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 | Back A STUDY OF RECONCILIATION ~By Robert Burgess~ PART ONE: THE WORK OF THE CROSS (June 1, 1988)
Every denomination or church group has a different opinion of God. For the most part each denomination worships a God "like unto themselves." The "vision" or mental "concept" of His person matches the attitudes of their own soul and agrees with their favorite Doctrinal viewpoints. Their understanding is not based on a true personal revelation of Him, rather it is mostly the product of their own preconceived doctrinal "conclusions." If they have an "exclusive" spirit, then that is what they read into the scriptures concerning God. If they don't already have an "exclusive spirit," one will be sure to develop quickly while sitting under such false teaching (which came first, the chicken or the egg?). The white supremacists see God in the false light of white supremacy, whereas black supremacists, see Him as a black supremacist (like people, like priest: Hos 4:9). The "hellfire" people along with the annihilationists, see God as a tough, narrow minded individual, perfectly willing and ready to torment or annihilate vast multitudes of innocent souls. These have tarried too long at the well of Yahweh, the lawgiver and have not followed on to know Him as the lord Jesus Christ the lover of our souls and Saviour of all men, in whom the fullness of the Godhead resides bodily. I believe that it is an insult to His person to represent Him as anything less than the kindest, most loving, and merciful individual ever manifested to man. He is more forgiving, long suffering, more ready, willing and able to save than any being in heaven or earth. If my belief is "strong delusion," and God is none of those things, I must apologize for slandering his name by attributing such things to Him. I would be forced to renounce the teachings of Jesus as I understand them, and Christian values as I know them.
Today my greatest desire is "that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ" Eph 3:8-9. Jesus, The Savior Of The world 'This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men specially (but certainly not exclusively) of those that believe (1Thess 4:9-10)." "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world (1John 4:14)." "For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17).
Note: propitiation is any action which makes a ruling power more lenient toward an offender. He Died For All "For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10)." It is argued by some that "all" doesn’t mean "all," and that "every" doesn’t mean "every." I will agree that not every scripture where "all" is used, literally means all, but in such cases this fact is self-evident. We however, can in no way be expected to believe that "all" never means "all", especially in terms of salvation. One of the first songs I learned as a young child in Sunday school was that "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world." It takes a heart either blinded by tradition or warped by prejudice to even think that in such a case as this "all" did not mean "all." Notice how this insulting line of thought does violence to the truth of Gods' word:
"He was made in some points such as ye are.. Heb 4:15." "He tasted death for some men.. Heb 2:9." 'Let some which nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity" 2Tim 2:19 "some that live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2Tim 3:12). "Let some (but not all) souls be subject to the powers that be" (Rom 13:1) "Some have sinned and come short of the glory of God" Rom 3:23 "By Him some things were created.". John 1:2. "some
things were created by Him and for Him, and He is before some "He is the firstborn of some creature(s)" Col 1:15 "For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for some then were some dead. And that he died for some that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him that died for (some of) them" 2Cor 5:14-15. "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon some men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon some men to justification of life" Rom 5:18 "There is one mediator .... The man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom (settlement) for some, to be testified in due time" (1Tim 2:5-6).
