have the keys of
hell and death. Revelation 1:18.
CHAPTER 21: Of the Government and Discipline of the Called-out
Assembly.
Question: When the Messiah was ascended up on high after his death and
resurrection, and so ceased to be personally present with the called-out
Assembly, whom did he set apart for the perfecting of the saints [holy ones],
for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of his body?
Answer: He gave some, apostles: and some, prophets:
and some, evangelists: and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of
the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of the Messiah: Till we all come
in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a
perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of
the fulness of the Messiah. Ephesians 4:11, 12, 13.
Question: What is the advice of Paul and Peter to
the elders and governors of the called-out Assembly?
Answer: Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which
the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the called-out Assembly of God,
which he (Jesus) has purchased with his own blood. Acts 20. 28.
Note: We are bought and paid for by the blood of the lord Messiah Jesus
which makes us his slaves and as he was acting as the representative of his God
and Father Yehovah then we are also the slaves of Yehovah.
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am
also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of the Messiah, and also a
partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God, which is
among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly: not
for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. Neither as being lords over Gods heritage:
but be ensamples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:1, 2, 3.
Question: What reward does the apostle Peter tell them they shall have
at the appearance of the Messiah, if they do as he prescribes?
Answer: When the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown
of glory that fades not away. 1 Peter 5:4.
Question: What is the duty of the younger, or private sort, in
relation to the elders or public
officers of the called-out Assembly?
Answer: In the same way, you who are younger,
submit to the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility
towards one another, because God
opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5.
Obey them that have the rule over you and submit
yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account: that
they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews
13:17.
We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor
among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; to esteem them very
highly in love for their works sake. 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13.
Question: What saith the Scripture concerning the maintenance of them
that instruct and oversee the called-out Assembly?
Answer: Let him that is taught in the word, communicate unto him that
teaches, in all good things. Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever
a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh, shall of
the flesh reap corruption: but he that sows to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit
reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:6, 7, 8.
If we have sown unto your spiritual things, is
it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? Do ye not know that they
which minister about holy things, live of the things of the temple? and they
which wait at the altar, are partakers with the altar? Even so has the Lord
ordained, that they which preach the gospel, should live of the gospel. 1 Corinthians
9:11, 13, 14.
Let the elders that rule well, be counted worthy
of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and teaching. For the
Scripture says you shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn; and the laborer
is worthy of his reward. 1 Timothy 5:17, 18.
Question: What does the apostle Paul say to Titus concerning the
persons that are to be ordained elders, overseers of the called-out Assembly?
Answer: For this cause left I you in Crete, that you should set in order
the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had
appointed you. If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful
children, not accused of riot, or unruly. For an overseer must be blameless, as
the steward of God: not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no
striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good
men, sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the faithful word, as he has
been taught, that he may be able by sound teaching, both to exhort and to
convince gainsayers. Titus 1:5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Question: What saith he to Timothy concerning the same subject?
Answer: This is a true saying, If any man desire the office of an
overseer, he desires a good work. An overseer then must be blameless, the
husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality,
apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre, but
patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that rules well his own house, having
his children in subjection with all gravity. Not a novice, lest being lifted up
with pride, he falls into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must have
a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into reproach, and the
snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:1, 2, &c.
Question: How ought those to be qualified that are to be ordained deacons,
for the keeping and distributing the common stock of the called-out Assembly?
Answer: Likewise, must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not
given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre, holding the mystery of the
faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved, then let them
use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Let the deacons be the
husbands of one wife, ruling their children, and their own houses well. 1 Timothy
3:8, 9, 10, 12.
Question: How ought their wives to be qualified?
Answer: Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober,
faithful in all things. 1 Timothy 3:11.
Question: What direction does the apostle give touching the casting of
unworthy members out of the called-out Assembly?
Answer: Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus the
Messiah, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly,
and not after the tradition which you received of us. 1 Thessalonians 5:6.
I am writing to you
not to associate with anyone named as a
brother or sister who
is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or verbally abusive, or a
drunkard, or a swindler; with such you
are not to eat. For
what have I to do with judging those who are outside? Aren’t you supposed to judge those
who are inside the called-out
Assembly? But those who are outside God judges. Remove the
wicked person from
among yourselves! 1 Corinthians 5:11, 12, 13.