"Thy will be done" Mat 6:10 "Then said He, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God" Heb 10:9. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (to take away the sin of the world John 1:29), but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but (rather) that all should come to repentance (2Pet 3:9)." Note: it is the argument of some that God is only long-suffering toward "the church," not willing that any church member should perish, but not necessarily caring what happens to the sinner. Judge for yourselves, is this equity or discrimination?? Does God "so love the church," but not the world? (see John 3:16) it is clear to see that the "us" to whom God is long-suffering is mankind in general, and the "all" He is waiting for to come to repentance are sinners and not saints. 'For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth (1Tim 2:3-4)." It is God’s great desire to save mankind. His will is that "all should come to repentance." Repentance is a change of heart, brought about by an internal altering of our nature. This kind of thing can only be performed by the Lord Jesus Christ; Therefore He is most capable and responsible in this area. If some were to never come to repentance, God's will would be eternally frustrated. It is here that religious thinking sheds doubt on God's sovereign ability to save all mankind. There are some who don't believe that it is God's will in the first place for all to be saved. But this position points to discrimination on the part of a fair and equitable God. They use this kind of teaching to justify the discrimination within themselves, and to self-righteously judge their religious "enemies." How could a righteous God command all who name the name of Christ to depart from iniquity (unequalness, or unfairness), if He Himself were not willing to save equally by his mercy, one and all? It would be the utmost hypocrisy on God's part to require more of us than of Himself, for unto whom much is given, much shall be required." One free gift For all "Therefore as by the offence of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life" Rom 5:18. "to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling
the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed
unto us the word of reconciliation (the gospel)" 2Cor 5:19. Note: reconciliation: "the bringing back of relationship after estrangement, or to bring into harmony two parties once in disagreement." "For if, when we (all-inclusive) were enemies we were reconciled unto God (past tense), much more, being reconciled (re-consoled, or re-one-solid), we shall be (future tense) saved by his life (resurrection ~ Rom 5:10). Note; Jesus is called the consolation of Israel. The "console" is one unit. Con-solid-ation (conciliation) means to bring to-gether
(gather) in one. God is love "Love your enemies, bless them which curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them (father forgive them) which despitefully use you and persecute you ( Mat 6:44)." The "Word" is the expression of God. John said "God is Love" (1John 4:16). Paul described love this way, "Agape" or God's love "suffereth long and is kind. Charity doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, thinketh no evil (See 1Cor 13:4-7)." How can anyone consider either Eternal Torment or Annihilation as the expression of "Love?" If that is not an unseemly, unkind act, then what is? If that is the way God Loves people you had better hope you never get on the business end of God's love. Perhaps this is why Adolph Hitler received the blessing of the pope, for this is the word (Doctrine) of the Lord according to Babylon! Please understand, I am not criticizing God at all, I am however, criticizing the religious mentality of those whose understanding of God is darkened and alienated through Babylonian traditions! Brethren, who in their right Spiritual Mind could even think that the Love of God would Annihilate or Torment precious souls by burning them for Eternity? And only because Heeither could not, or would not Save them?? Did Jesus not die for them all?? Did Henot bear their sins and take their stripes? Did Henot pay for them the debt they could not pay?" Then what right has anyone to deny the free gift and blessing of God to them, even the forgiveness of their sins, and Eternal life which has been purchased for all men by the death, burial and resurrection of Gods' Son?? Note:
Is your God a malicious hypocrite? I realize that even to ask this kind of question is a rather offensive thing, because our God is certainly the furthest thing from either being malicious, or a hypocrite. But the manner in which the Gospel has often been presented paints Him in rather uncomplimentary tones. The feeling that runs strong among atheists and many agnostics (and I might add, is justified from their perspective), Is that it represents the height of hypocrisy for God to command his people to do something that Heis unwilling to do Himself. His command is to "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them which despitefully use you." The leaven of malice and hypocrisy creeps in and answers His commandment this way, "Yes, amen!! Let's love them to a crisp!" This idea of "God" is the basis for the many forms of demonic Christianity that are thriving in the world today. The idea, that Gods' Love is limited to a certain few is as corrupt as the doctrine that limits Gods' power to the saving of the soul but not to the healing of the body. God is all powerful, all knowing, and all Loving. A perverted sense of Gods' righteousness produces lopsided mercy and grace, which prays, "Lord bless me and my three, us four and no more." God literally hates this Jezebel mind, for this is the womb (cage, or hold) where every kind of religious spirit can come in and abide and take root (ref. Rev 18:2). God’s word commands all believers to purge themselves of the "Old leaven of malice and hypocrisy," and thereby close the door to every self righteous and exclusive spirit. My dear friends, the spirit of Jesus Christ is more kind, forgiving, genuine and loving than anything on earth. His Love will not and cannot be outdone, even the love of a Godly mother or father is nothing by comparison. The proof of this can be found out quite easily by simple observation. The Godlier a person becomes, the more his nature is to bless and curse not, to pass over transgressions, to heal, and to restore that which Hetook not away. By the same token, the more un Godly a person becomes, the more capable he becomes of cursing, killing, stealing, destroying, torturing, tormenting, etc.. This should tell us something about who God is and who the devil is. "His visage was marred" The
scripture says that "His visage was so marred more than any man" Isa
52:14. Have you ever heard such terrible things as burning the heathen, or tormenting
little babies attributed to Buddha? Or Confucius? Why, even these false prophets
are known for teaching peace and justice. Who but the loving Jesus has ever been
accused of burning little babies who weren't baptized a certain way, or eternally
tormenting or destroying without an ounce of regret the multitudes of heathens
who never even heard His sweet name? Paul said, "they changed the image of
the uncorruptible God into an image made like unto corruptible man" (a murderer
from the beginning) Rom 1:23. There is little doubt that this kind of corrupted
image of God is responsible for the great numbers of atheists and God haters in
the world today. Jesus, a success or failure?? It is said by some, that Jesus "failed" in the mission to "seek and to save that which is lost." God cannot fail. Consider this briefly: If it were really within Gods' Power to do so, would He, or would He not save every man? Jas 4:17 says, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good (Save, Heal, Deliver) and doeth it NOT, to him it is Sin." The teachers of religion have implied from the very beginning that God "missed the mark (didn't know what He was doing)," First in the creation of the devil, then Adam, then Israel and finally, the Church. If we believe what they say concerning the multitudes of "the lost," Jesus either will not or cannot save the majority of sinners. As I stated, if He could do good and didn't do it, He would be guilty of Sin (ref. Jas 4:17). The only conclusion to Religion's pitiful Gospel is, that "He can't." In either case Christ misses the mark according to "their gospel." His mission becomes a failure, and the devil wins more souls and is a greater victor than our Savior. And even beyond that, they proudly inform us that these same sinners (whom God Himself cannot save, even if He wanted to) can Save themselves by simply asking Jesus to come into their hearts (say the magic words). In other words, the Sinner has more Sovereign Authority and Power to Save than even the Lord Himself. When you really sit down and think about this, it makes you wonder who they think is the real Savior? Man or God? This is a humanistic gospel, "another" gospel if you please! This doctrine is aimed at exalting the flesh and the devil, while at the same time denying the sovereign Lordship of Jesus Christ. This kind of Jesus looks more like a king Saul (who never did find and save his fathers strays) than David, the good shepherd. The gospel of the kingdom however, presents an able, and willing Christ "who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil (Acts 10:38) The wages of sin "Christ hath delivered us from the
curse of the law (death) being made a curse for us, as it written cursed is every
one who hangeth upon a tree (Gal 3:13)." The majority of religion teaches that the sinner loses all hope of deliverance at the exact instant of physical death, after which even the Almighty Himself is not able to save their poor souls. These are doomed to an Eternity in hell they say. Still others teach Annihilation.. If either case were True, and we believed that Jesus took the penalty for our sins, we would be forced to believe that He was either doomed to an Eternity in hell for us, or that He suffered Annihilation. There are simply no alternatives if you believe either way, for either He paid the debt for our sin, or He didn't. See Isa 53. But you can relax, God's word clearly teaches, that the wages of sin is death, not annihilation or eternal torment (ref. Rom 6:23). Jesus died for you and His resurrection was God's guarantee that your debt and mine is paid in full! Jesus has settled the old account! God is not mad at anybody! The dead Let's examine what Jesus taught His disciples concerning the dead. From a scriptural standpoint, "death" is primarily a spiritual condition, it means to be "alienated from the life of God" (Eph 4:18). Jesus' death was both Spiritual and physical, because man's death was both spiritual and physical. Usually when God refers