CHAPTER 22: Of Baptism.
Question: What is the judgement of John the Baptist, of the Messiah
Jesus, and of the apostle Peter touching the doctrine of Baptism?
Answer: I [John the Baptist] indeed baptize you with water unto
repentance: but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not
worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the holy spirit, and with fire. Matthew
3:11.
Wait for the promise of the Father, which you
have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized
with the holy spirit, not many days hence. Acts 1:4, 5.
As I [Peter] began to speak, the holy spirit
fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then I remembered the word of the
Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water: but you shall be
baptized with the holy spirit. Acts 11:15, 16.
Question: Though the passages which you have alleged plainly intimate
that the baptism of the Spirit was the baptism of the Messiah, as that of water
was Johns baptism, yet did not the apostles of the Messiah baptize with water?
Answer: I [Paul] baptized the house of Stephanas. 1 Corinthians 1:16.
Question: But the Apostles were sent to baptize as
well as to preach. What says Paul concerning this?
Answer: The Messiah sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel. 1 Corinthians
1:17.
Question: However when Paul himself, and the believing
Romans were baptized, into what does he say they were baptized, and to what
end?
Answer: So many of us as were baptized into Jesus the Messiah, were
baptized into his death. Therefore, we were buried with him by baptism into
death, that like as the Messiah was raised up from the dead by the glory of the
Father: so, we also should walk in newness of life [as new creations in the
Messiah]. Romans 6:3, 4.
Question: Forasmuch as so great stress is put by some upon water baptism,
what baptism is it, (even in the judgement of the Apostle Peter,) whereby we
are saved; the said baptism of water, whereby the filth of the body is washed
off: or the baptism of the heart, whereby it is cleansed from an evil
conscience?
Answer: The like figure whereunto, even baptism does also now save us; not
the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience
towards God. 1 Peter 3:21.
CHAPTER 23: Of the Lords Supper.
Question: When was the Lord’s supper instituted, and to what end?
Answer: For I received from the Lord what I also
delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night in which he was betrayed
took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is
my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way,
after supper, he also took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my
blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread, and drink the cup,
you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11: 23, 24, 25, 26.
Question: What hurt happens to him that receives the Lord’s supper
unworthily?
Answer: Whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord
unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. He that eats and
drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the
Lord’s body. 1 Corinthians 11:27, 29.
Question: How shall a man behave himself, that he may be a worthy
communicant at the Lord’s table?
Answer: Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and
drink of that cup. 1 Corinthians 11:28.
Question: What examination is it, on which Christians should put
themselves? What says Paul concerning this point?
Answer: Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith: prove your own
selves. 2 Corinthians 13:5.
CHAPTER 24: Of the
Resurrection of the dead, and the last Judgement; and what shall be the final
condition of the righteous and the wicked.
Question: What do you believe concerning the resurrection of the dead?
Answer: That there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both, of the just
and unjust. Acts 24:15.
Question: By whom shall the dead be raised?
Answer: By the Messiah shall all be made alive. 1 1 Corinthians 15:22.
Question: Why are the dead raised by the Messiah, rather than by God
himself?
Answer: Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection
of the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:21.
Question: How came the Messiah by this power?
Answer: As the Father has life in Himself: so hath He given to the son
to have life in himself. John 5:26.
So also it is written, the first man, Adam, became a living being. The
last Adam has become a life-giving
spirit.. 1 Corinthians 15:45.
Question: By whom shall God judge mankind?
Answer: God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus the Messiah. Romans
2:16.
He commanded us to preach unto the people, and
to testify that it is he who was ordained of God to be the judge of
quick and dead. Acts 10:42.
Question: What assurance has God given that he will judge the world by
this man?
Answer: In that He hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17:31.
Question: What shall be the different issue of the good from that of
the bad at the resurrection?
Answer: All that are in the graves shall come forth; they that have done good
to the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the
resurrection of destruction. John 5:28, 29.
Question: Shall not the wicked and unbelieving live forever, (though in torments,) as well
as the godly and the faithful? or is eternal immortal life peculiar to the faithful?