to the physical condition He calls it "sleep. For instance, "Lazarus sleepeth" (John 11:11), Stephen fell asleep (Acts 7:60), etc. The phrase "the dead" is an all inclusive term which refers to all who are in Adam and not Christ. "by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for in whom* (Adam) all have sinned" Rom 5:12 (note. * denotes literal rendering). Jesus plainly taught that the "dead" should bury the dead, that a person living in sin and trespasses was, in the eyes of God and in the language of the Word, "dead" (see Mat 8:22). This was also the teaching of the Apostles. In Eph 2:1 we read, "and you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." Verse five goes on to say, "even when we were dead in sins, (God) hath quickened (resurrected) us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)." There are huge "gaps" in the understanding of many concerning just exactly what was accomplished for us by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is here that we need to "repair" the breakdown and build again the "waste places." "The Resurrection versus the resurrection of the dead" Most
of God's people are sadly misinformed concerning "the Resurrection"
or the resurrection of the "dead." There are modern day "Saducees"
who don't really believe in a resurrection of the dead, or if they do, they only
believe it for a so-called "righteous dead" (this is a religious term,
not found in the scriptures). Jesus asked a group of Saducees an astonishing question
one day. His teaching on this subject was that "in the Resurrection"
(i.e. "in Christ ~ see John 11:25; 2Cor 5:17) they neither marry, or are
given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven" (ref. Mat 22:30).
"if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature', "neither male nor female
etc. " (2Cor 5:17 & Gal 3:28). His question to them was; "but as
touching the resurrection of "the dead" (something entirely different
here), have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God saying, I am the
God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God
of the dead, but of the living (see Mat 22:31-32). In other words, Abraham was
not "dead" nor of "the dead" in God's sight or language, nor
was Isaac, or Jacob. They were alive "in Him" who is "The Resurrection"
and "The Life (John 11:25)." The term "righteous dead" is
a colossal misnomer, for God calls the righteous "the living," not "the
dead! 'He that liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?
(see John 11:26). "The Resurrection" is therefore, the person of Christ, even the eternal life of God who abides "in" those who are "in" Him. "Eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us (1John 1:2)." The "resurrection of the dead" however, is an event, even the awakening to the righteousness of God which has affected, now affects, and will yet affect all "the dead" who "died in Adam." As I have stated before, the resurrection of Jesus is the "proof" of the resurrection of "the dead." Now with respect to God's feelings and intentions toward mankind, He makes no difference between the graveyard dead and those who are dead in sin and trespass. His grace even applies to those yet unborn. Could He Love the one any more or less than the others? Death (either physical or spiritual) cannot undo, nor disqualify one from God's love and grace. Paul said, "for I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, etc. Etc. Nor any other (thing or) creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:38-39)." "He that believeth, in Me (even) though he were dead, yet shall he live (John 11:25)!" Is it yet possible for God to quicken "whom He wills" as He did Lazarus, or Jairus' daughter, or the young man at Nain? Or is He only concerned with those so-called "Righteous dead"? Please allow me to reiterate once more the fact that the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ was the proof of the future resurrection of all who died in Adam. It is hypocrisy to say that Jesus died for all, and then say "but his resurrection was only for a few. Paul addressed the issue this way; "if Christ be preached that He rose from "the dead," how say some among you that there is no resurrection of "'the dead"? But if there be no resurrection of "the dead," then is Christ not risen; and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up if so be that "the dead" rise not. For if "the dead" rise not, then Christ is not raised: and if Christ be not risen, your faith is vain, ye are yet in your SIN (1Cor 15:12-17)." Can you see how ridiculous it is for anyone to teach that there is no Resurrection of "the dead?" For if that is true, and "the dead" can NEVER be SAVED, then you, who were dead in sin and trespasses" are still "yet in your SINS!!" Ref. 1Cor 15:17; Eph 2:1. Are the unregenerate "dead" perished?? One
reason why many misunderstand this subject of resurrection is that they don't
have a good understanding of such scriptures as John 3:16 which says "for
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that Whosoever believeth
on him should not perish, but have everlasting life." These claim "But
perish" means Annihilation." They miss the mark by bowing the knee to
King James; instead of King Jesus. If we want to find out the true meaning of
the word "Perish," we can easily do so by looking to any Strong’s
concordance. The word translated in KJV as "perish" is # 622 in Strong’s.
The word is "apollumi" and does not convey a message of annihilation
at all, but rather it means to "be lost" or to "suffer loss"
or "damage." Here are a few examples. By comparing "Spiritual things
with Spiritual" the Word speaks for itself: If apollumi means annihilation, then: "go to the lost (annihilated) sheep of the house of Israel (Mat 10:6)." "the wine runneth out and the bottles perish (are annihilated, Mat 9:17) "for the son of man is come to save that which is lost (annihilated, Mat 18:11) "the bottles will be marred (annihilated, Mark 2:22)." "saying master master, we perish (are annihilated, Luke 8:24)." "Zecharius, which perished (was annihilated) between the altar & porch (Luke 11:51)." "rejoice with me for I have found my sheep which was lost (annihilated, Luke 15:6)." "rejoice with me .. I have found the piece which I had lost (annihilated, Luke 15:9)." "for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost (annihilated) and is found (Luke 15:24)." "for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost (annihilated), and is found (Luke 15:32)." "now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die (be annihilated) for the people (John 18:14)." How are the dead raised up? "Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened (resurrected) except it die (1Cor 15:36)." The scriptures in l Corinthians fifteen are used mostly at funerals and are usually misapplied, for most believe that to be "sown" means to be buried in the ground. The truth is, long before we were quickened in Christ as we knelt at an "old fashioned altar" or whatever, we had already been "sown." Think of it this way, does "sown in dishonor" sound like Christ or Adam? The "sowing" was a work of the flesh, the "raising" was a work of the spirit. "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption (Adam), raised in incorruption (Christ): it is sown in dishonor (Adam); it is raised in glory (Christ): it is sown in weakness (Adam), it is raised in power (Christ): it is sown a natural body (Adam), it is raised a spiritual body (Christ). There is a natural body (Adam), and there is a spiritual body (Christ). And I could go on and on. Suffice it to say that the whole chapter is speaking of two men, the first is Adam, who is many membered, the second is Christ, who also is many membered. The natural man and the spiritual man. The natural body and the spiritual body. The first man is of the earth, earthy (or, fleshly), the Second (and last) man is from heaven (1Cor 15:47). Note: KJV. Reads "the Lord" in this passage, but the word "Lord" (kurios) is not found in the Gk. manuscripts. The first is the elder or old man, the last man is the younger or new man. The old man is the living soul (Soulish man) the new man is the quickening spirit or spirit man. Jesus said, "that which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit, marvel not that I said unto thee ye must be born from above" John 3:7 (note: KJV. Reads born again but Greek scholars agree that "from above" is the most accurate rendering). I call this spiritual "birds and bees:" flesh begets flesh, spirit begets spirit. God is a spirit, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. As incredible as it seems, multitudes are totally convinced that they should contend for the image of Adam the living soul, rather than for Christ the quickening spirit. But Paul tells us that "as is the earthy (soul), such are they that are earthy (Soulish, Adam): and as is the heavenly (spirit), such are they which are heavenly (spiritual, Christ). Reconciled and glorified The right to live (resurrection) was bought and paid for by the vicarious (substitutionary) death of the Saviour. He who knew no sin took our place so that all who were dead in sin might live through a complex process of resurrection, judgments, and faith toward God. "For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His son, much more we shall be saved by His life (resurrection ~ Rom 5:10)." For He hath made Him to be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2Cor 5:21)." "Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification (Rom 4:25)." "'Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life (resurrection ~ Rom 5:18)." "He that is dead is freed (literal Greek reads "justified") from sin (Rom 6:7)." "The wages of sin is death, but the (free) gift of God is eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord (the resurrection and the life John 11:25 ~ Rom 6:23)." That which was sown in Adam is raised up in Christ. He was made the embodiment of sin (Adam, the sinner), that we might be made the embodiment