Answer: Whoever believes in the son has life in the
age to come,
but whoever defies the son
will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3:36.
Question: Though this passage which you have cited seem clearly to
prove that eternal life is given unto no other men, but the faithful: yet since
the contrary opinion is generally held amongst Christians, I would like to know
farther of you, whether you have any other places that directly affirm that the
wicked die, and that by the second death; are destroyed, and punished with everlasting
destruction; are corrupted, burned up, devoured, slain, pass away, and perish?
Answer: The wage of sin is death: but the gift of God is
eternal life, Romans 6:23.
So then,
brothers and sisters,
we have an obligation, but not
to the flesh to live according to the flesh. For if you continue to live according
to the flesh, you are about to die, but if by the spirit you continue to put to
death the practices of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the spirit of God, these are
sons of God. Romans 8:12-14.
I will give unto him that is thirsty, of the
fountain of the water of life freely. But the fearful, and unbelieving,
and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the
lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation
21:6, 8.
Be you faithful unto death, and I will give you the
crown of life. He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.
Revelation 2:10, 11.
When they shall say, Peace and safety: then sudden
destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they
shall not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:3.
The day of judgement, and perdition of
ungodly men. 2 Peter 3:7.
The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven
with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not
God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus the Messiah. Who shall
be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and
from the glory of his power. 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8, 9.
He that sows to the flesh, shall of the flesh
reap corruption: but he that sows to the spirit, shall of the spirit
reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:8.
These as natural bruit beasts made to be taken
and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not, and shall utterly
perish in their corruption. 2 Peter 2:12.
If any man defiles the temple of God, him shall
God destroy. 1 Corinthians 3:17.
We are not of them that draw back to
perdition: but of them that believe to the saving of our beings. Hebrews
10:39.
Which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as they
do also the other Scriptures, unto their own
destruction. 2 Peter 3:16.
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly
purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner: but he will burn up
the chaff with unquenchable fire [the baptism of fire]. Matthew 3:12.
If we sin willfully after that we have received
the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, but a
certain fearful looking for of judgement, and fiery indignation (Gr. fervor of
fire) which shall devour the adversaries. Hebrews 10:26, 27.
But those mine enemies, which would not that I
should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. Luke 19:27.
The world passes away, and the lusts thereof: but he that does the
will of God, abides forever. 1 John 2:17.
We are unto God a sweet savor of the Mesiah, in
them that are saved, and in them that perish; to the one we are the savor of death unto
death; and to the other the savor of life unto life. 2 Corinthians 2:15,
16.
Question: What is the use that our Savior would have us make of this teaching
touching the destruction of men in the lake of fire?
Answer: And do
not be afraid of those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul. But
rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
Matthew 10: 28.
Question: In what manner shall the Messiah come and administer
judgement at the last day?
Answer: When the son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy
angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. And before him
shall be gathered all Nations, and he shall separate them one from another, as
a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And he shall set the sheep on his
right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his
right hand, come you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you
from the foundation of the world. For I was an hungered, and you gave me meat:
I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: naked,
and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you
came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we you
hungry, and fed you? thirsty, and gave you drink? When did we see a stranger,
and took you in? or naked, and clothed you? Or when did we visit you sick, or
in prison, and came unto you? And the King shall answer, and say unto them, truly
I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my
brethren, you have done it unto me.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left
hand, depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil
and his angels. For I was hungry, and you gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and you
gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and you did not take me in: naked, and you
did not cloth me: sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me. Then shall
they also answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or
a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto you? Then
shall he answer them, saying, truly I say unto you, inasmuch as you did it not
to one of the least of my brethren, you did it not to me. And these shall go
away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew
25:31, 32, &c.
Question: Is there not another resurrection and judgement that shall
precede this last and general one, and peculiarly belongs unto the saints that
have been slain for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God?
Answer: I saw thrones, and they sate upon them, and judgement was given
to them: and I saw the persons that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and
for the word of God, and who had not worshipped the Beast, neither his image,
neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they
lived and reigned with the Messiah for a thousand years. But the rest of the
dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first
resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection:
on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of
the Messiah, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:4,
5, 6.
FINIS.
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