of righteousness (Christ). Through His death, He loosed all those who were appointed to death (see Psa 102:18-20; 2Cor 5:21 & Heb 9:27. Christ hung on the cross the mediator between God and man. As the Great High Priest, and as the lamb slain from the foundation of the world he, pouring out His own blood for the many members of Adam, reconciled the world unto God in one body. As we have already said, "it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body" the body of Christ as it hung on the cross bled and suffered death for all men. He died for all, that all might live, for He was the personal representative for every man in His death, burial, and resurrection. Spiritually speaking, we were "In Him" (in the loins of His mind), even as naturally speaking, we were "In Adam." When He reconciled every man unto God in one body He took every person's sin, He even took their sickness and disease in Himself. When the bible says "He reconciled the world" of course it means "the people," "for God so loved the world, etc." Mankind (Adam) was re-united re-consoled with God in Christ, and even though you and I have no conscious remembrance of it. We were there, and the whole world as well, was there. This is just as true as the fact that we were all in Adam. Does anyone remember when Adam sinned? Of course not, but unless you are an evolutionist, you obviously descended out from Adam!! As in Adam, all sinned, and have no conscious remembrance of it, so also in Christ, shall all be made alive (ascend out from Adam to God, 1Cor 15:22). It makes no difference to God whether they "know it" or not, no more than it mattered to us before we were saved, yet it was true. Know ye not "Ye were created (Past tense) in Christ Jesus unto good works"? You were there my friend, just as you were in Adam. He is your father, you are his son. You don't have to remember what happened to know it is true, for we are the proof. Like father, like son, we are creatures of his kind, our "Genesis" was in Christ. The revelation of His work of reconciliation on that cross nearly 2000 years ago only recently burst upon me. But even when I didn't believe it, while I was yet a sinner ; "it was true," it is history! Our unbelief cannot nullify the truth of God, that the inhabitants of all ages were reconciled unto God while yet sinners (dead, alive, or yet unborn). Only time will tell it all (see Eph 1:10, 2:7). A "corn" of wheat He was "sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body." From the Beginning, God promised a Saviour to the human family, to the children of Adam and Eve. He is called "the seed of the woman," the promised one who would be bruised in the heel, but who would in turn bruise the head of the serpent. He (His body) is also called the "seed of Abraham," and the "seed of David according to the flesh." Notice that He is called "seed." The seed is the embodiment of it's parentage, whether it be tomatoes or carrots. So, Jesus was the seed of promise, the Word made flesh (son of God, and son of Adam) . All the promises of God were embodied in Him. When certain Greeks desired to see Jesus, He answered saying, "the hour is come that the Son of Man (lit. Son of Adam) should be glorified. Verily verily I say unto you, except a corn (seed) of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone (Greek "monos," single, only one) but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit" John 12:23-24. Wasn't that a strange answer to those Greeks who wished to see him?? But if we understood the principles involved, we would know perfectly well the great importance of what was being communicated. First of all, the phrase "Son of man glorified" actually means "Christ enlarged, or MULTIPLIED!!" It refers to the act of the body of Christ taking on spiritual characteristics and becoming dispensed into many vessels. The church (the woman) is the "glory" (Greek "doxa" Strong’s 1391) or like an extension, of the man Christ Jesus, just as Eve was to her husband, Adam. The body of Christ is the glorified body, There is still only One Body, but it is now Many-Membered (see Eph 4:4). In John 7:38-39 we find this principle again; "He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the holy ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.." ("doxazo" Strong’s, 1392). The Scriptures here equate the dispensing of the Spirit to the glorification of Christ. They are one and the same thing. The ability to dispense Himself came only through death, burial, and Resurrection; "except a corn of wheat die" etc.. By the same token, Jesus Christ could not indwell my body or yours except by the shedding forth of His Spirit. "Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates?" Paul said, "to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory (doxa) of the mystery among the Gentiles (Greeks); which is Christ in you the Hope of Glory (doxa ~ See Col 1:27)." The much fruit Jesus spake of is all who were reconciled unto God and "planted" in Him, and He in them. The "firstfruits unto God and to the lamb" (Rev 14:4) is the first, or the best of that which was Sown. The 144,000 are a Firstborn people, even as Jesus is the Firstborn of the 144,000. Changed from glory to glory The resurrection of the dead is illustrated in differing glories or dimensions. Paul said, "who delivered us (Past tense) from so great a death, and doth deliver (Present tense): in whom we trust that He will yet (Future tense) deliver us;" This is 30, 60, and 100 fold Deliverance (Ref. 2Cor 1:10). The first phase of our Resurrection experience takes place in the "Outer court" (30 fold realm), wherein we come to know "Jesus" as the sacrifice for sin, the Lamb of God. From there we follow on to know Him as "Christ" the anointing that breaks the yoke of sin. This is the "Holy place" or Pentecostal (60 fold) experience. But if we would know Him as "Lord" of All, we must "go on unto perfection (100 fold: most holy place), knowing Him as "Lord" of all our earth. This is far more than just knowing or acknowledging the forgiveness of our sins, or even realizing the great power and manifestation of the Holy Ghost working within us. To know Him fully as "Lord of All" there is a depth of communion and fellowship of suffering involved, that few in the outer court or Holy Place want anything to do with. The book of Obadiah, verse 21, speaks of "Saviors" (plural) upon mount Zion who will "judge the mount (pride) of Esau." These are those of Rev 14:1 etc. Who have followed on to "know" the Lord, having the Fathers Name (nature) written in their foreheads. These bring a judgment unto truth (true ~ ness, or that which makes a person "true" to God) Isa 42:3. These Savior judges bring forth a Salvation type of judgment; One which reinstates, not one which devastates (any devil can do that). Notice that these bear the image of the heavenly (the saving, and quickening spirit). The Sons of God are God's instruments of Salvation through resurrection and judgment. For Salvation is a process of quickenings, and judgments unto victory. How can it be said that anyone could truly be conformed to the "Quickening Spirit" image of the Son(s) of God, and never realize the experience of Quickening, Saving, or Judging anyone? The Candlestick A good understanding of the seven major doctrines of Heb 6:1-2 is somewhat essential in dealing with the subject at hand. These are called by some the "Candlestick" doctrines or "pillar" doctrines (See Prov 9:1). The "Doctrine of (concerning the) Christ" is the central branch of the candlestick out of which springs all truth (light). The doctrines of resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment come out of Him who is the resurrection and the life John 11:25. These are intrical to one another both being joined together at the base of the "candlestick" through "Christ" (of Him through Him and to Him are all things~ Rom 11:36). Therefore, the resurrection of the dead must be in conjunction with judgments which through Christ, "straighten out" the crooked places in an individual. Resurrection without a judgment unto truth brings forth no "Eternal" life, only a continuation of that which was the former state (death). One such example was Lazarus, who was set forth as a "type" of resurrection of the unregenerate dead or "general resurrection." The fact is that he was not raised incorruptible for only his body was raised, his soul was still in a "death" condition for he was unregenerate. There was nothing "in him" to retain or maintain the life of the flesh, so he died again, and shall be raised again. The same pertains to Jairus' daughter, and the young man at Nain. These are definitely set forth as "types" of a general resurrection. These show "the rest of the dead" of Rev 20:5, & Rev 20:12-13. This resurrection is very weak and inferior when compared to the "First" (superior) resurrection (Rev 20:5) and the "glories" of 1Cor 15: etc. Eternal judgment(s) The sons of God are given the ability to not only quicken the dead but to bring them into "life" through a process of judgments. "For the Father loveth the Son(s), and showeth Him all things Himself doeth: and He will show him greater works than these that ye (sons) may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son (many membered now) quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son (know ye not that the Saints shall judge the world (1Cor 6:2 ~ John 5:20-22). "Marvel not at this. For
the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves (both believers and
unbelievers) shall hear His voice (Word), and shall come forth, they that have
done good unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil unto the
resurrection of judgment (John 5:28-29)." Note: KJV. Incorrectly reads "resurrection
of damnation." See Strong’s concordance # 2920.. "krisis"
literally a "crisis" condition. Notice that the English words "Cross"
and "Crucial" are derived from this Greek root word. Note:
Judgment unto victory Gods' judgment is that which brings restoration, not devastation. Any fool can destroy a life, and any devil can put forth a finger of accusation, but it takes wisdom to know how to put a life back into perfect order after it has been completely devastated. God is a builder not a destroyer. His Sons will accomplish the task of resurrecting the "dead" and bringing them to God through the Gospel and judgments according to every man's works. The following passage is one which seems to be avoided and possibly somewhat misaligned by some. A bruised reed shall He not break, and a smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory" Mat 12:20 The Greek word "krisis" is translated once again "judgment." This points to the fact that God sends forth a crisis or series of judgments into a persons life such as a "smoking flax" condition. This is where one is angry over circumstances which are usually a result of his own doing. A true Son of God knows better than to "water down" this condition with sympathy, or quite literally "quench" the spirit of burning, thus interrupting the "process" which is designed to bring forth victory over sin! Others are "bruised reeds." The "bruised reed" is one whom God has brought to a breaking point. Many times we must come to death experiences in the Lord. There are those who would take advantage of this situation if they could, for during these critical times the believer is often ready even to "lay down his life" to go on with God. At times like these, many so-called prophets have entered in like buzzards ready to relieve such an one of whatever they could. You can believe that Abraham was in such a condition when God "tried" him (ref. Gen 22:etc). True Sons of God like Jesus, never take advantage of a persons vulnerability, but do all they can to protect the bruised ones from "breaking." In any case Gods' judgments are designed to bring forth victory in our lives. As Isa 42:3 says, "Judgment unto truth," a crisis condition which causes us to turn to God and to know the truth, even the "Truth" which makes us free (see John 8:32). Saved by seeing Throughout the scripture the eye represents the understanding. When every eye sees Him it will be through the light of the Gospel, "The eyes of the understanding being enlightened" Eph 1:18. Perhaps the fact that no man has (fully comprehended) God at any time explains in a measure why all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. For: "Whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known Him (1John 3:6)." In seeing him we shall be "Changed into the same image from glory to glory (30 - 60 - 100 fold - 2Cor 3:18)." And: "When He shall appear we shall be like Him; for (because) we shall see him as He is (1John 3:2)." "And all flesh shall see the salvation of God (Luke 3:6)." "All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God (Isa 52:10)." "Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth (Isa 45:22)." "Behold (Look!!), He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindred’s of the earth shall wail (in repentance) because of Him (Rev 1:7)." "And they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him (in repentance) as one mourneth for his only Son (Zech 12:10)." "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn (in repentance), and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Mat 24:30)." 'But
if our gospel be hid, it is hid from them that are lost. In whom the God of this
world hath blinded the minds (lit. the eyes) of them which believe not lest the
light (Truth - Revelation) of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image
of God should shine unto them (2Cor 4:4)." "But
even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless
when (not if, but when) it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away
(2Cor 3:16)." Robert Burgess
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